💊 What Is Contrave? (FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medication)

In September 2014, the FDA approved Contrave®, a prescription medication designed for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese.

Contrave is a combination medication that includes:

• Naltrexone – an opioid antagonist used in addiction treatment
• Bupropion – an antidepressant also used for smoking cessation

👉 Together, they help regulate appetite and reduce cravings, making weight loss more achievable when combined with diet and exercise.

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⚖️ Who Is Contrave For?

Contrave may be prescribed for adults who meet the following criteria:

• BMI ≥ 30 (obesity), OR
• BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol

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🧠 How Does Contrave Work?

Contrave works on two key areas of the brain:

1. 🧩 Hypothalamus (Hunger Center)

• Helps reduce appetite
• Improves portion control

2. 🎯 Reward System

• Reduces food cravings
• Helps control emotional or stress eating

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👉 This dual-action mechanism makes Contrave especially useful for patients who struggle with:

• Frequent cravings
• Emotional eating
• Difficulty controlling portions

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📊 How Effective Is Contrave?

• Some patients notice changes within 4 weeks
• Full effectiveness is typically evaluated at 12 weeks
• Designed for long-term weight management

👉 Best results occur when combined with:

• Lifestyle changes
• Nutritional counseling
• Physician supervision

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💊 Dosage & Administration

Contrave is an extended-release tablet.

📅 Titration Schedule:

• Gradually increased over 4 weeks
• Starting dose: 1 tablet daily
• Maximum dose: 2 tablets twice daily

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⚠️ Important Instructions:

• Swallow tablets whole (do NOT crush or chew)
• Avoid taking with high-fat meals (increases seizure risk)

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⚠️ Side Effects of Contrave

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea (most common)
• Constipation
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth

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🚨 Serious Risks:

• Increased blood pressure
• Seizures (especially at high doses)
• Liver problems
• Mood changes (depression, suicidal thoughts)

👉 Patients should be closely monitored by a physician.

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❌ Who Should NOT Take Contrave?

Contrave is not recommended if you:

• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have a history of seizures
• Are taking other medications containing bupropion
• Are currently using opioids

👉 You must stop opioids before starting Contrave

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📍 Where to Get Contrave in NYC

If you are looking for experienced doctors prescribing Contrave in New York City, W8MD offers:

• Physician-supervised weight loss programs
• Insurance-friendly visits
• Personalized treatment plans

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🏥 W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa – NYC

We serve patients across:

• Brooklyn weight loss
• Manhattan weight loss
• Queens weight loss
• Bronx weight loss
• Staten Island weight loss
• Long Island weight loss

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📞 Contact W8MD NYC

📍 W8MD’s Brooklyn medical weight loss location
2632 E 21st Street, Suite L2
Brooklyn, NY

📞 Call: (718) 946-5500

👉 Schedule your consultation today to see if Contrave is right for you

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🔄 Part of a Comprehensive Weight Loss Program in NYC

At W8MD, Contrave is often combined with:

• Nutritional counseling
• Lifestyle coaching
• Other medications (if needed)

👉 For better, long-term results

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🚀 Other Weight Loss Options Available at W8MD

In addition to Contrave, we offer:

• GLP-1 medications (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)
• Phentermine & Qsymia®
• VLCD diet programs
• Telehealth weight loss services

Ph: 1-718-946-5500.

Related links

New weight loss drug Contrave FDA approved