Contrave is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication combining naltrexone and bupropion, authorized in September 2014 for adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions. The drug targets brain appetite centers through a dual mechanism that addresses hunger signals and food cravings. Clinical data shows mixed results, with some patients achieving 10-30 pounds of weight loss while others experience minimal benefits alongside significant side effects.
The medication works by blocking opioid receptors while increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your central nervous system. This combination targets the hypothalamus and mesolimbic reward pathways to reduce appetite and control cravings. Users report reduced food preoccupation and feeling full with smaller portions. However, gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and excessive gas remain the most commonly reported complaints. Cardiovascular concerns have emerged among some users experiencing heart palpitations, prompting FDA safety monitoring.
Real-world patient experiences reveal significant individual variability in Contrave’s effectiveness. WebMD reviews show 66% positive ratings with an average 3.5 out of 5 stars from 485 users. The medication costs $99 per month through manufacturer pricing programs, with coverage available through select federal programs. This review examines clinical evidence, user testimonials, cost comparisons with alternatives like Wegovy and Qsymia, and helps you determine whether Contrave justifies the investment for your specific weight loss goals.
What is Contrave?
Contrave is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication authorized in September 2014 for adults with obesity or overweight conditions accompanied by related health issues. The drug targets individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Healthcare providers prescribe Contrave as part of a comprehensive weight management strategy.
Contrave combines two active pharmaceutical ingredients: naltrexone HCI 8 milligrams and bupropion HCI 90 milligrams. Naltrexone functions as an opioid antagonist originally developed for substance abuse treatment. Bupropion is an antidepressant known by the brand name Wellbutrin. Together, these components work synergistically to support weight reduction.
The medication functions as an adjunct therapy alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Contrave is not classified as a controlled substance, making it distinct from stimulant-based weight-loss drugs. Medical supervision remains essential during treatment to monitor efficacy and safety outcomes.
Contrave is formulated as blue extended-release tablets featuring a trilayer core design that enables controlled medication release throughout the day. The standard supply comes in 30-day bottles for convenient monthly refills. No generic or bioequivalent version exists, making brand-name Contrave the only available form.
How does Contrave work for weight loss?
Contrave operates through a dual-mechanism approach involving naltrexone and bupropion, though the exact neurochemical effects remain incompletely understood. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain while bupropion increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the central nervous system. This combination creates a synergistic effect that addresses multiple biological pathways involved in weight regulation.
The medication targets the hypothalamus, which serves as the body’s appetite regulatory center. Contrave down-regulates hunger signals within this critical brain region. Additionally, the drug influences the mesolimbic dopamine reward system to control cravings and reduce food-driven pleasure responses. These dual targets work together to diminish the brain’s drive toward eating.
Patients experience reduced appetite and food preoccupation when taking Contrave. Users report feeling full with smaller food portions and experiencing fewer cravings between meals. This diminished food obsession allows individuals to redirect mental energy toward other life priorities rather than constant food thoughts.
Who is Contrave designed for?
Contrave is designed for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² (obese) or higher, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Eligible patients typically have controlled hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. This medication targets individuals whose weight significantly impacts their metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Contrave must be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. Doctors evaluate treatment effectiveness at the 12-week mark to determine whether patients should continue the medication. This integrated approach ensures that medication complements lifestyle modifications rather than replacing them.
Contrave is suitable for emotional eaters and individuals struggling with food cravings. Many patients pursue this medication after other weight loss methods, including GLP-1 medications, prove insufficient for their needs. The medication addresses the neurological components of appetite regulation that dietary changes alone may not control.
What do Contrave reviews say?
Contrave receives mixed user satisfaction with 66% reporting positive effects on WebMD, achieving an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from 485 reviews. The manufacturer website features patient testimonials describing their experiences with the medication. These reviews provide real-world insights into how Contrave performs for different individuals seeking weight management support.
User experiences with Contrave vary significantly in reported outcomes. Some patients achieve weight loss of 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.6 kilograms) within 1 to 6 months. These success stories often include improvements in energy levels and sleep quality. Conversely, other users report persistent nausea, excessive gas, and heart palpitations. These adverse effects cause some patients to discontinue treatment.
