Contrave is a pill approved by the FDA that helps in weight loss management in obese adults. This medicine works by reducing cravings and also works as an appetite suppressant. However, to use this pill for managing weight, you need to have a minimum BMI (body mass index) as well as you need to follow certain limitations to use this weight loss pill. Also, you need to keep a proper routine for a balanced diet and exercise while taking contrave for managing weight. Unfortunately, contrave weight loss medicine has certain risks and side effects.
Details of contrave
Contrave pills contain naltrexone and bupropion. This naltrexone helps in blocking the effects of alcohol and opioids. Moreover, naltrexone helps in decreasing hunger and food craving. While bupropion is an antidepressant medicine so it helps in reducing appetite.
However, contrave weight loss pills will not help in treating any diseases that are related to obesity. This may include diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and others. Also, the contrave weight loss pill is not approved for treating any psychiatric related conditions such as depression and is neither approved to take as a pill to help you quit smoking.
Caution
As mentioned earlier, the contrave weight loss pill has certain limitations of use. So, make sure you avoid using contrave weight loss if you:
When to avoid?
You should immediately stop or avoid using contrave weight loss pills if you have uncontrollable high blood pressure, eating disorder, opioid addiction, and seizure. Also, you should not use contrave if you are using MAOI, or you suddenly stop using alcohol, seizure medicines, and sedatives. That’s because if you are using contrave weight loss pills while taking opioid medicines or any other form of bupropion, it can lead to anorexia or bulimia.
Are you on any medications?
Before you start using contrave for managing weight, make sure you tell your physician about the medicines you are taking currently and also the medicines you stop taking. This is important because most medicines can interact with naltrexone and bupropion, and some medicines may mean not to use together with contrave weight loss pills.
Pregnant or breastfeeding mother
You should not use contrave if you are a breastfeeding mother or pregnant. Using contrave pills while you are breastfeeding your child can harm your child as the naltrexone and bupropion contained in the pill can pass into your breast milk.
Drug addiction
You should avoid using contrave weight loss pills if you are using narcotic medicines or you are going through a withdrawal period from drug addiction such as alcohol.
Contrave side effects
Now that you are aware of when you should not use contrave weight loss, then let us look at the side effects of contrave. Contrave pills may show mild side effects and sometimes severe side effects. The following list includes the side effects that might occur while using contrave weight loss pills. However, it does not include all the possible side effects of contrave pill.
Mild side effects of contrave
The following symptoms are the mild side effects shown by the contrave weight loss pill. They are as follows:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Hot flashes
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
The above are some of the common symptoms, and thus, there is nothing much to worry about it. It will wear off in a couple of days or weeks. However, if you see the symptoms persist for a longer duration then it is best to speak to your physician
Severe side effects of contrave
Severe side effects of contrave are very uncommon but they do occur. The following are some of the severe side effects that may occur while using the contrave pill. They are as follows:
- Increase in your heart rate or blood pressure. Look out for symptoms such as rapid heart rate, headache, and feeling lightheaded
- Seizures. Symptoms such as muscle spasms, drooling or frothing at the mouth, and loss of consciousness
- Hepatitis or liver damage
- Angle-closure glaucoma. This may include symptoms such as eye pain, severe pain, and blurred vision
- Allergic reaction
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Call your physician as soon as possible if you feel that you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. Or call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Note: These mentioned symptoms are only some of the side effects shown by contrave weight loss, so to know more symptoms of contrave, talk with your physicians.
Risk factors of contrave
Contrave weight loss pills have certain risk factors. So, if you have the following conditions make sure you avoid using contrave. They are as follows:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Bipolar disorder, depression, or mental illness
- Head injuries
- Low blood sugar or diabetes
- Heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke and
- Drug addiction like alcohol
- A tumor or infection in your spinal cord or brain
If you do have any of these mentioned health conditions then the contrave pill is safe for you. However, the contrave weight loss pill is only suitable for adults i.e. people older than 18.
