{"id":57976,"date":"2023-04-11T10:15:03","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T14:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57976"},"modified":"2024-11-12T09:29:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T14:29:00","slug":"contrave-weight-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/contrave-weight-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Contrave for weight loss: Does it work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you struggle with your weight, you\u2019re not alone. According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/fastats\/obesity-overweight.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CDC), 73.6% of adults 20 years and older are overweight, and almost 42% of adults have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/obesity-and-health-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obesity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You may have tried various lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, and may be interested in trying a prescription medication to help with weight loss. Contrave is an FDA-approved prescription weight-loss medicine. It is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients, naltrexone HCl and bupropion HCl.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"does-contrave-cause-weight-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Contrave cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before its approval, Contrave was studied in several clinical trials. One of these studies, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20673995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave Obesity Research I (COR-I) study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, enrolled participants who took either Contrave or placebo (inactive medication) over 56 weeks. All participants also followed a diet and exercise plan. This study found:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who took Contrave lost about 5 or 6% (depending on dose) of body weight compared to a 1.3% loss in those who took a placebo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">39 to 48% of people who took Contrave (depending on dose) lost 5% or more of body weight compared to 16% of those who took a placebo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23408728\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave Obesity Research II (COR-II) study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, participants took either Contrave or a placebo for 56 weeks. All participants also followed a diet and exercise plan and received behavior modification advice. The results showed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who took Contrave lost an average of 6.5% body weight compared to about 1 or 2% in those who took a placebo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% of people who took Contrave lost 5% or more of body weight at week 56 compared to 17% of those who took a placebo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who took Contrave also reported improved quality of life and control over eating<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20559296\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COR-Behavior Modification Study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (COR-BMOD) combined Contrave (or placebo) with 28, 90-minute small-group intensive behavior modification sessions over 56 weeks. Participants also followed a more specific diet and exercise plan. After 56 weeks:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80% of people in the Contrave\/behavioral modification group who completed the study lost 5% or more of weight compared to 60% of those who took a placebo<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24144653\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COR-Diabetes study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was a 56-week trial that included people with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/type-2-diabetes-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Participants took Contrave or a placebo and followed dietary and exercise modification advice. This study found that people who took Contrave:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lost more weight than those who took a placebo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Had improved blood sugar control as measured by hemoglobin A1C\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Had improved triglycerides and HDL cholesterol\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-does-contrave-cause-weight-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does Contrave cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave contains naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) and bupropion (an antidepressant). These ingredients <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a619020.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">work together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on two parts of the brain\u2014the hunger center and the reward system. The medication helps decrease appetite and control cravings. It does not speed up metabolism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our weight management newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Weight Management Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-can-take-contrave-for-weight-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who can take Contrave for weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave can be used (along with diet and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/exercise-and-chronic-disease\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exercise<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) as a long-term treatment for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=485ff360-32c8-11df-928b-0002a5d5c51b#section-2.2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic weight management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 kg\/m<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or more (obese), or<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">27 kg\/m<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or more (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave has not been studied along with other weight-loss medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements. If you take Contrave, you should not combine it with any other weight-loss medication, unless directed to do so by your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not known if Contrave can increase the risk of heart problems or stroke, or of death caused by heart problems or stroke.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-contrave-dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the Contrave dosage?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave is an extended-release tablet and should be swallowed whole. It should not be taken with a high-fat meal. The tablet should not be crushed, chewed, or cut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each Contrave tablet contains 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave dosing is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Week 1<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Take one tablet in the morning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Week 2<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Take one tablet twice a day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Week 3<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Take two tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Week 4 and after that<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Take two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, should consult their healthcare provider. If the provider determines it is safe to take Contrave, they may prescribe a lower dose, depending on the medical condition(s).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maintenance dose is two tablets twice daily, and the maximum daily dose is four tablets per day (taken as two tablets twice daily). After 12 weeks on the maximum dose, the medicine should be discontinued if the patient has not lost at least 5% of their weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-it-safe-to-take-contrave-for-weight-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it safe to take Contrave for weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the potential benefits, one must also consider the potential downsides of Contrave for weight loss. The best way to do this is to consult your healthcare provider. Your provider can consider individual factors such as medical condition(s) and medical history, risk factors, and other medications you take that could interact with Contrave. In the section \u201cDoes Contrave cause weight loss?\u201d above we discussed the potential benefits of Contrave in terms of weight loss. Below, we will consider the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"contrave-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like any drug, Contrave can cause side effects. The most common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/6957\/contrave#adverse-reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Contrave may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased blood pressure\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased heart rate\/palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flushing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringing in the ears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urinary tract infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Altered taste<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/type-2-diabetes-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who take insulin or certain diabetes medications such as glyburide or glimepiride. Increased blood sugar monitoring may be required.