{"id":630725,"date":"2025-01-03T09:30:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T14:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630725"},"modified":"2025-01-03T09:39:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T14:39:14","slug":"contrave-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/contrave-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drink on Contrave?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Contrave<\/span><\/a> is a brand-name medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic (long-term) weight management in certain adults. It should be taken with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. As a combination drug that contains an opioid antagonist and antidepressant, it affects the brain to make you feel fuller and lower your appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because Contrave is typically prescribed long-term, you may wonder if it\u2019s safe to have a drink or two while taking Contrave. In general, it\u2019s recommended to avoid or limit alcohol during Contrave treatment. This is because alcohol can increase your risk of serious side effects. It can also make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you drink while taking Contrave?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s usually recommended to avoid or minimize drinking while taking Contrave. Combining alcohol and Contrave can increase the risk of certain side effects and decrease your alcohol tolerance. This means you may be more sensitive to alcohol\u2019s effects. For those who drink a lot of alcohol, it\u2019s important that you don\u2019t suddenly stop drinking while using Contrave, as this can increase your risk of seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consult a healthcare provider before consuming alcohol with Contrave. They can discuss whether it\u2019s safe for you to drink and, if so, how much alcohol is safe to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

What happens if you mix Contrave and alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mixing Contrave with alcohol can raise your risk of serious adverse effects, such as changes in your mood, thinking, behavior, and liver problems. It may also decrease your alcohol tolerance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neuropsychiatric events<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contrave contains two active ingredients: <\/span>bupropion<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>naltrexone<\/span><\/a>. Mixing bupropion with alcohol can cause neuropsychiatric events\u2014a term that refers to changes in your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Examples include <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Due to this risk, people who have a history of mental health conditions should be wary of combining alcohol and Contrave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Liver problems<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contrave can increase the risk of liver problems, including hepatitis and liver dysfunction. <\/span>Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol<\/span><\/a> can also cause serious liver problems, especially for people who drink heavily or have been drinking for a long time. Therefore, there may be an increased risk of liver problems when consuming alcohol on Contrave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypoglycemia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Weight-loss aids, such as Contrave, may increase the risk of <\/span>hypoglycemia<\/span><\/a> (low blood sugar levels), especially in those who take <\/span>insulin<\/span><\/a> or certain <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a> medications. <\/span>Drinking alcohol <\/span><\/a>can also lower your blood sugar, and the more drinks you have, the higher the risk is. Thus, mixing alcohol and Contrave can make hypoglycemia more likely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lower alcohol tolerance<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to Contrave\u2019s prescribing information, it can reduce alcohol tolerance\u2014making a person more sensitive to alcohol\u2019s effects. This means combining alcohol with Contrave can make it harder to think clearly or move with coordination. It may also enhance drowsiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seizures<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bupropion\u2014one of the components of Contrave\u2014can cause seizures. The risk of a seizure increases if you consume a lot of alcohol and suddenly stop drinking. For this reason, it\u2019s recommended to talk to a healthcare professional before abruptly discontinuing alcohol. They can give you medical advice on how to stop drinking safely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decreased weight loss<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contrave is approved for weight loss when taken with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. But drinking alcohol during Contrave treatment can reduce the amount of weight you lose. This is because alcohol <\/span>affects weight<\/span><\/a> by providing empty calories, slowing your metabolism, and increasing food cravings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are certain people at greater risk of side effects?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Certain people have an increased risk of complications if they combine Contrave and alcohol. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n