Many people wonder whether Mysimba really helps with weight loss. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for weight reduction in Europe. How does it work, how much weight can you lose with it, and what side effects may occur during treatment? Read this article prepared by LuMedic to learn the key facts.
What is Mysimba?
Mysimba is a medication used to treat obesity and overweight in adults. Its goal is to support weight reduction in combination with a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity. It’s important to know that Mysimba is not a dietary supplement but a prescription medication with clinically proven effects.
Composition and Mechanism of Action
Mysimba actually contains two active ingredients.
The first is bupropion, a drug also used in the treatment of depression and nicotine addiction.
The second is naltrexone, a medication commonly used in alcohol and opioid addiction therapy.
This drug acts centrally, meaning it works in the brain, specifically on two areas responsible for appetite: the hypothalamus (stimulating POMC neurons) and the dopamine-dependent mesolimbic reward system. By influencing these centers, Mysimba reduces appetite and increases the feeling of satiety without the need to eat more.
Who Benefits Most From Mysimba?
According to the recommendations of the Polish Association for the Treatment of Obesity (PTLO), Mysimba is particularly helpful for patients struggling with persistent, intense food cravings, especially if depression and/or nicotine addiction coexist. However, the decision to start treatment should always be made by a doctor, based on a detailed patient interview.
Who Can Use Mysimba?
Mysimba is intended for adults who:
have a BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), or have a BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or dyslipidemia.
Mysimba – Dosage
Treatment starts gradually to minimize side effects. The usual daily dosing schedule is:
Week 1: 1 tablet in the morning
Week 2: 1 tablet in the morning, 1 in the evening
Week 3: 2 tablets in the morning, 1 in the evening
Week 4: 2 tablets in the morning, 2 in the evening (maximum dose)
Note: The doctor may adjust the dosage based on individual patient needs.
Tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed, and are recommended to be taken with food. If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose later. Simply take the next scheduled dose at the regular time.
Treatment is long-term and requires regular medical check-ups.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Mysimba?
Clinical trials confirm the effectiveness of Mysimba. According to data from four Phase III clinical studies, after 16 weeks of treatment, 51% of patients lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.
The doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy after 12 weeks. If the patient hasn’t lost at least 5% of their initial weight by that time, discontinuation of therapy may be recommended.
Mysimba – Price and Monthly Treatment Cost
The price of Mysimba varies between pharmacies. One package contains 112 tablets, which typically lasts for a month. The cost of a 30-day course at the maximum dosage (2 tablets twice daily) is approximately 380–500 PLN.
Note: Mysimba is not reimbursed in Poland.
Medical Indications for Mysimba
The drug is intended primarily for individuals with:
Obesity (BMI ≥ 30)
Overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, sleep apnea, or dyslipidemia.
Contraindications and Precautions
The combination of naltrexone + bupropion has a slight effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery, but dizziness may occur during treatment.
Mysimba must not be used by individuals who:
are allergic to any of the ingredients,
have uncontrolled hypertension,
have recently stopped drinking alcohol and/or using opioids,
have bipolar disorder,
have or have had bulimia or anorexia,
have a tumor in the central nervous system,
have or have had epilepsy,
have severe liver or kidney impairment,
are dependent on alcohol or opioids,
are taking certain sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines, MAO inhibitors),
are using other medications containing bupropion,
are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Use in Children and Adolescents
This drug is contraindicated for children and adolescents. It is only approved for adults (18+ years).
Mysimba and Pregnancy Planning
Animal studies have shown toxic effects on reproduction. The drug has not been studied in this context in humans. Therefore, Mysimba should not be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Mysimba and Breastfeeding
The active ingredients of Mysimba pass into breast milk. For this reason, the medication is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Mysimba has a minimal effect on the ability to drive. Patients should still be aware of the possibility of dizziness during treatment.
Side Effects of Mysimba
The most common side effects include:
nausea,
vomiting,
headaches,
insomnia,
dizziness,
constipation,
dry mouth,
increased blood pressure and heart rate.
In most cases, these symptoms are mild and tend to resolve as treatment continues.
Does Mysimba Contain Lactose?
Yes. Mysimba should not be used in patients with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.
Summary – Does Mysimba Really Help with Weight Loss?
To sum up, Mysimba supports weight reduction in adults with obesity or overweight, especially in cases where other methods have failed. The best results are achieved when pharmacotherapy is combined with diet and physical activity. While the therapy can be expensive, for many patients Mysimba is a valuable aid in their fight against excess weight.
Source:
https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/2015/20150326130850/anx_130850_pl.pdf