
Precautions
What is Contrave? Contrave contains a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that can also decrease appetite. Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of opioids or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings.
What is Contrave used to treat?
Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of opioids or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings. Contrave is an anorexiant and is used to help manage weight in obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems. This medicine is used together with diet and exercise.
What is the difference between naltrexone and Contrave?
Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) is a combination product used to promote and maintain weight loss in obese adults or overweight adults who have weight related medical problems. Contrave is the most popular opioid antagonist/atypical antidepressant combinations. There are currently no generic alternatives to Contrave.
Is there a generic for Contrave?
Do not take Contrave if you also take narcotic medicine or other forms of bupropion (such as Wellbutrin or Zyban), or if you are going through withdrawal from alcohol or drug addiction. Do not use Contrave if you are pregnant. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight.
What should I know before taking Contrave?

Is Contrave controlled substance?
Because Contrave is not a controlled substance like Belviq and Qsymia, doctors will be allowed to provide samples to patients straight from their office. Perhaps most important, Contrave was finally accepted by the FDA because of improved safety data, which revealed very few side effects.
Why is contrave a controlled substance?
Contrave is not a controlled substance. The dosage of Contrave is increased over a period of four weeks to its maintenance dosage of two tablets twice daily. After 12 weeks at this maintenance dosage, if the patient has not lost at least 5% of body weight, Contrave should be discontinued.
What drug class is contrave?
Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists, and bupropion is an antidepressant that may help restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. These two medications work together on separate parts of the brain to reduce appetite and how much you eat.
Is naltrexone a controlled substance?
Naltrexone can be administered on a daily, twice a week or three times a week regimen, based on the clinical needs of the patient, and the therapeutic goals of the patient and therapist. Because naltrexone is unscheduled under the Controlled Substances Act, any licensed physician can prescribe this drug.
What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?
Phentermine-Topiramate extended release (Qsymia) is the most effective weight loss drug available to date. It combines an adrenergic agonist with a neurostabilizer. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75/23mg to 15mg/92mg.
Is Contrave a stimulant?
CONTRAVE, a combination of naltrexone HCl and bupropion HCl, targets the hypothalamus and mesolimbic reward system to give patients more control of their eating. Unlike other weight-loss medications, CONTRAVE is not a controlled substance, scheduled drug, or stimulant.
Is Contrave the same as Suboxone?
Prescribed for Weight Loss, Obesity. Contrave may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Contrave has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 1934 ratings on Drugs.com....Comparing Contrave vs Suboxone.Quantity30 filmPer Unit*$5.59Cost*$167.771 more row
How do you feel on Contrave?
Nearly 1 in 4 people in the clinical trials stopped taking the prescription weight loss pill because they couldn't tolerate the common side effects, including nausea, headache, and vomiting. Contrave can also cause increased blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia. Other side effects include constipation and dizziness.
What does Contrave do to your body?
Contrave contains a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that can also decrease appetite. Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of opioids or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings.
Is naltrexone an opioid?
Naltrexone is not an opioid, is not addictive, and does not cause withdrawal symptoms with stop of use. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. Naltrexone binds and blocks opioid receptors, and reduces and suppresses opioid cravings.
Why does naltrexone make me feel weird?
Frequently asked questions about naltrexone (Vivitrol) It blocks the "high" you may experience from opioids and lessens the effects from drinking alcohol, so that you are less likely to consume these substances. You may feel a "weird" or "odd" sensation from using naltrexone (Vivitrol).
Does naltrexone give you energy?
LDN increases dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy and rewarded, gives us energy and helps our brain solve problems. When dopamine is low, we feel depressed.
What does Contrave do to your body?
Contrave contains a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that can also decrease appetite. Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of opioids or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings.
Can Contrave be stopped abruptly?
Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking this medication.
Is bupropion a controlled substance?
Bupropion is not a controlled substance.
Is Contrave the same as Suboxone?
Prescribed for Weight Loss, Obesity. Contrave may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Contrave has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 1934 ratings on Drugs.com....Comparing Contrave vs Suboxone.Quantity30 filmPer Unit*$5.59Cost*$167.771 more row
Before Taking This Medicine
Do not use Contrave if you are pregnant. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. Tell your doctor right a...
How Should I Take Contrave?
Take Contrave exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller...
