How does Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) make you feel?

Contrave® is a combination of an opiate receptor blocker (naltrexone) and an antidepressant (bupropion), and it is thought to help people lose weight by acting on areas of the brain to decrease appetite and food cravings. As Contrave includes the antidepressant bupropion, Contrave may make you feel an improvement in mood(1) and energy levels, or it could make you feel more anxious or irritable.

Contrave and anxiety or other mood disorders

You may feel that you do not have the same desire to turn to your favorite food when under stress or upset when taking Contrave. If you have a history of a mood disorder like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, you should discuss this with your doctor before starting Contrave.  

(1) Contrave is not FDA-approved for treatment of depression.

Learn more about who qualifies for Contrave and how Form Health doctors prescribe Contrave to help patients achieve their weight loss goals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate

‍Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.

Doctor, healthy food, man on a computer , and smiling women sitting on counter in baggy yellow sweatshirt

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Contrave® is a registered trademark of Currax Pharmaceutical LLC