- Contrave
- Qsymia
- Phentermine
Contrave
If you’ve ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it’s never quite as simple as the antiquated “calories in, calories out” advice. In reality, your energy level, appetite, stressors, hormones, metabolism, and other factors influence how easy or difficult it is to lose excess body fat. When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, the oral medication, Contrave, overseen by a medical professional could help you achieve a healthy weight.
Contrave is a non-stimulant, prescription medication consisting of two ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion. Contrave is FDA approved for long-term weight management. Available in tablet form, this drug works by decreasing absorption of the neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, and by preventing dopamine from being released.
While the exact way in which Contrave works isn’t completely understood, the effects on dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain result in decreased feelings of pleasure when you eat, which also decreases cravings. Additionally, the combination of naltrexone and bupropion can assist in suppressing appetite. The decreased feelings of pleasure when eating, decreased cravings, and suppressed appetite result in weight loss.
Contrave is only available in tablet form. Initial treatment with Contrave is one tablet daily. The dose is gradually increased over a four-week period with a maximum dose of two tablets twice daily. Most individuals see significant weight loss within four weeks of starting treatment; however, if a reduction of 5% of body weight has not occurred by the twelfth week of treatment it is considered treatment failure and the drug should be discontinued. If the treatment is successful, Contrave can be used for long-term management of weight.
If you’re interested in Contrave to help with weight loss, contact our Serenity MedAesthetics. Our provider can determine if it’s a good match for you.
Qsymia
If you’ve ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it’s never quite as simple as the antiquated “calories in, calories out” advice. In reality, your energy level, appetite, stressors, hormones, metabolism, and other factors influence how easy or difficult it is to lose excess body fat. When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, the oral medication, Qsymia, overseen by a medical professional could help you achieve a healthy weight.
What Is Qsymia?
Qsymia is a prescription medication consisting of two ingredients, phentermine and topiramate. Qsymia is FDA-approved for long-term weight management. Available in capsule form, this combination of drugs works by stimulating the release of chemicals in the brain that are thought to regulate hunger and reduce appetite and also promote feelings of fullness after eating less food than usual. The reduction in appetite and decreased food intake caused by feelings of fullness result in weight loss.
How Do I Use Qsymia for Weight Loss?
Qsymia is only available in capsule form. Initial treatment with Qsymia usually begins with the lowest dose of 3.75 mg/23 mg once daily. After two weeks, the dose is increased to 7.5 mg/46 mg once daily. After 12 weeks of treatment, if you have not lost a certain amount of weight, your provider may increase your dose with the maximum dose being 15 mg/92 mg once daily. Most individuals see significant weight loss with the 7.5 mg/46 mg dose; however, if a reduction of 5% of body weight has not occurred by the twelfth week of treatment at the maximally tolerated dose, it is considered treatment failure and the drug should be discontinued.
What Should I Do if I Forget a Dose of Qsymia?
While the following recommendations may be helpful, you should ask your provider for specific instructions. If you miss a dose of Qsymia, it is recommended that you skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?
Qsymia is a safe and effective medication for many people struggling with weight loss. However, potential side effects include dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, changes in your sense of taste, and flu-like symptoms.
Contact Us About Qsymia
If you’re interested inQsymia to help with weight loss, contact our office. Our physician can determine if it’s a good match for you.
Phentermine
If you’ve ever tried to lose a significant amount of weight, you know it’s never quite as simple as the antiquated “calories in, calories out” advice. In reality, your energy level, appetite, stressors, hormones, metabolism, and other factors influence how easy or difficult it is to lose excess body fat. When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, the oral medication, phentermine, overseen by a medical professional could help you achieve a healthy weight.
What Is Phentermine?
Phentermine, also sold under the brand names Adipex-P and Lomaira, is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for short-term weight management. Available in tablet or capsule form, phentermine is thought to stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain that regulate hunger and reduce appetite The regulation of hunger and reduction in appetite result in weight loss.
How Do I Use Phentermine for Weight Loss?
Phentermine is only available in tablet or capsule form. Use of phentermine for weight loss is not recommended beyond 12 weeks and should be combined with exercise and caloric restriction. Phentermine can be taken in smaller doses three times daily or in a larger dose once at the beginning of the day. Your provider will discuss what option works best for you.
What Should I Do if I Forget a Dose of Phentermine?
While the following recommendations may be helpful, you should ask your provider for specific instructions. If you miss a dose of phentermine, it is recommended that you take the missed dose as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is late in the day and do not take two doses at one time.
What Side Effects Can This Medication Cause?
Phentermine is a safe and effective medication for short-term use in many people struggling with weight loss. However, potential side effects may include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, and diarrhea or constipation.
Contact Us About Phentermine
If you’re interested in phentermine to help with weight loss, contact our office. Our physician can determine if it’s a good match for you.
