Can I take this if I'm on pain medication?

If you take any opioid painkiller — including codeine, tramadol, morphine, oxycodone, or even opioid cough syrups — you cannot take naltrexone/bupropion. The naltrexone blocks how opioids work in your body and can throw you into sudden withdrawal. Tell your doctor about every medication you take.

Will it affect my mood?

Bupropion is an antidepressant (also sold as Wellbutrin). Some people report improved mood, which can be a helpful side effect if low mood contributes to overeating. However, all antidepressants carry a serious FDA warning about increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25. Talk to your doctor about your mental health history.

Avoid or minimise alcohol. Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, and alcohol combined with bupropion increases seizure risk. This is a more serious concern than with other weight loss drugs — discuss with your doctor if you drink regularly.

Does it help specifically with cravings?

Potentially yes. It works on the reward circuits in your brain — the same ones that drive emotional eating and eating just because food tastes good. Some people report that their cravings and compulsive eating drop, not just their hunger.

Can I stop taking it suddenly?

No — do not stop abruptly. Because of the bupropion component (an antidepressant), the dose should be tapered down gradually under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal effects.

Contrave (Naltrexone / Bupropion ER)

Key facts

At a glance

The numbers you need before deciding.

Weight loss

9.3%

~20 lbs for a 220 lb person

Monthly cost

$100–$400/mo

Some generic options available. Manufacturer savings programs may apply — ask your pharmacist.

How you take it

Twice-daily tablet

Morning and evening — with food

Main side effect

Nausea

About 3 in 10 people · usually temporary

Fat vs lean

Limited data

No body scan data published yet for this drug

If you stop

Weight regain expected

Same pattern as similar drugs

Before you start

Learn about this treatment

Everything you'd want to know before deciding.

Weight loss resultsTrial data, timelines, what's realistic Side effectsRates, what helps, and when to call your doctor Cost & savingsList price, insurance, manufacturer programs How it works & dosageTwo drugs in one pill — dose levels and what that means for you

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Clinical evidence2 trials, all linked See every treatment on one pageWhere this drug sits alongside older medicines, devices, procedures and surgery

On treatment

Already taking this?

Practical guides for people currently on this medication.

Dose titration scheduleStep-by-step dose increases Not losing weight yet?Troubleshooting — what to check first Nausea or GI issuesWhat helps right now — from trial data Missed a doseWhen to take it, when to skip

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How to take itWhen, how, storage What to eatProtein targets, meal timing, appetite shifts Week-by-week journeyWhat to expect from week 1 to month 12

Compare

Side-by-side comparisons

See how this drug compares with another, side by side.

Zepbound vs ContraveFull side-by-side comparison Wegovy vs ContraveFull side-by-side comparison Foundayo vs ContraveFull side-by-side comparison Saxenda vs ContraveFull side-by-side comparison

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Qsymia vs ContraveFull side-by-side comparison Contrave vs XenicalFull side-by-side comparison

Clinical evidence

How it compares in trials

Average weight loss % — from individual phase 3 trials

Contrave9.3%

Wegovy (semaglutide injection)14.9%

Zepbound (tirzepatide)20.9%

Is this right for you?

Who this tends to fit

Relevant if you

Struggle with emotional or compulsive eating
Prefer a pill rather than an injection
Want modest weight loss with potential mood-related advantages

Not right if you

You have a seizure disorder
You currently use opioid medications
You have an eating disorder
You want more weight loss than naltrexone-bupropion's own trials have shown

Safety

Important cautions

Bupropion makes seizures more likely — do not take if you have epilepsy or have ever had a seizure. Avoid if you drink heavily, as alcohol further increases seizure risk.
Do not take this drug if you currently use any opioid painkiller (including codeine, tramadol, or opioid cough medicines) — it will throw you into sudden withdrawal.
Bupropion carries a serious FDA warning about increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25. Talk to your doctor about your mental health history before starting.

See what the label says about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Practical guide

How to take Contrave

Take with food — twice daily, morning and evening

Dose is increased gradually over the first 4 weeks to reduce side effects (start with 1 tablet in the morning)

Swallow tablets whole — do not crush, chew, or break them

Don't stop suddenly — your doctor will help you step the dose down gradually

Common questions

FAQ

Questions to ask your doctor

→Am I a good candidate given my health history and any other conditions I have?
→Do I have any contraindications I should know about?
→What results should I realistically expect, and over what timeframe?
→Which side effects should make me contact you?
→How long should I try this before we decide if it's working?
→What happens if I need to stop — how do I come off it safely?

Written and maintained by one person · Built with agentic AI tools · Every number checked against the cited trial · Not medical advice

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Next step most people take

Compare all optionsSee how this stacks up against other treatments Am I eligible?Check if this type of medication is right for you Talk to your doctorWhat to bring up at your next appointment Side effects comparedHow side effects differ across all treatments

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Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. Prices shown are United States self-pay or list prices and vary by insurance and country.