Contrave, a prescription medication for weight loss, combines naltrexone and bupropion to reduce hunger and cravings. Proper dosing is key to its effectiveness and safety when used with diet and exercise.
This Contrave dosage guide explains how to take it, the dosing schedule, and tips for safe use. It’s designed to help adults with obesity or weight-related health issues achieve lasting results.
What Is Contrave?
Contrave is an FDA-approved drug for chronic weight management in adults. It contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant. These ingredients target brain areas that control appetite and cravings. It’s used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The drug comes as extended-release tablets, meaning it releases slowly in the body. Contrave is for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Always use it under a doctor’s supervision.
Contrave isn’t for depression, smoking cessation, or opioid dependence. Its unique combination requires careful dosing to minimize side effects. Let’s explore the Contrave dosage guide in detail.
Why Dosing Matters
Correct dosing ensures Contrave works effectively while reducing risks. Starting with a low dose helps the body adjust to the medication. Gradually increasing the dose minimizes side effects like nausea or headache. Sticking to the prescribed schedule is crucial.
Overdosing can increase side effects, including seizures or high blood pressure. Taking too little may reduce weight loss benefits. Doctors tailor doses based on individual health and response.
The Contrave dosage guide follows a step-by-step schedule. This helps patients reach the maintenance dose safely. Regular checkups monitor progress and side effects.
Contrave Dosage Schedule
Contrave is available in one strength: 8 mg naltrexone and 90 mg bupropion per tablet. The Contrave dosage guide uses a gradual increase over 4 weeks to reach the full dose. Tablets are taken orally, morning and evening, and should not be cut, chewed, or crushed. The maximum daily dose is 32 mg naltrexone and 360 mg bupropion.
Week 1
Start with one tablet in the morning. This low dose introduces the drug to your system. It helps reduce initial side effects like nausea. Take it with a light meal to ease digestion.
Week 2
Add a second tablet in the evening. The total is now two tablets daily (one morning, one evening). Space doses about 12 hours apart. Continue with meals to minimize stomach upset.
Week 3
Increase to three tablets daily: two in the morning, one in the evening. This step further boosts the drug’s effect on appetite. Monitor for side effects and report any concerns to your doctor.
Week 4 and Beyond
Take four tablets daily: two in the morning, two in the evening. This is the maintenance dose, providing 32 mg naltrexone and 360 mg bupropion daily. Most patients continue this dose long-term.
Table: Contrave Dosage Chart
| Week | Morning Dose | Evening Dose | Total Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1 tablet | None | 8 mg/90 mg |
| Week 2 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet | 16 mg/180 mg |
| Week 3 | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | 24 mg/270 mg |
| Week 4+ | 2 tablets | 2 tablets | 32 mg/360 mg |
This table outlines the Contrave dosage guide for weight loss. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for personalized dosing.
How to Take Contrave Safely
Take Contrave exactly as prescribed. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Avoid high-fat meals, as they can increase drug absorption and side effects. Timing doses 12 hours apart helps maintain steady levels in your body.
Taking Contrave with food reduces nausea, a common side effect. Light meals, like toast or yogurt, work best. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase seizure risk. Stay hydrated to support overall health.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose as scheduled. Never double up to make up for a missed dose. Use reminders, like alarms or apps, to stay on track.
Who Needs Dose Adjustments?
Some patients require adjusted doses due to health conditions or medications. Those with moderate to severe kidney or liver issues should take no more than two tablets daily (one morning, one evening). Contrave isn’t recommended for end-stage renal disease.
Patients on CYP2B6 inhibitors, like ticlopidine, also need a reduced dose of two tablets daily. Drugs that lower seizure thresholds, like antipsychotics, require cautious dosing. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements.
Older adults may be more sensitive to Contrave’s effects. Doctors monitor them closely for side effects like dizziness. Personalized adjustments ensure safety for these groups.
Monitoring Progress and Effectiveness
Doctors evaluate Contrave’s effectiveness after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose. Patients should lose at least 5% of their initial body weight. If this goal isn’t met, Contrave may be discontinued, as further benefits are unlikely.
Regular checkups track weight, blood pressure, and side effects. Blood glucose monitoring is advised for diabetic patients, as weight loss may lower medication needs. A diary of weight and symptoms helps doctors assess progress.
If Contrave works, treatment may continue for a year or more. Combining it with diet and exercise sustains weight loss. Always consult your doctor before stopping the drug.
Managing Common Side Effects
Contrave’s side effects are most common during the first 4 weeks. Nausea, headache, and constipation affect up to 30% of users but often fade. Taking Contrave with food and staying hydrated helps manage nausea.
