Losing weight is possible for anyone motivated enough to begin their fitness journey. However, it can be more challenging for people battling obesity, diabetes, and other weight-related conditions. This is why prescription medicines like Contrave are in high demand among such individuals, as they help lose weight without draining the body physically.
Contrave consists of two drug components – bupropion and naltrexone. While the former is clinically proven to help increase your energy levels while suppressing appetite, the latter can help reduce the feeling of comfort associated with eating.
Since Contrave is a prescription medicine, knowing who it is for is crucial. While it may cater to the needs of a wide variety of people, we can mainly group them into two categories – people dealing with obesity and people dealing with medical conditions that may revolve around excessive weight gain.
Regarding the first category, if your BMI exceeds 30, you can use Contrave to accelerate your weight loss journey. Moving on to the second one, if your BMI is less than 30 (but at least 27) and you suffer from weight-related medical conditions like diabetes, you can take Contrave.
In this article, we will check out everything you need about Contrave. If you feel that this prescription medicine would not fit your needs, make sure you stick to the end to browse through the various Contrave weight loss alternatives as well!
How Can Contrave Help You Lose Weight?
While weight gain can be attributed to several causes, one thing is clear – we must control our food intake to maintain a specific weight range. However, extreme stress can prompt us to eat more than what is healthy for us, thus leading to excessive fat buildup.
Contrave aims to solve this issue by altering our cognitive function. The two components of this medicine – bupropion and naltrexone – target how your brain thinks about food. Hence, instead of experiencing constant cravings and addiction to food, you may be able to focus on things that need your attention.
Once your cravings are in control, you will find it much easier to stick to diets and not consume every tasty delicacy you encounter. According to many healthcare professionals, you must take Contrave with your low-fat meals as prescribed by your doctor.
It is also crucial to note here that you must never exceed the dosage of this medicine by neglecting the amount prescribed to you, or you may experience harmful side effects.
What Are The Benefits Of Contrave?
If you take Contrave as directed, you may experience the following benefits:
Quicker Weight Loss Process
Weight loss can be achievable, but the variability factor pops in when we talk about the time you can notice visible results. According to several Contrave reviews, individuals who have consumed this medicine saw a quicker weight loss journey than its alternatives.
Higher Energy Levels
While your dream body may be the ideal consequence of losing weight, low energy levels are one possible result. However, Contrave has boosted the overall energy in several supplement users, thus helping their bodies usually function even after burning off the accumulated fat cells.
Increased Metabolism
Simply put, metabolism is how your body converts food into fuel. If you have a slow metabolism, your body will have excess fat buildup – which is why Contrave aims to increase its rate in your body.
What Are The Adverse Effects Of Contrave?
It is essential to know its potential adverse effects, especially given the FDA’s boxed warning. This warning highlights that Contrave may impact mood and raise the risk of suicidal thoughts in individuals under 25.
This concern is primarily linked to the presence of bupropion in Contrave, which is an antidepressant. It’s essential to note that while some antidepressants have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in individuals under 25, they are not directly linked to suicide.
Another critical point is that Contrave’s safety and effectiveness have not been specifically studied in children under 18.
Therefore, its use in this age group should be approached with caution, and it’s vital to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
If you or someone you know is prescribed Contrave and falls within the age group of concern, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider.
They can closely monitor your mood and mental well-being throughout the treatment to ensure any adverse effects are addressed promptly.
The Top 5 Contrave Weight Loss Alternatives
While Contrave can be an effective weight loss solution, it has many side effects. There is indeed some risk associated with almost any supplement, but this prescription medicine can lead to issues as grave as suicidal thoughts!
Further, the side effects of Contrave are not limited to poor mental health. It can also lead to issues like seizures and is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Hence, exploring a few alternatives to Contrave weight loss medicine would be best before you purchase it. Here are the top 5 ones present on the market today:
- PhenQ
- Phen24
- PhenGold
- TrimTone
- PrimeShred
PhenQ
If you are looking for a natural Contrave alternative, PhenQ can be the right fit for you. The formula of this supplement consists of a powerful blend of 5 potent ingredients, each of which works in its way to help individuals lose fat. The active formula of PhenQ – Lacy’s reset – can help suppress cravings, burn fat cells quickly, and detox your body from within.
This natural supplement has also effectively boosted energy levels and balanced mood. With PhenQ, you can also eliminate issues like constant bloating and toxin buildup since it is made up of natural ingredients that are scientifically proven to help with the same.
Pros Of PhenQ
- Burns fat using an all-natural formula
- 60 pills per bottle
- Orders shipped for free in the US
- Suitable for both men and women
Cons Of PhenQ
- In some cases, PhenQ might take some time to show visible results
Phen24
The ingredients of this supplement ensure that your metabolism is boosted and cravings suppressed for all 24 hours of the day so that you can reach your fat loss goals quickly.
Based on your needs, you can invest in either one or both formulas of Phen24 – the bottles made for your daytime and nighttime routines. You can also get massive discounts upon purchasing packages.
