A clinician-guided decision
Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion in one extended-release tablet. A prescription decision should account for your health history, goals, current medicines, and whether medication is clinically appropriate.
What Contrave is used for
Contrave is used with a reduced-calorie eating plan and increased physical activity to help eligible adults reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction over time. It may also be considered for adults with overweight and a weight-related health condition.
A clinician looks beyond a number on the scale. Your medical history, weight-related conditions, previous treatment, daily routine, and ability to follow up all help determine whether Contrave may be a sensible option.
How treatment begins
Contrave is taken by mouth on a step-up schedule. The dose is increased gradually during the first several weeks when a prescriber determines that it is appropriate. Your clinician will explain how and when to take it, including the details that matter for your prescription.
The starting dose is not a final measure of benefit. Your clinician will review how you are feeling and how treatment is going before deciding whether the plan should continue or change. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without guidance from the clinician who prescribed it.
What follow-up care should cover
Follow-up is where a treatment plan becomes personal. Resolve can review changes in hunger or weight, how the medication fits with your nutrition, activity, sleep, and other health needs, and whether you are tolerating it well.
If Contrave is not the right fit because of side effects, health history, cost, or lack of benefit, that is useful information. A clinician can help you decide on the appropriate next step rather than leaving you to manage a medication change alone.
Side effects and important safety conversations
Common side effects can include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Tell your prescribing clinician if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or make daily life difficult.
Before treatment begins, discuss your history of seizures, eating disorders, alcohol or sedative withdrawal, uncontrolled high blood pressure, opioid use, liver or kidney concerns, depression or other mood concerns, and pregnancy plans. Contrave has important medication interactions, including with opioids and MAOIs, so a full medication review matters.
Medication and coverage questions
Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your visit. Contrave includes bupropion and naltrexone, so other medicines that affect mood, seizure risk, blood pressure, or opioid treatment need a careful conversation.
Insurance coverage and manufacturer savings eligibility vary. Resolve can help you understand how insurance verification works and discuss the practical cost questions that matter before you commit to a plan.
Questions about insurance coverage? How we verify coverage
For further independent medication information, visit Contrave resources.