Contrave online prescription

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Contrave is a prescription medication designed to help adults with obesity, or overweight individuals who have weight-related health conditions manage their weight. It contains a combination of two medications—naltrexone and bupropion—that work on separate areas of the brain to reduce appetite and decrease food intake. 

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain. Bupropion is an antidepressant that affects brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in regulating mood and cravings ^[1].

By working on these two distinct pathways in the brain, Contrave helps control hunger and food cravings, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. However, a Contrave prescription is not a standalone treatment. For best results, it should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The holistic approach—medication, diet, and exercise—can improve the likelihood of achieving long-term weight loss.

Contrave is primarily prescribed to assist with weight loss in individuals who meet specific criteria. It’s indicated or best suited for:

• Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is considered obese by Health Canada ^[2]             
• Adults with a BMI between 27 and 29, which is classified as overweight by Health Canada ^[2], who also have one or more weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol ^[1]

Weight management can be a significant challenge for many people, especially when other health problems are involved. Obesity and overweight conditions are associated with a range of health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory issues such as sleep apnea. By helping reduce appetite and cravings, Contrave assists individuals in adhering to a lower-calorie diet, which is a key factor in effective weight loss.

Contrave’s dual-action mechanism targets both emotional and physical components of eating. It addresses the emotional drivers of eating, like cravings for comfort food, through bupropion’s influence on neurotransmitters. Naltrexone helps by regulating the reward system in the brain, which can reduce overeating and help patients feel more satisfied with smaller portions of food.

Although Contrave can be a helpful tool for weight management, it’s not appropriate for everyone. Certain individuals should not take Contrave due to potential risks. These include people who:

• Are allergic to naltrexone, bupropion, or any other ingredients in the medication
• Are currently using opioid pain medications, as naltrexone could precipitate opioid withdrawal
• Are dependent on opioids or are undergoing treatment for opioid withdrawal
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of antidepressants, as the combination could result in severe drug interactions
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have a history of seizures or have seizure disorders
• Have eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia ^[1]

It’s crucial for patients to inform their healthcare provider about all the medications they’re currently taking, as Contrave can interact with a variety of drugs, potentially leading to adverse reactions. People with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that affect the brain or cardiovascular system should discuss their options carefully with their doctor before starting Contrave.

Severe conditions such as seizure disorders or high blood pressure are contraindications because bupropion, one of the components of Contrave, has the potential to increase seizure risk and raise blood pressure. These individuals are at a higher risk for serious side effects and should explore other weight-loss options with their healthcare provider.

As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with Contrave. The most common side effects experienced by patients taking Contrave include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth ^[1]

Most of these side effects are mild and tend to resolve as the body adjusts to the medication over time. However, some individuals may experience more persistent or severe reactions that require medical attention. Patients should monitor their symptoms and report any concerns to their healthcare provider, especially if the side effects interfere with daily life.

More serious risks associated with Contrave include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in young adults
• Seizures, especially in individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking particular medications
• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• Liver damage
• Manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder 

One of the most significant risks to be aware of is the potential for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This is a known risk of bupropion, one of the active ingredients in Contrave, particularly in younger adults. Patients taking the medication should be closely monitored for any changes in mood or behavior, especially during the initial weeks of treatment.

Seizures are another serious risk, particularly for individuals with a history of seizure disorders or those taking medications that lower the seizure threshold. Additionally, patients with high blood pressure should be monitored regularly, as Contrave can cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate.

The most important information to know about Contrave is its potential to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in young adults. Bupropion, one of the active components, has been associated with these effects, and patients should be monitored for any changes in mood, behavior, or mental health. If any concerning symptoms develop, it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Contrave can also cause seizures in some individuals, particularly those with a history of seizure disorders or pre-existing medical conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Patients with these conditions should not take Contrave. 

It’s also critical to remember that Contrave should not be used in combination with opioid medications, as the naltrexone component can precipitate acute opioid withdrawal. This could lead to severe symptoms and should be avoided by individuals who are taking opioids or who are dependent on opioids. 

Contrave is typically taken orally, usually twice daily with a low-fat meal. The dosing schedule is gradually increased over the first few weeks to reduce the risk of side effects ^[1]. For instance, patients might start with a lower dose to allow their body to adjust before reaching the full recommended dose. It’s important that patients swallow the tablets whole and not crush, chew, or split them, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed.

Patients must follow the prescribed dosing schedule and not exceed the recommended dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Missing doses or taking more than the prescribed amount can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Contrave is designed to work throughout the day when taken as prescribed. The medication reaches steady-state levels in the body after about a week of consistent use, meaning the full effects will be noticeable after this period. However, individual responses can vary, with some patients experiencing benefits more quickly than others.

Contrave’s main effects—appetite suppression and craving reduction—help patients adhere to a low-calorie diet more easily, allowing for gradual and sustainable weight loss.

When a Contrave prescription is taken regularly as indicated, it can support weight loss and help patients maintain their progress. However, if after 16 weeks the patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight, the medication should be discontinued, as it’s unlikely to be effective for long-term weight management ^[1].

Like all medications, Contrave has an expiration date. Using the medication after this date is not recommended, as its safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Patients should check the expiration date on the packaging and dispose of any expired medication properly.

Several other Health Canada-approved medications are available for weight loss, including:

• Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is administered once weekly
• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), which affects areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and reward
• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), a combination of two medications that work together to promote weight loss
• Xenical (orlistat), which blocks fat absorption in the digestive system                                             
• Ozempic (semaglutide), which helps lower blood sugar production

Each of these medications works in a slightly different way, and the best option depends on the patient’s individual needs and health profile. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine which medication is most appropriate for their situation.

No, Contrave isn’t available over the counter. It’s a prescription medication and requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider ^[1].

In Canada, licensed medical professionals, including general practitioners and specialists such as endocrinologists or obesity medicine specialists, can provide a Contrave prescription at their discretion. It’s important to consult with a doctor who is knowledgeable about weight management and can provide personalized treatment recommendations. 

Once you talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner on Maple and they determine an online prescription for Contrave is right for you, you can get a prescription sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home for free. We connect you with our network of doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes online, any time, 24/7, for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Sources:

1. Naltrexone/Bupropion ER (Contrave): Newly Approved Treatment Option for Chronic Weight Management in Obese Adults
2. Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults