How long does it take for Contrave® (naltrexone/bupropion) to work?
How long it takes for Contrave® to start working depends on many things. For example, if a person is just taking the medication but not implementing healthy nutrition changes and increasing physical activity then there may be little to no weight loss as a result. Contrave works by acting on the brain to reduce cravings and for some it seems to take away the “feel good” feelings from food resulting in less snacking or emotional eating. A study found that patients taking Contrave for weight loss in combination with a low calorie eating pattern and increased activity lost about 5% of their starting body weight after taking the medication for 3 months. If you feel like the medication is not working for you, please discuss this with your medical provider as it may not be the right fit for you.
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.
Contrave® is a registered trademark of Currax Pharmaceutical LLC