What Is Naltrexone-bupropion?
Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, and bupropion, a mood stabilizer, have significant impacts on the brain's reward system. These drugs have an impact on eating behavior presumably via their effect on food pleasure. The naltrexone–bupropion combination, when combined with lifestyle intervention and modest calorie reduction, is quite effective for 6-month and 1-year outcomes for clinically significant weight loss.
It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity in individuals with a BMI over 30 or over 27 with obesity-related conditions.
Common Brands: Contrave
Naltrexone-buproprion is sold under the brand name Contrave. There is also a generic version of this medication which is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug and will cost less out of pocket than the brand name medication.
When taking naltrexone-buproprion, your Alfie doctor will determine the correct dosage for you and prescribe your medication accordingly.
How It Works
Naltrexone and bupropion work in different ways to reduce appetite and energy usage. Naltrexone targets pathways in the central nervous system that influence hunger and energy use. Bupropion, on the other hand, inhibits a number of enzymes responsible for dopamine synthesis.
Bupropion is a reuptake inhibitor and releasing agent of both norepinephrine and dopamine, as well as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. It activates proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus, which have an impact downstream by suppressing appetite and increasing energy output. Naltrexone is a pure opioid antagonist that increases bupropion's action on the POMC.
Is This Prescription Effective for Weight Loss
Studies have shown that use of this medicine can lead to an average of 11% weight loss.
Understanding Your Dosage
Naltrexone and bupropion are combined in an extended-release (long-acting) tablet for oral administration. It's usually taken twice a day. Do not consume high-fat food when taking this medication. Take naltrexone and bupropion at the same time every day, according to the schedule on your prescription label.
It's important to swallow the extended-release pills whole; do not break, chew, or crush them.
Your Alfie doctor will most likely start you on a low dose of the combination of naltrexone and bupropion, gradually increasing your dosage not more than once every week for four weeks. After 16 weeks of therapy, your doctor will assess how much weight you've lost. If you have not lost a certain amount of weight, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking this medication.
Naltrexone-bupropion Reviews
- Verified naltrexone-bupropion user: "I have been on this medication for 7 months and I have lost 57lbs."
- Verified naltrexone-bupropion user: "I have been on Contrave for 4 weeks now. My appetite and cravings have been drastically reduced over the last two weeks in particular. So far, I have lost 10 lbs and I am absolutely thrilled!"
- Verified naltrexone-bupropion user: "I’ve been on this over 3 yrs. I lost about 56 lbs my first year. Then a few more over time after that. I started at 224. My lowest was 158. I maintain at about 162-165 and I am happy with that."
Alternative Medications
Naltrexone-bupropion alone has been approved for weight loss. Other medications, such as phentermine or GLP-1 medications may be a better choice for you if you have any of the contraindications to this medication combination.
FAQs
How Much Does Naltrexone-bupropion Cost?
Naltrexone-burpropion generics cost around $40, but it can cost up to $300 for brand label versions of the medication.
Can I Get a Coupon for Naltrexone-bupropion Pills?
There are various coupons online for Naltrexone-bupropion. You can visit websites like GoodRX or RXSaver to see if a coupon is available for this medication.
Can I Buy It Over-the-Counter or Online?
Naltrexone-buproprion is not available over-the-counter and must be prescribed by a medical professional. Patients should be wary of purchasing this medication online because some websites may not be legitimate and may try to sell counterfeit or expired drugs. It is best to use naltrexone-buproprion directly prescribed by a physician in combination with other medications so your progress can be monitored by clinical experts for your safety.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
If you're wondering how long it will take to see results from naltrexone bupropion, the answer may vary depending on a few factors. In general, though, most people report seeing positive results within a few weeks of starting treatment. Keep in mind that everyone is different, so some people may see results sooner or later than the average.
Are There Any Possible Side Effects?
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, increased sweating, flushing, and a dry mouth or odd taste in the mouth are all possible side effects. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen over time , notify your doctor or pharmacist right away.
If you experience any severe adverse effects, such as persistent anxiety, agitation, confusion, memory loss, uncontrolled movements (tremor), ringing in the ears, fainting, or a severe headache that does not go away fast, tell your doctor.
If you experience any severe side effects, such as eye pain/swelling/redness, increased pupil size, or vision changes (such as seeing rainbow around lights at night), get medical attention right away.
If you've been using opioid medicines on a regular basis, you might experience withdrawal symptoms within minutes after taking naltrexone. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs of opioid withdrawal: mental or mood changes (such as anxiety or irritability), rapid breathing, yawning, sweating, watery eyes, goose bumps,
Bupropion may occasionally induce seizures. If you have a seizure while taking bupropion, seek medical help right away. You should not take this medicine again if you experience a seizure while taking bupropion.
Naltrexone has been linked to rare, but serious (possibly fatal) liver damage. When larger amounts are taken, the danger rises. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this drug. If you experience any signs of liver damage, including nausea/vomiting that does not stop, loss of appetite, and severe stomach pain.
Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Bupropion can also cause seizures in a regular drinker who suddenly stops drinking.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Do not take other weight-loss products or diet pills unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not use opioid medication, methadone, heroin, or other street drugs while you are taking bupropion and naltrexone. Doing so could result in dangerous effects, including coma and death.
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