Contrave has a
Brand name: Contrave
Generic name: Naltrexone and bupropion
Drug class: opioid antagonist and antidepressant
Dosage forms: Extended-release tablet
FDA-approved uses: Weight loss and weight management
Highlights
- Contrave can be prescribed online after a consultation with a licensed clinician who can determine if this weight loss medication is appropriate. It also requires follow-up monitoring.
- Contrave is taken once a day as an extended release tablet initially, then both the dose and frequency are increased overtime until the appropriate maintenance dose is reached. Contrave is a combination of two medications that work together on two different systems in your brain to aid weight loss.
- Clinical trials have shown that Contrave can be effective for losing and maintaining weight when used along with a balanced diet and exercise.
- The use of Contrave depends on various health factors, medications taken, and safety considerations. For some individuals, alternative treatments may be offered.
Traditional diet and changes in exercise alone may not be enough to help some people lose weight due to the complex genetics and science behind hunger and cravings. One of the common solutions in such cases is a prescription weight loss medication Contrave.
Contrave is a combination medicine that has both naltrexone and bupropion. It is an FDA-approved weight loss medication that affects your appetite and dopamine reward system in your brain. Keep reading to learn if Contrave may be right for you and how to use a telehealth platform like MEDvidi for an evaluation and obtain an online prescription, when appropriate.
What Is Contrave and How Does It Work?
Contrave is a unique weight loss medication that contains two active ingredients called naltrexone and bupropion. Both medications have been used for years to treat other conditions, but combining them in an extended-release tablet for weight loss is what makes Contrave special.
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is used by itself to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It helps to block the reward, or pleasure, signals in your brain from eating certain foods.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that is also used to help people stop smoking. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which can help to reduce your appetite and increase your energy.
Contrave is not a stimulant and is a prescription-only medication. It can be effective in helping you lose weight when it is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity or exercise.
Who Is Eligible for a Contrave Prescription?
Contrave is an effective weight loss medication, but it may not be right for everyone. A healthcare provider will assess your current health, including your body mass index (BMI), and your health history, to determine if Contrave is a good option for you.
Contrave is FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals who have:
- A BMI of 30 or higher
- A BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol
Contrave may not be the right choice if a person has any of the following:
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Current or history of eating disorder
- Taking certain medications like opioids
- Is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be
It’s important to try to change your lifestyle in addition to taking weight loss medication like Contrave. This means changing your exercise habits and eating a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and sticking to the new habits even after the medication is stopped to maintain the results.
How to Get a Contrave Prescription Online at MEDvidi
Step 1: Sign Up and Book an Appointment
Start by creating an account and filling out basic information about your health history. Once the forms are submitted and approved, you’ll be able to schedule an online appointment at a time that works with your schedule. There are also same-day and next-day appointments available.
Step 2: Complete a Telehealth Evaluation
You’ll meet with a licensed healthcare provider at your chosen time for a video appointment. They will get to know you and review your health history, previous weight loss efforts, and current goals, and collect information to assess your health and BMI. If they determine Contrave is appropriate for you, they will discuss what you can expect with the medication as well as any side effects or risks.
Step 3: Receive a Prescription If Appropriate
If it is determined that Contrave is right for you, an online prescription will be sent to your chosen local pharmacy.
Step 4: Fill the Prescription Through the Pharmacy of Your Choice
Pick up your medication or have it delivered, depending on the options offered by your chosen pharmacy.
Step 5: Continue With Follow-Ups and Refills
While taking any weight loss medication, including Contrave, schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. This will allow them to provide refills, make any needed adjustments to your dosage, and monitor your weight loss dynamics.
Benefits and Potential Results
Contrave helps you lose weight by reducing food noise and cravings. This can make it easier for you to adhere to a low-calorie diet. When starting Contrave, you will likely start with 1 tablet and increase your dose over time based on your provider’s instructions, so your body has time to get used to the medication.
In clinical trials, people lost an average of
Contrave Side Effects, Safety, and Interactions
While usually well-tolerated, Contrave still has a risk of causing side effects.
Common Side Effects
A few of the
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Contrave can include:
- Seizures
- Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased heart rate
- Liver problems
- Severe allergic reactions
- Manic episodes
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
If you experience serious side effects while taking Contrave, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or get emergency treatment by visiting an emergency room or dialing 911.
Interactions
Contrave
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Opioid-containing medicines, including cough syrups with codeine and pain medications
- Medications that are metabolized by an enzyme called CYP2D6, such as certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, etc.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your entire relevant health history and any over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs, or supplements you take so they can ensure Contrave is safe for you.
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects, drug interactions, and precautions. Always be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your entire health history and any side effects you experience.
Contrave Cost, Insurance, and Savings
MEDvidi pricing includes the cost of your virtual appointments, but the cost of your medication, if prescribed, is additional.
As of May 2026, without insurance, you can expect to pay:
- around $750 for 120 Contrave tablets (common monthly supply),
- or around $200 for a one-month supply of Contrave tablets if you use GoodRx coupons.
It’s also possible your insurance will cover Contrave. The exact cost will depend on your specific insurance plan. You can talk with your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage and what criteria you need to meet to have Contrave covered. If you need a prior authorization (an approval from a medical provider) for your insurance, your MEDvidi healthcare provider may be able to help provide these documents.
If insurance coverage is not available for you and affordability is a concern, look for coupons, explore eligibility criteria for the CurAccess Patient Support Program ($99 for a monthly supply of Contrave with free shipping, regardless of insurance status), and consider discussing alternative medications with your provider.
Alternatives to Contrave for Weight Management
There are several different medications for weight loss available if Contrave is not appropriate for you or if you don’t respond to it. It’s possible that a different medication may be more beneficial for your weight loss goals.
Examples of other weight loss medications include:
- GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy or Zepbound that help regulate the feeling of fullness and slow down gastric emptying.
- Phentermine, a stimulant that suppresses appetite.
- Orlistat, a medication that works in the digestive tract to reduce the absorption of fats from the food you eat.
In addition to medications, your healthcare provider may also suggest you make lifestyle changes related to your diet and exercise habits.
Why Choose MEDvidi?
Attempting to lose weight may be difficult and sometimes discouraging, but MEDvidi can help make this process transparent and ensure you get the support you need. At MEDvidi, you can consult licensed providers online, including same-day appointments, and have video calls at every follow-up visit for individualized care, prescription refills, and side effects monitoring.
Start your online weight loss journey by seeing a licensed provider to learn if Contrave is right for you and receive an online prescription, if deemed appropriate.
Conclusion
Contrave may be a good option for people who want help losing weight because it can reduce food cravings. By talking with a licensed healthcare provider through a telehealth platform, it’s possible to get a prescription for weight loss medication like Contrave online. A healthcare provider at MEDvidi can help to determine if Contrave, or another weight loss medication, could be helpful for you.
FAQ
Who can prescribe Contrave?
Contrave can be prescribed by licensed healthcare providers. Providers who are able to prescribe Contrave may include primary care physicians (doctors who do family medicine, internal medicine, or other doctors that provide general medical care), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs).
Can I get Contrave online?
You can get Contrave online with a prescription from a licensed medical provider. A prescription can be obtained online as well, when deemed clinically appropriate, through a telehealth platform like MEDvidi. It’s not possible to get Contrave online without a prescription.
Can I buy Contrave over the counter?
Contrave is not available over the counter and requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Is Contrave covered by insurance?
Coverage for Contrave depends on your specific insurance plan. It is possible that your insurance will cover Contrave if you meet certain criteria for a weight loss medication.
