Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA: The Complete Guide to Prescription Weight Loss
Looking to buy Contrave in the USA? This comprehensive guide covers dosing, FDA approval, safety, cost, and how this naltrexone/bupropion combination works for weight loss.Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
The struggle with excess weight is not just about willpower; for millions of Americans, it is a chronic medical condition that impacts every aspect of health—from heart function to mental well-being. In the landscape of obesity treatment, finding a safe, effective, and sustainable pharmacological aid can be life-changing. One medication that has carved out a significant place in chronic weight management is Contrave (8mg/90mg) .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Unlike traditional stimulant-based diet pills, Contrave offers a unique, non-stimulant approach to reducing hunger and controlling food cravings. If you are considering this medication, you need accurate, up-to-date information tailored to the US healthcare system. This guide provides a complete overview of Contrave, covering how it works, who it is for, the exact dosing schedule, potential side effects, costs, and crucial safety information.Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication.
What is Contrave (8mg/90mg)?
Contrave is a prescription medication specifically designed for chronic weight management in adults . It is a fixed-dose combination tablet containing two active ingredients: 8 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride and 90 mg of bupropion hydrochloride . The tablet is formulated as an extended-release (ER) tablet, meaning it is designed to release the medication slowly over time .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
FDA Approval History
Contrave was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 10, 2014 . It was approved as a New Drug Application (NDA) and is manufactured by Nalpropion Pharmaceuticals . Since its initial approval, the FDA has issued multiple supplemental approvals (as recently as November 2025) to update the medication guide and package insert, ensuring that safety information remains current for patients and healthcare providers .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
The Active Ingredients
To understand Contrave, you must understand its two components, which work synergistically in the brain :
- Bupropion: This is an antidepressant medication that is also used to help people quit smoking. In the context of weight loss, bupropion is thought to decrease appetite . It works on the hypothalamus (the hunger center) and the mesolimbic reward system (the cravings center) .
- Naltrexone: This is usually given to block the effects of opioids or alcohol in people with addiction problems. For weight loss, naltrexone is believed to curb hunger and food cravings by blocking opioid receptors involved in the rewarding aspects of eating .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
How Does Contrave Work?
The exact neurochemical effects of Contrave leading to weight loss are not fully understood, but researchers have a strong hypothesis .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Targeting the Brain’s Appetite Center
Contrave targets two specific areas of the brain to help patients reduce hunger and control cravings :
- The Hypothalamus (Appetite Center): Bupropion stimulates neurons in the hypothalamus that suppress appetite. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors on these same neurons, which enhances and prolongs the appetite-suppressing signal.
- The Mesolimbic Reward System (Cravings Center): This area of the brain is involved in the pleasure and reward associated with food. By modulating dopamine pathways, Contrave helps reduce the compulsive urge to eat for pleasure, making it easier to resist high-calorie comfort foods .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Ultimately, the combination helps patients feel fuller faster, stay fuller longer, and have fewer food cravings, making it easier to adhere to a reduced-calorie diet .
Indications: Who is Contrave For?
Contrave is indicated for chronic weight management in specific adult populations. It is designed to be used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
You may be a candidate for Contrave if you are an adult with:
- Obesity: A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater.
- Overweight with Comorbidities: A BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater (classified as overweight) AND you have at least one weight-related medical condition. These conditions include, but are not limited to :
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol (dyslipidemia)
Important Limitations of Use
- Cardiovascular Effects: The effect of Contrave on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (heart attacks and strokes) has not been established .
- Not for Depression: Contrave contains bupropion, which is an antidepressant, but the combination product itself is not approved to treat depression or other psychiatric conditions .
- Not for Smoking Cessation: While bupropion is used for smoking cessation (Zyban), Contrave is not approved for this purpose .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Not for Children: This medication is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old .
Contrave 8mg/90mg Dosing Guide
Proper dosing is critical for safety and effectiveness. Contrave uses a gradual titration schedule to help your body adjust to the medication and minimize side effects like nausea . The tablets are not actual size and should be swallowed whole—do not crush, chew, or break them .
The 4-Week Titration Schedule
Here is the standard dosing escalation recommended by the manufacturer :
- Week 1: One tablet in the morning only. (Total: 1 tablet/day)
- Week 2: One tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening. (Total: 2 tablets/day)
- Week 3: Two tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening. (Total: 3 tablets/day)
- Week 4 and Maintenance: Two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening. (Total: 4 tablets/day)
The maximum recommended daily dose is four tablets (totaling 32 mg naltrexone / 360 mg bupropion) .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Administration Tips
- With or Without Food: It can be taken with or without food. However, do not take Contrave with a high-fat meal, as this can significantly increase the risk of seizures .
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once .
- Swallowing: Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Breaking them releases the drug too quickly, increasing the risk of side effects .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
When to Stop Treatment
Contrave is not a magic bullet. It is expected to produce measurable results. If you have not lost at least 5% of your baseline body weight after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose (4 tablets/day), your doctor will likely recommend discontinuing the medication, as it is unlikely to be effective for you long-term .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Contrave vs. Phentermine: A Quick Comparison
Many patients are familiar with phentermine, an older weight loss medication. Here is how Contrave compares :
| Feature | Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) | Phentermine |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | 2014 (Chronic weight management) | 1973 (Short-term use) |
| Duration of Use | Long-term (chronic) | Short-term (usually ≤12 weeks) |
| DEA Schedule | Not a controlled substance | Schedule IV (controlled) |
| Average User Rating | 6.6/10 (pillsunit.com reviews) | 8.6/10 (pillsunit.com reviews) |
| Mechanism | Non-stimulant; targets hunger/cravings | Stimulant; suppresses appetite |
| Cost (Cash Price) | High (approx. $600+/month) | Low (generic available) |
While phentermine has higher user ratings for immediate weight loss, it is a controlled substance with potential for abuse and is only approved for short-term use . Contrave is designed for long-term management and is not a controlled substance.Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Side Effects and Safety Profile
As with any medication, Contrave carries a risk of side effects. These range from common nuisances to serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects are usually gastrointestinal or neurological and often improve as the body adjusts :Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Nausea and/or vomiting (most common)
- Headache and dizziness
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Hot flashes, fatigue, and tremor
Serious Adverse Reactions (Black Box Warning)
The FDA requires a Boxed Warning for Contrave regarding Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors .
