When it comes to prescription weight loss medications, Contrave and Qsymia are two FDA-approved drugs that stand out. Both are intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or 27+ with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. But which one is better for sustainable weight loss?
In this guide, we’ll compare Contrave vs Qsymia — covering how they work, their ingredients, effectiveness, side effects, safety concerns, and how to choose the best option for your weight loss journey.
Contrave is a combination medication that includes:
Together, these ingredients act on the brain’s hunger and reward system to help curb food cravings and reduce emotional eating. Contrave is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with binge eating or strong food urges.
How Effective Is Contrave?
Clinical trials show that patients taking Contrave lost 4% to 5% of their body weight over 56 weeks, compared to about 1% to 2% with a placebo. Around 42% of users lose at least 5% of their starting weight when combined with diet and exercise.
Common Side Effects of Contrave
Contrave carries a black box warning due to its bupropion component, which may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults. It’s also not recommended for those with seizure disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, or people taking opioid medications.
Qsymia is another combination drug, made up of:
This powerful combination helps users eat less and feel full faster. It is one of the most effective prescription weight loss pills available today.
How Effective Is Qsymia?
Qsymia is associated with 7% to 9% average weight loss over one year. About 70% of patients achieve at least a 5% reduction in body weight when paired with a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity.
Common Side Effects of Qsymia
Qsymia is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to the phentermine component. It may increase heart rate and blood pressure and is not safe during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
Contrave vs Qsymia: Key Differences
| Feature | Contrave | Qsymia |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Naltrexone + Bupropion | Phentermine + Topiramate |
| Mechanism | Reduces food cravings & emotional eating | Suppresses appetite & increases fullness |
| Average Weight Loss | 4%–5% in 1 year | 7%–9% in 1 year |
| Controlled Substance | No | Yes (Schedule IV) |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, insomnia, headache | Dry mouth, tingling, insomnia |
| Not for Use If... | Seizures, opioid use, uncontrolled BP | Pregnant, glaucoma, heart conditions |
Choose Contrave if:
Contrave is often preferred by people looking to manage cravings and stick to healthier eating habits long-term.
Choose Qsymia if:
Qsymia can offer faster and more noticeable results but should be used with caution due to its stimulant nature and pregnancy risks.
While both medications are effective, Qsymia generally produces greater weight loss. However, Contrave may be the safer option for individuals who cannot take stimulants or have a history of cardiovascular concerns.
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which treatment is most appropriate based on your medical history, weight loss goals, and risk tolerance.
Choosing between Contrave vs Qsymia depends on your health profile and how your body responds to different types of medication. Both offer clinically backed solutions for weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.