contrave

Contrave is a prescription-only weight-loss medication used for chronic weight management in adults who are obese (BMI of 30 or higher). This medication is also approved for adults who are overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) & have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or high cholesterol. It combines naltrexone and bupropion, two medications that work together to help reduce food cravings and control appetite.

Contrave is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not as a standalone solution. Because it affects brain chemistry, it comes with important safety warnings and requires a prescription. Patients are typically monitored for changes in blood pressure, mood symptoms, and overall treatment response.

Contrave 90 mg/8 mg combines naltrexone and bupropion and acts on brain regions that regulate appetite and cravings.

• Naltrexone is an opioid receptor blocker that helps reduce food cravings.
• Bupropion is a medication that affects certain brain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) that help regulate hunger and reward.
• Together, they influence the brain’s reward system and appetite regulation to help people eat less and feel full sooner.

Contrave is not a stimulant or diet pill. It works gradually, and weight loss usually occurs over several weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Contrave carries important safety warnings due to its active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion.

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Contrave might increase the risk of suicidal actions or thoughts, especially in young adults (≤24 years).
• Seizures: Bupropion can increase seizure risk. The risk is higher in patients with seizure disorders, eating disorders, or abrupt alcohol or sedative withdrawal.
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate: Blood pressure and pulse should be monitored regularly during treatment.
• Hepatotoxicity (liver injury): Cases of hepatitis and clinically significant liver dysfunction have been reported with naltrexone exposure. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Contrave may increase eye pressure in susceptible individuals.
• Opioid withdrawal: Because naltrexone blocks opioids, taking Contrave while dependent on opioids can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms. Patients must be opioid-free for at least 7–10 days before starting Contrave, and longer (up to 14 days) for long-acting opioids.

Do not take Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion) if you:

• Have an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
• Have a prior or current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
• Are using chronic opioids or undergoing acute opioid withdrawal.
• Are abruptly stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Are taking other bupropion-containing products.
• Are pregnant.

• Use caution in patients with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric illness.
• Patients with kidney or liver impairment may require dose adjustments.
• Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored regularly.
• Alcohol use should be minimized or avoided, as it may increase seizure risk.
• Dose adjustment may be required when used with strong CYP2B6 inhibitors such as ticlopidine or clopidogrel.
• Monitor for signs of mood changes, agitation, or suicidal thinking.

Follow these administration guidelines to take Contrave tablets safely and effectively:

• Read the medication guide provided with your Contrave prescription before starting treatment and each time you refill it.
• Swallow Contrave 90 mg/8 mg whole with a glass of water.
• Do not break, crush, cut, or chew the extended-release tablets.
• Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels.
• Your physician or doctor will start with a low dose and gradually increase it over 4 weeks to reduce nausea and other side effects.
• Do not stop taking Contrave without speaking with your healthcare provider.
• Contrave should be used together with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet for the best results.

Contrave may cause side effects, some of which can be serious. This is not a complete list of all possible Contrave side effects. If you notice other adverse reactions during your treatment, report them immediately to your prescriber.

Common Side Effects of Contrave

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth

Contrave Less Common but Notable Side Effects

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety or irritability
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate

Contrave Serious Side Effects (Require Medical Attention)

• Seizures (risk increased with bupropion component)
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (boxed warning, especially in patients ≤24 years)
• Hepatotoxicity (liver injury)
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Hypertensive crisis, if combined with MAO inhibitors

The following dosing schedule reflects FDA-approved guidelines for Contrave extended-release tablets for chronic weight management in adults. Dosing is gradually increased over 4 weeks to reduce side effects. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Important Contrave Dosing Information

• The maximum recommended dose is 2 tablets twice daily (4 tablets per day).
• Contrave should not be taken with high-fat meals, as this may increase seizure risk.
• Treatment response should be evaluated after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose. If the patient has not lost at least 5% of baseline body weight, discontinuation is generally recommended.

According to the published results of the COR clinical trial program (including the COR-BMOD study) evaluating Contrave for chronic weight management:

• Patients taking Contrave lost significantly more weight than those taking a placebo when combined with diet and exercise.
• Average weight loss ranged from about 5% to 9% of starting body weight over 56 weeks, depending on the study and level of behavioral support.
• A higher percentage of patients achieved clinically meaningful weight loss (at least 5% to 10%) compared with placebo.
• Improvements were observed in waist circumference and certain metabolic markers, including HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

The FDA recommends assessing response after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose. If a patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight, discontinuation is generally recommended. Results vary by individual, but clinical trials show that Contrave can be effective for long-term weight management when used consistently under medical supervision.

If Contrave is unsuitable or unavailable, the following alternatives may be considered after consulting a medical provider:

Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion) can interact with certain medications and substances. Always inform your provider about all prescription medications, OTC drugs, and supplements you take. Some Contrave interactions may include:

If you’re looking to buy Contrave online or order Contrave from Canada to the U.S., Polar Bear Meds offers a safe, affordable, and reliable option for eligible patients with a valid prescription.

Many customers search for ways to reduce their Contrave cost without insurance or find a trusted online pharmacy for home delivery. We offer Contrave at prices often up to 80% lower than those at typical U.S. pharmacies, making long-term weight management treatment more affordable.

New customers may save even more by using the Contrave coupon code “WELCOMEPB10” for an additional 10% off. No insurance is required, and there are no hidden fees, so you can order online with confidence and clear pricing.

All medicines are processed securely and shipped discreetly from licensed pharmacy partners. Orders are usually delivered within 3-5 business days via Xpress Post, providing reliable home delivery from Canada to the U.S.

• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/200063s020lbl.pdf
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26679384/
• https://www.drugs.com/contrave.html
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/contrave-naltrexone-bupropion