Contrave

Konivel
Konivel Posts: 3 Member
edited November 20 in Health and Weight Loss
Has anyone used Contrave? If so, was it successful/unsuccessful and what side effects did you experience? Today will be day number one for me. I am hoping that it works well (a very expensive experiment in my opinion.

Replies

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • lemonsnowdrop
    lemonsnowdrop Posts: 1,298 Member
    I've never heard of it, but I'm sure it's an immense waste of money.
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    Contave is one of the newest weight loss pills available by prescription.

    Having said that, I sure wouldn't take a drug that had the clinical trial shortened yet still managed to get FDA approval.

    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844575
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • Konivel
    Konivel Posts: 3 Member
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Contave is one of the newest weight loss pills available by prescription.

    Having said that, I sure wouldn't take a drug that had the clinical trial shortened yet still managed to get FDA approval.

    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844575


    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm413896.htm

    I am not looking for back lash, just looking for those who have tried it. I have done my research and just wanted to see how others have reacted to the medication.
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    Konivel wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Contave is one of the newest weight loss pills available by prescription.

    Having said that, I sure wouldn't take a drug that had the clinical trial shortened yet still managed to get FDA approval.

    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844575


    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm413896.htm

    I am not looking for back lash, just looking for those who have tried it. I have done my research and just wanted to see how others have reacted to the medication.

    Sorry, but since you posted this in a public forum, you don't get to choose who can/can't contribute.
    My reason for posting is to make sure anyone else reading this does their own research instead of just going, "Oh goody! A prescription weight loss magic bullet!"
  • ManiacalLaugh
    ManiacalLaugh Posts: 1,048 Member
    Konivel wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Contave is one of the newest weight loss pills available by prescription.

    Having said that, I sure wouldn't take a drug that had the clinical trial shortened yet still managed to get FDA approval.

    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844575


    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm413896.htm

    I am not looking for back lash, just looking for those who have tried it. I have done my research and just wanted to see how others have reacted to the medication.

    Half of that article you cited is referencing some fairly severe side effects in a wide range of people with various results. These include:
    • Blood pressure problems
    • Seizures
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • "Neuropsychiatric events" O_o
    • Increased heart rate

    ....and that's not even including the "normal" side effects that the article lists, like:
    • nausea,
    • constipation,
    • headache,
    • vomiting,
    • dizziness,
    • insomnia,
    • dry mouth,
    • diarrhea

    Seems like you have plenty of data regarding how people react to this drug. From the very source you cited, too.
  • myheartsabattleground
    myheartsabattleground Posts: 2,040 Member
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Konivel wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Contave is one of the newest weight loss pills available by prescription.

    Having said that, I sure wouldn't take a drug that had the clinical trial shortened yet still managed to get FDA approval.

    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844575


    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm413896.htm

    I am not looking for back lash, just looking for those who have tried it. I have done my research and just wanted to see how others have reacted to the medication.

    Sorry, but since you posted this in a public forum, you don't get to choose who can/can't contribute.
    My reason for posting is to make sure anyone else reading this does their own research instead of just going, "Oh goody! A prescription weight loss magic bullet!"

    Amen.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    ManiacalLaugh wrote: »
    Konivel wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    Contave is one of the newest weight loss pills available by prescription.

    Having said that, I sure wouldn't take a drug that had the clinical trial shortened yet still managed to get FDA approval.

    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844575


    http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm413896.htm

    I am not looking for back lash, just looking for those who have tried it. I have done my research and just wanted to see how others have reacted to the medication.

    Half of that article you cited is referencing some fairly severe side effects in a wide range of people with various results. These include:
    • Blood pressure problems
    • Seizures
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • "Neuropsychiatric events" O_o
    • Increased heart rate

    ....and that's not even including the "normal" side effects that the article lists, like:
    • nausea,
    • constipation,
    • headache,
    • vomiting,
    • dizziness,
    • insomnia,
    • dry mouth,
    • diarrhea

    Seems like you have plenty of data regarding how people react to this drug. From the very source you cited, too.

    Not to mention the FDA wants further study into if the drug causes cardiac problems.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    edited June 2015
    Forums should stop sucking to prevent double posting...
  • Konivel
    Konivel Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for the trolls.
  • deceived1
    deceived1 Posts: 281 Member
    These people are not trolling you.
  • janearnette2015
    janearnette2015 Posts: 1 Member
    My Dr. wanted me to try it. But the co-pay is too much for me.
  • booksandchocolate12
    booksandchocolate12 Posts: 1,741 Member
    I love when people say they want opinions, but what they really mean is, "I want you to agree with me and tell me that what I'm doing is right".
  • shenan32
    shenan32 Posts: 7 Member
    Konivel wrote: »
    Has anyone used Contrave? If so, was it successful/unsuccessful and what side effects did you experience? Today will be day number one for me. I am hoping that it works well (a very expensive experiment in my opinion.

    Search for other Contrave discussions on here. There are several that are very helpful and positive.
  • GSanc2
    GSanc2 Posts: 91 Member
    Konivel wrote: »
    Has anyone used Contrave? If so, was it successful/unsuccessful and what side effects did you experience? Today will be day number one for me. I am hoping that it works well (a very expensive experiment in my opinion.

