Contrave is a prescription medication that combines naltrexone and bupropion for weight management. It is approved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or overweight conditions. The drug works by modulating brain pathways that control appetite and reward. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors which reduces the reinforcing effects of food and helps curb cravings. Bupropion increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine thereby enhancing satiety and energy expenditure. Together they produce a synergistic effect that leads to modest weight loss when used consistently. Pharmacologically the agents are absorbed orally metabolized in the liver and eliminated through renal pathways over several days.

Contrave is a prescription medication that combines naltrexone and bupropion in an extended release tablet. It is approved for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight related condition. The pharmacology of Contrave includes naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, and bupropion, a norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Together they affect brain pathways that control appetite and reward, decreasing hunger signals and increasing feelings of fullness. Naltrexone blocks reward pathways linked to food cravings while bupropion raises dopamine and norepinephrine activity to improve energy use. This combined effect leads to reduced calorie intake and modest weight loss when used with a low calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Contrave may cause nausea and constipation. It can also trigger headache and dizziness. Some users experience insomnia or sleep disturbances. It may increase the risk of dry mouth and mild anxiety. Rarely it can lead to elevated blood pressure or heart rate. Individual responses vary among users.

Contrave may cause nausea as one of its common side effects. Some users experience headache which often appears early in treatment. Dizziness or light-headedness can be reported particularly after the first few weeks. Constipation is frequently noted and may require dietary adjustments. Increased heart rate has been observed in clinical studies which can be monitored by a healthcare professional. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping may occur especially when the medication is taken later in the day. Mood changes such as irritability have been documented in a minority of patients.