The originating document has been archived. We cannot confirm the completeness, accuracy, or currency of the content.
Contrave Dosage
Generic name: NALTREXONE HYDROCHLORIDE 8mg, BUPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE 90mg
Dosage form: tablet, extended release
Drug class: Anorexiants
Recommended Dosing
CONTRAVE dosing should be escalated according to the following schedule:
Morning Dose | Evening Dose | |
---|---|---|
Week 1 | 1 tablet | None |
Week 2 | 1 tablet | 1 tablet |
Week 3 | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
Week 4 – Onward | 2 tablets | 2 tablets |
A total daily dosage of two CONTRAVE 8 mg/90 mg tablets twice daily (32 mg/360 mg) is reached at the start of Week 4.
CONTRAVE should be taken by mouth in the morning and in the evening. The tablets should not be cut, chewed, or crushed. Total daily doses greater than 32 mg/360 mg per day (two tablets twice daily) are not recommended. In clinical trials, CONTRAVE was administered with meals. However, CONTRAVE should not be taken with a high-fat meal because of a resulting significant increase in bupropion and naltrexone systemic exposure.
Patients may develop elevated blood pressure or heart rate during CONTRAVE treatment; the risk may be greater during the initial three months of therapy. Because patients with hypertension may be at increased risk for developing blood pressure elevations, such patients should be monitored for this potential effect when initiating treatment with CONTRAVE.
Response to therapy should be evaluated after 12 weeks at the maintenance dosage. If a patient has not lost at least 5% of baseline body weight, discontinue CONTRAVE, as it is unlikely that the patient will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.
BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kg) by height (in meters) squared. A BMI chart for determining BMI based on height and weight is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. BMI Conversion Chart
Dose Adjustment in Patients with Renal Impairment
In patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, the maximum recommended daily dose for CONTRAVE is two tablets (one tablet each morning and evening). CONTRAVE is not recommended for use in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Dose Adjustment in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum recommended daily maintenance dose of CONTRAVE is two tablets (one tablet each morning and evening). CONTRAVE is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Switching a Patient To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressant
At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with CONTRAVE. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping CONTRAVE before starting an MAOI antidepressant.
Frequently asked questions
More about Contrave (bupropion / naltrexone)
- Contrave consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (1,989)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: anorexiants
- En español
Related treatment guides
See also:
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and to reduce heart risks ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar ...
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and obstructive sleep ...
Victoza
Victoza helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people ...
Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) injection is used for weight loss in obese or overweight patients. Includes ...
Alli
alli blocks the absorption of some of the fat that you eat and is used to treat obesity. Learn ...
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection used for weight loss, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes ...
Phentermine
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity. Learn ...
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.