5-10%
Average Weight Loss
FDA
Approved Medications
100%
Medical Supervision
What is Contrave and Why It Matters for Your Weight Loss Journey
Contrave weight loss is a FDA-approved prescription medication that combines naltrexone and bupropion to help adults achieve weight loss and sustainable weight reduction. At MEDY Weight Loss in Lathrop, California, you’ll learn how Contrave works, who qualifies for treatment, and how our supervised approach maximizes your success.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Contrave weight loss treatment: medication mechanism, eligibility criteria, expected results, safety protocols, and personalized care. Whether you’re struggling with weight related health problems or seeking effective chronic weight management, understanding Contrave’s role in your weight loss journey is essential.
Understanding Contrave Weight Loss: Key Components and Weight Loss Mechanism
Core Medication Defination
Contrave is a fixed dose combination product containing naltrexone HCl (8mg) and bupropion HCl (90mg) in extended-release tablets. The FDA approved this weight loss medication in September 2014 specifically for chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Unlike taking these medications separately, the naltrexone bupropion combination creates synergistic effects that enhance weight reduction. Contrave naltrexone works as an antagonist, while the bupropion component functions as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
This unique combination makes Contrave different from other weight loss medications and more effective than either component alone for helping patients lose weight and maintain weight reduction long-term.
How Contrave Weight Loss Works
Together, these components create powerful appetite suppression while reducing cravings for high-calorie foods.
Targets Appetite Control
The mechanism of action targets both appetite control and food cravings through the brain’s reward pathways.
Blocks Reward Receptors
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that normally provide pleasurable feedback from eating, particularly high fat meals.
Enhances Neurotransmitters
Bupropion enhances neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus, helping to decrease appetite and increase energy expenditure.
Why Contrave Weight Loss is Important in Modern Weight Management
California faces significant obesity challenges, with San Joaquin County reporting obesity rates above 25% among adults. Clinical trials demonstrate that Contrave helps patients achieve average 5-10% body weight reduction over 6-12 months when combined with lifestyle modifications.
40%
Patients achieve at least 5% weight loss after one year
15%
Patients lose 10% or more of initial body weight
5-10%
Average body weight reduction over 6-12 months
At MEDY Weight Loss, we integrate Contrave weight loss into comprehensive weight management programs that address nutrition, exercise, and behavioral factors contributing to weight regain.
Contrave Weight Loss vs Other Weight Loss Medications: Comparison Table
|
Medication
|
Mechanism
|
Average Weight Loss
|
Dosing Schedule
|
|---|---|---|---|
Contrave |
Appetite & reward suppression |
10-15% body weight |
Daily Tablets |
Qsymia |
Stimulant + anticonvulsant |
8-10% body weight |
Daily Tablets |
Orlistat (Alli) |
Fat absorption inhibitor |
5-7% body weight |
3 times daily with meals |
Contrave weight loss offers unique advantages for patients with eating disorders involving emotional or stress-related eating patterns. As a weight loss pill, Contrave differs from other weight loss pills like Qsymia by not containing stimulants and generally not increasing cardiovascular risk factors in most patients.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contrave Weight Loss Treatment at MEDY Weight Loss
Initial Consultation and Medical Evaluation
Your contrave weight loss journey begins with a comprehensive health assessment with Christel Backert, NP-C at our Lathrop clinic. This evaluation includes calculating your body mass index bmi and reviewing weight related health problems such as diabetes, controlled hypertension, or cardiovascular conditions.
During your consultation, we review your complete medical history, including current medications, allergies, and potential contraindications. We assess for conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorder, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, or bipolar disorder that may affect treatment eligibility.
Our team helps you set realistic weight loss goals and discusses timeline expectations. We explain how Contrave fits into your overall treatment plan and answer questions about insurance coverage and cost considerations.
Contrave Weight Loss Dosing Schedule and Titration
The gradual dose escalation minimizes side effects while allowing your body to adjust to the medication:
Key components of program initiation include:
- Week 1: One tablet (8mg naltrexone/90mg bupropion) in the morning
- Week 2: One tablet twice daily (morning and evening)
- Week 3: Two tablets in morning, one tablet in evening
- Week 4: Two tablets twice daily (maintenance dose)
Important: Taking contrave with food helps reduce nausea, but avoid high fat meals which may increase seizure risk. If you experience a missed dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it’s close to your next dose time.
