Understanding and Managing Contrave Side Effects

Medications like Contrave have recently gained popularity for their effectiveness in helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

While Contrave has a number of benefits that can improve your well-being, the medication is also known to cause side effects that may be life-threatening.

Knowing what to expect before you start Contrave can help you mitigate negative reactions.

What is Contrave and What is it Used For?

Contrave is a drug combination typically prescribed to individuals struggling with obesity or other weight-related conditions, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

It contains two active ingredients — bupropion and naltrexone — that work to reduce cravings and compulsive eating urges.

Over time, this can help individuals lose weight.

For Contrave to be effective, doctors usually recommend using it to support healthy dietary changes and increased physical activity.

Does Contrave Cause Any Side Effects?

Contrave is known to cause side effects that range from mild to severe.

It’s important to understand which reactions you can expect to determine when you might need professional medical attention.

Mild-to-moderate side effects

Mild-to-moderate side effects are common when using Contrave and may include:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Sleep difficulties
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Tremors
• Hot flashes or sweating
• Taste changes
• Unusual dreams
• Hair loss
• Mild allergic reactions

In most cases, these side effects are temporary and typically resolve when the body adjusts to the medication.

If you have persistent symptoms that impact your ability to perform day-to-day activities, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns.

Serious side effects

Although experiencing serious side effects while using Contrave is rare, they can occur. These may include:

• Anxiousness, nervousness, and irritability
• Liver problems
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions
• Low blood sugar

If you develop any of these adverse reactions, seek medical attention immediately. These side effects require professional care and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Anyone with a history of experiencing the above-mentioned side effects, as the medication can worsen these health issues.

How Long After Using Contrave Do Side Effects Usually Develop?

Understanding the timeline of Contrave side effects can help you anticipate and manage any adverse reactions you may experience.

It’s important to remember that the onset of these side effects may vary from person to person.

Each individual’s response to the medication will be influenced by factors like genetics, overall health, and drug tolerance.

Early onset side effects

In most cases, individuals may start noticing mild-to-moderate side effects within the first few days of using Contrave. These may include adverse reactions such as:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dry mouth

These side effects won’t usually have a significant impact on your daily life and should resolve within a few weeks.

Delayed onset side effects

Other side effects — especially those that are rare and more severe — may only develop after using Contrave for an extended period of time. These could include:

• Mood changes
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate
• Liver problems
• Seizures

Developing serious side effects may be an indication that Contrave isn’t the right medication for you, and your doctor can recommend an alternative option.

Carefully monitor the side effects you experience and seek immediate medical attention if you develop serious issues.

How Long Do Contrave Side Effects Last?

While side effects may be unpleasant, the benefits of using Contrave typically outweigh the negatives.

The duration of Contrave side effects tends to vary between individuals. In most cases, side effects begin to resolve within a few weeks after your body has passed the adjustment period.

These side effects may also persist throughout the duration of your treatment but should become more tolerable over time.

However, severe or rare adverse reactions may continue or worsen with extended use of Contrave.

That’s why it’s essential to maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare provider about your side effects.

This allows them to monitor you for any serious issues, and adjust your Contrave dosage as needed.

Tips for Managing Contrave Side Effects

Dealing with side effects can be frustrating, especially if they impact your day-to-day activities.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at a few tips you can implement to manage Contrave side effects and reduce their severity.

Use over-the-counter medication

OTC medication can help relieve mild discomfort caused by Contrave, such as nausea, headaches, and allergic reactions.

You can speak to your doctor about which OTC option would work best for you. They might recommend the following:

• Antacids
• Lozenges
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Antidiarrheal medications

Your doctor may also suggest other OTC medication options depending on which side effects you experience.

Lifestyle changes

Implementing more regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and avoiding harmful substances goes a long way to managing your side effects:

• Physical activity can help stabilize and improve your mood, which may counteract any mental health issues caused by Contrave.

• Taking Contrave after eating a healthy meal can help reduce stomach issues and nausea while improving your tolerance.

• Limiting your intake of alcohol and other recreational drugs can improve your body’s tolerance of the medication while preventing serious contraindications.

• Drinking plenty of water may be helpful in alleviating symptoms like dry mouth, headaches, and nausea.

You can also ask your doctor about specific lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage adverse reactions more effectively.

Common Questions About Contrave Side Effects

Can adverse reactions be prevented?

Adverse reactions to Contrave are not entirely preventable, but they can often be managed and minimized.

To reduce your likelihood of adverse reactions, take Contrave as prescribed by healthcare professionals and follow their guidance on managing negative reactions.

Are there any psychological side effects of using Contrave?

While Contrave is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience psychological side effects.

Mood changes — including anxiety and irritability — are less common but possible. In rare cases, individuals may also experience depression or thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

It's essential to monitor your emotional well-being while using Contrave and to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any significant mood changes while on the medication.

If you have a history of mood disorders or you’re concerned about these potential side effects, discuss them with a licensed healthcare professional before starting Contrave.

Can you drink alcohol while using Contrave?

Drug interactions with alcohol can potentially intensify side effects like dizziness, stomach issues, or mood changes.

It's best to talk with your doctor about your specific situation and whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol while on Contrave.

They can provide personalized guidance based on your overall health and treatment plan.

Will Contrave alternatives cause fewer side effects?

Although there are a number of weight management medications on the market, most of them tend to cause side effects similar to Contrave.

There is currently no research that highlights any similar medications that cause fewer side effects.

However, it is possible that you may be able to tolerate alternatives a bit better, which may lead to fewer negative reactions.

It’s recommended that you speak to your doctor about any similar medications to determine if they would be effective for the condition you want to treat.

When Should You See a Doctor about Contrave Side Effects?

If you experience severe or life-threatening side effects — such as signs of an allergic reaction, severe mood changes, or liver problems — seek immediate medical attention.

It's recommended to consult a doctor if you have persistent or worsening side effects that significantly affect your quality of life, even if they are not severe.

You should also see your doctor if you have any concerns about psychological side effects, changes in mood, or depressive symptoms.

Where Can You Learn More About Contrave and Similar Medications?

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can provide information and guidance on effectively maintaining a healthy weight and using Contrave safely — all from the comfort of your home.

LifeMD also offers a Weight Management Program, designed to help you get started on a personalized weight loss journey. Make an appointment today!