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Contrave for losing weight in Philadelphia

Contrave® (Naltrexone/Bupropion) for Weight Loss: What Philadelphia Patients Should Know

Quick summary: Contrave® is an FDA-authorized prescription option (2014) for adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition. It combines naltrexone (an opioid-receptor antagonist) and bupropion (an atypical antidepressant and smoking-cessation aid). When paired with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular activity, Contrave can help some patients lose clinically meaningful weight.

How Contrave Works

The exact mechanism isn’t fully mapped, but research suggests a two-pathway effect on appetite regulation:

  • Naltrexone may dampen reward signals linked to food cravings.
  • Bupropion may enhance satiety (feeling full) by modulating central nervous system neurotransmitters.

Together, these effects can help reduce snacking, portion sizes, and late-night eating—if you also follow a structured nutrition and activity plan.

Who Is a Candidate?

Contrave is generally considered for adults who meet one of the following:

  • BMI ≥ 30, or
  • BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition (for example, hypertension or type 2 diabetes).

Contrave is adjunctive—it works best alongside a calorie-controlled plan, movement you can sustain, quality sleep, and stress management.

What the Evidence Shows

  • 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NEJM): Participants on Contrave lost ~5.8% of body weight at one year vs ~2.2% with placebo (plus lifestyle measures in both groups).
  • 2015 trial (International Journal of Obesity): At 12 weeks, average loss was ~8.6% with Contrave vs ~2.3% with placebo.

Reality check: Results vary. Medications increase the likelihood of success but are not magic. Consistency with habits remains the driver of long-term results.

Safety, Side Effects, and Important Precautions

Common side effects: nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness.
Less common: dry mouth, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure.

Do not use Contrave if you have or are any of the following:

  • Seizure disorder (history of epilepsy)
  • Active eating disorder
  • Current opioid use or dependence (naltrexone can precipitate withdrawal)
  • Use of MAO inhibitors within the last 14 days
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Known allergy to either component

Always review your full medical history, current medications, and risks with a qualified clinician. This article is educational only and not medical advice.

What to Expect if Your Doctor Prescribes Contrave

  • Gradual dose escalation to improve tolerability
  • Structured nutrition focused on protein, fiber, and meal timing
  • Activity plan you can sustain (walking + 2–3 short strength sessions/week is a strong start)
  • Follow-ups every 4–6 weeks to adjust the plan, manage side effects, and work through plateaus

Philadelphia Medical Weight Loss: How W8MD Can Help

At W8MD Medical Weight Loss in Northeast Philadelphia, our physician-supervised program personalizes care for your goals and health profile. If appropriate, W8MD weight loss doctors can prescribe Contrave and other FDA-approved options as part of a comprehensive plan.

What sets W8MD apart

  • Physician-supervised care grounded in obesity medicine
  • Insurance-friendly visits (coverage varies by plan)
  • Personalized nutrition (low-glycemic or keto-friendly if preferred), grocery guidance, and dining-out strategies
  • Medication stewardship: Semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, phentermine/topiramate, Contrave, and others—never one-size-fits-all
  • Sleep integration: Screening for apnea, insomnia, and restless legs that can undermine progress
  • Accountability & maintenance: Tools to sustain results after the scale moves

FAQs

Is Contrave better than GLP-1 medications?
They work differently. Some patients respond well to naltrexone/bupropion; others do better with GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP therapies. The right choice depends on your history, preferences, side-effect tolerance, availability, and coverage.

Will I regain weight if I stop the medication?
Medications help you build momentum. Long-term success comes from habits—protein-forward meals, fiber, strength training, sleep, and stress tools. W8MD focuses on sustainable maintenance plans.

Can Contrave be combined with other treatments?
Sometimes, under medical supervision. Your W8MD clinician will review interactions and safety.

References

  • Brownley KA, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014;22(10):2129–2140.
  • McElroy SL, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21(11).

Contact & Locations — W8MD Medical Weight Loss

Philadelphia (Primary – Northeast Philadelphia)
W8MD Medical Weight Loss & Sleep
1718 Welsh Road, 2nd Floor, Ste C
Philadelphia, PA 19115
(215) 676-2334

New York City medical weight loss
2632 East 21st Street, Ste L3
Brooklyn, NY 11235
(718) 946-5500

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