Contrave affects different individuals in distinct ways due to individual biochemical variability. Patient reviews on the manufacturer website reveal that many users previously tried other diet pills and weight management programs. This prior experience shapes their perspective on Contrave’s effectiveness. The medication’s impact depends on personal metabolism, lifestyle factors, and overall health status.
What are the most common positive experiences with Contrave?
Contrave produces remarkable appetite suppression that allows users to stop eating when genuinely full for possibly the first time in their lives. Users report that once satiety occurs, the thought of consuming another bite triggers physical nausea. This appetite control mechanism fundamentally changes eating behaviors and portion management.
Contrave eliminates sugar and carbohydrate cravings effectively. The medication removes the desire for constant grazing and terminates obsessive food preoccupation. Users experience freedom from the psychological cycle of craving that previously dominated their eating patterns.
Weight loss results range from 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.6 kilograms) within 1 to 6 months of treatment. One user lost 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms) in 1.5 months without exercise. Another achieved 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) of loss over 6 months, while a third user lost 24 pounds (10.9 kilograms) in 11 weeks.
Contrave users report increased energy levels and sleep quality improvements previously unavailable to them. Anxiety symptoms diminish, mobility enhances, and mental health outcomes strengthen. The medication’s positive effects extend beyond weight loss to overall productivity and psychological well-being.
What are the most frequent complaints about Contrave?
Gastrointestinal side effects represent the most commonly reported complaints among Contrave users, with nausea occurring initially and persisting as a significant issue. Excessive gas develops from both ends and continues long-term for many patients. Constipation episodes typically occur twice within an eleven-week period. Additionally, increased saliva production persists as an ongoing complaint throughout treatment.
Cardiovascular concerns emerge as a serious complaint among some Contrave users who experience significant heart palpitations. These symptoms necessitate medication discontinuation in certain cases. The FDA acknowledges that heart risks remain unknown, pending completion of ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials that continue to evaluate safety profiles.
Energy and sleep disturbances create persistent complaints despite deep nighttime sleep. Users report waking up tired despite adequate sleep duration. Insomnia ranks among common side effects documented in clinical data, affecting daily functioning and quality of life.
Selective craving control represents a limitation of Contrave’s mechanism, as the medication does nothing to curb alcohol consumption. The drug effectively reduces food cravings by targeting food-related reward system behaviors. Alcohol cravings remain unaffected by treatment, requiring users to manage substance cravings independently.
What is Contrave’s average rating from real users?
Contrave has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 485 reviews on WebMD. Approximately 66% of reviewers reported experiencing positive effects with the medication. This moderate rating reflects a mixed patient experience with the weight loss drug across a substantial sample size.
The manufacturer features real patients taking Contrave during interviews. These individuals were compensated for sharing their personal stories and experiences. Individual results vary considerably across the patient population, indicating that outcomes depend on multiple factors.
User reviews reflect personal clinical experiences rather than comprehensive medical data. The feedback may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to specific health needs. Reviews should not be interpreted as medical advice and require professional evaluation before use.
How much weight can you lose with Contrave?
Contrave produces meaningful weight loss results in clinical trials, with 36% of users losing at least 5% of body weight compared to 18% on placebo. Over 56 weeks, Contrave users lost an average of 3.7% to 8.1% of body weight (8.5 to 18 pounds), substantially outperforming the placebo group’s 1.7% to 4.9% loss (4 to 11 pounds).
Consumer Reports conducted an independent analysis of Contrave’s clinical trials and found more modest results than manufacturer claims. The analysis determined that users experienced only 5 to 9 pounds more weight loss than placebo participants. Medical advisors consulted in the review stated this small additional weight loss may not justify the risk of serious side effects associated with the medication.
Long-term weight maintenance data demonstrates sustained results for many users over extended periods. Research published in eClinicalMedicine reviewed four 56-week phase 3 trials and found that 40% of participants maintained clinically significant weight loss (5% to 10% of body weight) for at least 4 years. This maintenance rate indicates the medication’s effectiveness extends beyond the initial trial period.