Here are tips to handle common side effects:
- Nausea: Eat small, bland meals and avoid fatty foods.
- Headache: Rest and drink plenty of water.
- Insomnia: Take the evening dose earlier and avoid caffeine.
- Dry Mouth: Chew sugar-free gum or sip water.
If side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. They may adjust the dose or suggest remedies like antinausea medication.
Serious Side Effects to Watch For
Contrave has rare but serious risks, including seizures and suicidal thoughts. Bupropion may increase seizure risk, especially with alcohol or certain drugs. Symptoms like shaking or confusion need immediate medical attention.
Suicidal thoughts or mood changes are more likely in younger patients or those with depression. Stop Contrave and call your doctor if you notice severe mood shifts. Allergic reactions, like rash or swelling, also require urgent care.
The FDA includes a boxed warning for suicidal behavior and seizures. Regular monitoring and open communication with your doctor reduce these risks. Call 911 for severe symptoms like hallucinations or chest pain.
Drug Interactions and Precautions
Contrave interacts with many medications, affecting dosing or safety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) must be stopped 14 days before starting Contrave. Opioid medications, like cough syrups, can reduce Contrave’s benefits or cause withdrawal.
Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, like some antidepressants, may need dose adjustments. Contrave can cause false-positive amphetamine tests in drug screenings. Inform testing staff if this occurs.
Avoid Contrave if you have uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, or eating disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it. Discuss your medical history with your doctor to avoid complications.
Diet and Lifestyle Support
Contrave works best with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Aim for balanced meals with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid high-fat foods to prevent side effects and support weight loss.
Exercise, like walking or swimming, enhances Contrave’s effects. Start with 30 minutes most days and adjust as needed. A dietitian can create a personalized meal plan to complement Contrave.
Stress management and adequate sleep also aid weight loss. Practices like yoga or meditation keep motivation high. Consistency in lifestyle changes maximizes Contrave’s benefits.
What If Contrave Doesn’t Work?
If you don’t lose 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks, Contrave may not be effective. Your doctor may suggest alternatives like phentermine or orlistat. These drugs have different mechanisms and dosing schedules.
Lifestyle factors, like diet adherence, affect Contrave’s success. A nutritionist or counselor can address barriers to weight loss. Surgery, like gastric bypass, is an option for some with severe obesity.
Never increase your dose without medical advice. This raises side effect risks without guaranteed benefits. Your doctor will explore other strategies tailored to your needs.
Talking to Your Doctor
Open communication with your doctor ensures safe Contrave use. Share details about side effects, weight changes, or other medications. Ask how the Contrave dosage guide applies to your health.
Discuss concerns like nausea, cost, or exercise plans. A symptom diary helps track progress and issues. Regular checkups adjust your dose or treatment as needed.
Ask about insurance coverage or patient assistance programs. Contrave can be costly, but options may reduce expenses. Your doctor can guide you to resources.
Long-Term Use and Stopping Contrave
Contrave is often used long-term if effective and tolerated. Studies show sustained weight loss with continued use up to a year. Regular evaluations ensure it remains safe and beneficial.
Stopping Contrave doesn’t typically cause withdrawal. However, consult your doctor before discontinuing. They may recommend tapering or switching treatments to maintain weight loss.
If you stop, continue diet and exercise to prevent weight regain. Follow-up appointments monitor your progress. A structured plan supports long-term success.
Summary
The Contrave dosage guide outlines a 4-week schedule to reach a maintenance dose of two tablets twice daily. Starting with one morning tablet, the dose increases weekly to minimize side effects like nausea. Taken with diet and exercise, Contrave helps adults with obesity or weight-related conditions lose weight.
Doctors monitor progress after 12 weeks, aiming for 5% weight loss. Regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and open communication ensure safe, effective use. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for the best results.
FAQ
What is the Contrave dosage guide for weight loss?
Start with one tablet in the morning for Week 1, increasing weekly to two tablets twice daily by Week 4. Take with food, avoiding high-fat meals. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
How do I manage nausea while taking Contrave?
Take Contrave with light meals and stay hydrated. Eat bland foods like toast to ease nausea. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
What if I miss a Contrave dose?
Skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Don’t double up to make up for it. Use reminders to stay on track.
Who needs a lower Contrave dose?
People with kidney or liver issues or on CYP2B6 inhibitors may take one tablet twice daily. Older adults need close monitoring. Discuss your health with your doctor.
When should I stop taking Contrave?
If you don’t lose 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks, your doctor may stop Contrave. Severe side effects also warrant discontinuation. Consult your doctor before stopping.