Contrave is a popular prescription medication designed to help adults with obesity or weight-related health issues lose weight and keep it off. It combines two active ingredients: naltrexone, which helps reduce cravings, and bupropion, which affects brain chemicals to control appetite. Many people turn to Contrave when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, and it works best alongside a reduced-calorie meal plan and regular physical activity.
This medication has helped thousands achieve meaningful weight loss, but questions often arise about long-term use. People wonder if they need to stay on it forever or if they can stop once they reach their goals. Understanding how to handle stopping Contrave is important for safety and maintaining progress.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about Contrave discontinuation. We’ll cover how the drug works, potential effects of stopping, and practical steps to take. Always remember that personal medical advice should come from a healthcare provider.
What Is Contrave and How Does It Work?
Contrave targets the brain’s hunger and reward centers. Naltrexone blocks certain opioid receptors, which can lessen food cravings, while bupropion influences dopamine and norepinephrine to help regulate appetite and mood. Together, they make it easier to eat less and feel satisfied with smaller portions.
The treatment starts with a gradual dose increase over four weeks to minimize side effects. By week four, most people take two tablets in the morning and two in the evening. Clinical studies show that many users lose 5% or more of their body weight when combining Contrave with lifestyle changes.
It’s approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Results vary, and not everyone responds the same way. Regular check-ins with a doctor help track progress.
Common Side Effects and What to Expect While Taking Contrave
Most people experience some side effects when starting Contrave, but they often improve over time. The most frequent ones include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and diarrhea. These usually happen early and fade as the body adjusts.
Serious but less common issues can include increased blood pressure, heart rate changes, or mood shifts. Bupropion carries a warning about suicidal thoughts, especially in younger adults, so close monitoring is essential. If any concerning symptoms appear, contact a doctor right away.
Many side effects are manageable with simple adjustments, like taking the medication with food or staying hydrated. Patience during the first few weeks pays off for most users.
Can You Stop Taking Contrave? | The Direct Answer
Yes, you can stop taking Contrave, and it does not typically cause physical withdrawal symptoms. Unlike some medications that lead to dependence, clinical data and prescribing information show no signs of withdrawal when stopping abruptly or gradually. Studies observed people who stopped suddenly and those who tapered off, with no withdrawal effects reported.
However, always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. They can guide you based on your health, weight loss progress, and any ongoing conditions. Stopping without advice might affect your weight management plan or lead to other concerns.
The official guidance emphasizes that Contrave should be discontinued if a seizure occurs, serious side effects develop, or if weight loss goals aren’t met after a certain period. After stopping, the effects of the medication fade over time, and appetite control may return to previous levels.
Potential Effects After Stopping Contrave
When you stop Contrave, the appetite-suppressing benefits gradually decrease. Many people notice an increase in hunger or cravings, especially if old eating habits return. Weight regain is possible without continued healthy lifestyle choices.
User experiences shared online vary widely. Some maintain their weight loss through diet and exercise habits built during treatment, while others find it harder without the medication’s support. Regain tends to happen if calorie intake increases significantly.
No major rebound effects like severe fatigue or mood crashes are commonly reported. Side effects such as nausea or headaches usually resolve within a week or so after the last dose. Staying consistent with healthy routines helps ease the transition.
How to Stop Taking Contrave Safely
Talk to your doctor first—they may recommend a plan based on your situation. Some suggest a gradual reduction, though it’s not required since no tapering is officially needed. Others simply advise stopping at the maintenance dose.
Monitor your weight, eating patterns, and mood after discontinuation. Continue the reduced-calorie diet and activity level that worked during treatment. If cravings return strongly, your provider might suggest alternatives or adjustments.
In cases where Contrave is stopped due to side effects or lack of progress, doctors evaluate after about 12-16 weeks. If less than 5% body weight is lost, discontinuation is often recommended. This helps avoid unnecessary long-term use.
Here’s a simple comparison of key considerations:
| Aspect | While Taking Contrave | After Stopping Contrave |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite Control | Reduced cravings and hunger | May return to pre-treatment levels |
| Weight Maintenance | Easier with medication support | Depends on sustained diet/exercise |
| Side Effects | Common initially, often improve | Usually resolve quickly |
| Withdrawal Risk | None reported | No physical dependence |
| Doctor Guidance | Required for starting and monitoring | Essential before and after stopping |
Maintaining Weight Loss After Discontinuation
The key to long-term success lies in the habits formed during treatment. Focus on balanced meals, portion control, and regular exercise. These become your main tools once the medication is no longer helping suppress appetite.
Many find success by tracking food intake, staying active, and seeking support from nutritionists or groups. Behavioral changes make the difference more than the pill alone. Some people restart Contrave or switch to other options if needed.
Regular weigh-ins and doctor visits help catch any regain early. Staying proactive prevents small slips from becoming major setbacks.
Summary
Contrave offers effective support for weight loss by targeting brain pathways that control hunger and cravings. While it provides real benefits for many, stopping is possible and generally safe without withdrawal symptoms. The medication doesn’t cause physical dependence, but appetite may increase after discontinuation.
Always work with your healthcare provider when deciding to stop—they can tailor advice to your needs and help maintain results through lifestyle strategies. Weight management is a journey, and tools like Contrave are part of it, but healthy habits are the foundation for lasting change.
FAQ
Is it safe to stop Contrave suddenly?
Yes, stopping Contrave suddenly is generally safe and does not cause withdrawal symptoms, according to clinical studies and prescribing information. However, consult your doctor first to discuss your specific situation and any potential impact on weight management.
Will I gain weight back after stopping Contrave?
Weight regain is possible if old eating habits return, as the appetite-suppressing effects fade. Many people maintain their loss by continuing the diet and exercise routines started during treatment.
Do I need to taper off Contrave?
Tapering is not required, as there are no known withdrawal effects. Some doctors suggest a gradual approach for comfort, but most people stop directly under medical guidance.
What should I do if side effects persist after stopping?
Common side effects like nausea or headaches usually resolve within a week. If any issues linger or new concerns arise, contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation.
Can I restart Contrave later if needed?
Yes, restarting is often possible after a break, but only under your doctor’s supervision. They will assess your health and weight goals before prescribing again.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.