Naltrexone/Bupropion

The powerful combination of naltrexone and bupropion has the potential to revolutionize weight loss.

About Naltrexone/Bupropion

Overview
The powerful combination of naltrexone and bupropion has the potential to revolutionize weight loss. Research suggests that naltrexone may target the brain’s reward pathways, while bupropion works to curb appetite. This dynamic duo could be the key to achieving your weight loss goals.
 
This treatment option has been proven to be both effective and safe, with the added benefit of influencing cortisol levels. Patients with higher cortisol levels have seen significant reductions in food addiction symptoms, making this treatment particularly promising for this group.
Advantages
The powerful combination of naltrexone and bupropion has the potential to revolutionize weight loss. Research suggests that naltrexone may target the brain’s reward pathways, while bupropion works to curb appetite. This dynamic duo could be the key to achieving your weight loss goals.
 
This treatment option has been proven to be both effective and safe, with the added benefit of influencing cortisol levels. Patients with higher cortisol levels have seen significant reductions in food addiction symptoms, making this treatment particularly promising for this group.
Pros
  • Naltrexone and bupropion work together to reduce appetite
  • They target different parts of the brain to help regulate eating
  • Studies show effectiveness in weightloss with people who suffer from binge eating
Cons
Side effects associated with medication
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
What to Expect
Being overweight is a complex condition that often requires multiple therapies, including dietary changes, exercise, medications, and behavior modification programs.
 
Overweight is defined by a BMI of 25 to 29.9, while obesity is categorized by a BMI of 30 or higher.
 
Naltrexone/Bupropion may be prescribed by healthcare providers for overweight individuals after thorough consultation.
 
Each extended-release tablet contains 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion.
 
The recommended dosing schedule is as follows:
 
  • Week 1: One tablet orally once daily in the morning
  • Week 2: One tablet orally twice daily (morning and evening)
  • Week 3: Two tablets orally in the morning and one tablet orally in the evening
  • Week 4: Two tablets orally twice daily (morning and evening)
  • Maintenance dose: Two tablets orally twice daily (morning and evening)
  • Maximum dose: Four tablets per day (32 mg of naltrexone and 360 mg of bupropion)
 
It is advised to discontinue therapy if a patient has not lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose, as clinically significant weight loss is unlikely to occur with continued treatment.
 
The impact of this medication on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of this drug when used in combination with other weight loss products, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements, have not been established.
Safety Profile
It is advised to refrain from using bupropion and naltrexone if one has uncontrolled hypertension, a history of seizures, an eating disorder, opioid dependence, pregnancy, current use of opioid medication or other bupropion formulations, or if there has been abrupt cessation of alcohol, seizure medication, or sedatives.
 
Inform your healthcare provider about all current medications as well as any new additions or discontinuations, as several medications may interact with bupropion and naltrexone, and some combinations are contraindicated.
 
There have been reports of suicidal ideation in some individuals when initiating bupropion therapy. It is important to monitor for changes in mood or symptoms and promptly report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider.
 
The concomitant use of alcohol with bupropion may elevate the risk of seizures. Patients who consume alcohol regularly should consult with their healthcare provider before altering their alcohol intake. Additionally, bupropion can precipitate seizures in individuals who abruptly cease alcohol consumption.
 
Adhere to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding dietary restrictions, beverage consumption, and physical activity. Refrain from using other weight-loss products or diet pills unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
 
It is imperative to avoid the use of opioid medications, methadone, heroin, or illicit drugs while taking bupropion and naltrexone, as this can lead to severe consequences, such as coma or fatality.
Cost

The typical cost of Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) averages between $100 and $300 when purchased without insurance coverage.

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