Contrave and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink While Taking Contrave?

Contrave and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink While Taking Contrave?

Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication that combines naltrexone and bupropion to help control cravings and reduce appetite. While it can be an effective tool for long-term weight management, many patients wonder whether it’s safe to consume alcohol while taking Contrave.

Since Contrave contains naltrexone, a drug often used to reduce alcohol dependence, drinking alcohol while on Contrave can lead to unexpected effects on your body and brain. Before deciding to drink while using Contrave, it’s important to understand the potential risks, interactions, and how alcohol can impact your weight loss journey.

For Americans looking for an affordable way to access Contrave, ordering through a trusted Canadian prescription referral service like Over the Border Meds can provide significant savings compared to U.S. prices.

How Does Alcohol Affect Contrave?

Contrave is a combination of two active ingredients:
✔ Naltrexone – Reduces cravings, often used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence.
✔ Bupropion – Affects brain chemicals involved in appetite control and mood.

Drinking alcohol while taking Contrave can increase the risk of severe side effects, including nausea, dizziness, mood changes, and even seizures. Here’s how alcohol can interact with each of the key ingredients in Contrave:

1. Naltrexone and Alcohol

  • Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol – Naltrexone is often prescribed for alcohol use disorder because it reduces the euphoric and sedative effects of drinking.
  • Increased risk of nausea and vomiting – Many patients experience stronger side effects when drinking on naltrexone.
  • Potential for increased alcohol consumption – Some people may drink more than usual in an attempt to feel the same effects, leading to binge drinking.

2. Bupropion and Alcohol

  • Increases risk of seizures – Alcohol lowers your seizure threshold, and bupropion can further increase this risk.
  • Can worsen anxiety and depression – Bupropion affects brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which may interact negatively with alcohol.
  • Can cause drowsiness and dizziness – Drinking while taking bupropion may lead to impaired coordination and judgment.

Why Should You Avoid Alcohol While Taking Contrave?

 

Although occasional drinking may not be dangerous for everyone, there are several reasons why alcohol should be avoided while on Contrave:

1. Increased Side Effects

Drinking alcohol while taking Contrave may intensify side effects, such as:
❌ Nausea and vomiting
❌ Dizziness and drowsiness
❌ Increased heart rate
❌ Trouble sleeping
❌ Mood swings or irritability

2. Higher Risk of Seizures

Both alcohol and bupropion lower the seizure threshold, making it more likely for a seizure to occur, especially for patients who drink heavily or binge drink.

3. Contrave May Reduce Alcohol Tolerance

Because naltrexone blocks alcohol’s pleasurable effects, some people find that they get drunk much faster than usual. This can lead to:

  • Impaired judgment
  • More severe hangovers
  • Greater risk of alcohol poisoning

4. Alcohol Can Interfere with Weight Loss

  • Extra calories – Alcohol is full of empty calories that can slow or prevent weight loss.
  • Increased cravings – Drinking alcohol can trigger hunger, making it harder to stick to your meal plan.
  • Lower metabolism – Alcohol consumption can reduce your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.

Can Contrave Help with Alcohol Cravings?

 

Since naltrexone is used to treat alcohol dependence, some patients taking Contrave may notice a reduced desire to drink. In fact, studies have suggested that patients on Contrave may naturally drink less due to naltrexone’s effect on the brain’s reward system.

However, Contrave is not officially approved for alcohol use disorder, so if you are struggling with alcohol cravings, you should speak to your doctor about your options.

What Should You Do If You Drink While Taking Contrave?

 

If you accidentally drink while on Contrave, you may experience mild to moderate side effects. However, if you begin feeling extremely dizzy, confused, or experience severe nausea, it’s best to:
✔ Stop drinking immediately and switch to water.
✔ Sit or lie down until dizziness passes.
✔ Monitor for unusual symptoms, such as increased heart rate or mood swings.
✔ Avoid binge drinking, as this could increase seizure risk.

If you experience serious side effects, seek medical attention.

How to Save Money on Contrave by Ordering from Canada

 

For many Americans, Contrave can be too expensive to afford, especially without insurance. However, buying Contrave from Canada through a trusted prescription referral service like Over the Border Meds can provide significant savings.

Why Buy Contrave from Canada?

✔ Lower Cost – Contrave is significantly cheaper in Canada than in the U.S.
✔ No Insurance Restrictions – You don’t need prior authorization to get a lower price.
✔ Safe and Legal – Ordering up to a 90-day supply for personal use is legal.
✔ Convenient Home Delivery – Have your medication shipped directly to your door.

How to Order Contrave from Over the Border Meds

1. Get a Prescription – Your U.S. doctor can prescribe Contrave for you.

2. Visit Over the Border Meds and search for Contrave.

3. Select the strength and quantity you need and add it to your cart.

4. Complete your order and upload your prescription.

5. Receive your medication directly at home at a fraction of the cost of U.S. prices.

Final Thoughts: Should You Drink Alcohol While Taking Contrave?

 

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Contrave. The combination of naltrexone and bupropion can lead to serious side effects, including:

  • Increased dizziness, nausea, and headaches
  • Higher seizure risk
  • Reduced alcohol tolerance
  • Interference with weight loss goals

For those looking for an affordable way to continue their Contrave prescription, ordering from Canada can help you save money while staying on track with your weight loss journey.

📌 Want to save on Contrave? Visit Over the Border Meds today to start cutting your prescription costs.