Losing weight can be a challenge and there are plenty of ways you can try to work on reducing your waistline.
While diet and exercise might be enough for some people, others might need help using surgery or medication to get the pounds off.
Contrave is a prescription medication that’s been touted as a “modern weight loss pill.” Read on to learn more about this medication so you can decide if it’s right for you.
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The Basics of Contrave
In order to get Contrave, it will need to be approved and prescribed by your doctor. In addition to the medication, you will be expected to follow a diet program and a doctor-approved exercise plan.
Most patients who receive the drug are obese or are suffering from a variety of weight-related health problems. When you lose weight, you also reduce the chances of other health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.
The key ingredients in Contrave are Naltrexone and Bupropion which are antidepressants that work on various neurotransmitters in the brain. They work in sync with opiate antagonists to reduce your appetite and calorie consumption.
There are other forms of this drug available that are used to treat problems like depression or to help with smoking cessation. Make sure you tell your doctor about all of the medications you’re currently taking to make sure there are no potential interactions.
Before you Start
Not everyone will be able to get a prescription for Contrave. Pregnant women should never use the drug, as it could affect the unborn baby.
Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients in Contrave should not take this medication. Patients with extremely high or uncontrolled blood pressure may also be ineligible for the medication.
Those with eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia are also discouraged from taking Contrave. If you have a history of seizures or are dealing with opioid addiction or withdrawal, avoid this medication.
Have a thorough discussion with your doctor and tell them about any existing conditions you have as well as any current medications you are taking. They can perform a thorough assessment to decide if Contrave is right for you.
Dosage Recommendations
As with any medication, you should thoroughly read the guidelines and directions as indicated on the bottle. Revisit this guide every time you get a refill to be sure you’re taking Contrave as recommended.
You should take the medicine by mouth with a low-fat meal unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Most patients will take the medication twice per day.
If you have trouble sleeping, try to take you last dose earlier in the day. Many people experience sleep difficulties when first taking Contrave, but the problem subsides over time.
Never crush or chew your tablets, and always swallow them whole. If you crush them, you could end up releasing too much of the drug at one time which can increase the possibility of side effects.
Your specific dose will be based on your unique medical condition as well as your response to the treatment and any other medicine you are taking. The dose is usually slowly increased to limit the side effects. Never increase the dose or take it more often than prescribed.
In order to see weight loss, make sure you take Contrave regularly and at the same time every day. If you haven’t lost weight after using the medication for 16 weeks, it may be time to reassess your situation. Talk to your doctor if weight loss is extremely slow or unnoticeable.
Side Effects
Some patients may experience no side effects while taking Contrave, and others could experience a variety of issues. Your level of intensity or frequency of side effects can depend on your age, current weight, and interactions with other medications.
If you experience seizures, blurry vision, or eye pain, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away. You could also experience changes in your mood or behavior. Common changes include agitation, depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
In some users, Contrave can cause thoughts of suicide, so pay close attention to how you are feeling while taking this medication. You might also experience rare manic episodes that involve racing thoughts or extreme irritability.
Another side effect might include liver problems such as dark urine, jaundice, or upper stomach pain. Discontinue use at the first sign of a possible liver problem.
More common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as well as occasional headaches and dizziness. Dry mouth and insomnia are also very common, particularly when first taking the medication.
If you notice increased blood pressure or a severe skin reaction such as a fever, red skin, or rashes, contact your doctor immediately. Over time, any mild side effects should be reduced.
Contrave has a high tolerability profile and is generally safe for most patients. When taken as directed, you should see results for your weight loss goals.
The Science of Weight Loss
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to effective weight loss, which is why medications like Contrave can help. This FDA-approved weight loss pill works on the hunger and reward systems of the brain to keep your diet in check.
With a thorough assessment by your doctor, you can begin your weight loss journey and get some help along the way. Over time, you should be able to reach your goals with some help from Contrave and a healthy diet plan.
To start your weight loss journey and get professional guidance, contact us today and visit our website for more helpful tips about weight loss and much more.