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Naltrexone and bupropion

Brand names: Contrave

Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion to reduce appetite and cravings for long-term weight management.

Brand namesContrave
Type of medicineWeight loss medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's raised slowly over 4 weeks. If you haven't lost 5% of your weight after 12 weeks on the full dose, it's usually stopped.

What it's used for

  • Chronic weight management in adults

How to take it

  • Swallow tablets whole. Don't take with a high-fat meal (raises seizure risk).
  • Follow the step-up schedule.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911A seizure
Call your provider todayHigh blood pressure readings or a fast heartbeat
Call your provider todayEye pain or vision changes

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: suicidal thoughts.
  • Not for people with seizures, eating disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or who take opioids.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Opioid pain medicines won't work while on it.
  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Don't take with other bupropion.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not used in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.