Key takeaways
- Contrave is a brand-name medication that contains the drugs naltrexone and bupropion. It’s prescribed to help adults lose weight when combined with diet and exercise.
- Over the first 4 weeks of use, the dosage of Contrave is gradually increased. You start with one tablet in the morning in week 1, eventually taking two tablets in the morning and two in the evening by week 4.
- It’s important to avoid taking Contrave with high fat foods, and you should always follow your doctor’s specific dosing instructions.
Contrave is a brand-name medication prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet to help adults lose weight. It comes as an extended-release tablet that you swallow. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)
The active ingredient in Contrave is a combination of the drugs naltrexone and bupropion. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.)
This article describes the dosages of Contrave, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about this drug, see this Contrave overview article.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Contrave has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Specifically, Contrave can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking antidepressant medication before starting Contrave and if suicidal thoughts occur or worsen when taking Contrave.
Note: Contrave is approved for use in adults only. It has not been studied in children or adolescents.
Contrave extended-release tablet comes in a strength of 8 milligrams (mg) naltrexone/90 mg bupropion.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage (called a starting dose) and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following table shows the commonly prescribed dosages of Contrave. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage for your needs.
| Week(s) of use | Morning dose | Evening dose | Total daily dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | one tablet | none | 8 mg naltrexone/90 mg bupropion |
| Week 2 | one tablet | one tablet | 16 mg naltrexone/180 mg bupropion |
| Week 3 | two tablets | one tablet | 24 mg naltrexone/270 mg bupropion |
| Week 4 and after | two tablets | two tablets | 32 mg naltrexone/360 mg bupropion |
Factors that can affect dosage
The dosage of Contrave you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your age
- how well your kidneys and liver work
- other medications you take
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may lower your Contrave dosage if your liver or kidneys aren’t functioning well. They may also lower your dosage if you take certain other medications.
During your Contrave treatment, talk with your doctor before you start or stop taking any other medications.
Is Contrave used long term?
Yes, Contrave is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. But if Contrave doesn’t work for you within 12 weeks, your doctor will likely have you stop taking the drug.
Contrave comes as a tablet that you swallow whole. You should not crush, chew, or break the tablet. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see these tips for how to swallow a pill.
You can take Contrave with or without food. But you should not take the drug with high fat foods, such as cheese or avocado. Taking Contrave with high fat foods could cause the drug to build up in your body, which may raise your risk of Contrave side effects.
If you miss a dose of Contrave, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose of Contrave to make up for the missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Contrave on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Contrave than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by a Contrave overdose can include:
- seizures
- hallucinations
- muscle jerking or twitching
- loss of consciousness
- fast heart rate
- irregular heart rhythm
What to do in case you take too much Contrave
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much X drug. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Contrave’s dosage:
Is there a best time to take my evening dose of Contrave?
There isn’t a recommended time to take the evening dose of Contrave. You can take the morning and evening doses at times that work best for you. But it’s recommended that you take your doses 12 hours apart.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to take Contrave based on your daily schedule.
How does the dosage of Contrave compare with that of Wellbutrin?
Contrave and Wellbutrin both contain the same active ingredient, bupropion. But Contrave also contains the drug naltrexone, while Wellbutrin does not.
These drugs are not used to treat the same condition, so there isn’t a dosage conversion. If you have questions about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How do I stop taking Contrave?
If you think Contrave is not working for you, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if you should stop taking Contrave.
People in studies of Contrave didn’t experience side effects when they ended their treatment. But you should talk with your doctor first before you stop taking any drug, including Contrave.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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