Contrave: Another Weight Loss Drug
Early results from a clinical trial of a new drug called "Contrave" show a 7.5% weight loss over 24 weeks. The placebo group experienced only a 1% weight loss.
Contrave was created by Orexigen Therapeutics and combines two drugs - naltrexone and bupropion. Bupropion is used to treat depression and smoking addiction, while naltrexone is already used to treat opium addiction withdrawal.
"Contrave is designed to activate a hypothalmic center in the brain associated with reduced appetite, while blocking beta-endorphin, which may be responsible for limiting weight loss. We are also studying the effects of Contrave on related central pathways associated with the rewarding nature of select high calorie foods."The 250 patients in the treatment group were more likely to experience nausea.
Orexigen is also experimenting with another weight loss drug Excalia. You can read more about their experimental drug combinations here.
UPDATE JUNE 2007: More trial results show Contrave lead to a reduction in visceral fat (internal fat surrounding organs). Contrave also improved measures or insulin resistance (via PR).
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I am really starting to get freaked out at all the weight-loss pills, and the general shift towards everyone who's obese claiming they have a disease that's treatable with pharmaceuticals. I think that's a terrible direction for society to move in :-(
ReplyI definitely agree with Eric - surely the implication is that those "suffering from obesity" will need to be on this medication all their lives, since they aren't learning how their bodies work, or replacing bad habits with good ones.
ReplyAs much as I dislike Pharmaceuricals, I would like to say this about bupropion. I have been taking this drug to treat panic attacks. I have been on it for half a year. I am a smoker and have not noticed any difference in that department but I can say that I have lost weight. Not much, but some. Now that weightloss could be attributed to many other factors. I get out more, I am more active. But I do notice that my desire to eat has calmed down. I am on the lowest dose of this drug that you can take. The same dose that a person that wanted to quit smoking would take. Which is one pill per day. I have tried to take a larger dose and the side effects were scary. For the first three months when this drug is stabilizing in your system the side effects can be very bad. Panic attacks, nausea(This one really never leaves),strange thoughts, dry mouth, dizziness, and upset sleeing patterns, the most reported side effect is an intensity in dreaming(For the first bit it can be quite terrifying.) But most of these will go away if you are willing to hold out and continue with the treatment.
ReplyI was lucky I had a doctor that explained all of this to me and made sure that it was my decision. But remember that this drug is a serious anti-depressant. I personally do not agree with them even handing it out as a smoking aid. Please keep in mind to that the makers of the drug (Orginally called Wellbutrin) did release the patent for the drug but not the coating. Now this may not seem like a big deal but when the drug was made they developed a special coating for it. This coating helps keep the drug stabilized. They have not released the patent for the coating yet. So while another company could make the drug they would be putting a subpar coating on it and that makes it unstable and there for less effective. I decided for a month to go with a generic brand because the cost was so much cheaper. By the end of the month the drug was not working anymore. I had to go through another month of taking the name brand to get it back working in my system properly. And please if you care about your sanity never ever take a missed dose. This drug can cause hyper activity and if abused can lead to Psychosis. This is not a light warning this is serious. Always reasearch what someone in a white coat is telling you to take! Don't take what a drug company says at face value. They are trying to make a product that is generallized for a part of the body that is different in everyone. Getting up and moving, changing your diet or even doing nothing more than increasing your water intake is always better than popping a pill.
Good Lord, Robyn - the side effects of bupropion sound seriously scary!
I don't want to sound alarmist, but I have the horrible feeling that in 10-15 years' time the medical profession will find out that it causes some long-term mental problems in some people.
As far as I'm aware, the only truly safe weight loss drug is Xenical, but no-one seems to want to take that.
ReplyI have taken the drug robyn is taking. 2 pills twice a day.I never had any side effects. Isn't it odd how some people experience these side effects and others don't have any.
ReplyEverything ia related... If you are not eating healthy and working out on a regular basis (4-6 times a week) mixed cardio/weight training, then you are doing yourself a dis-service. No pill in the world is a replacement for changing your bad habits and building your best body from the inside out. Bill Phillips "Body for Life" The best plan out there, I have lost over 80 Lbs and 15% Bodyfat since 2003 and have kept it off.
