After starting Contrave, patients may notice gradual changes in appetite, food cravings, eating patterns, or weight. Because the dose is increased over the first four weeks, the timing and degree of these changes can vary from person to person.

• Reduced appetite: Some patients may feel less hungry throughout the day.
• Fewer food cravings: Urges to eat certain foods or eat when not physically hungry may become easier to manage.
• Changes in portion sizes: Patients may find it easier to follow a reduced-calorie eating plan and feel satisfied with smaller portions.
• Gradual weight loss: Weight changes may develop over time when Contrave is combined with balanced nutrition and increased physical activity.
• Digestive side effects: Nausea, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur, particularly as the body adjusts to treatment.
• Headache or dizziness: Some patients may experience headaches, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
• Changes in sleep: Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep quality may occur.
• Dry mouth: Increased mouth dryness is another commonly reported effect.
• Blood pressure or heart-rate changes: Contrave may increase blood pressure or resting heart rate, making regular monitoring important.
• Mood or behavioral changes: New or worsening depression, agitation, unusual behavior, or suicidal thoughts should be reported to the prescribing physician immediately.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, Board-Certified Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad, MD, monitors each patient’s appetite, cravings, weight, blood pressure, medication tolerance, and overall progress. Patients should discuss persistent or concerning changes with our team so we can determine whether Contrave should be continued or the treatment plan should be adjusted.

Contrave may be included in a medically supervised weight-loss plan after a physician evaluates the patient’s body mass index, weight-related health concerns, medical history, current medications, previous weight-loss efforts, and personal goals. The medication is intended to be used with a reduced-calorie eating plan and increased physical activity, rather than as a stand-alone treatment.

During treatment, the physician may provide guidance on nutrition, portion control, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and sustainable behavioral changes. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor weight, appetite, food cravings, blood pressure, heart rate, medication tolerance, and possible side effects. Treatment response should also be assessed after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose to determine whether continuing Contrave is appropriate.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, our team personalizes Contrave care according to each patient’s health needs and progress. Ongoing medical supervision allows her to address concerns, reinforce healthy lifestyle habits, and adjust the weight-management plan when medically necessary.

Progress during Contrave treatment should be reviewed regularly, particularly during the first few months. The dose is gradually increased over the first four weeks, so early follow-up allows the physician to evaluate medication tolerance, possible side effects, blood pressure, heart rate, appetite changes, and adherence to the treatment plan. The exact frequency of these visits depends on the patient’s health history and response to treatment.

A key evaluation should occur after the patient has completed 12 weeks at the maintenance dose. At that point, the physician reviews weight change and overall treatment response. The prescribing information recommends discontinuing Contrave when a patient has not lost at least 5% of their starting body weight because continued treatment is unlikely to produce and maintain clinically meaningful weight loss.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, follow-up care is tailored to each patient’s treatment response, health status, and weight-management goals. During ongoing visits, our team may assess weight changes, appetite, food cravings, dietary habits, physical activity, blood pressure, medication tolerance, and any new symptoms or concerns. These evaluations help us decide whether Contrave should remain part of the treatment plan or whether adjustments may be needed.

Contrave may support long-term weight-management goals by helping some patients manage hunger and food cravings while developing healthier eating and activity habits. It is intended for chronic weight management in eligible adults and should be used alongside a reduced-calorie eating plan and increased physical activity. Individual results vary, and the medication works best as part of a broader, sustainable lifestyle plan rather than as a stand-alone solution.

Continued treatment depends on how well the patient responds and tolerates the medication. After 12 weeks at the maintenance dose, progress is evaluated to determine whether Contrave is producing clinically meaningful weight loss. When the medication is effective, regular follow-up, balanced nutrition, consistent physical activity, adequate sleep, and practical behavioral changes may help patients maintain their progress over time.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we personalize Contrave treatment according to each patient’s health history, weight-related concerns, goals, medication response, and possible side effects. Ongoing evaluations allow her to monitor progress and adjust the plan when medically appropriate, helping patients work toward realistic and sustainable long-term weight-management goals.

Board-Certified Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad, MD, personalizes Contrave weight-loss care by evaluating each patient’s body mass index, weight-related health concerns, previous weight-loss efforts, eating patterns, activity level, medical history, current medications, and personal goals. She also reviews factors that may affect whether Contrave is appropriate, including blood pressure, seizure or eating disorder history, opioid use, mental health concerns, and liver or kidney function. This detailed assessment helps Dr. Abbasinejad develop a treatment plan suited to the patient’s individual health needs.

During treatment, Dr. Abbasinejad provides individualized guidance on medication dosing, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and sustainable lifestyle changes. She monitors appetite, food cravings, weight-management progress, possible side effects, and overall response through regular follow-up visits, making adjustments when medically appropriate. At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab in Fayetteville, NC, her personalized care helps patients use Contrave as part of a comprehensive and medically supervised weight-management plan.

Contact us today for more information, or simply schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1540 Purdue Dr, Ste. 200, in Fayetteville, NC 28303. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Woodfield NC, Hope Mills NC, Fort Bragg NC, Eastover NC, and surrounding areas.