What is Contrave(naltrexone/bupropion)?
Contrave is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher.
Contrave is a combination of two medications, naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone belongs to the drug class, opioid antagonist, which works to block the effects of opioids in the brain. It is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Bupropion belongs to the drug class, antidepressant, which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Contrave(naltrexone/bupropion)?
Contrave is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher.
Contrave is a combination of two medications, naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone belongs to the drug class, opioid antagonist, which works to block the effects of opioids in the brain. It is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Bupropion belongs to the drug class, antidepressant, which works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
What are the Indications for Contrave?
Contrave is indicated for weight management in adults who have a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Contrave is used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How is Contrave used?
Storage
Contrave should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), in its original container with the lid tightly closed.
Keep Contrave out of reach of children and pets.
Instruction
Take Contrave twice daily in the morning and evening with food to minimize the risk of nausea. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be chewed, crushed, or split.
Contrave should not be taken at bedtime as it may cause insomnia
Dosage
Contrave is available in tablet form in one strength: 8mg/90mg.
The recommended starting dose of Contrave is one tablet in the morning for the first week, followed by one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening for the second week. After the second week, the dose can be increased to two tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening, for a total of three tablets per day. The maximum recommended daily dose of Contrave is two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening, for a total of four tablets per day.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Contrave is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before starting Contrave, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Contrave, side effects may go away.
Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Headache
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while using Contrave can occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reaction: severe rash or itching, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, or problems breathing or swallowing.
- Seizures
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Liver damage
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using Contrave, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to any medications such as Contrave
- If you have or have had mental health issues such as depression or bipolar disorder
- If you have attempted suicide
- If you have had any injuries to your head
- If you have or have had seizures
- If you have had an infection or tumor on your spine or brain
- If you have or have had eating disorders
- If you have diabetes and are taking medication to control your blood sugar
- If you have liver problems
- If you are an alcoholic or drink a lot of alcohol
- If you have kidney problems
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Seizures
Taking Contrave increases your risk of seizures especially if you have a history of seizures or are taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. Your doctor will monitor you for seizures while taking Contrave.
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions
Taking Contrave can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly if you have a history of depression or other mental health conditions. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Contrave.
Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Taking Contrave can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can be dangerous if you have a history of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate before starting Contrave and regularly throughout your treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of high blood pressure that do not go away.
Liver Damage
Taking Contrave can increase your risk of liver damage. Your doctor should have your liver function tested before starting Contrave and regularly throughout your treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of liver damage that do not go away.
Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant
It is not safe to lose weight while pregnant as this can cause harm to your unborn child If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Contrave, talk to your doctor for the best course of action before taking Contrave
Breastfeeding
Taking Contrave while breastfeeding can pass into your baby through breastmilk which can cause harm. If you are breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding while taking Contrave, talk to your doctor for the best course of action before taking Contrave.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before using Contrave, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.
Opioids
Taking Contrave with any medications containing opioid including street drugs reduces the effect of the opioid. This may lead to an overdose of opioid if you continue to take more opioid-containing medication to offset the blocked effect of Contrave. However, it is recommended that all opioid-containing medications be discontinued while you are taking Contrave.