Contraception Reviews
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Contrave reviews

Contrave is a prescription medication that helps to control cravings. Scientists still aren't quite sure how it works, but it thought to act on parts of the brain which control hunger and cravings. A similar medication has been used to help people stop smoking. Contrave must be used alongside healthy dietary changes and increasing exercise. One of the ingredients has caused some people to feel very low in mood, so it's important to watch out for this, and tell your family members about this side effect. It may not be recommended if you have a history of mood problems.

Active ingredient

Naltrexone & Bupropion

Product type

Tablet

How is it used

Taken orally

Frequency

Two tablets twice a day

Dosage

8mg / 90mg

Do I need prescription?

yes

Contrave benefits

Some of the potential benefits of this medication and associated weight loss

Weight loss

Increased energy

Lower blood pressure

Improved cholesterol levels

Better mobility

Less joint pain

Improved PCOS symptoms

Improved confidence

Better mood/mental wellbeing

Improved fertility

Contrave possible side effects

Some of the possible side effects associated with this medication

Nausea

Vomiting

Constipation

Diarrhoea

Bloating

Burping

Indigestion

Headache

Fatigue

Insomnia

Dizziness

Dry mouth

Hair loss

Kidney problems

Mood changes

Depression

Suicidal thoughts

Anxiety

Period changes

Muscle loss

Body aches

Weight gain after stopping

Contrave alternatives

Medications that work in similar ways or brands that have the same active ingredient

Contrave FAQs

Contrave is a medication which controls cravings and reduces appetite. It contains two different drug ingredients. One is called naltrexone which reduces the pleasure you get from eating and helps combat emotional or impulsive eating. The other drug is called bupropion and this can suppress appetite.
Contrave can be used by people with a BMI over 30 or over 27 if you have a health condition related to weight such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Contrave costs around $100 per month.
In clinical trials, the average amount of weight loss using Mysimba was 8.1%. Almost half of people in the clinical trials lost 5% of their body weight.
You can lose weight with Contrave, but you need to work on making healthy diet changes and increasing exercise levels as well as taking the tablet.
As you lose wieght using Contrave, you can lose belly fat. But it is important to also increase exercise and strength training to help lose belly fat and develop strong abdominal muscles.
How you feel on Contrave is individual. Some people feel worse due to side effects, whereas other people feel much better due to the benefits of weight loss for their overall health or medical conditions.
You can just stop taking Contrave. However, when you start taking Contrave you need to slowly increase the number of tablets you take each day.
If you stop taking Contrave, you make regain weight if you don't continue with changing your overall diet and increasing exercise.
Contrave can't be used if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure. It is not recommended if you have a history of mental health problems including mania like bipolar. Contrave can increase suicidal thoughts, especially in young people. Contrave can increase the risk of seizures, so isn't recommended if you have epilepsy. Contrave should not be used if you drink more alcohol than the suggested levels, use cocaine or speed or are treated with or use opioid medications.
If you are using Contrave, look out for any mood changes or changes to your mental health. It is a good idea to tell someone close to you about this risk, and see a doctor if you feel your mood or mental health are affected.
Contrave is generally considered safe long term although it can cause side effects.
Contrave and Mysimba are the same drug, just with different brand names.
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