in one year. So frustrated. I'm just not sure how I should be taking it. Before or after meal? On an empty stomach? My Dr basically said it didn't matter but I've read many responses and I see it differently. I just want this to work. Any advice is welcome :)
Started day 2 taking Contrave. No problems the first day. I need to lose 20-25lbs. I gained 20 lb?
Question posted by Tam134 on 27 May 2017
Last updated on 30 May 2017 by jerrijean94
3 Answers
jerrijean94
30 May 2017
Oh thank you for posting this... I have been feeling like such a loser! 3 years ago I quit smoking and didn't gain any weight the first year BUT year 2 OMG! I gained 25 pounds so my doctor put me on Contrave exactly a year ago and I gained ANOTHER 25 pounds since then. I was on the wellbutrin before I quit smoking so my body was used to that... I have no motivation to exercise and I crave carbs all the time and no willpower (which is so not like me since I lost 75 pounds 7 years ago and kept it off for 5 years) I, like you thought I may be taking it at the wrong time so I played with that going as far as splitting into 1 pill 4X a day. Still same disappointing results... frustrated, depressed that I let myself gain all that weight back and thinking about stopping it all together (oh and what I wouldn't give for a Marlboro... UGH!)...
Stephen Treloar
28 May 2017
Hi Tam, from Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/pro/contrave.html
"Contrave should be taken by mouth in the morning and in the evening. The tablets should not be cut, chewed, or crushed. Total daily doses greater than 32 mg/360 mg per day (two tablets twice daily) are not recommended. In clinical trials, Contrave was administered with meals. However, Contrave should not be taken with a high-fat meal because of a resulting significant increase in bupropion and naltrexone systemic exposure."
Good luck.
SaraColorado
27 May 2017
I've taken it usually without food and I've not noticed a difference from when I have taken it with food. Your doc is right--it really doesn't matter as far as that goes. Give it a good try. You'll still have to work (exercise and watch your food intake closely)--but I've found it's been easier to not obsess about food (or the cravings). Be patient and forgiving with yourself and realize you're making life long changes and that it's a journey that will be filled with successes and bumps but overall you can lose the weight. You don't have to be perfect (meaning no splurges)--I've found I'm "good/on" 75-80% and that's been enough to help me lose 50+ lbs in 7 months. The other 20-25% of the time, I realize I have to live life (dining out, social occasions)--where I'm going to eat a bit more and it's OK! I can still be successful.
So that's probably more than you asked for but trying to be encouraging and help with your frustration factor. (Ps--I've paired this medication with joining Weight Watchers--so I can learn good eating habits and retrain myself--after all I won't be on the medicine forever and I need to know how to NOT gain it back after). Good luck!!
Related topics
weight loss (obesity/overweight), stomach, contrave
Further information
- Contrave uses and safety info
- Contrave prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Contrave (detailed)
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