Contrave is a weight loss pill that claims it’s the #1 prescribed medication for weight loss. It’s made up of an antidepressant drug and an appetite reducing drug.
Diet and exercise are required, and the intended results are to help rewire brain chemistry to reduce eating. The company does admit it’s not sure how this brand can help with weight loss, but they state that it may help. Since it’s a prescription drug, it’s only offered if a doctor recommends it. Contrave is only allowed for those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with an obesity related disease. You’ll learn in this review about what it can do for weight loss, how customers rate it, and other important facts.
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Naltrexone Hydrochloride: This drug is usually used to help give relief to those addicted to opioids. It blocks the absorption of opioid drugs such as heroin, pain pills, and more.
It is also used alongside therapy and support for helping relieve addictions. Possible side effects are many and they include:
Nausea, anxiety, and dizziness.
Insomnia, abdominal pain, and restlessness.
Muscle aches, joint and bone pain, and runny nose.
Hallucinations, confusion, and withdrawal symptoms.
Serious allergic reactions, swelling, and hives.
Drugs.com also adds:
“Patients should be warned of the risk of hepatic injury”
“Depression, suicide, attempted suicide and suicidal ideation have been reported”
It may also negatively interactions with other medications and supplements. It’s advised to seek the support of a medical doctor, and to be aware of a potential for serious allergic effects.
Bupropion Hydrochloride: Drug used to treat depression. It changes chemicals in the brain and is used to produce a good feeling. There’s also use of it for helping treat addiction, and to lower the risk of anxiety.
It’s advised not to take this if one has a history of heart, kidney, liver, or brain problems. Possible side effects can include:
Insomnia, restlessness, and sweating.
Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Ringing in the ears, headache, and dry mouth.
Increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and memory loss.
Anxiety, agitation, and unusual weight loss or weight gain.
Difficulty concentrating, confusion, and erratic behavior.
There are several other possible side effects, and it’s advised to seek medical attention for certain symptoms. In some people this may cause a serious allergic reaction. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine:
“bupropion… promote modest weight loss when given along with recommendations for diet”
This effect was not seen in all people, and there’s still the risk for serious potential side effects.
Due to this ingredients effects on mood, boxed of Contrave come with a warning that it may increase the likelihood of suicide. That’s why it’s highly advised to monitor any mood changes, and to seek the continued support of a certified physician.
Opadry II Blue: A patented form of food coloring. It’s used to help coat pills and to make them easier to absorb.
It’s unknown what possible side effects it may have.
FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake: Artificial food dye often found in pill coatings. It has no nutritional value, and is only added to give the pills a blue color.
There’s a possibility for it causing allergic raections and hypearctiivy in certain people.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.
Contrave Quality of Ingredients
This brand is made with 2 active ingredients, a drug often used to block opioids and a drug that helps decrease appetite and reduce the risk of depression. There are several possible side effects to consider, and not everyone reacts to this combination the same.
There are also a lot of considerations asuch as avoiding high fat meals, starting with small amounts to start with then building up, and not mixing it alongside certan ingredints. It’s also recommended to avoid this if one has a history of certain illnesses, or if one is prone to seizure.
The ingredients added to this formula may produce a weight loss effect, but only certain peoole can even consider taking it. Still, a doctor needs to prescribe it and deem a person healthy , yet still obese enough to take it.
Pricing can vary on Contrave, with estimates around $55 a month to $200 a month depending on location, dosing ,and whether or not insurance covers it.
Since only 2 of the ingredients are actually active, the majority are added to either stabilize the capsules, or to give them a unique color. These inactive ingredients have no weight loss effect at all.
No long term study has been performed to show what kinds of cardiovascular effects it may have. So it’s unknown what the potential rate of heart damage might be.
Before being able to use this brand one has to consider several possivle inteactions. There is also nio guarantee of safety or effecitvneess. Still, evne with a doctors prescription, it’s unknown how this drug may affect you. You’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Contrave” section that many failed to experience any results, and that side effects were a major issue.
