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Comparing Contrave vs Phentermine

Contrave

bupropion / naltrexone

Phentermine

Prescribed for Weight Loss, Obesity. Contrave may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Phentermine may be used short-term as an aid to weight loss; however, it can be addictive and tolerance may develop to its weight-losing effects, rendering it less effective with time. Prescribed for... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
6.7
1579 Reviews

For Obesity I am 56yo woman, 405 lbs (not a typo), 5'9" tall. I find in thus forum that most people don't have the amount of wright to lose as I do yet I am hopeful. I started Contrave June 8th 2017 and have lost 11lbs. Soon I'll be up to 3 tabs/day. I find that it is helping somewhat yet I still am craving fast food. I am following a low carb diet with no exercise yet. I hope that the higher dose will help with the cravings more. Side effects for me have been lethargy and some nausea. I plan on continuing this med in hope that I finally can resolve my food addiction.

7
Motmot21

For Obesity I started Contrave & during the 2nd week became so nauseated that I had to stop taking it. About 4 weeks ago I started to take it again, and have stuck with just the ONE morning pill and have been doing great...I've lost 12 pounds. BUT and here is the biggest thing for those complaining they are "NOT LOSING WEIGHT" I'm also doing this with the Weight Watchers program, meaning I am taking accountability for the food I am putting into my mouth, I'm eating more fruits & veggies, I am not going to the drive through of McDonalds or eating medium size pizza's expecting this medication to help me lose weight. YOU have to change your habits or the medication won't do anything for you. I suggest taking this with a 'diet plan' or 'eating program'

7
blondsungoddess
8.7
2519 Reviews

For Weight Loss I have been taking this medication for many years. The key is that it has to be paced. If you take it too frequently, it becomes worthless because you build up a tolerance for it. You can become moody and agitated. Finding a lifestyle change and not relying on a drug to stay thin. I take it very intermittently, by that I mean every 3 weeks to every month and a half as needed. I save it for my temptation days when I'm gonna need it the most. My weight has not changed from the 75 lbs. I originally lost 10 years ago.

9
Kariprohaska

For Weight Loss I've been taking phentermine for 2 months and I have lost 22 pounds. I haven't exercised just my normal active life as a mother and student. The only side effect I've had is severely dry mouth and no appetite. I literally force myself to eat something

9
Katrina84

View all 1579 reviews

View all 2519 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full Contrave side effects document.

See the full phentermine side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 70 tablet, extended release
Dosage 90 mg-8 mg
Per Unit* $3.21
Cost* $224.91
View all Contrave prices
Quantity 7 tablet
Dosage 37.5 mg
Per Unit* $1.50
Cost* $10.51
View all phentermine prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

No

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names

N/A

 Adipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Fastin, Ionamin, Lomaira, Obenix, Obephen, Oby-Cap, Oby-Trim, Panshape M,... more

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

21 hours

20 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
4
Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

Pregnancy Category
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 1055 drugs are known to interact with Contrave:

  • 388 major drug interactions (2051 brand and generic names)
  • 661 moderate drug interactions (4016 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (19 brand and generic names)

A total of 516 drugs are known to interact with phentermine:

  • 90 major drug interactions (477 brand and generic names)
  • 424 moderate drug interactions (3441 brand and generic names)
  • 2 minor drug interactions (6 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures,... more
  • Using phentermine with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such as... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

September 10, 2014

August 14, 1973

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.

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