Contrave®

(Naltrexone/Bupropion)

Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a medication that helps decrease appetite to promote weight loss in combination with a healthy, low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also used long-term to maintain weight in those who have previously lost weight.

How does it work?

Contrave is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone blocks opiate receptors in the reward center of our brain which helps decrease the “feel good” feelings one gets from food. Bupropion is thought to act on the hypothalamus, our brain’s hunger center, to reduce appetite.

How to take your medication

The dose should be increased gradually according to the following schedule to minimize side effects. You can take Contrave with your morning and evening meals but not with a high-fat meal (this increases the amount your body absorbs and may not be safe).

Dosing Schedule*

The typical Contrave dosing schedule is as follows:

• Week 1: one tablet in the morning only
• Week 2: one tablet in the morning and one at night
• Week 3: two tablets in the morning and one at night
• Week 4 and onward: two tablets in the morning and 2 tablets at night

*Naltrexone and bupropion may be prescribed as 2 separate medications. In that case, your medical clinician will provide you with the dosing schedule as it will not be the same as the one above.

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Mood changes such as worsening depression or anxiety
• It may raise blood pressure, so it is important to discuss with your medical clinician if you need to be monitoring this regularly.

While on this medication

• Notify your medical clinician before starting any new medication.
• Discuss any bothersome side effects with your medical clinician. It may be recommended to try a lower dose rather than stopping it entirely.
• Do NOT use this medication if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Individual weight loss outcomes will vary. If after 12 weeks you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight then it may be recommended to stop the medication.

Contrave® is a registered trademark owned or licensed by Currax Pharmaceuticals, LLC, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

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