Contrave is a prescription medication designed to help adults with obesity or weight-related conditions lose weight and keep it off. It combines two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. These work together in the brain to reduce appetite, control cravings, and support better eating habits when paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Many people considering Contrave wonder about its tolerability. Like most medications, it can cause side effects, especially in the beginning. The good news is that most common issues tend to improve as the body adjusts.
Understanding what to expect helps users stay committed. With proper management and guidance from a healthcare provider, many find the benefits outweigh the temporary discomfort.
What Is Contrave and How Does It Work?
Contrave contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant that also aids in smoking cessation. Together, they target areas of the brain involved in hunger and reward. This combination helps people feel fuller sooner and reduces the urge to overeat.
The medication comes in extended-release tablets. Treatment starts with a low dose and gradually increases over four weeks to minimize discomfort. Users take it with food, but avoid high-fat meals to prevent worsening certain effects.
Clinical studies show that when combined with lifestyle changes, Contrave can lead to meaningful weight loss. Results vary, but many participants see progress that supports long-term health improvements.
Common Side Effects of Contrave
The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), dry mouth, and diarrhea. These gastrointestinal and nervous system reactions often appear early in treatment.
Nausea stands out as the top complaint, affecting a large portion of users. Constipation and headaches also rank high. These issues are generally mild to moderate.
Other less common effects might include increased blood pressure or heart rate, especially in the first few months. Monitoring helps catch any changes early.
Do Side Effects of Contrave Go Away?
Yes, most side effects of Contrave do go away for the majority of users. They are most common and intense during the first 4 weeks, when the dose gradually increases to the full maintenance level.
Common gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting are generally temporary and resolve quickly as the body adapts. Many people notice significant improvement after the initial adjustment period.
Some effects, such as dry mouth or insomnia, may persist longer for certain individuals but often lessen over time. Persistent or severe symptoms should prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider, who may adjust the plan.
Timeline of Side Effects: What Patients Experience
Side effects typically peak early. During weeks 1 through 4, as the dose ramps up, nausea, headaches, and constipation appear most often.
By weeks 5 to 8, many users report that gastrointestinal symptoms fade considerably. Headaches and dizziness often become milder or disappear.
After the first couple of months, most people tolerate the medication well. Long-term use shows fewer complaints, though individual experiences vary based on personal factors.
Common Side Effects and Management Tips
Here are some practical ways to handle the most reported issues:
- For nausea: Take Contrave with a small, low-fat meal or snack. Stay hydrated and sip water throughout the day. Over-the-counter antinausea options may help if recommended by a doctor.
- For constipation: Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water and consider gentle activity. Mild stool softeners can provide relief when needed.
- For headaches: Rest in a quiet space, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter pain relievers if approved. Headaches often ease as the body adjusts.
- For insomnia or dry mouth: Practice good sleep hygiene and use sugar-free lozenges for dryness. These tend to improve with time.
These strategies, combined with patience, help many continue treatment successfully.
Contrave Side Effects Comparison Table
Here is a quick reference table for common side effects and their typical duration:
| Side Effect | Typical Duration | Notes on Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | First 4 weeks, often resolves quickly | Most common but temporary |
| Constipation | Early weeks, may linger longer | Improves with diet and hydration |
| Headache | First few weeks | Usually mild and fades |
| Insomnia | Early treatment | Often lessens over time |
| Dry Mouth | Can persist but often improves | Manage with hydration and lozenges |
This overview highlights that while some effects last longer, adaptation is common.
Serious Side Effects and When to Seek Help
Though rare, more serious concerns include elevated blood pressure, heart rate changes, seizures, or mood alterations like increased anxiety or suicidal thoughts. These carry a boxed warning due to the bupropion component.
Contact a healthcare provider immediately for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, chest pain, or any unusual mental health changes. Early reporting ensures safety.
Regular check-ins during the first few months help monitor blood pressure and overall well-being.
Tips for Tolerating Contrave Better
Start slow and follow the prescribed titration schedule. This gradual increase gives the body time to adjust.
Maintain a balanced diet low in fats during meals with the medication. Regular exercise supports weight goals and may ease some discomforts.
Track symptoms in a journal to spot patterns. Share updates with your doctor for personalized adjustments.
Stay consistent with hydration, fiber, and rest. These habits enhance comfort and overall results.
Summary
Most side effects of Contrave do go away, particularly the common ones like nausea, constipation, and headaches, which are most noticeable in the first 4 weeks during dose increases. As the body adapts, these typically resolve or become much milder.
While experiences vary, many users find the medication tolerable long-term when managed properly. Always work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Contrave can be an effective tool for weight management when combined with diet and exercise. Patience during the adjustment phase often leads to better outcomes.
FAQ
How long do side effects of Contrave usually last?
Most common side effects like nausea and headaches occur mainly in the first 4 weeks and resolve quickly as the body adjusts. Some may linger longer but often improve significantly within a few months.
What should I do if nausea from Contrave doesn’t go away?
Take it with a small, low-fat meal and stay hydrated. If it persists or worsens, consult your doctor—they may suggest adjustments or additional relief options.
Do all side effects eventually disappear?
Most do for the majority of users, especially gastrointestinal ones. Some like dry mouth may persist in rare cases, but professional guidance can help manage them effectively.
When should I stop taking Contrave due to side effects?
Stop and seek immediate medical help for severe symptoms like chest pain, seizures, or mood changes. For milder issues that don’t improve, discuss with your doctor about possible dose changes or alternatives.
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.