- Suicidality: Bupropion, the same active ingredient in some antidepressants, increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. While Contrave is not approved for depression, this risk remains. Patients, families, and caregivers must monitor for new or worsening depression, agitation, irritability, or unusual changes in behavior .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Neuropsychiatric Events: Serious neuropsychiatric events (including psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, and aggression) have been reported in patients taking bupropion, particularly for smoking cessation .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Seizure Risk
Bupropion is known to lower the seizure threshold. The risk of seizure is dose-related. To minimize this risk :Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Do not exceed 4 tablets per day.
- Avoid taking with high-fat meals.
- Do not take more than 2 tablets at one time.
Contrave is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders or eating disorders (like bulimia or anorexia) due to this risk .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Cardiovascular Effects
Contrave can cause an increase in blood pressure and/or heart rate. Your doctor should measure your blood pressure and pulse before starting therapy and monitor them regularly during treatment .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Hepatotoxicity
Cases of hepatitis and clinically significant liver dysfunction have been observed with naltrexone exposure. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of acute hepatitis (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, upper stomach pain) .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Warnings and Contraindications
Contrave is not safe for everyone. Do not take Contrave if you :
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Have a seizure disorder or history of seizures.
- Have an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia nervosa).
- Are dependent on chronic opioid or opiate agonist (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine) use, or are in acute opiate withdrawal.
- Are undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Take other products containing bupropion (like Wellbutrin or Zyban) or naltrexone.
- Have used a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.
- Are pregnant. (Pregnancy Category X – do not use) .
- Have a known allergy to any component of Contrave.
Patients Receiving Opioid Analgesics
Because Contrave contains naltrexone (an opioid blocker), it poses specific risks for patients who may need pain management :Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Precipitated Withdrawal: An opioid-free interval of a minimum of 7 to 10 days is required before starting Contrave.
- Opioid Overdose Vulnerability: If you need opioids for surgery or acute pain, you must stop Contrave. After stopping, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opioids, and attempting to override the blockade with large amounts of opioids can lead to fatal overdose.Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Drug Interactions
Many drugs can interact with Contrave. It is essential to provide your doctor with a full list of your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements .
- MAO Inhibitors: Contraindicated within 14 days .
- CYP2B6 Inhibitors: Dose adjustments may be needed .
- Drugs that Lower Seizure Threshold: Use extreme caution with antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline, and systemic steroids .
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase the risk of seizures. It is best to avoid or severely limit alcohol intake .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Pediatric Use
- Pregnancy: Contrave is classified as Pregnancy Category X. Studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, and the risks clearly outweigh any possible benefit. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if the mother is overweight. Effective contraception should be used during treatment .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Breastfeeding: Components of Contrave pass into breast milk. It is not recommended for nursing mothers .
- Children: Contrave is not approved for use in patients under 18 .
How to Get Contrave in the USA
Contrave is a prescription-only medication. You cannot buy it over the counter.
1. Medical Consultation
The first step is a consultation with a healthcare provider (primary care physician, endocrinologist, or a specialized weight loss clinic). They will evaluate your BMI, medical history, and any weight-related conditions to determine if Contrave is right for you.Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
2. Cost and Insurance
The cost of Contrave can be significant. According to GoodRx, the average retail price for a 30-day supply (120 tablets) is around $741.78 . However, actual costs vary based on insurance.
- Insurance Coverage: Contrave is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, though coverage details vary .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- Medicare Part D: Some Medicare Part D plans may not cover Contrave, or may require a high copay .
- Manufacturer Coupon: The manufacturer offers a savings card, allowing eligible patients to pay as little as $99 or less per 30-day supply, including free shipping . You can also find coupons through GoodRx that may lower the price to around $199.20 .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
- No Generic: Currently, there are no generic alternatives to Contrave available in the US. While the individual ingredients (naltrexone and bupropion) are available as generics, the specific combination and extended-release formulation are brand-only .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Is Contrave Effective?
Clinical studies and real-world data show that Contrave is effective for many patients.
- A 2024 systematic review and analysis found that naltrexone-bupropion results in more initial and sustained weight loss than bupropion alone .
- On pillsunit.com, Contrave has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from over 2,000 reviews. About 54% of users reported a positive effect .
- While it may not be as potent as newer GLP-1 medications (like Wegovy or Mounjaro), it remains a valuable, more affordable option for chronic weight management .Buy Contrave (8mg/90mg) USA
Conclusion
Contrave (8mg/90mg) represents a unique, non-stimulant approach to weight loss. By targeting the brain’s hunger and reward centers, it helps patients adhere to the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term success. While it comes with significant safety considerations—including a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and a risk of seizures—it remains a safe and effective option for the right candidate under close medical supervision.