Pros Of Phen24
- Unique daytime and nighttime formula to burn fat without a break, even when you rest
- Natural ingredients used to create the unique formula
- Easy to navigate through the detailed website in case of any doubts
- Orders shipped for free internationally
Cons Of Phen24
- The package can be a little expensive for some people
PhenGold
This vegan-friendly supplement aims to increase your body’s ability to burn fat. This way, you can get in your desired shape without causing any potential side effects, as no harmful chemical is introduced into the body. Further, PhenGold is created in FDA-approved facilities, so you do not need to wonder about the safety standards being followed!
Pros Of PhenGold
- Natural ingredients used to create the fat-burning formula
- Use of non-GMO ingredients
- Free of soy and gluten
- No artificial components were used to create the supplement
Cons Of PhenGold
- The makers of PhenGold suggest taking three pills before having breakfast, which may be excessive for some people.
TrimTone
TrimTone’s formula enhances the process of thermogenesis within your body. As a result, the fat initially stored in your body can be burned off and converted into energy upon routine usage of this supplement. It is ideal for busy women who do not have time to keep track of taking supplements – as you can take it just once a day right before your breakfast!
Pros Of TrimTone
- Ideal for women looking to burn fat
- Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- Since TrimTone contains caffeine, it can be used as a pre-workout as well
Cons Of Trimetone
- Not marketed for men
PrimeShred
Understanding the same, the makers of PrimeShred decided to create a formula that will help people kill the reserve of excessive fat cells in the body to achieve a more shredded look while maintaining strength levels.
Along with boosting metabolism and the fat loss process in your body, PrimeShred has also been reported to improve cognitive function by several individuals. It is ideal for people who want to unlock their peak shape without using harmful substances.
Pros Of PrimeShred
- Potent formula explicitly created to burn fat and help you achieve a shredded look.
- Suitable for vegans
- Transparent formula to let people know what they will be consuming
- Helps increase focus
Cons Of PrimeShred
- Some people may find the product to be overstimulating due to the high concentration of caffeine in the product.
Who Should Not Use Contrave?
Following are the groups of people who should steer clear of using Contrave for weight loss:
Individuals with a History of Seizures
Contrave contains bupropion, which can lower the seizure threshold. Therefore, individuals who have a history of seizures should avoid using Contrave. Seizure disorders can be exacerbated by this medication, increasing the risk of experiencing seizures while on treatment.
Those with a History of Eating Disorders (Bulimia or Anorexia Nervosa)
Contrave may not be suitable for individuals with a history of eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa. This is because weight management medications can potentially trigger unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image, which can be particularly dangerous for those with a history of eating disorders.
People Taking Opioid Medications or in Opioid Withdrawal
Contrave is discouraged for individuals taking opioid pain medications or undergoing treatment for opioid addiction. Bupropion, a component of Contrave, can increase seizure risk when taken with opioids.
Additionally, Contrave may not be effective in individuals undergoing opioid withdrawal, as it can worsen withdrawal symptoms.
Individuals on MAOIs or Recent MAOI Use
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a type of antidepressant, and their concurrent use with Contrave can lead to dangerous interactions, potentially resulting in hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome.
Therefore, anyone taking an MAOI or one within the last 14 days should not use Contrave.
Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant individuals are advised against using Contrave due to potential risks to the developing fetus. There is limited data on the safety of Contrave during pregnancy, and the potential risks to the unborn child outweigh any potential benefits.
Abruptly Stopping Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, or Antiepileptic Drugs
Abruptly discontinuing alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms and an increased risk of seizures.
Since Contrave contains bupropion, which affects seizure thresholds, individuals who have recently stopped these substances should avoid using Contrave to prevent potential complications.
For individuals who fall into the categories mentioned above or anyone seeking a potentially safer and more flexible approach to weight management, natural over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss supplements like PhenQ, Prime Shred, or others listed above as Contrave alternatives may be worth considering.
These supplements often use herbal or natural ingredients with fewer contraindications and side effects than prescription medications like Contrave.
FAQs About Contrave and Alternative Supplementation
Q: What Are the Available Forms and Dosages of Contrave?
A: Each Contrave tablet contains 8 mg naltrexone and 90 mg bupropion. The recommended dosage for overweight or obesity is two tablets twice daily, totaling 32 mg of naltrexone and 360 mg of bupropion daily.
Q: How Does Contrave Work in the Body to Aid in Weight Management?
A: Naltrexone and bupropion, the two active ingredients in Contrave, target pathways in the central nervous system that influence appetite and energy use. Together, they affect the reward pathway, reducing food cravings and aiding in weight management.
Final Verdict On Contrave Natural Alternatives – Our Thoughts
In the blue corner, we’ve got Contrave – a heavyweight champ in weight loss meds. It packs a punch with its combo of naltrexone and bupropion, helping folks shed those stubborn pounds. But hold onto your gloves because, in the red corner, we’ve got the natural OTC contenders: PhenQ, Phen24, Prime Shred, TrimTone, and PhenGold.
While Contrave has some potential side effects and restrictions, these natural alternatives offer a gentler approach. With herbal ingredients and fewer contraindications, they can be a safer bet for many.
So, if you want to shed weight without stepping into the prescription ring, these OTC options might be your knockout solution. It’s all about finding the right fit for your weight loss journey!