Contrave Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Contrave for Weight Loss:Initial dose:-Week 1: One tablet (8 mg naltrexone/90 mg bupropion) orally once in the morning; then-We...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of this medicine can be fatal, especially if you also...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Contrave?
Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amoun...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Contrave?
When you start or stop taking Contrave, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of other medicines you take on a regular basis.Tell your doctor ab...
Can Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) cause seizures?
Yes, people have had seizures while taking Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion), and the risk of a seizure might be higher if you're taking higher dos...
When will Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) start working?
It can take about 4 weeks to start to see the effects of Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion). To achieve the best results, it's important that you lo...
How much weight can I lose while taking Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)?
In studies, participants lost anywhere from 4% to 8% of their body weight after about one year (56 weeks) of diet, exercise, and taking Contrave (n...
Will Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) help me lose weight if I don't diet or exercise?
Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) works together with a lower-calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight. The medication is not meant to be...
Should I stop taking Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) if it's not working?
Your provider will measure your weight after you've taken Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) for 12 weeks at your maintenance dose. If you haven't l...
How to take Contrave?
How to take the prescription. Contrave should be taken by mouth in the morning and in the evening and should not be taken with high-fat meals. You should drink plenty of water when taking Contrave. The FAQ section of the company website provides a handy dosing chart that is recommended for most customers.
How does Contrave work?
However, Contrave is believed to work on the part of the brain that deals with hunger and the reward system. To better understand this, you first need to know how the craving for food works. When you feel hungry, it is your brain notifying you that your body needs food.
What is contrave weight loss?
What is Contrave? Contrave is a weight-loss medication that may help overweight adults (with a weight-related medical problem) lose weight and keep it off. It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription weight-loss medication for individuals who are either overweight (adults with a body mass index or BMI of 27, defined as greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2) or obese (body mass index or BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater). Adults with a BMI in this range also tend to have at least one weight-related medical problem, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Persons with a history of binge eating disorders may also be prescribed this medication as a first choice.
What is the company that makes Contrave?
The company that makes Contrave, Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring and commercializing prescription drugs within the U.S. market. The company was founded in 2019 with the purpose of enhancing the lives of patients by providing access to life-changing medications.
How long does it take for the side effects of Contrave to go away?
For most people, these common side effects go away within the first four weeks of taking the medication. The medicine may also cause serious side effects, including:
Where is the Contrave privacy policy?
You’ll find the link to the Contrave privacy policy at the bottom of the company’s website and on the FAQ page.
How long should I wait between MAOI and Contrave?
At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with Contrave. Persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this supplement. Before you consider a prescription for weight loss, you should sequence your own genome!
What is the purpose of Contrave?
Contrave ( bupropion / naltrexone) is a combination product used to promote and maintain weight loss in obese adults or overweight adults who have weight related medical problems. Contrave is the most popular opioid antagonist/atypical antidepressant combinations.
How much naltrexone is in Contrave?
Each tablet contains 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion.
What are the side effects of Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
What is the difference between Contrave and Bupropion?
Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) is a combination of two medications. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and bupropion is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. They work together on parts of your brain responsible for appetite control and the reward system to manage your food cravings.
How long does it take for a contrave to work?
It can take about 4 weeks to start to see the effects of Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion). To achieve the best results, it's important that you lower the calories in your diet and exercise regularly while taking Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion).
How long does it take to lose weight after taking contrave?
In studies, participants lost anywhere from 4% to 8% of their body weight after about one year (56 weeks) of diet, exercise, and taking Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion).
Does Contrave help you lose weight?
Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) works together with a lower-calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight. The medication is not meant to be used alone for weight loss. In studies, participants were either educated on how to diet and exercise or prescribed a specific diet and exercise routine. To achieve the best results with Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion), it's recommended to lower your calorie intake and exercise along with taking the medication.
How much does Contrave cost?
If you’re paying cash, or if you have insurance that does not cover CONTRAVE, you may pay less than $4 a day for your monthly prescription. If you have private health insurance that covers CONTRAVE, you may pay less than $2 a day. Tell your pharmacist what kind of health insurance you have so you can pay the lowest copay possible.
What is the phone number for Contrave?
Visit our Medication Guidefor more information about CONTRAVE, or call one of our customer service representatives at 1-800-905-5576.
How long after stopping MAOI can you take Contrave?
