Contrave® Extended-Release Tablets for Weight Management

Contrave® is a prescription weight-management medicine for adults when used with reduced-calorie meals and increased activity. This page explains how the extended-release tablets are used and helps you compare options for Contrave ER 8/90 without insurance, with US delivery from Canada.

What Contrave Is and How It Works

This medicine combines naltrexone, an opioid receptor blocker, and bupropion, a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Together, the treatment targets brain pathways that may influence appetite, cravings, and food reward. It is started with lifestyle measures and is not a stand-alone solution.

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Naltrexone may reduce the rewarding effects of food and alcohol, while bupropion can help with control and satiety signals. Because the combination includes an opioid antagonist, it will block opioids and can trigger acute withdrawal in people who rely on them. Use only under a prescriber’s supervision and follow the approved label.

Who It’s For

These tablets are indicated for adults with obesity, or overweight adults with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It is used as an adjunct to diet and increased physical activity.

Do not use this treatment if you have uncontrolled hypertension, a seizure disorder, a history of anorexia or bulimia, or if you are abruptly stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs. Avoid it if you are taking other bupropion-containing products, using chronic opioids, undergoing acute opioid withdrawal, or have used an MAOI within 14 days. It is not approved for use in children. Avoid use in pregnancy, and discuss risks when breastfeeding.

For broader background on the condition, see our Obesity page, and explore options in Weight Management.

Dosage and Usage

The tablets are taken by mouth and swallowed whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew. Start low and increase weekly to reduce nausea and dizziness. The usual schedule is once in the morning for Week 1; morning and evening in Week 2; two tablets in the morning and one in the evening for Week 3; then two in the morning and two in the evening from Week 4 onward, as directed by your prescriber.

The label describes Contrave ER 12hr 8mg/90mg as a titrated regimen. Take doses with a light or low-fat meal. High-fat meals can increase exposure and may raise seizure risk. Separate morning and evening doses. If the treatment does not produce at least 5 percent weight reduction after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose, the label recommends discontinuation. Your prescriber will assess your response and safety before making changes.

Helpful tips: set phone reminders, hydrate well, and avoid taking the evening dose too late to reduce the chance of insomnia. Keep regular follow-ups for blood pressure and heart rate checks.

Considering GLP-1 options instead? Read Best Weight Loss Injections and Wegovy Vs Mounjaro for context.

Strengths and Forms

Extended-release tablets contain naltrexone hydrochloride 8 mg and bupropion hydrochloride 90 mg. Availability may vary by manufacturer and by country.

Many patients refer to the presentation as a Contrave ER 8 90 mg tablet. Pack sizes can differ. Your prescription will specify the quantity dispensed.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up to catch up. Keep morning and evening doses spaced apart. If you often forget evening doses, ask your prescriber for adherence strategies. Persistent vomiting, severe nausea, or insomnia warrants contacting your healthcare professional.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container with the child-resistant cap closed. Keep dry and away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry the medicine in your hand luggage with the pharmacy label attached. Bring a copy of your prescription. For longer trips, carry extra tablets to avoid running out. If crossing time zones, keep morning and evening dosing roughly aligned to your usual waking hours. Do not share your medicine with others.

Benefits

When combined with dietary changes and increased activity, this medicine may help reduce appetite and curb cravings. The oral route can be convenient for people who prefer tablets over injections. The titration plan helps many patients adjust over the first few weeks. It does not contain a stimulant.

If you are comparing options, some patients prefer an injectable approach such as Saxenda for appetite control, while others consider a non-systemic fat-blocking option like Xenical Orlistat. Discuss pros and cons with your prescriber.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Dry mouth or altered taste
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate
• Abdominal pain

Serious effects can include seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, liver problems, allergic reactions, neuropsychiatric changes, or increased suicidal thoughts, especially in younger adults. The combination can precipitate opioid withdrawal. Contact your prescriber urgently with chest pain, fainting, visual changes, severe mood shifts, or signs of liver injury such as dark urine or yellowing skin or eyes.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Avoid all opioids, including maintenance therapies and cough suppressants; the antagonist component can block effects and trigger withdrawal. Do not use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping them. Do not combine with other bupropion-containing medicines.

Tell your prescriber about medicines that can lower the seizure threshold, such as antipsychotics, tricyclics, theophylline, systemic steroids, and abrupt alcohol cessation. Strong CYP inducers like carbamazepine, phenytoin, or rifampin may reduce exposure, while certain CYP2B6 inhibitors may increase levels. Alcohol can heighten neuropsychiatric risks. Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially if you have hypertension.

What to Expect Over Time

During the first weeks, you titrate to the maintenance dose while your body adjusts. Nausea or dizziness often lessens after the first few weeks. Appetite and craving effects may become more noticeable with consistent use and lifestyle changes. At about three months on the maintenance schedule, clinicians typically reassess safety and progress. If progress is limited, they may advise stopping and considering other strategies. Ongoing success usually depends on meal planning, activity, sleep, and adherence.

For those exploring injectables, see Zepbound Diet Plan and technique guidance in How To Inject Mounjaro.

Compare With Alternatives

Other FDA-approved weight-management therapies include GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists. A weekly option is Wegovy, while Zepbound offers GLP-1/GIP activity. These are injectables with different mechanisms, schedules, and side-effect profiles. Your prescriber can help match therapy to your medical history, preferences, and coverage. Oral fat-blocking therapy, such as orlistat, is another class to discuss if you prefer a non-systemic option.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy pricing can help many patients pay less compared with local cash quotes. You can review Naltrexone bupropion ER 8/90 price details on this page. US prescriptions are welcome, and fulfilment Ships from Canada to US after verification. To check current pricing and supply, start your order from this product page.

Interested in potential savings events? See Promotions for any current offers. For context on alternatives and costs, you can also review Common Mounjaro Side Effects and Mounjaro Dosage. We use encrypted checkout, and your prescription is required and verified.

Availability and Substitutions

If a specific pack is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an approved alternative or adjust the plan. Pharmacies cannot substitute this combination with its individual components without prescriber direction. Generic naltrexone bupropion 8/90 mg ER may be referenced in some markets; availability and substitutability depend on local approvals and your prescription. Your pharmacist will dispense exactly what your prescriber authorizes.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who prefer tablets, are not using opioids, and can monitor blood pressure regularly. It may not suit those with seizure risk, uncontrolled hypertension, or current opioid therapy. Discuss your full medical history, including mental health, eye conditions, liver disease, and alcohol use.

Cost-saving ideas:

• Multi-month fill: fewer refills and often better per-tablet value
• Plan refills: set calendar alerts two weeks before running low
• Smart timing: align dosing with meals to limit side effects
• Travel buffer: keep a spare supply for trips
• Lifestyle pairing: meal planning and activity improve results

Some shoppers search to Buy naltrexone bupropion 8/90 mg ER; availability varies by country and prescriber authorization. If a change is needed, your clinician can recommend another approved option suited to your health profile.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this therapy appropriate given my blood pressure and medical history?
• Which side effects should prompt a call or urgent care?
• How will we monitor progress and decide whether to continue?
• Could any of my current medicines increase seizure risk?
• What meal plan and activity goals should I follow with treatment?
• Are injectables or orlistat better options for my situation?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Manufacturer Website

Order Contrave 8mg/90mg ER online with US shipping from Canada and prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and does not replace your prescriber’s advice.