Contrave reduces waist circumference alongside overall weight loss in clinical studies. The COR-I trial showed participants lost an average of 2 inches around the waist, compared to 1.1 inches in the placebo group. Baseline waist measurements across trials averaged 43 to 45 inches, reflecting the typical patient population studied.
How fast do people lose weight on Contrave?
Most patients lose weight within the first 12 weeks of Contrave treatment, with doctors evaluating results at this checkpoint to confirm effectiveness. Healthcare providers assess whether the medication produces sufficient weight loss to justify continued use. The 12-week mark serves as a critical decision point for treatment continuation or adjustment.
Real-world users report consistent weight loss without major dietary modifications. Patients document losses of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) in 30 days, 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms) in 1.5 months, and 24 pounds (10.9 kilograms) in 11 weeks. Typical results show approximately one pound (0.45 kilograms) lost per week across diverse user populations.
Contrave requires a gradual dose escalation protocol to optimize results. Patients take one pill during week one, two pills in week two, three pills in week three, and reach the full dose of two tablets twice daily by week four. This titration schedule allows the body to adjust while building the medication’s weight-loss effectiveness.
Does Contrave work without diet and exercise?
Contrave is FDA-approved as an adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not as a standalone weight loss solution. The medication is designed to work alongside regular exercise and nutritious food choices. Clinical approval explicitly requires combining Contrave with lifestyle modifications for optimal results.
Real-world users report weight loss without formal exercise programs. One user lost 17 pounds in 1.5 months while remaining sedentary, relying on food tracking alone. Another individual lost 30 pounds without significantly changing dietary habits, experiencing appetite suppression that naturally reduced calorie intake.
Contrave’s medication mechanism drives weight loss by controlling appetite rather than requiring strict dietary adherence. Users report losing approximately one pound per week without making substantial food changes. The medication’s appetite-suppressing effects enable weight loss primarily through reduced food consumption.
What are the side effects of Contrave?
Contrave produces common side effects including nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. These adverse reactions represent the most frequently reported complaints among users. The medication’s side effect profile extends beyond this list, and patients should consult healthcare providers about all potential reactions.
The FDA issued a black box warning for Contrave due to bupropion’s component risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults under age 24 face elevated risk. Close psychiatric monitoring becomes essential for these populations during treatment.
Serious safety risks accompany Contrave use, including seizures occurring in approximately 0.1% of cases. Additional severe complications include elevated blood pressure, liver damage, angle-closure glaucoma, and manic episodes in bipolar disorder patients. Medical evaluation before treatment initiation prevents these dangerous outcomes.
Cardiovascular event risks from Contrave remain undetermined by the FDA. The medication’s effect on heart problems, stroke, or cardiovascular death is unknown pending completion of ongoing clinical trials. Patients with existing heart conditions require careful physician assessment before initiating therapy.
What are the most common side effects?
Contrave produces gastrointestinal effects that are most pronounced during initial treatment periods. Nausea represents the predominant symptom, particularly significant in early weeks of therapy. Constipation occurs at a typical rate of twice per eleven-week period. Vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive gas persist as long-term side effects in multiple users, requiring ongoing management.
Neurological effects emerge frequently among Contrave users. Headache occurs approximately once per eleven-week interval. Dizziness affects multiple patients during treatment. Insomnia disrupts sleep patterns in reported cases. Some individuals report waking tired despite achieving deep sleep, indicating disrupted sleep quality.
Oral and metabolic effects accompany Contrave therapy in various patients. Dry mouth ranks among commonly reported effects. Increased saliva production persists as a long-term side effect in some users. False-positive urine drug screens for amphetamines can occur, requiring awareness before medical testing.
What are the serious risks and warnings?
Contrave’s bupropion component carries a 0.1% seizure risk in clinical trials compared to 0% in placebo groups. Seizure incidence is dose-related, meaning higher doses increase seizure probability. If a seizure occurs, patients must discontinue Contrave permanently and never restart the medication.
Serious neuropsychiatric events have been documented with Contrave use. Reported cases include depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. These psychiatric adverse effects require immediate medical attention and careful patient monitoring.
