Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): combination weight loss medication
Naltrexone-bupropion pairs two drugs to reduce appetite and increase energy. Here's what it costs, how it works, and who it's for.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) combines two existing medications into one weight loss treatment.
The pairing works on two fronts: bupropion stimulates the central nervous system and increases energy, while naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain to reduce appetite. Together they're designed to help you eat less and move more.
Who it's for
Contrave targets adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (or 30 or higher without other conditions). You need to pair it with diet and exercise for it to work.
Cost and access
Contrave costs around $100-$150 per month with insurance, or $200-$300 without it. Availability depends on your location and whether your insurance covers it. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) have overtaken it in prescribing volume in recent years.
Side effects
Common ones include nausea, constipation, headache and insomnia. Bupropion carries a black box warning about seizure risk and psychiatric effects.
How to get it
You'll need a prescription from a doctor. Some telehealth platforms offer weight loss consultations that may include Contrave, though GLP-1s dominate the telehealth weight loss space.
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