Skip to content
Weight Loss Contrave®
Weight Loss Contrave®

Contrave® for weight loss prescription available online

If you are living with excess weight or obesity, Contrave® (naltrexone/ bupropion) can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Contrave® from a board-certified primary care doctor online.* 

Enhances weight loss efforts with a healthy lifestyle Targets hunger and cravings in the brain FDA-approved for BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater
Book an appointment
Top Online Doctors | Step 2
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
circles-dark.18c7e306

About Contrave® (naltrexone/ bupropion)

Contrave® is a prescription-only, FDA-approved weight loss pill that may help obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with one or more weight-related comorbidities, lose weight and keep it off. The medication combines two older drugs: naltrexone (an opioid antagonist used to treat alcohol and drug dependence) and bupropion (an antidepressant also used as an adjunct for smoking cessation). 
 
Together, these medications target hunger cues and cravings in the brain, helping people to eat less and feel more satisfied after eating. Contrave® is NOT approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses. 

Contrave® is available only by prescription.

Contrave® is prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as recommended by your doctor.

Contrave® uses

There is only one FDA-approved use for Contrave®. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

Weight loss

Together with diet and exercise, Contrave® is FDA-approved for use as a weight loss medication for :

  • Adults with body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater

  • Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g. type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea)


Contrave® is NOT approved to treat:

  • Weight-related medical conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes

  • Depression or other mental illnesses

  • Alcohol or opioid dependency

  • People who need help to quit smoking

What are the pros and cons?

Contrave®

Pros

Once to twice daily oral dosing Reduces food cravings and appetite Helps individuals achieve significant weight loss Targets two areas of the brain involved in hunger and reward systems

Cons

  • May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts 

  • Can interact with many other medications

  • May cause nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, and insomnia

Contrave® side effects

The side effects associated with taking Contrave® are typically mild. Contrave® has some common side effects. Common possible side effects may include: 


More serious side effects can include: 

  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts in some young adults 

  • Seizures 

  • Increase in blood pressure and heart rate

  • Chest pain

  • Allergic reactions, including rashes or anaphylaxis

  • Angle-closure glaucoma 

  • Risk of opioid overdose 

  • Sudden opioid withdrawal

  • Liver damage or hepatitis 

  • Increased risk of low blood sugar levels in patients taking type 2 diabetic medication 

 

You should call your doctor if you notice any of these adverse effects or unusual behavior changes. 
 
The FDA has not approved the use of Contrave® in children under the age of 18. 

circles-dark.18c7e306

How to take Contrave® (naltrexone/ bupropion)

Your board-certified primary care doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your Contrave® prescription. 
 
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions. 
 
Contrave® comes in only one form, a tablet that contains 8 mg naltrexone and 90 mg bupropion, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. According to the FDA, Contrave® should be taken orally in the morning and the evening. Below is the recommended dosing schedule: 

  • Week 1: One tablet in the morning

  • Week 2: One tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening

  • Week 3: Two tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening

  • Week 4 and onward: Two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening

 

Other specific instructions may include:

  • Do not cut, chew, or crush the tablets.

  • Daily doses should not exceed 32 mg/360 mg (two tablets twice daily).

  • Contrave® can be taken with meals but not high-fat meals.


It is essential to take Contrave® precisely as your board-certified primary care physician prescribes, as higher or more frequent doses can increase the risk of side effects. 

What to avoid while taking Contrave®

Contrave® has many possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other prescription drugs or supplements, as well as over-the-counter medications.  
 
Here's a list of things you should avoid while taking Contrave®: 

  • Don't drink alcohol. It can increase the risk of seizures. 

  • Don't take other medications that also contain bupropion. This includes Wellbutrin/Wellbutrin XL/Wellbutrin SR. 

  • Don't take Contrave® if you have an eating disorder. 

  • Don't take Contrave® if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It's unknown if the medication passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. 

  • Don't take Contrave® if you have kidney problems. 

  • Don't take Contrave® if you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 

  • Don't take Contrave® if you are on opioid pain medicines. Discontinue these opioid-containing medicines 7 - 10 days before taking Contrave® to avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms. There is also the risk of opioid overdose. 

Medication alternatives to Contrave® (naltrexone/ bupropion)

In some cases, your doctor may prefer to put you on another treatment altogether. In that case, they may suggest a weight loss medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults

 There are a few weight loss medication alternatives to Contrave®. These include:

Saxenda® Zepbound™ Wegovy® Xenical® (Orlistat)
These medications can be prescribed to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss in obese adults with high cholesterol or blood pressure problems.

Contrave® (naltrexone/ bupropion) prescription FAQs

How can I get a Contrave® prescription online?

Contrave® is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a medical professional for a prescription. To begin, book a virtual appointment with one of our top-rated board-certified primary care doctors. Attend the visit with one of our top-rated doctors from the comfort of your phone or computer. After a qualifying evaluation and review of any medically relevant lab work, they will send a prescription to your local pharmacy for pickup. Alternatively, the manufacturer of Contrave offers an out-of-pocket price of $99 each month through their own mail-order pharmacy. More information can be found on the manufacturer’s website or in discussion with your doctor. 

What is in Contrave®?

Contrave® is a combination of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant also used for smoking cessation.

Used together, these medications reduce cravings and hunger cues in the brain. This can help individuals reduce their food intake and feel more full after meals.

How much does Contrave® cost?

According to the manufacturer of Contrave®, Currax Pharmaceuticals, the cost of 30 day supply of Contrave® through their CurxAccess program is $99. It can be even lower with insurance coverage. 

How long does it take for Contrave® to kick in?

It usually takes a few weeks for Contrave® to kick in. You may see the medication's full effect once you have taken it for several months, together with diet and exercise.

How do you take Contrave® for best results?

Following your healthcare provider's directions, patients typically begin with pills in the morning during the first week and slowly increase their dosage to 2 pills twice a day by week 4.

Who should not take Contrave®?

Contrave® is not recommended for people that

  • Are taking bupropion-containing medicines such as Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, or Zyban

  • Have or have had an eating disorder

  • Have developed a physical dependence on opioid pain medicines or are in opioid withdrawal

  • Drink high amounts of alcohol

  • Are on medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Are allergic to naltrexone or bupropion, the ingredients in Contrave®

  • Have uncontrolled hypertension

  • Have or have had seizures

When should you not take Contrave®?

You should not take Contrave® if you have an eating disorder, kidney disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also avoid taking Contrave® if taking other medications containing bupropion or naltrexone

What happens if I miss a dose of Contrave®?

If you miss a dose of Contrave®, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of Contrave® at the same time.

What happens if I take too much Contrave®?

Taking too much Contrave® can increase the risk of side effects, including seizures. If you think you have taken too much Contrave®, call your healthcare professional or Poison Control Center immediately.

3 simple steps to request your Contrave® prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a Contrave® prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your board-certified primary care doctor regarding your Contrave® prescription.

Your doctor will discuss your medical history and order recommended lab work. When labwork has been completed, your doctor will meet with you a second time and then prescribe Contrave, if medically appropriate. All prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your Contrave® prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Contrave® prescription pricing details

To get a new or refill on your Contrave® prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

19.99

First month free

+

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less! We accept these insurance plans and many more:
aetna humana cigna logo background

Paying without insurance

19.99

First month free

+

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.



PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.