Liver damage represents another concern with Contrave therapy. Clinical trials showed no cases of hepatotoxicity meeting the severe criteria of elevated transaminases greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal plus bilirubin exceeding 2 times the upper limit of normal. Hepatic function monitoring remains prudent during treatment.
Cardiovascular safety remains uncertain due to incomplete data. The FDA mandated an ongoing cardiovascular outcome trial to establish heart risk safety. Cleveland Clinic cardiologists note that preliminary data from the first heart trial remains insufficient for definitive cardiovascular safety conclusions at this time.
Do Contrave side effects go away over time?
Many Contrave users experience transient side effects that resolve within weeks of starting treatment. Minor nausea completely disappeared within one month for some patients in clinical observations. The medication’s gastrointestinal effects often subside after a few days to several weeks as the body adjusts to the drug regimen.
Excessive gas and increased saliva production persist long-term for certain users, lasting six months or longer. Some patients report ongoing gastrointestinal disturbances that require active management strategies. Persistent symptoms demand attention and may necessitate lifestyle modifications or additional interventions.
Medical consultation becomes essential if side effects extend beyond a few weeks, cause significant discomfort, or intensify in severity. Patients must contact their doctor or pharmacist to discuss bothersome or severe reactions. Discontinuing Contrave remains an option if adverse effects prove intolerable or unmanageable.
Who should not take Contrave?
Contrave is contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, or history of seizures. The medication is also unsafe for those taking other bupropion products, those with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, those using chronic opioids, those experiencing acute opiate withdrawal, or those abruptly discontinuing alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates. These conditions significantly elevate the risk of serious adverse effects.
Contrave cannot be used during or within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) treatment. This restriction applies to both traditional MAOIs and reversible inhibitors like linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. The combination creates substantial hypertensive reaction risk that may prove dangerous.
Individuals with known allergies to bupropion, naltrexone, or any component should avoid Contrave entirely. Reported reactions include anaphylactoid and anaphylactic responses along with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Healthcare providers must also screen for bipolar disorder history or risk factors before initiating treatment.
Complete disclosure of all medical history and current medications is extremely important before taking Contrave. Certain underlying conditions and drug interactions substantially increase the probability of serious side effects. Transparent communication with healthcare providers ensures safe prescribing decisions.
Contrave vs Wegovy: Which is better for weight loss?
Contrave and Wegovy belong to different medication classes, with Contrave as an oral daily pill and Wegovy as a weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist. Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion to work through the central nervous system. Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound all function as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The delivery method difference creates distinct user experiences and treatment considerations.
Wegovy typically produces more substantial weight loss compared to Contrave. Clinical evidence demonstrates that both medications effectively support weight management when patients combine them with structured diet and exercise programs. Healthcare providers view Wegovy as the more potent option for significant weight reduction.
Selection between these medications depends on the patient’s specific health condition and treatment history. Wegovy carries FDA approval specifically for weight loss, while Ozempic targets Type 2 diabetes management. Many patients attempt Contrave first, then transition to GLP-1 medications when Contrave proves insufficient for their weight loss goals.
Contrave vs Qsymia: Which should you choose?
Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion to target brain appetite centers through a dual-mechanism approach that differs from other oral weight-loss medications. Naltrexone functions as an opioid antagonist while bupropion acts as an antidepressant. This combination targets hypothalamic pathways involved in hunger and satiety regulation. The synergistic effect distinguishes Contrave from single-agent medications in the weight-loss pharmaceutical landscape.
Contrave uses extended-release oral tablets administered twice daily with a structured titration schedule. Patients begin with a lower dose and increase gradually over four weeks. The maintenance regimen reaches two tablets taken twice daily. This gradual escalation allows the body to adjust to the medication while minimizing side effects.
Prescribers recommend weight-loss medications when diet and exercise modifications fail to produce meaningful results. Individual patient factors determine medication selection. Medical history, comorbidities, contraindications, and prior medication responses guide the choice between Contrave and Qsymia. The decision requires personalized assessment of each patient’s unique clinical profile and treatment goals.
How much does Contrave cost?
