User rating
Keep up with Diets in Review
Get Weekly Email Updates (sample)
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our RSS
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Follow us on Pinterest
Home 
Diets
Diet Supplements
How Does
Contrave Compare?
BACKGROUND
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
PRO
CON
INGREDIENTS
ADMINISTRATION
DIET and EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Contrave?
Diets
Diet Supplements
Contrave Diet Pills Exposed [UPDATED 2024] - Does It Work?
A breakthrough diet pill that attacks cravings and appetite.
Top Rated Diet Pills of 2024What is it?
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.
In reviewing many weight loss diet pills, our review experts have found Sletrokor to be the most effective. It offers natural plant based extracts that are free of stimulants and made to help promote well rounded weight loss. For more information on Sletrokor click on the link cited here.
Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2024?
Contrave Ingredients and Side Effects
|
Naltrexone Hydrochloride |
Bupropion Hydrochloride |
Microcrystalline Cellulose |
Hydroxypropryl Cellulose |
|
Lactose Anhydrous |
L-cysteine hydrochloride |
Crospovidone |
Magnesium Stearate |
|
Hypromellose |
Edetate Disodium |
Lactose Monohydrate |
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide |
|
Opadry II Blue |
FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake |
|
|
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.
This takes awareness of one’s own experience with medication, and to be aware of any symptoms that aren’t normal. Click on the link here for a list of the top ranked weight loss diet pills.
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.
The manfacturers state this is only a short term solution, and that diet and exercise are necessary. Due to all these issues, the quality of ingredients is very poor. The list of top 10 diet pill supplements has the best weight loss solutions.
The Price and Quality of Contrave
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.
This brand is particularly expensive, and the manufacturers admit they’re not certain how it works. There are other options for weight loss such as the top 10 diet pills featured when you click here.
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.
The 2024 best supplement of the year award was won by Sletrokor. It contains only natural ingredients, no stimulants, and it’s available without a prescription. This diet pill has helped people lose weight, and you can read real testimonials from satisfied customers on their website. Sletrokor has plant extracts which have been clinically studied. The benefits are numerous and they include improved mood, suppressed appetite, increased metabolism, regulated blood sugar levels, increased energy, and much more.
Sletrokor is also offered risk free; it’s backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee. Returns are allowed with no questions asked. To learn more about Sletrokor, click here.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Has Good Appetite Suppressant
- Has Only Natural Components
- Contains No Coffee
- Sletrokor
(Editor’s Choice) - 94/100
-
-
-
BACKGROUND
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
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.
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?
PRO
- Shows promise in late-stage clinical trials
- Exceeding FDA standards in trials
- 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.
Contrave is still awaiting FDA approval.
Common Misspellings
contrav, contreve, contrive, contrave diet, contrave diet pill, wellbutrin diet pill, crave diet pills, cuntrave, contreav
Featured Diets and Supplements
Contrave?
User Feedback
(Page 8 of 10, 189 total comments)TOM BLANCHARD
?Started on Contrave this morning. Have the first month regimen. What happens in month two, three etc? does dos
Starsway
On third week starting full dose. Down about 4 pounds to 246. Side effects - little dizzy, spacy, slight tremor in fingers makes eating soup hard. Tremor goes away in afternoon. Insomnia - I sleep but wake up suddenly after vivid dreams. Hunger greatly Curbed. I have to remember to eat. Sugars down to normal range, first time in 10 years.
posted Mar 15th, 2015 5:17 pmKelly
-I've been taking Contrave for three months. The following has happened.......lost 57lbs (with exercise and low caloric diet), but I've also experienced hair loss, blisters on different parts of my body, sweating, headaches, twitching of muscles and a odd feeling on the right side of my head like I was having a stroke. I will not be taking Contrave going forward as these side effects have put quite a damper on my visual regarding my hair loss. If I had not lost my hair I would continue to take Contrave and dealt with the other side effects. I'm 55 and a vain person so my hair is important to me as it would be to any woman. I really hope this information is helpful.
posted Mar 15th, 2015 10:34 amprettyinpink
I started this pill under my Drs care March 9 and as of today I'm down 9 pounds. That's with no specific exercise just portion control. No special diet. I can't wait to see what the end results will be in one month when I go back to the Dr.