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave has a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boxed warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or black box warning, which is the most serious warning required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although Contrave contains bupropion, which is an antidepressant, Contrave should not be used for depression, other mental health conditions, or for smoking cessation. There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults who take antidepressant medication (even though this medication is not used for depression).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is also a risk of other neuropsychiatric disorders in people who take Contrave, with symptoms including hallucinations, panic attacks, homicidal ideation (thinking about killing someone), aggression, extreme increase in talking, and others. People of any age who take Contrave should be closely monitored by family members and caregivers for any changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Any changes should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider. Contrave is not approved for use in children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other serious side effects may occur, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reaction (symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat require emergency medical help)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe skin reactions (the following symptoms\u2014fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash, blistering or peeling skin\u2014require emergency medical attention)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severely high blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angle-closure glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"who-should-not-take-contrave\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should not take Contrave<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrave is not appropriate for everyone. Do not take Contrave if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have uncontrolled high blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have seizures or a history of seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have end-stage renal disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take other medications that contain bupropion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have an eating disorder or history of eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take opioid-containing medicines or use medications to help you stop taking opioid pain medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drink a lot of alcohol and then stop drinking\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take sleeping medicine, anxiety medicine, or anti-seizure medicine and stop taking it suddenly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are allergic to naltrexone, bupropion, or any ingredient in Contrave<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking Contrave, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including heart disease, mental illnesses, head injury, kidney or liver problems, diabetes mellitus, or others.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-to-avoid-while-taking-contrave\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to avoid while taking Contrave\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While taking Contrave, there are certain things that should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not use Contrave if you are pregnant. If you already take Contrave and find out you are pregnant, notify a doctor immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take any opioid medication (such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/oxycodone-hcl-er\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxycodone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) for at least 7 to 10 days before starting Contrave. While taking Contrave, do not take any opioid medication, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methadose\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methadone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, heroin, or street drugs. The combination could cause a coma or death.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take an MAO inhibitor medication (such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tranylcypromine-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tranylcypromine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/selegiline-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">selegiline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azilect\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rasagiline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) within 14 days before or after taking Contrave.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take other forms of bupropion such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/wellbutrin-xl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellbutrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take Contrave with a high-fat meal. Taking Contrave with a meal that is high in fat can make you more likely to have a seizure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take more than two tablets at once. And, do not take more than a total of four tablets daily (two tablets twice daily).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not take any other weight-loss medications (such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/contrave-vs-phentermine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phentermine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) while taking Contrave.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid alcohol while taking Contrave. Alcohol can increase the risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, consult your healthcare provider. Drinking alcohol regularly and then suddenly stopping can also cause seizures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss caffeine intake with your healthcare provider. Excess caffeine, in combination with Contrave, may increase blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-maximize-contrave-benefits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to maximize Contrave benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking Contrave, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any new medications to make sure there are no interactions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes that you can employ while taking Contrave. For example, you may want to consult a registered dietitian to help design a healthy eating plan that works with your lifestyle. You may also want to start a regular exercise program (ask your doctor before increasing physical activity). You can also ask your healthcare provider about other ways to help you succeed while taking Contrave.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking Contrave, read the prescription label and information leaflets that come with your prescription. Follow the directions closely. You will start taking Contrave at a low dose, and gradually increase the dose. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are unsure how to take Contrave.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always swallow the Contrave tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can take Contrave with meals\u2014but do not take Contrave with a high-fat meal. Doing so could increase the chance of having a seizure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Contrave, as this can cause seizures.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss caffeine intake with your physician before taking Contrave.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check in with your doctor after about 16 weeks of treatment with Contrave. If you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight, the medication should be stopped.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your insurance plan does not cover Contrave, you can always use a free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription-discount-card\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to save on the cost of your medication. What\u2019s more, you can use the coupon on refills as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you struggle with your weight, you\u2019re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 73.6% of adults 20 years and older are overweight, and almost 42% of adults have obesity. You may have tried various lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, and may be interested in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":57978,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[9825],"coauthors":[10668],"class_list":["post-57976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-weight-loss","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Contrave for weight loss: Dosages and side effects | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Contrave is prescribed for weight loss. 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