    Search for people who have actually tried it. Sure, this is a public forum, but you want to message with actual users. I am in day 2 of using Contrave. The only side effect I experienced was insomnia, but it wasn't too bad. I'd advise you to take Contrave with food. That worked for me. Good luck!!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • walkdmc
    walkdmc Posts: 529 Member
    I'm not on Contrave but attended a medical conference recently where it was discussed. The talk was given by a physician medical obesity specialist (fellowship trained) who also had a degree in nutrition. Full disclosure, he worked with a leading Bariatric surgeon (so his focus might not be to get a patient to goal weight without surgery).

    He claimed the goal with these drugs (Contrave among the other new players) was to lose 10% of your starting weight. He also stated most obese patients plateau around 6 months into their weight loss and his focus then becomes helping them maintain their weight for (a period of time I've forgotten but 6-9 months sounds familiar). His rationale is this plateau gives your endocrine system a chance to catch up to your new weight. After the plateau he wasn't clear about resuming the drug vs. not.

    Based on his talk, I'd want my doctor to tell me how much they expected me to lose on the drug and detail the long term plan. As far as cost, ask their track record in getting insurance companies to cover the drug. If you have to pay out of pocket, contact the drug company for a discount.

    I don't see anything wrong with extra help losing weight. Eventually it all comes down to diet and activity but a good jump start can really help with motivation and goal setting. Best of luck!
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,013 Member
    edited June 2015
    I am not going to advise you to take or not to take and I'm not going to comment on whether it is helpful or harmful. But...the article you posted said that patients also had to make lifestyle changes. In most cases, those lifestyle changes include: Eating less and exercising more.

    I had a BMI of 45 with heart failure and cardiomyopathy. My doctor was desperate for me to lose weight and recommended bariatric surgery. Well, my insurance and the surgeon I went to see, both required a six month pre-surgery program. Psychiatrists, nutritionist, regular checkups by your family doctor, etc. before they would perform the surgery. At my initial visit with the physician, I learned that even after the bypass surgery, I would have to eat only 1200 calories a day and walk at least 30 minutes everyday. Not to mention 90 grams of protein, no liquids with meals, and small meals more often. The protein, no liquids, and frequent meals (I'm a three meal a day girl) sounded the most difficult for me. So during the 6 months to guarantee that I could do what I needed to do after surgery and the expense, I tried adopting the required lifestyle. By the time the six months were over with 1200 calories a day and moderate exercise, I no longer even qualified for surgery as my BMI was below 35! Plus I was able to eat less than 90 grams of protein, still drink liquids with my meals, and eat my preferred 3 times a day. I also was able to avoid dumping, hair loss, surgery, and out-of-pocket costs of about $3,000 in co-pays.

    In the end, it seems that the changes in lifestyle are probably the main reasons for weight loss successes whether or not you use anything else.

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  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    There's no quick fixes op. No magic pills. Nothing replaces hard work.
    You cant get upset when people are voicing an opinion that is opposite of your own. Every day new people come on here hoping to find some secret to weight loss and people here want to educate those about calories, portion control and moderation. Theres no quick fix.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    grandmothercharlie wrote: »
    I am not going to advise you to take or not to take and I'm not going to comment on whether it is helpful or harmful. But...the article you posted said that patients also had to make lifestyle changes. In most cases, those lifestyle changes include: Eating less and exercising more.

    I had a BMI of 45 with heart failure and cardiomyopathy. My doctor was desperate for me to lose weight and recommended bariatric surgery. Well, my insurance and the surgeon I went to see, both required a six month pre-surgery program. Psychiatrists, nutritionist, regular checkups by your family doctor, etc. before they would perform the surgery. At my initial visit with the physician, I learned that even after the bypass surgery, I would have to eat only 1200 calories a day and walk at least 30 minutes everyday. Not to mention 90 grams of protein, no liquids with meals, and small meals more often. The protein, no liquids, and frequent meals (I'm a three meal a day girl) sounded the most difficult for me. So during the 6 months to guarantee that I could do what I needed to do after surgery and the expense, I tried adopting the required lifestyle. By the time the six months were over with 1200 calories a day and moderate exercise, I no longer even qualified for surgery as my BMI was below 35! Plus I was able to eat less than 90 grams of protein, still drink liquids with my meals, and eat my preferred 3 times a day. I also was able to avoid dumping, hair loss, surgery, and out-of-pocket costs of about $3,000 in co-pays.

    In the end, it seems that the changes in lifestyle are probably the main reasons for weight loss successes whether or not you use anything else.

    Yeah. I mean, you'll have to do all this anyway, can't stay on the drug forever, so why expose yourself to its risks?
  • Lilyquinn83
    Lilyquinn83 Posts: 3 Member
    I used Contrave for about a week before I couldn't take it anymore. I lost a few pounds, yes. But I also lost all desire for food. I mean ALL desire. I was eating a whole wheat waffle with a little pb spread over it for breakfast one morning and remember looking at it like it was dog crap. I couldn't finish it and it was barely 170 calories worth of food. I was also dead tired almost from day one on that med. I had been doing well with working out before I talked to my doctor about my weight. Once I started that medication, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I had to nap every day I took it. My throat was also sore, my heart raced, and I just felt crappy. So I stopped.

    You're supposed to eat food and have energy to exercise. Even if it takes me a long time to get down to the weight I want and learn how to be successful, I'd rather do that than hate even healthy food and sleep all the time. Plus it's 60 dollars a pop if your insurance doesn't cover it.
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