Contrave
Contrave combines bupropion and naltrexone to reduce food cravings and emotional eating — a non-GLP-1 weight-loss option that's cheaper than Wegovy.
- Manufacturer
- Currax Pharmaceuticals
- Drug class
- Naltrexone-bupropion combination
- Dose range
- 1 tablet daily → 2 tablets twice daily
- Average monthly cost
- $99 with manufacturer coupon · $300–$700 cash · $25 with most commercial plans
- Insurance covered
- Often, with prior authorization
Overview
Contrave is an oral combination of naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) and bupropion (an antidepressant/smoking-cessation drug). Together they reduce food cravings and emotional eating. Expected weight loss is 5–9% of body weight over a year — less than GLP-1s but with a much lower price tag and no injections.
How it works
Bupropion activates POMC neurons in the hypothalamus that suppress appetite, while naltrexone blocks a feedback loop that normally turns them off. The combination produces sustained appetite suppression without stimulant side effects.
Side effects
- Nausea, constipation, headache
- Insomnia and dry mouth (bupropion effects)
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Contraindicated with opioids, uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, eating disorders
Who should consider Contrave
Adults with BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with comorbidities) who struggle with emotional eating, want an oral option, or can't access GLP-1s due to cost or contraindications.
Telehealth programs that prescribe Contrave
Editorial only — not medical advice. Drug pricing and availability change frequently; verify with the prescribing program before relying on any figure on this page.