Losing weight is a journey that often comes with unique challenges and requires the right strategies to ensure long-term success. Prescription medications like Contrave and Wegovy have gained popularity for their effectiveness in helping individuals manage their weight.
However, deciding which one is right for you depends on understanding how they work, their results, side effects, and other factors. This comprehensive comparison will explore Contrave vs Wegovy their performance against similar medications such as Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Phentermine, and offer insights to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive in.
Contrave vs Wegovy for Weight Loss
Contrave and Wegovy approach weight loss from different scientific angles:
- Contrave: A combination of bupropion (an antidepressant) and naltrexone (used for addiction treatment), this medication targets the brain’s hunger and reward centers. By reducing cravings and controlling appetite, it can assist individuals struggling with emotional eating.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): This medication is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, which mimics the effects of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. It helps regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying, and promote a feeling of fullness.
Both medications require a prescription and work best with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Contrave vs Wegovy Results
Clinical studies provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of both treatments:
- Contrave: The 2022 study suggests that Bupropion and Naltrexone could be an effective part of long-term weight loss and maintenance strategies. The proportions of patients maintaining 5-10% weight loss were numerically higher for NB at all study time points [1]. However, success depends heavily on lifestyle adherence and long-term commitment.
- Wegovy: Trials indicate that individuals using Wegovy achieved an average weight loss of about 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks [2]. When paired with lifestyle changes, Wegovy has demonstrated more consistent and significant weight loss compared to Contrave.
Contrave vs Wegovy Side Effects
Understanding potential side effects is crucial when choosing between these medications:
- Common side effects of Contrave:
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
Contrave may also cause elevated blood pressure or mood changes. It’s generally not recommended for individuals with a history of seizures due to the increased risk.
- Common side effects of Wegovy:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Low blood sugar (in patients with Type 2 diabetes)
While gastrointestinal discomfort is common with both medications, these symptoms often diminish over time as the body adapts.
Contrave vs. Wegovy Costs
Cost considerations can significantly influence your decision:
Contrave
- Without insurance: Approximately $625 to $746 per month.
- With insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $99 per month with certain coupons and savings programs.
Wegovy
- Without insurance: Approximately $1,349 per month.
- With insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $0 per month with certain insurance plans and savings programs.
Discussing financial assistance options with your healthcare provider can make these treatments more accessible.
Can I Take Contrave and Wegovy Together?
Currently, no clinical evidence supports the combined use of Contrave and Wegovy for weight loss. While both target different mechanisms, using them together may increase side effects without necessarily improving results. Always consult a healthcare professional before considering combination therapy.
Contrave vs Mounjaro
When comparing Contrave to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), several factors come into play, such as effectiveness, mechanism of action, side effects, and cost.
Mechanism of Action:
Contrave is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, working to reduce hunger and cravings by targeting brain regions related to appetite control and reward behavior. In contrast, Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates blood sugar, reduces appetite, and slows stomach emptying to promote a feeling of fullness.
Effectiveness:
Clinical trials for Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) showed an average 8.1% total body weight loss over 56 weeks with the maximum dose (32 mg naltrexone and 360 mg bupropion daily) alongside lifestyle changes, compared to 4.9% for placebo [3].
In contrast, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) trials demonstrated a 20.9% weight loss over 72 weeks at the highest dose (15 mg weekly) plus lifestyle changes, while placebo groups saw a 3.1% reduction [4].
Side Effects:
Both medications can cause gastrointestinal issues. Contrave users often report nausea, headache, dizziness, or constipation. Mounjaro shares similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea, but may also lead to injection site reactions due to its subcutaneous administration.
Cost:
Contrave
- Without insurance: Approximately $625 to $746 per month.
- With insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $99 per month with certain coupons and savings programs.
Mounjaro
- Without insurance: Approximately $1,000 to $1,200 per month.
- With insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $25 per month with certain insurance plans and savings programs.
Contrave vs Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management. Let’s take a closer look at how it compares to Contrave:
Mechanism of Action:
Saxenda, like Wegovy, mimics the hormone GLP-1 to control appetite and slow digestion. Contrave works differently, targeting brain regions responsible for cravings and reward behavior.