Ongoing Contrave Weight Loss Monitoring and Support
Regular follow-up appointments at MEDY Weight Loss ensure safe, effective treatment. We monitor blood pressure closely, as patients taking bupropion may experience mild increases requiring dose reduction or additional cardiovascular monitoring.
Weight tracking occurs every 4-6 weeks to evaluate progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. We provide integrated lifestyle counseling focusing on healthy eating patterns, exercise recommendations, and behavioral strategies to support your weight loss journey.
Our team monitors for mood changes, unusual tiredness, or other safety concerns. Tell your healthcare provider immediately about any skin reactions, flu like symptoms, signs of serious allergic reaction (such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing), or dark urine during treatment.
Interactions with Other Substances: What Patients Need to Know
When taking Contrave naltrexone for weight loss, understanding how it may interact with other medications and substances is essential for your safety and treatment success. Many overweight and obese adults are prescribed additional medications for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or mood disorders, making it especially important to be aware of potential interactions.
The combination of naltrexone and bupropion in Contrave can interact with a variety of other medicines. Taking contrave alongside monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), certain antidepressants (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), or other medications that lower the seizure threshold can increase your risk of serious side effects, including seizures.
Because naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, taking contrave while using opioid analgesics or undergoing opioid treatment for pain or substance use disorder can lead to withdrawal symptoms or reduce the effectiveness of pain medications. You should not use Contrave if you are dependent on opioids.
Over the counter products and dietary supplements can also affect how Contrave works. Some supplements or herbal remedies may interact with naltrexone and bupropion, potentially increasing side effects or reducing the medication’s effectiveness. Always tell your provider about any supplements you are taking.
Drinking alcohol while taking contrave can increase the risk of seizures and may interfere with your weight loss goals. It’s best to discuss any alcohol use with your provider before beginning treatment.
To ensure your safety and maximize the benefits of your weight loss medication, always provide your provider with a complete list of all other medications and supplements you are taking. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without consulting your provider, as even seemingly minor changes can impact your treatment plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Contrave Treatment
Mistake 1: Skipping the gradual dose escalation schedule
Leads to increased nausea and other side effects. Many patients discontinue treatment unnecessarily when they don’t follow the proper titration schedule.
Mistake 2: Taking Contrave with high fat meals
Leads to an increased risk of seizures, particularly in patients with underlying seizure disorders or those taking other medications that lower seizure threshold.
Mistake 3: Discontinuing medication too early
Before seeing full benefits. Clinical guidelines recommend a minimum 16-week trial to assess effectiveness, as weight loss often accelerates after the initial month.
Mistake 4: Not reporting mood changes
Or signs of worsening depression to your healthcare provider. Patients with mental health conditions require careful monitoring for suicidal thoughts or unusual behavioral changes.
MEDY Weight Loss’s supervised approach with Christel Backert, NP-C prevents these common pitfalls through regular monitoring, patient education, and immediate access to medical guidance when concerns arise.
Integrated Lifestyle Support
While medications provide the foundation, our comprehensive lifestyle program ensures lasting success beyond your treatment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact MEDY Weight Loss to speak with Christel Backert, NP-c and our team about your specific situation and goals.
The right time to get started is always, NOW. Are you ready?
Schedule your consultation with MEDY Weight Loss today and discover how medically-supervised Contrave weight loss programs can transform your health and life.
Led by Christel Backert, NP-c
Board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in medical weight management and metabolic health. With years of experience in Contrave weight loss programs, Christel and the MEDY Weight Loss team provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
MEDY Weight Loss Clinic
Phone: (209) 299-4455
Address: 15810 S Harlan Rd Unit B, Lathrop, CA 95330
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
It’s Your Time!
Take control of your health and start your weight loss journey with the expert care and ongoing support you deserve. Call now to book your appointment with Christel Backert, NP-c, and discover how medical weight loss can help you achieve the healthier lifestyle you’ve been searching for.