Contrave and Metformin are two medicines that have been studied for weight loss. They work in different ways and are used for different reasons. Contrave is a combination of two other medicines that helps people with obesity or being overweight manage their weight.
Metformin, on the other hand, is usually prescribed to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but it also shows promise in helping with weight loss.
As more and more people struggle with obesity, it’s essential to understand how well these medicines work for weight loss. This can help us find better treatment options for people who are having trouble managing their weight, which could lead to improved health and a better quality of life.
Contrave is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, and bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Together, they target the central nervous system to reduce food cravings and increase feelings of fullness.
Clinical trials have shown that Contrave can lead to significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications.
Metformin, on the other hand, is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent. It primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity. Metformin also has effects on mitochondrial function, fatty acid oxidation, and gut microbiome, which contribute to its weight loss effects.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Metformin can lead to modest weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Both medications are used for weight management, but they work through different mechanisms. Contrave targets the brain to control cravings and hunger, while Metformin primarily affects metabolic processes in the liver and gut. Both have been shown to be effective in clinical trials, but their mechanisms and primary uses differ.
Clinical Trials: Clinical trials have shown that both Contrave and Metformin can aid in weight loss, but their mechanisms and efficacy differ. A study published in the journal “Diabetes & Metabolism” found that Metformin can induce weight loss, particularly in visceral fat, which is beneficial for metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, a clinical trial published in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity” highlighted that Contrave, which combines bupropion and naltrexone, targets the brain’s reward system to reduce hunger and cravings, leading to weight loss.
Patient Reviews: Patient reviews on platforms like show mixed results for both medications.
Contrave has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from 1983 reviews, with 56% reporting positive effects and 25% reporting negative effects. Metformin has a slightly higher average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from 652 reviews, with 56% reporting positive effects and 19% reporting negative effects. Common side effects for Contrave include nausea, constipation, and insomnia, while Metformin users often report gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.
Expert Opinions: Experts have varying opinions on the efficacy of these drugs for weight loss.
Dr. Mike Bohl from Hers notes that Metformin is often used as a first-line treatment for weight stabilization in type 2 diabetes patients due to its efficacy and safety profile. Contrave, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and is particularly useful for individuals struggling with binge eating and compulsive overeating due to its impact on the brain’s reward system.
In summary, both Contrave and Metformin have shown efficacy in weight loss, but their mechanisms and patient experiences differ. Metformin is often preferred for its safety and additional benefits in diabetes management, while Contrave may be more suitable for those with specific eating behaviors.
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Headache
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Decreased appetite
Increased sweating
Less Common Side Effects:
Blurred vision
Chest pain or discomfort
Painful or difficult urination
Lower back or side pain
Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
Rare Side Effects:
Severe allergic reactions
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Seizures
Liver problems
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Bloating
Gas
Weight loss
Headache
Metallic taste in the mouth
Less Common Side Effects:
Decreased appetite
Muscle pain or cramping
Painful or difficult urination
Sleepiness
Anxiety
Blurred vision
Chest discomfort
Cold sweats
Rare Side Effects:
Lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood)
Severe allergic reactions
Seizures
Coma
Difficulty breathing
Feeling cold or very weak
I hope this information helps!
Contrave, a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, is primarily prescribed for weight loss and is available only by prescription. The cost of Contrave can be quite high, with prices around $667.84 for a 120-tablet extended-release prescription. It does not have a generic version available, which contributes to its higher cost.
Metformin, on the other hand, is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes but is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.
It is available in both brand-name and generic forms. The price of generic metformin is significantly lower, ranging from $16.02 to $22.18 for a 100-tablet prescription. This makes metformin much more affordable compared to Contrave.
In terms of availability, both medications require a prescription, but metformin is more widely available due to its generic status and its primary use in managing diabetes.
Contrave’s higher cost and lack of a generic version make it less accessible for many patients.
The availability and price of these medications can vary by region. In countries with strong healthcare systems and generic drug policies, metformin is likely to be more affordable and accessible. In contrast, regions without such policies might see higher prices and limited availability for both medications.
Contrave and Metformin are two medications studied for weight loss, working differently and used for various reasons. Contrave is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion that targets the brain to reduce cravings and increase feelings of fullness, while Metformin primarily affects metabolic processes in the liver and gut.
Clinical trials have shown both medications can aid in weight loss, but their mechanisms and efficacy differ. A study published in Diabetes & Metabolism found Metformin induces weight loss, particularly in visceral fat, while a clinical trial in Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity highlighted Contrave targets the brain’s reward system to reduce hunger and cravings.
Patient reviews on platforms like show mixed results for both medications. Contrave has an average rating of 4.2/5, with common side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Metformin also has a 4.2/5 rating, with common side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating.
In terms of availability and price, Metformin is more widely available due to its generic status and primary use in managing diabetes, with prices ranging from $16.02 to $22.18 for a 100-tablet prescription. Contrave, on the other hand, requires a prescription and has a higher cost, around $667.84 for a 120-tablet extended-release prescription.
Ultimately, both medications have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on which medication may be more suitable for individual needs.