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Home > Drug Category > Weight Loss Medications > Contrave and Equivalent

Contrave Information

Contrave (Bupropion/Naltrexone) is used to help adults manage their weight when combined with a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. It is prescribed for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, which is considered obese. Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight) who also have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, can also use Contrave. Antidepressants like Bupropion activate specific brain cells called POMC neurons, which play a role in reducing appetite and increasing energy use. Opioid blockers like Naltrexone improve the effect of Bupropion. By working in combination, the two ingredients help reduce hunger and control food cravings, making it easier to manage weight over time.

Contrave Side Effects

The most common side effects of Contrave may include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Increased blood pressure;
• Liver damage;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Suicidal thoughts

Contrave Precautions

Do not use Contrave if you are allergic to Bupropion, Naltrexone, or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a history of or current seizure disorder, a history of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, uncontrolled high blood pressure, chronic use of opioids, glaucoma, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Contrave and other medications, such as opioids, MAO Inhibitors, levodopa, amantadine, metoprolol, flecainide, etc. Do not take MAO Inhibitors within 14 days of using Contrave due to an increased risk of hypertensive crisis. Do not use opioid medication for a minimum of 7 to 10 days before starting Contrave. Do not use Contrave if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. Contrave is not recommended during pregnancy. Weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may cause harm to the developing baby. Contrave is not recommended while breastfeeding. Both Naltrexone and Bupropion pass into human milk, and the risk to the infant is unknown. The safety and effectiveness of Contrave in children younger than 18 years old have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Contrave comes as extended-release tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Do not take Contrave with a high-fat meal, as it can increase the risk of seizures. If you haven’t lost at least 5% of your starting body weight after 12 weeks of using the regular (maintenance) dose, your doctor will likely stop the treatment. This is because continuing the medication is unlikely to provide further benefit. Avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of seizures and other side effects. You may experience suicidal thoughts when you first start taking Bupropion. It’s essential to pay attention to any changes in your mood, behavior, or symptoms. If you notice new or worsening feelings of sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, contact your doctor right away. Store Contrave at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Contrave is a weight loss medication that is a combination of Bupropion HCI and Naltrexone HCI. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that can also help decrease appetites. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of narcotics or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings. Take this medication as directed. This medicine is used together with diet and exercise. Contrave will not treat any weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Contrave is not approved to treat depression or other psychiatric conditions, or to help you quit smoking. You should not use Contrave if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, an eating disorder, opioid addiction, if you take narcotic medicine or other forms of bupropion, have bulimia or anorexia nervosa, are taking a MAOI, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure medication, or a sedative. Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects. If you experience any serious side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help.

Do I need a prescription to order Contrave?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Contrave.