Effectiveness:
The mean persistence with liraglutide 3.0 mg was 6.3 months, with 67.5% of patients staying on treatment for at least 4 months and 53.7% for at least 6 months. Patients in the SaxendaCare® program had longer persistence (7.9 months) and greater weight loss (-7.9%) compared to those not enrolled (-5.5%) [5].
In a separate study, Contrave patients lost 9.5% of their body weight at Week 26, compared to 0.9% in the usual care group. Additionally, 84.5% of Contrave users achieved at least 5% weight loss, and 42.3% lost at least 10% [6].
Side Effects:
Both medications are associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Saxenda may also cause fatigue and low blood sugar levels.
Cost:
Contrave
- Without insurance: Approximately $625 to $746 per month.
- With insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $99 per month with certain coupons and savings programs.
Saxenda:
- Without Insurance: Approximately $1,349 per month.
- With Insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $25 per month with certain insurance plans and savings programs
Contrave vs Phentermine
Phentermine is a widely used appetite suppressant approved for short-term weight management.
Mechanism of Action:
Phentermine works by stimulating the central nervous system to suppress appetite. Contrave, by contrast, targets brain chemicals to manage cravings and hunger.
Effectiveness:
Clinical trials show that Contrave users lost about 5.4% of their weight with diet and exercise compared to 1.3% for placebo. Many achieved clinically significant weight loss of 5% or more. Individual results vary, so consult a healthcare provider [7].
Short-term use (12 weeks) of phentermine led to over 80% of patients losing 5% or more of their weight, with half losing 10% or more. Average weight loss was 3.8 kg (8.3 lbs), with most patients tolerating the medication well [8].
Side Effects:
Common side effects include increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, and dry mouth. Contrave users more frequently report nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Cost:
Contrave
- Without insurance: Approximately $625 to $746 per month.
- With insurance: Prices can vary, but it can be as low as $99 per month with certain coupons and savings programs.
Phentermine Costs:
- Without Insurance: Generic costs $8-$25; brand-name Adipex-P costs $11-$25 for a 30-day supply.
- With Insurance: Generic can be as low as $20, while Adipex-P can be as low as $100, depending on insurance and savings programs.
Personalized Weight Loss at My Concierge MD
Choosing between Contrave, Wegovy, or other weight loss medications isn’t just about effectiveness—it’s about finding the right fit for your unique health profile and lifestyle goals. At My Concierge MD, we understand that every individual’s journey differs.
Our personalized care approach ensures you receive tailored weight loss solutions designed to fit your needs. From one-on-one consultations to ongoing support, we’re here to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improved health.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward transforming your life with a plan that works for you.
References:
- le Roux CW, Fils-Aimé N, Camacho F, Gould E, Barakat M. The relationship between early weight loss and weight loss maintenance with naltrexone-bupropion therapy. EClinicalMedicine. 2022;49:101436. Published 2022 May 27. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101436
- Rubino DM, Greenway FL, Khalid U, et al. Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022;327(2):138–150. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.23619
- Wadden TA, Foreyt JP, Foster GD, et al. Weight loss with naltrexone SR/bupropion SR combination therapy as an adjunct to behavior modification: the COR-BMOD trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011;19(1):110-120. doi:10.1038/oby.2010.147
- Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- Wharton S, Haase CL, Kamran E, et al. Real-world persistence with liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management and the SaxendaCare® patient support program. Obes Sci Pract. 2020;6(4):382-389. Published 2020 Apr 15. doi:10.1002/osp4.419
- Halseth, A., Shan, K., Walsh, B., Gilder, K., & Fujioka, K. (2017). Method-of-use study of naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR on body weight in individuals with obesity. Obesity, 25(2), 338-345. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.21726
- Sherman MM, Ungureanu S, Rey JA. Naltrexone/Bupropion ER (Contrave): Newly Approved Treatment Option for Chronic Weight Management in Obese Adults. P T. 2016;41(3):164-172.
- Kim HO, Lee JA, Suh HW, et al. Postmarketing surveillance study of the efficacy and safety of phentermine in patients with obesity. Korean J Fam Med. 2013;34(5):298-306. doi:10.4082/kjfm.2013.34.5.298