ReplyIt seems like a lot of pharm companies out there are getting into the drug cocktail trend...and why wouldn't they? They get to market a new pill and call it a new name and get people to buy it full-price for the 7 years until the patent wears off (then it can go to generic). All this without the hassle of having to get new drugs approved...they just mix already approved ones together. I think this is a dangerous idea, to say the least. The side effects would be horrendous, I'd think. A pill may be able to make you not hungry, but it won't get you to eat healthier or work out, which is what you need to do to keep weight off permanently.
ReplyThis is exactly what I am saying. Big drug companies are making blaket drugs that just don't solve everyones problem. The side effects were scary. But so was living with panic attacks. I lived for an entire year without taking any drug. I cut out Caffine, sugar, over the counter pills(asprin, cold medications etc.) I went to natural healers and therapists. Nothing helped. So I had to weigh if it was worth going to see a doctor and taking a drug or living with it and attempting to cope. I remember getting the perscription filled taking it home and being too scared to take it. I refused to try them for a week. But once I did I realized that even though the side effects were hard to go through I needed to try and see it through. I still get panic attacks, just like as a bigger person I will always have to watch how much and what I eat. But nothing is supposed to be a cure all and the sooner that everyone figures that out the better. Nothing is ever cured, it is simply controlled. Sometimes drugs can really help you. But when you take a drug designed for something specific and then you turn around and you figure that it makes more money to market it for something else you go into dangerous territory. I can assure you that if you get on enough pills you will lose weight. But is losing weight worth damaging your liver, heart, brain, memory every other organ in your body? I don't think that it is. I think that alot of it is mind over matter. It doesn't matter what diet you choose to do. They all come down to changing your lifestyle. This isn't rocket science this is common sense. Food isn't the enemy, pop cuture isn't only to blame either. These are excuses. I use them, you use them everyone does. Freewill is still at the core of what we are. Decisions that each of us make is what truly affects us. Sometimes pills and medication are required. But people should be able to see when it has come to the point to need them and not just want them to be a band aid or a support for another excuse.
ReplyRobin, are you sure that this pill is the same as Wellbuterin? it sounds like a new drug and Wellbuterin has been around for a while... I am just trying to find out as much info as possible about different anti depressants,and maybe finding one that does not make you gain weight. I am on Zoloft now and have gained 10-15 pounds in 2 months! I have changed nothing about my eating habits, I also tried Celexa many years ago and also gained weight, thanks Kim
ReplyKim, this is anedoctal evidence, but I gained on Prozac although I barely ate at all. Now, on nortryptiline (one of those old-school tricyclic antidepressants) I lost weight, and I'm not an emotional eater. Both were changing my metabolism, although doctors say antidepressants will do no such thing.
ReplyI used wellbutrin to assist in quitting smoking (several years ago, with the nicotine inhaler) and it worked well. I then went on a diet drug trial with the generic version bupropion and zonasimide. This I warn you is not for everyone. It wasn't for me. I went on the trial for only a short time, and it does appear to help weight loss. I quit the trial having severe side effects of cognative confusion, head pain and ringing in my ears. I have been off the drugs two months and still have the pain and ringing in my ears. Not at all worth it and I still don't know if this is permanent or not. This is the combo that will be called
ReplyContrave.
Has any one heard of CarranZa for weight loss? i want to know if it's safe to take.
Replyi don't like to admit to having no will power regarding food excess but it's true. i have been on all kinds of meds for breast ca, heart condition and now diabetes. i was put on low dose prozac years ago for night eating syndrome and after being in over eaters anon. and w.w. for many years i want to try something new. have you heard of CarranZa?
ReplyI have also used bupropion (one generic 250mg pill once per day) and noticed a slight decrease in my appetite. I've found that bupropion just generally decreases all my appetites--whether it's smoking, drinking or food.
I would never recommend it as a 'diet pill.' However, I think it can be useful for some people who find themselves having nagging (mild) cravings for food that they find somewhat difficult to control.