Do notstart CONTRAVE until you have stopped taking your MAOI for at least 14 days. are allergic to naltrexone or bupropion or any of the ingredients in CONTRAVE. See the Medication Guidefor a complete list of ingredients in CONTRAVE. See the Medication Guideto learn more.
How many Contrave pills should I take a day?
A total daily dosage of 4 CONTRAVE pills (i.e., 2 pills taken twice per day) should be reached at the start of week 4.
How long does it take to stop taking Contrave?
Your healthcare provider should tell you to stop taking CONTRAVE if you have not lost a certain amount of weight after 16 weeks of treatment. Do not take more than 2 pills at the same time or more than 4 pills in 1 day. Do not take CONTRAVE with high-fat meals. It may increase your risk of seizures.
What is the BMI of a person who takes Contrave?
Who should take CONTRAVE? CONTRAVE is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
What is the medicine that makes you sleepy?
drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines and you stop using them all of a sudden. are taking medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
The Science Behind CONTRAVE
There is a real weight-loss struggle that happens to many of us—and it’s not due to lack of commitment or effort. Through science, we can better understand this challenge because it turns out your brain may be working against you by sending hunger signals or triggering cravings, even when you’re not hungry.
How CONTRAVE Can Help
Nearly half of patients taking CONTRAVE lost 5% or more body weight and kept it off (vs 23% of patients taking placebo). ‡ Individual results may vary.
How long after taking methadone can you take naltrexone?
Before someone can take naltrexone, they shouldn’t have used opioids for at least seven days. For certain opioids, like methadone, it should be 10 to 14 days following the last dose. Naltrexone is ideally part of a larger drug or alcohol treatment program.
How does naltrexone work?
This medication works by blocking the effects of narcotics, which are also called opioids. It competes with drugs to take over the opioid receptors in the brain and occupy them. The action of naltrexone in the brain blocks ...
Why are opioids dangerous?
Opioids create a sense of euphoria which is physically and mentally addictive. These drugs can also cause respiratory depression by slowing the functionality of the central nervous system. When breathing gets too slow, a person can lose consciousness, go into a coma or die.
Can naltrexone be used for heroin?
As an opioid antagonist, naltrexone can block the effects of heroin and prescription medications. Using naltrexone doesn ’t mean you’re replacing one addiction with another. There is no potential to experience a high on naltrexone, or to misuse it.
Can people with opioid addiction maintain employment?
It can be impossible for people addicted to opioids to maintain steady employment or have a productive life. Lawmakers, health professionals, and society, in general, are constantly looking for ways to curb opioid addiction and its effects in the U.S. Naltrexone is one part of that objective.
Can you take naltrexone while pregnant?
Before taking naltrexone people should let their doctor know about their medical history, including a history of kidney or liver disease. It’s classified by the FDA as a category C drug during pregnancy, meaning it could be harmful to an unborn baby.
Is naltrexone a substitute for alcohol?
It’s essential to understand that naltrexone isn’t a replacement for substance use disorder treatment and is actually just one part of the puzzle. Naltrexone may help people physically avoid taking drugs or alcohol, but it doesn’t treat the root causes of their substance abuse.
What should I avoid while using naltrexone?
Do not use opioid medication, heroin, or other street drugs while you are receiving naltrexone. Once naltrexone is injected, it cannot be removed from your body. Never try to overcome the effects of naltrexone by taking large doses of opioids. Doing so could result in dangerous effects, including coma and death.
What is naltrexone?
Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Vivitrol is used as part of a treatment program for drug or alcohol dependence.
What other drugs will affect naltrexone?
Other drugs may interact with naltrexone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
What happens if I overdose?
However, overdose symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness, or a reaction where an injection was given (such as severe pain or skin changes).
Why is naltrexone used?
Naltrexone injection is used to prevent relapse in adults who became dependent on opioid medicine and then stopped using it. Naltrexone can help keep you from feeling a "need" to use the opioid. Naltrexone injection is also used to treat alcoholism by reducing your urge to drink alcohol.
Why do people take naltrexone in the morning?
Taking naltrexone tablets after a meal (for example: breakfast) may help to lessen any stomach side effects such as nausea or pain. Continue reading.
What are the symptoms of naltrexone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to naltrexone: hives; chest pain, wheezing, difficult breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
