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Contrave® for weight loss prescription available online

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

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Enhances weight loss efforts with a healthy lifestyle

Targets hunger and cravings in the brain

FDA-approved for BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater

*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.

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 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 drugs target both 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® may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

Contrave® uses

There is one FDA-approved use for Contrave®, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online clinician may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. 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)


    Although there are other applications for these medications, the 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-daily 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

  • Can be expensive, especially out-of-pocket

  • 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 children, teenagers, and 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 young children under the age of 18.

How to take Contrave® (naltrexone/ bupropion)

Your pharmacist 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.

According to FDA, Contrave® can come in an extended-release 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 healthcare professional prescribes, as higher or more frequent doses can increase the risk of side effects.

What to avoid while taking Contrave®

Contrave® has 700 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 clinician 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:

    This drug is used to treat diabetes primarily. The other use of this medicine is indicated to aid weight management in adults with excess weight or obesity.

  • This medication can be prescribed to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss in obese adults with high cholesterol or BP 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 board-certified doctor for a prescription. To begin, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. Attend the visit with one of our clinicians from the comfort of your phone or computer. After a qualifying evaluation, they will send a prescription to your local pharmacy for pickup.

  • What is in Contrave®?

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

    In conjunction, these drugs address 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 CurAccess program is $90. It can be even lower with insurance coverage. Our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.

  • 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, bupropion, or any of 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.

  • 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 healthcare professionals or Poison Control Center immediately.

3 simple steps to request your Contrave® prescription today 

Step 1

Book a Contrave® prescription request appointment.

You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Contrave® prescription.

You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up your Contrave® prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Contrave® prescription pricing details

How pricing works

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

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

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

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:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

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

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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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.