Replyisn't it funny when we all know that diet pills really never work. You know that if it's too good to be true then it usually is? But then here comes this really great ad in the mail claiming that you can lose 24 lbs with only 4 capsules. I'm talking about CarranZa. The first thing I did was get excited and run to my computer to find more info. Reading about all those other diet pills really calmed me down. Trust me, permanant weight loss will never come from a pill. I'm not dieting. Dieting is a short term solution. I have made a life long change in the way I eat and exercise. In one year I have lost 35 pounds. Not much when you hear the big drug companies promising to do that in as little as 2 months. The only thing you need to lose weight is a little willpower (well, maybe alot) and some strong encouragement from those around you. For those of you who are making the effort, keep it up. It will pay off.
ReplyHello, I see you have talked about the pill that you can take and lose 24lbs. by taking 4 pills. It is call carranZa, but I am having trouble ordering it online or by phone. Can you help me? Thanks!!!!
Sharon
ReplyJust to weigh in (sorry) on the Wellbutrin issue, as well as on how different drugs affect different patients in different ways: I've been on Weight Watchers for about two years and had slowly but steadily lost close to 50 pounds. A couple of months ago I started having panic attacks (for a variety of reaons, chief among them that my mother died and I'm the executor of her estate, my aunt was just diagnosed with cancer, etc.) and was prescribed Wellbutrin, 100 mg/day. Three weeks ago the dose was raised to 150 mg/day. I noticed I was starting to feel pudgy, even though I've continued to maintain my food journal, weigh and measure all foods, and count my WW points. Not only that, but I started walking two miles a day and am going to the gym -- cycling, aerobics, no muscle building -- three times a week. Two weeks ago I stepped on the scale and was blown away to see I had gained nine pounds. Today I was up another pound and a quarter for a total of more than 10. I have thrown out the Wellbutrin. I worked far, far too hard to lose this weight. I cannot believe I've regained this much. I am nearly hysterical with rage and frustration.
ReplyLet me say this about Wellbutrin, it was prescribed to me, solely to lose weight. And it has worked...wonderful. I'm not going to listen to old lines about learning your body and self-control... I had great self control...when I had a different job and was single, I was fairly skinny... but I don't control other people, and other people are constantly throwing food in my face. Including my wife, after I got married...and where I work people giving away food constantly and having pizza parties....suddenly my self control was overwhelmed with the constant temptation...and finally I needed help.
So...I went on this drug, and I suddenly start sleeping better, I start waking up earlier, I start eating right, and exercising, and I've lost a lot a weight and feel great.
I don't care for a second if I got help from a pill...I dieted for years and nothing was stable...now I am stable, and feel great. Maybe you naturally have a different balance, that I get with a pill....but no matter, its $10 a month to take these pills and feel good.
ReplyFood has become much too large in many enviorments and needs to be scaled back. Self control needs a little help. We can all work to improve our work places and schools.
ReplyDid you get any responses about CarranZa? It seems too good to be true.
ReplyI just received the flyer in the mail about CarranZa as well. I wasn't able to find much out about it online. To date, I have lost about 60 pounds (in about 2 1/2 years), but my goal is to lose about another 25 pounds, but have been unsuccessful in every way. Anyone have any knowledge of this drug or any suggestions to help me drop these last few pounds?
ReplyHi, I am 14 years old and weigh 135 lbs. I am 5' 5". I know that I am not overweight, but I really want to lose some fat. I can't stop eating..its like I have an addiction to it. I eat when I am bored, or unhappy, or just for fun. But I dont eat junk food. I dont eat fatty junk foods either.My stomache is flobby, and my thighs are lumpy. All I want is to lose a little weight..would it be dangerous for me to take just one or two weight loss pills? Please, tell me the truth. I am tired of being unhappy about my weight. I am even embarrassed to go to the beach with my family. please, tell me what to do. I tried working out and cutting down on my food, but I can't. I am also uncomfortable talking to my doctor about this, because I know she will get mad at me and tell me I look fine. But I want to be skinnier..so I have thought about weight loss pills. please help me! what weight loss pill would be healthy for me?
