Naltrexone and bupropion are combined in a single medication called Contrave, primarily used for weight management in individuals who are overweight or obese. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that helps reduce food cravings, while bupropion is an antidepressant that can also suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure. The combination of these medications is thought to work synergistically to help promote weight loss. Contrave is typically used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to achieve and maintain weight loss goals. It should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Naltrexone & Bupropion is a combination medication primarily used for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese, especially when combined with diet and exercise. The brand name for this combination is Contrave .

What Is It?

• Naltrexone: An opioid receptor antagonist. It blocks the brain’s opioid receptors and may reduce cravings and emotional eating.
• Bupropion: An antidepressant (also used for smoking cessation) that affects dopamine and norepinephrine. It helps reduce appetite and improve energy/mood.

Together, they act on two key areas in the brain:

1. Hypothalamus – controls hunger
2. Mesolimbic reward system – related to cravings and emotional eating

Main Use

• Weight loss in adults with a BMI ≥30 (obese) or BMI ≥27 (overweight) with a related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

How It Helps with Weight Loss

• Reduces appetite
• Lowers food cravings
• Supports control over emotional or impulsive eating

Typical Dosage (Prescription Only)

• Gradual titration to 32 mg naltrexone / 360 mg bupropion daily, usually taken in two divided doses

Warnings & Side Effects

• Common: Nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia
• Serious: Increased blood pressure, suicidal thoughts (bupropion risk), seizures (especially if taken improperly or in predisposed individuals)
• Do NOT use if:
  • You are taking opioids or have withdrawal risk
  • You have a seizure disorder
  • You have an eating disorder
  • You’re pregnant

1. What is the Naltrexone and Bupropion combo used for?
It is prescribed for weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese, especially those with related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

2. How does this combination help with weight loss?
Naltrexone helps reduce food cravings, while bupropion decreases appetite and improves mood and energy — helping you eat less and stay motivated.

3. Is this medication safe?
It can be safe when taken as prescribed, but it’s not for everyone. It can increase blood pressure, raise seizure risk, and is not safe with opioids or in people with eating disorders.

4. Do I need a prescription?
Yes. This is a prescription-only medication and must be approved by a licensed healthcare provider.

5. How do I take it?
The usual schedule starts with a gradual increase in dose over several weeks, eventually reaching two tablets twice a day (morning and evening).