Business of Contrave
The owners go by the name of Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. They can be reached via the following:
Phone Number: (877) 825-3327
Address: One Takeda Parkway
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
Since it’s a prescription drug, no returns are allowed on Contrave.
The company has had major lawsuits for creating harmful drugs. A $2.37 billion settlement was givne to 9,000 people who suffered from bladder cancer.
A $37 million dollar fine was also imposed for them hidng the risk of cancer in one of their drugs. The company was going to conduct a long-term study on cardiovascular effects of Contrave, but they cut it short and did not release any of the findings.
EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.
Customer Opinions of Contrave
Many reviews are avialble online, here’s what a few users had to say:
“I could not take this pill, I was physically drained”
“Garbage. I didn’t lose a pound”
“I’m rapidly gaining weight. I gained 8lbs in 30 days”
“I took it for 4 months and didn’t lose any weight”
Though some did lose weight, there were often common complaints that include anxiety, restlessness, extreme fatigue, headaches, and loss of sex drive, mood swings, and many other issues.
The most often listed side effect was fatigue. Many were unable to continue doing their regular routine, as they were often bedridden.
Drugs.com compiled a list of the ratings, and the average rating for weight loss was 5.9 out of 10. Many thought it was an unfavorable drug. Oddly enough, some people actually gained weight.
Nor everyone reacts to this drug the same, the major problem was a lack of consistency. Unlike supplements, this drug works deep within the brain to change how chemicals are sent. When dealing with drugs like this, it’s impossible for anyone to determine what a likely affect might be. Though as mentioned, no returns are offered.
Conclusion - Does Contrave Work?
When analyzing Contrave it’s important to look at the customer reviews, what considerations need to be made, and how the manufacturers operate. Not only are there several serious potential side effects, but the makers have no idea exactly how this drug works. Diet and exercise are required, and it’s not guaranteed for weight loss as no money back policy is offered. The manufacturers have also lost lawsuits for making drugs that caused cancer and organ damage. Contrave requires a lot of considerations, and may people failed to see any weight loss.
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Belviq is really expensive. Contrave has a patient assistance program for people that have no insurance or their insurance does not cover it
posted Dec 3rd, 2014 1:56 am
Carlotta
+
I was part of the original test studies. They told me that I would either get a placebo or the real medicine. After 3 months, I went down 2 dress sizes. I was told after the tests were over, that it was combination of buproprion and naltrexone but it wasn't out in the market yet. Finally it's here! I can't wait to get this again.
posted Nov 26th, 2014 1:05 pm
jc carvill
i would like to try. maybe better than the other one , Q and B.
posted Oct 30th, 2014 7:40 am
Ashlee
+
Sounds awesome! So it can be taken for life?
posted Sep 19th, 2014 3:37 am
Beth walters
Lowering carb and increasing protein intake is essential for maintaining healthy weight loss. Why wasn't that included in the advertisement?
posted Sep 13th, 2014 12:23 pm
mohammad naeem
+
where can i buy it i have type 2 diabeties
posted Sep 13th, 2014 12:32 am
BREN
WHEN WILL THIS BE APPROVED?
posted Oct 1st, 2011 3:21 pm
Cassandra
Has this drug been approved yet?
posted May 23rd, 2011 12:15 am
RobynBarrio
+
I took this medication for 52+ weeks and lost 14 % of my body weight. started out out of shape and I walked until I could walk 1 mile a day. I was so depressed and this medication helped me alot. I miss it. I can't wait for it to be FDA approved. I felt good.
While most diet pills are a dime a dozen, once in awhile a promising weight loss pill hits the market that causes even the most skeptical of medical professionals to stop and listen. Contrave is one such product.
Developed by Orexigen Therapeutics, Contrave is actually the combination of two different drugs: The antidepressant medication, buproprion, or Wellbutrin, and the drug naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and opiate addiction.