Contrave costs $99 per month or less through the manufacturer’s official pricing program, which includes free shipping on 30-day supply bottles. This direct program offers the most affordable access point for patients seeking weight loss medication. The manufacturer partner handles delivery at no additional cost.
GoodRx provides an exclusive cash price of $199 per prescription for Contrave. The manufacturer’s savings program runs parallel to this option. Patients can compare both alternatives to determine which delivers the greatest savings for their situation.
Federal program participants qualify for special pricing through the CurAccess Program. Eligible individuals include those enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Part D, and TRICARE. The prescription processes as a cash payment within the federal framework, maintaining affordability for government-insured patients.
Is Contrave covered by insurance?
Contrave coverage through federal programs includes Medicaid, Medicare Part D, and TRICARE eligibility through the CurAccess Program. Eligible patients from these programs can access the medication through this specialized pathway. The CurAccess Program processes participants with a cash-paying customer assumption framework.
Manufacturer savings programs and GoodRx cash pricing offer direct alternatives to traditional insurance coverage for Contrave. These options provide accessible pathways for patients seeking affordable medication costs. Free shipping is included through the CurAccess Program, reducing overall expenses for eligible participants.
Is Contrave Worth the Price?
Contrave costs approximately $99 per month and demonstrates value for patients achieving sustained weight loss. Clinical data show that 40% of users maintain a 5-10% weight reduction for up to four years. For individuals committed to long-term weight management, this monthly investment translates into meaningful health improvements and metabolic benefits over extended timeframes.
Consumer Reports medical advisers question Contrave’s value proposition due to modest efficacy margins. The medication produces only 5-9 pounds more weight loss than placebo treatments. Serious adverse effects including seizures, liver damage, and unquantified cardiac risks outweigh this modest advantage. The risk-to-benefit ratio remains unfavorable for many patients.
Individual response variability determines whether Contrave justifies its cost for specific patients. Weight loss ranges from 10-30 pounds among responders, while others experience minimal reduction. Side effect tolerance, improvements in related conditions (joint pain, fatigue, mobility), and comparison to alternative medications should guide the decision-making process.
Where can you buy Contrave?
Contrave is available through online healthcare provider consultations and traditional doctor prescriptions. Patients can speak to a healthcare provider online to determine if Contrave is the right medication for their weight loss goals. Both digital and in-person consultations enable patients to obtain legitimate prescriptions from licensed medical professionals.
Contrave must be dispensed only through licensed pharmacies. Florida law specifically requires pharmacy dispensing for this prescription class. Patients should approach online offers with extreme skepticism to avoid purchasing counterfeit medications.
Authentic Contrave has no generic or equivalent version available on the market. The manufacturer warns patients to verify that their medication matches the official blue tablet image. If the medication appears different or concerns about components arise, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately for verification.
Is Contrave Worth It?
Contrave offers genuine value for individuals whose brain chemistry blocks weight loss through appetite suppression and craving control. Clinical data shows 40% of users maintain clinically significant weight loss beyond four years. The medication improves quality of life across multiple domains: increased energy, better sleep, enhanced mental health, and improved mobility. These outcomes justify consideration for appropriate candidates.
Consumer Reports advises most people to skip Contrave due to unfavorable risk-benefit calculations. The medication produces only 5 to 9 pounds more weight loss than placebo. Serious side effects include seizures, liver damage, unknown cardiovascular risks, and suicidal ideation. The modest weight advantage does not offset these safety concerns for the general population.
Worth determination depends on individual circumstances and prior treatment history. Many candidates pursue Contrave after GLP-1 medications fail to produce desired results. Side effect tolerance, emotional eating severity, and craving intensity vary considerably between individuals. The $99 monthly investment requires honest assessment of whether expected weight loss and quality improvements justify the expense.
Medical supervision is mandatory throughout Contrave treatment. A 12-week effectiveness checkpoint evaluates whether the medication works for your brain chemistry. Your prescribing physician requires complete medical history disclosure and screening for bipolar disorder, as the medication carries mood-change risks. Regular blood pressure checks and ongoing cardiovascular risk assessment ensure your safety during treatment.