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Home 
Diets
Diet Supplements
How Does
Contrave Compare?
BACKGROUND
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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
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-
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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 9 of 10, 189 total comments)Cindy Vaughn
?Contrave is the medication I as asking about. I do think about making better choices in food. How the second bottle of my prescription to be taken? My pharmacy labeled to be 1 in am for 1 week, the one in the morning and one at night, etc. This is the same label that was put on there. Is this correct. Seems like it should be 2 in am and 2 in pm. I also have developed a rash on the abdomen area and inside of the thighs. Is this a side effect 5 weeks in?
posted Jan 24th, 2015 4:12 pmGlenda
-Massive headaches including a migraine. Nausea, dizzy, funny feeling and so much more.
posted Jan 24th, 2015 3:26 pmfeda z
+honestly already on weak three and lost over 10 pounds I feel great I move freely all craving sweets gone. this is a miracle break through.
posted Jan 24th, 2015 4:49 amLisa
+have been on Contrave for 2 weeks have lost 6 lbs. The first week I thought this is not going to work, I was hungry and ate constantly. Then my scale came and I went from there and since then Ive lost 6lbs.
posted Jan 22nd, 2015 2:03 pmJessica
Today is day one- I literally just took my first dose.
posted Jan 18th, 2015 3:18 pmFingers crossed, my wedding is May 30th
Stacy
+I have lost sixteen pounds in one month on Contrave but I have also changed my diet, eat smaller portions and I have just joined a gym now that I am feeling better from the weight I have lost.
posted Jan 16th, 2015 7:41 pmmomoffive419
+Day 1 Starting at 193lbs. I took two pills this afternoon. I was already on buproprian so I did not feel like I had to start out slow increasing dosage over weeks time. I have had some cravings this evening and felt slightly hungry but didn't over eat. However, I felt (feel) very bloated and gassy??? Weird cause it is noticeable and I am a tad jumpy (bite your head off) kinda mood?? Again, I am going to give it time since today is the first day. I'll keep everyone posted with my experience and any success I have. Thanks! Good Luck!
posted Jan 15th, 2015 2:05 amKellie Johnson
+Day 3 and i feel great...no cravings less appetite and no desire to smoke!
posted Jan 11th, 2015 10:22 pmJarvis
+I started taking Contrave on January 1, 2015 . So,far I have lost 18lbs!!! The first week, I was feeling really strange. Than I realize I needed to take the meds wih FOOD!! I know DUH!! I have no craving for any junk food at all!! I'm a Police Officer so normally I would eat on the go such ass burgers and fries,fried foods and yes Doughnuts . I work the 4-12 shift so I'm eating really late. This medicine has change my life!! And probably saved my life . My diet has changed drastically . I have no craving at all for fried foods. Or junk food. In morning I will make a juice and have some green tea. For lunch I will eat a salad or a dhickken salad wrap. Keep in mind I'm forcing myself to eat !! I don't have an appetite. I really believe that I was addicted to Food. I eat smaller portions now because I get full really quickly .Before I started taking Contrave, I was smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day!! Some how Contrave has killed the cravings to smoke . I smoke a lot less now. A pack will last 2 days . Oh yea it will dry your mouth out lol. I drink probably 10 bottles of water a day. And before Contrave I was drinking probably 10 Mt Dew a day!, Now soft drinks taste really sweet, so I end up throwing them a way. And my blood pressure is 121/139. I haven't has a blood pressure this low in years!!
posted Jan 11th, 2015 12:38 amkeeponkeepingon
+Day 3. Starting to ease into it.. taking 1/2 pill in the am and 1/2 pill in the pm. So far, so good. I'm a ittle headachy and a little nausea at first.But so far it's okay. I was on qysmia and couldn't tolerate the topamax side effects: headache, blurred vision, heat intolerance.. but we'll see how this goes. Make sure you sign up for the pharmacy savings through the manuf website. They will give you a savings card that you can tak e to like CVS and they will procss it just like insurance and the rx should cost you $70.00. My insurance didn't cover it because it's a formulary (whatever that means) and without insurance it's $240.00 for 120 pills; additionally the pharmacy had to order it so it took an additional 2 days to get it.. Good luck everyone!
posted Jan 8th, 2015 8:55 pmAmanda
+I have only been taking Contrave for a week. I have lost 3 lbs. The first few days were a little rough as I felt a little tired and nauseous. Those effects have subsided and I feel pretty good now. I have noticed a big difference in how much I'm eating. I am not over-eating! I do not have the compulsive need to get full and keep eating when something tastes good. This is huge for me because it's always been a struggle. My mood is a little better too. I am going to continue taking this and hopefully things will get even better.
posted Jan 8th, 2015 4:49 amJESSIE ALLEN
+Slow but steady weight loss, some side effects. Takes time to adjust to healthy eating habits but does take a lot of cravings away.
posted Jan 6th, 2015 2:23 pmmisty
+I love it been on it 4 weeks lost 10lbs. No cravings or side effects. My clothes are getting so lose fitting its great! I feel wonderful.
posted Jan 4th, 2015 3:42 amTea.Iz.Me
+Lauralew. You're 4 weeks ahead of me. Post often on progress pls. Congrats on 18!
posted Jan 3rd, 2015 4:03 amI'm happy with it so far. I notice that if I have chocolate, etc, it does nothing for me. I'm just at 2 pills/day. Hardly any appetite and cravings aren't there.
Too close
-I took it 3 days and thougt it was ok til the 3rd day. I started feeling strange and my left side of my head felt funny as if I might was haviing a stroke. It also might me very constipated and bloated. I will not be taking anymore not worth the risk didn't lose an ounce.
posted Dec 14th, 2014 1:18 amJayM
I've tried all the new prescription diet meds. I was previously on Qsymia which worked and I loved. After the sign up process online to get a reduced price, which by the way took 3 weeks before they sent me my Prescription of Contrave. I really wanted this to work. It did nothing for my cravings, only left me feeling constantly ill with headaches and diziness that made me afraid to take it even. I took it for three weeks until I just couldn't take it anymore. It actually did nothing for my cravings and made me gain weight while on it. Also it has a black label warning for suicide. So if you're depressed stay away.
posted Dec 13th, 2014 5:25 pmWalter
+This has changed everything in the diet world as we know it. I feel like I've got my life back in 3 weeks. Im finally leveled off mentally, The mood swings have stopped, I can eat less and not dwell on wanting food,the cigarettes taste awful now so I had to quit that. My family can't believe the calmness I have and a more positive outlook than ever before. THIS IS A GAME CHANGER
posted Dec 10th, 2014 8:30 pmmary
Made me sick with in the frist hour of taking I haven't be able to eat all day
posted Dec 9th, 2014 12:11 amKatie
+Day one, three hours later feel no change , feeling hungry. Telling myself to get busy ,still feeling tired . In my mind I keep tell myself I'm not going to eat yet . I want to go at least four hours before I eat . I want to lose the weight that makes me feel not worthy .
posted Dec 6th, 2014 3:34 pmMelissa
+Just started Thanksgiving Day with one pill in the morning. No bad side effects. I was on Qsymia prior to this and could not deal with the fuzzy head side effects at the higher dose. Once off Qsymia, I gained the weight back. I feel good so far on Contrave. Lost over a pound in a week. Have noticed that I stop eating when full. I did not do this in the past.
posted Dec 6th, 2014 12:53 am