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What Is Contrave?

Contrave contains a combination of bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that can decrease appetite. Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of narcotics or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings. Contrave is an anorexiant and is used to help manage weight in obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems. This medicine is used together with diet and exercise. However, Contrave will not treat any weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Uses

This medication is used only with a doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight. It is mostly used by overweight people, such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems. Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.

Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists, and bupropion is an antidepressant that may help restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in your brain. These two medications work together on separate parts of the brain to reduce appetite and how much you eat.

Most opiates should not be used for 7 to 10 days before starting naltrexone, but some opiate drugs should not be used for 10 to 14 days before starting naltrexone. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Contrave if you are pregnant. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.You should not use Contrave if you are allergic to bupropion or naltrexone, or if you have:

  • untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia);
  • opioid addiction or withdrawal (or if you take methadone or buprenorphine);
  • if you take other forms of bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Budeprion, Forfivo, Zyban, and others); or

How to use Contrave

Read the Medication Guide if available from your pharmacist before you start taking naltrexone/bupropion and each time you get a refill.
Take this medication by mouth with a low-fat meal as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.
You may have trouble sleeping when you start taking this drug. Do not take your evening dose too close to bedtime.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects such as seizures.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Contrave: fever, swollen glands, mouth sores, muscle or joint pain; hives, rash or itching; chest pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, severe drowsiness, or if you are hard to wake up.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

  • a seizure (convulsions);
  • changes in mood or behavior - anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, agitation, thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
  • a manic episode - racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative;

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Do not take more than 4 tablets in 1 day.

Before taking naltrexone/bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.