Rather than working to block fat or starches like many prescribed diet pills do, Contrave unleashes its power on the brain, where it works to quell cravings in the brain's highly complex behavior-reward center, and also to temper appetite.
In late-stage clinical trials, Contrave has fared much better than the FDA's standards for improving weight loss, exceeding by five percent. Rather, those who took Contrave while also following a diet and exercise program lost between nine and 15 percent of their body weight while those who did not lost just about five percent of their body weight.
Contrave has also shown few side effects and notably absent are mental health and uncomfortable physical side effects that often come from taking weight loss pills. In fact, those studied showed an improved quality of life while taking the pill.
Contrave is being slated as a chronic diet pill; if you take it and lose weight you will have to continue to take it in order to maintain lost weight. One of the downfalls with most of the diet pills on the market, whether or not they require a prescription, is that once you stop taking them, weight is easily regained. Since Contrave specifically acts on the centers of the brain that govern overeating behaviors and craving desires, there is hope that its ability to suppress these processes will lead to long-term weight loss.
As of July 2009, Orexigen Therapeutics is seeking FDA approval. When and if Contrave is approved for consumer use, it will require a prescription from a medical professional.
Cocktail-like therapy may be the benchmark for future diet pills
Few side effects
Weight loss is greater than placebo alone
If approved, requires a prescription
CON
May need to take diet pill chronically
Weight loss advantage is not that significant
Not a magic solution to healthy eating behaviors and to a healthy weight
Still awaiting FDA approval
INGREDIENTS
Contrave is a breakthrough weight loss drug because it contains both buproprion and naltrexone.
Buprupion is also known as the branded prescription drug Wellbutrin, a quality anti-depressant.
Naltrexone is a prescription drug used to treat addiction, in cases such as smoking, alcohol or even opiates.
ADMINISTRATION
Contrave will likely be taken daily. Since the drug is awaiting FDA approval, precise dosage instructions are not yet available.
DIET and EXERCISE
A low-fat and low-calorie diet and regular exercise program is followed while taking Contrave. Since this drug does not act on the stomach, there are currently no specific foods that need to be avoided or a particular style of eating that needs to be followed while taking it.
CONCLUSION
Contrave is a new weight loss pill that shows promise for being able to act on the brain's pathways that control cravings and appetite. This new kind of drug, which combines two different kinds of psychopharmaceuticals, is predicted to be the wave of the future for diet pills.
User Feedback
(Page 10 of 10, 189 total comments)Amy
Belviq is really expensive. Contrave has a patient assistance program for people that have no insurance or their insurance does not cover it
posted Dec 3rd, 2014 1:56 amCarlotta
+I was part of the original test studies. They told me that I would either get a placebo or the real medicine. After 3 months, I went down 2 dress sizes. I was told after the tests were over, that it was combination of buproprion and naltrexone but it wasn't out in the market yet. Finally it's here! I can't wait to get this again.
posted Nov 26th, 2014 1:05 pmjc carvill
i would like to try. maybe better than the other one , Q and B.
posted Oct 30th, 2014 7:40 amAshlee
+Sounds awesome! So it can be taken for life?
posted Sep 19th, 2014 3:37 amBeth walters
Lowering carb and increasing protein intake is essential for maintaining healthy weight loss. Why wasn't that included in the advertisement?
posted Sep 13th, 2014 12:23 pmmohammad naeem
+where can i buy it i have type 2 diabeties
posted Sep 13th, 2014 12:32 amBREN
WHEN WILL THIS BE APPROVED?
posted Oct 1st, 2011 3:21 pmCassandra
Has this drug been approved yet?
posted May 23rd, 2011 12:15 amRobynBarrio
+I took this medication for 52+ weeks and lost 14 % of my body weight. started out out of shape and I walked until I could walk 1 mile a day. I was so depressed and this medication helped me alot. I miss it. I can't wait for it to be FDA approved. I felt good.
posted Feb 16th, 2010 4:44 pm