What is Contrave?
Contrave® is a prescription medication approved for chronic weight management in adults living with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. It combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, which work together on areas of the brain involved in appetite, cravings, reward, and eating behaviours.
When used alongside healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes, Contrave can help reduce hunger, improve control over food cravings, and support sustainable weight loss.
According to the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines and clinical trial data, individuals taking Contrave® can expect an average weight loss of approximately 5–10% of their initial body weight, with some individuals achieving greater results.
Average Weight Loss with Contrave®:
- Approximately 5–10% average body weight loss
- Helps reduce food cravings and emotional eating in some individuals
- Best results occur when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes and ongoing medical support
Even modest weight loss can lead to meaningful health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, mobility, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.
Obesity is a chronic medical condition, and long-term management is often needed to support lasting results. During your consultation, Tanya will review whether Contrave may be an appropriate option for you and discuss realistic expectations based on your medical history, symptoms, and weight management goals.
Common Side Effects of Contrave® (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Contrave combines two medications that work on appetite, cravings, and reward pathways in the brain. Side effects are often most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment and may improve over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Anxiety or jitteriness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Seizures (rare but important risk)
- Mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- Severe allergic reactions
- Liver problems
- Angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals
Contrave is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical assessment is important to determine whether it is a safe and suitable treatment option based on your health history, medications, and individual risk factors.