Replydoes anyone know anything about isagenix? is it true that it is safe for all ages? does it work? is it sfae, and worth trying? do you think it would be safe for a 15 year old?
ReplyHi trimaya, I have been taking Isagenix nutritional supplements now for sometime and have lost around 27kgs (59lbs). It is not a diet as such it is a nutritional cleansing product, the reason you release unwanted fat is because your body no longer needs this extra fat to protect your vital organs from the toxins that have built up in the body. If you couple this with a nutritional supplement (Isalean shakes) which are essentially a high protein food that contains all the vitamins, enzymes your body needs to function then you have a recipe for permanent weight loss. The products are safe for anyone over the age of 2 years. They contain only naturally occuring substances that are water soluble, no synthetics. You know, the great thing about the program apart from the weight loss is an increased energy level. It also bolsters the bodies natural immune system. So to sum up:
1) Safe for anyone over 2 years
2) Rids the body of harmful toxins
3) Provides high quality proteins and nutrients
If you couple the above points with some moderate daily excercise logic would dictate that you have a recipe for success.
I hope this helped.
ReplyThis question was asked earlier, has anyone yet tried Carranza, if so let us know please.
thanks
ReplyHi everyone. Looks like Carranza was also marketed in Italy as Slim 600. The government banned it due to consumer complaints of false claims and the company had to refund 54,000 orders. Query the doctors name "Genio Morozzo" for the court documents -- but you will need to translate them through Babelfish or know Italian.
Also if you want to see the Italian version of the flyer check out this site (click images on right to flip pages):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scaccia/84999525/in/photostream/
I am sure they have pulled this scam in other countries too and I hope no one here has fallen for it! The general rule of weight loss is if it claims you don't have to change your lifestyle to lose weight and keep it off, then it probably doesn't work.
Good Luck to everyone!
ReplyI've recieved two fliers in the mail for weightloss pills. One is for CarranZa and the other is for Metzger Pineapple Products a Pineapple Super Fat-Melter pill. Has anyone heard anything about either one and if so does either one of them work?
ReplyI just received the mailing for Metzger Pineapple Products, so came online to see if there is any information on this company. So far, it has produced mostly questions from others. So, I am going to send for the product and see what happens. I do know that pineapple is an excellent diet food and does help with weight loss programs, so there is a possibility it may work. So check it out in a couple months and I'll let you know if it really works.
ReplyI read your comment about the metzger pineapple flyer.Did it work? I just received the same flyer and am curious.Thanks
ReplyDianna may i please have the number off that flyer i ordered the pills and sent them back they didn't work for me im waiting for my check to be sent back to me. i would so apperciate it thank you whatever u do hun don't buy them it is a scam.
ReplyI just want to say I have been taking the Metzger pineapple pills for about 10 days. I think they help. I am trying to cut back and exercise and my goal is 1 pound a week. I think the pills make me feel better and more alert. They are no miracle but I still they help.
ReplyDid you receive the fat melters yet? I was just about to order them myself...
ReplyCONTRAVE: Horrible. I am not sensitive to most drugs and have never had such a nightmare experience from taking an injection of Contrave, in hopes to help lose weight. I was severly nautious for a week and it subsided slightly, and for the next 45 days, I had continued diziness, severe headaches, and nausea. Terrible experience for me, did not lose weight. If anything, I wanted to eat more to get my strength back (or so I thought) because I felt so dizzy and sick. Warning! NOT for everyone.
ReplyThere is a clinical trial in my area for Contrave and I was thinking of joining. Has anyone had any success on this drug? What are some pro's and con's? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyI'm in the Phase III trial of Contrave - third week. Other than minor episodes of mild nausea and the digestive upset associated with a HUGE change in food volume, I haven't experienced side effects which would cause me to drop out. No impact on sleep patterns, dreaming, etc. No strange thoughts, mental confusion or anything like that.
I have shed about 20,000 calories a week from my normal diet and am losing significant weight. I am a Type II diabetic and my average glucose levels have dropped at least 30 mg/dl.
I'm a sample size of one so . . . your mileage may vary.
ReplyWhoa. 20,000 fewer calories per week means a *reduction* of over 2,800 calories a day. Assuming you are still eating 1,200 a day, were you eating 4,000 calories everyday before? Really?
Wow.
ReplyYes, well, when you weigh 290 pounds . . . . .
It's a lot easier to consume 4,000 + calories per day than you might think.
In any event, I've dropped out of the study as of this morning. I was OK on the 1 and 2 pill a day dosages. But when I stepped up to 3, the nausea went from "mild and infrequent" to moderate/severe and almost constant. I also developed a mild headache which won't go away.
I'm very disappointed but just can't live and work with this level of nausea.
ReplyI'm sorry it didn't work for you. And I hope I didn't come off as judgmental when I asked the calorie question - I have weighed 230lb myself and I'm a short woman, but since my gain was more related to the slowing down of my metabolism rather than increased calories, I never ate that much, although now that I'm on thyroid meds I'd probably need to eat that much to gain weight, since I can maintain on 2,200 sedentary. So in short, it was a stupid question since the answer was pretty obvious already.
ReplyFYI, I'm a 6'2" man who is now down to 276 after 18 days on Contrave. I'll continue to watch my calories and (hopefully) lose weight . . . just not at the Contrave rate!
ReplyHi Debby try not to worry too much about your fatty bits at the moment you'll find that your body will change over the next few months and years as you grow. When the time is right you'll loose the puppy fat. Stick to a healthy lifestyle and treat your body with respect, don't go down the diet pill route speaking from experience you'll find yourself desperately searching for an easy fix in a pill when the cure is in your own mind. Have respect for your body.
ReplyAm in a naltrexone/bupropion double blind trial (conducted by Orexigen) at a participating medical center near my home. Have been having insomnia, constipation and for the past couple of days a change in sleeping...just dropping off to sleep and suddenly awake. I now get about 4-5 hours of sleep per night. Tonight I had to get out of bed due to really frightening side effects. I was hearing other voices (of people I know) in my head, while trying to sleep...very scary because I can't fall asleep. I can't control the thoughts/voices. Finally dropped off and was woken up suddenly by someone saying "hello" in a weird voice. I actually felt as if I heard this (not just in my mind). Also have heart palpitations (never had them before) and jittery feeling in arms and hands. I called up my doctor (it is now 1:24 am) to leave a message telling hin that I would not be taking medication in the morning. This is very very frightening. Also, the drug does not really help you to lose weight easily. I have been dieting fervently and only losing 1 pound per week. I am not satisfied with this level of weight loss. Especially when taking a drug that is supposed to help. My advice? Do not try this combination. I am really afraid to try to sleep now.
ReplyMetzger Pineapple Products did not work for me and I am waiting for a refund from the Taunton address.
ReplyHas anyone used this product and lost weight?
Was there a diet and/or exercise program with it?
ReplyI have been in a double blind study since Feb. 2008 and have experienced very few side effects. When I first started I had some headaches, but these went away when I started taking the medicine while I was eating. I have lost 20 pounds in 12 weeks without any exercise program. I have started going to the gym since my last visit to the clinic, so we will see if this makes a difference. My food intake has reduced greatly and my carvings for chocolate and junk food has left completely. I actually can left chocolate candy on my desk and not eat it for days.
ReplyI have lost 20 pounds in 2 months by eating 1600 calories of balanced foods with 80-100 grams of carbohydrates per day.
I work out 3 times a week at the gym for 30 min., do weights once a week and do yoga 3 times week.
I also give myself one free day a week where I eat whatever I want (pastries, potato chips, candy). This way I am able to stick to a long term reduced calorie plan without feeling deprived.
ReplyI would rather an herbal than pharmaceutical but no drug, or herb, that I am aware, addresses the condition of binging. The newest drug to come on the market Contrave says it does.It is good they researched this area.
ReplyBinging can undo any healthy eating or exercise, seems to be more to do with emotion/addiction.Call binging what some will, but sometimes people aren't even aware they are doing it.