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Compare Contrave vs. Phentermine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)
    Phentermine (Adipex-P)
  • Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)
    Phentermine (Adipex-P)

  • Summary of Contrave vs. Phentermine

    Summary for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) is used along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise routine to help with weight loss for certain adults. This combination medication is a tablet that's taken by mouth. The dosage is slowly raised over the first 3 weeks of treatment until you reach the maintenance dosage of two tablets twice daily. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and headache. But it can also have more serious risks, such as unusual changes in behavior.

    Summary for Sympathomimetic
    Prescription only

    Phentermine (Adipex-P) is an appetite suppressant. It's a prescription weight loss pill for people ages 17 years and older. This medication works best when it's part of a treatment plan that involves healthy diet and regular exercise. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is taken by mouth once daily, typically in the morning. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and headache.

  • Indications of Contrave vs. Phentermine

    Indications for
    •Long-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater; or BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
    Indications for

    Short-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

    •30 kg/m2 or greater; or
    •27 kg/m2 or greater, and with at least one other weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol)

  • Pros and Cons of Contrave vs. Phentermine

    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Pros
    •Is a tablet that's taken by mouth
    •Can see results in as early as 4 weeks (when it's taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise)
    •Combines 2 different medications into a single pill to help with weight
    Cons
    •Must take twice a day (after the dose ramp-up at the beginning)
    •Might raise your risk for unusual behavior and thoughts of self-harm
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic
    Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic
    Pros
    •Can help you lose 5% to 10% of body weight
    •Usually taken by mouth once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes as tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets
    Cons
    •Most insurance companies don't cover the cost of phentermine (Adipex-P).
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence since it's a stimulant medication that's similar to amphetamines
    •Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure
    •Should be avoided in children 16 years of age and younger, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with serious heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Contrave vs. Phentermine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (33%)
    •Constipation (19%)
    •Headache (18%)
    •Vomiting (11%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Dry mouth (8%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Tremor
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    •High blood pressure
    •Fast heart rate
    •Difficulty sleeping

  • Warnings of Contrave vs. Phentermine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Changes in thoughts, behavior, and mood
    •Seizures
    •Don't take Contrave with opioid medications
    •High blood pressure and fast heart rate
    •Liver problems
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Potential risk for low blood sugar in certain people with Type 2 diabetes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe to combined with other weight loss medications
    •Phentermine not working well
    •Risk of misuse and dependence
    •Trouble concentrating or problem with coordination
    •Heart and lung problems
    •Risk of high blood pressure
    •Risk of low blood sugar in people with diabetes

  • Prices with our coupons for Contrave vs. Phentermine

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    Learn more about Phentermine

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