posted Mar 13th, 2015 8:38 amJean Martin
-Made me gain weight in 3 week time frame. I gained 12lbs.
posted Mar 8th, 2015 4:45 pmShauna Franklin
Im on my first day. i havent tried allot of things yet other than natural dieting. its so hard. i vented to my doctor about wanting to stop smoking and also lose weight and at the same time i was depressed. so he recommended this. so i went for it and didnt care the cost. at the end of my rope in wanting to try something to help myself. so i dont know what to excpect. kinda have a stomach ache today but other then that we will see. would like feedback from others kinda like a support group. keep everyone posted!!!
posted Mar 1st, 2015 9:15 pmchristi
?How late in the day do I take the 2nd dose of Contrave?
posted Feb 26th, 2015 8:28 pmTonya
+I am getting my prescription filled this afternoon. I was on Adipex before and did well. I have high blood pressure and was excited I could take this medicine. I got the welcome kit from my DR. and can't wait to get the free scale they send! I'm nervous...but excited all the same. Will report back in about 2 weeks on my progress!
posted Feb 26th, 2015 2:14 pmKariD
+Contrave is great. This is my 3rd week 12lbs gone. I get really tired faster. I push threw it and sleep well at night. Most of all this pill isn't for everyone. I do have depression and over all I have no signs on this pill. I feel 99% better. Please read all the signs and everything before you start and be an open book with your doctor. There is good and bad to all meds. One person said stay away if u have depression. I am better now. Look for signs and do ur best
posted Feb 25th, 2015 6:07 pmCarrie
+Contrave has worked wonders in curbing my cravings and my appetite overall. I'm in week 2 and I've lost 6.6 pounds already. I'm happy with that loss and I don't have any side effects.
posted Feb 16th, 2015 10:26 pmHelenh1220
4th day and all seems well except yesterday I felt very hungry. Monday I will be taking 2 pills so hoping my desire for food will diminish. Will get you posted. So far I have lost 3 lbs since 9th FEB.
posted Feb 13th, 2015 12:36 pmLisa
-It does not work!
posted Feb 13th, 2015 11:12 amHelenh1220
I have been on the pill for 3 days. I feel extremely tire but losing weight with exercising and dueting.
posted Feb 12th, 2015 5:39 pmHelen
?Anybody out there taking this pill drink alcohol? I'm not a big drinker but I like my cocktail in the evening
samantha
-Dizzy, headache. Won't take it again. Feel so awful that all it robs me of my days. Not worth it.
posted Feb 8th, 2015 7:12 amCindi
+I start Contrave today, no side effect, but feel a little hurgery. Waiting for day two. I will check-in and two day.
posted Feb 4th, 2015 8:14 pmmichelle
+On my 4th week of using contrave. 2nd week had slight headaches but now feeling great. Lost 6lbs only side effect i have is dry mouth. My blood pressure stayed the same. I did not change my diet at all. I plan to eat healthier now and look foward to this next month.
posted Jan 31st, 2015 2:10 pmamyrenee
+I've been on this for 3 months now and have lost 25 pounds. I feel so much better now, my food cravings for the most part are gone. I only take 2 pills, if i take more than that i get headaches. i really am pleased with this diet pill.
posted Jan 30th, 2015 8:07 pmkathy gardner
I started this on Sunday, been very gassy, and I poop like all the time...is this cleaning out my system, and will it slow down as I continue to up the dose....not craving , kinda forcing my self to eat....I love protien shakes ...had gastric bypass surgery 6 yrs ago, have not gained a lot back, abut 20-25 lbs, but need to get it off....want to give this a complete try out....just wondered about the gas, and pooping every few hrs.....anything I can take for the pooping & gas.....believe the gas clears out a room...I even have to leave....no dog around to blame it on...so I'm staying close to home......I also need to get to the gym, right now I have my stationary bike....please help me................
posted Jan 29th, 2015 1:43 amJana
?Dosage question I just picked up my prescription. Directions say 2 twice daily. Shouldn't I work up to that dosage? And also what time do I take it? Good results??