Weight loss is one of the most challenging and consistent problems for adults in the 21st century. In 2013, News Gallup reported that over half of adults in the United States would like to lose some amount of their current weight. While careful dieting and regular exercise are important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one’s weight-loss can sometimes vary on things one cannot control. Genetics, sedentary employment, and other physical health issues can all negatively affect an individual’s weight.
There are several FDA-approved supplements that can help reduce appetite and assist with weight loss. Two of the most common are Qsymia and Contrave, which in addition to several other useful applications, are two of the most common drugs used in conjunction with diet and exercise. However, Qysmia and Contrave operate in separate but intricate ways that make them more or less effective depending on the individual.
Effectiveness and Benefits
Both Qsymia and Contrave operate by suppressing appetite. Qsymia uses active ingredients Phentermine and Topiramate which are often activated to help prevent seizures. Contrave’s active ingredient, Naltrexone, is most often used to block the effects of alcohol and narcotics as a way to assist addicts. Both drugs are meant to be used with diet and exercise and are not meant to reduce weight or fix any weight-related issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Rather, they reduce appetite with the desired effect of weight loss.
Both drugs are ingested via slow-release tablet which means they will continue to work throughout the day. Qsymia is largely proven to be more effective at immediate weight loss than Contrave in studies, though Qsymia was introduced two years before Contrave, allowing more studies to be done over time. Contrave, on the other hand, is easier to access because its active ingredients are less regulated in the United States. As a result, Contrave, unlike Qsymia, has almost no risk of dependency despite being less effective.
Side Effects
Despite having a similar appetite suppressing effect on the individual, Qysmia and Contrave’s active ingredients produce wildly different side effects. Because Qsymia ingredients overlap with certain amphetamines, many of its side effects center around the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Those with cardiovascular problems are at risk of increasing blood pressure, especially if used in conjunction with alcohol. Regarding the nervous system, dizziness, drowsiness, depression, and difficulty concentrating are all possible effects. Specifically, it can be risky and even dangerous to drive while under the influence of the medication. Other risks include Glaucoma, Hypertension, Liver and Pulmonary Disease.
Contrave will also prevent a risk of liver disease, but its other potential side effects are much different. Contrave’s common active ingredients, if combined with anti-depressants, can lead to some unwanted side effects with mental health. Most importantly, use with alcohol can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and other mood or behavioral changes. On the other hand suddenly stopping regular alcohol consumption along with the use of Contrave can lead to an increased risk of seizures. Ultimately though, Contrave’s side effects are more related to mental health, whereas Qsymia’s are more physical.
Drug Safety
Qsymia has a risk for abuse, but it is relatively low compared to many other drugs. However, it is still schedule 3, which means there is a possible chance for psychological or physical dependence. As stated above, neither Qsymia or Contrave should be used with alcohol or else face the risk of liver disease and other mental or physical side effects. Qsymia remains in the body far longer than Contrave (up to 65 hours over Contrave’s 21) which extends the risk of using alcohol while the medication is still in your system.
Contrave presents the risk of an allergic reaction that can present an emergency risk to the patient. Swollen glands, mouth sores, muscle pain, hives, rash, chest pain, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, are all telltale signs of an allergic reaction. Neither drug should ever be used by someone who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding due to the risk of severe side effects.
How to Switch or Stop
Once prescribed, and taking Qsymia or Contrave, you should consult your doctor before quitting. Both drugs present separate risks if quit cold turkey. Quitting Qsymia suddenly can lead to a high risk of seizures of convulsions. It is much better to wean oneself off the drug before stopping or switching completely. A doctor can assist with how long exactly one should wait before stopping the drug.
Contrave, on the other hand, can cause an uptick of side effects such as anxiety and depression. While it is possible to quit cold turkey, one should remain aware of the possibility of these symptoms and keep an eye out for them should they appear. If they do, advising a doctor could greatly assist with an otherwise potentially risky mental state.
Conclusion
Qysmia and Contrave serve the same purpose with different chemical makeups. They have both been proven helpful for many people who desire or need to lose a significant amount of weight. However, like many drugs, an individual’s health background can make one of these drugs a huge risk and the other no risk at all. Therefore it is very important to consider the side effects and active ingredients in these substances. Qsymia contains more side effects physically while Contrave’s risks run more on the mental side of things. But with low risk of dependency, heavy research, and large scale-studies, Qysmia and Contrave are some of the best tools available to fight obesity in America today.
