Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave) for Weight Loss in Illinois
Contrave combines naltrexone, an opioid blocker, with bupropion, an antidepressant, in an extended-release tablet that acts on appetite and reward pathways.
Important safety information. This page is general education, not medical advice. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether a medication is right for you. Do not start, stop or change a prescription without talking to your clinician. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek emergency care or call 988.
What It Is
Contrave is a daily extended-release tablet taken in a gradual build-up.
FDA-Approved Uses
Contrave is approved, with diet and exercise, for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition.
How It Is Taken
Dosing builds over four weeks from one 8/90 mg tablet in the morning to two tablets twice daily (maximum 32/360 mg per day). Tablets are swallowed whole.
What to Expect
Average weight loss in trials is smaller than with the injectable incretin medications. Ask your clinician what to expect for you.
Common Side Effects
Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth and diarrhea.
Serious Warnings
The label carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Contrave is not for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, eating disorders, chronic opioid use, abrupt alcohol or sedative withdrawal, or MAOI use. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate and may cause manic episodes, angle-closure glaucoma or liver injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take it if I take opioid pain medicine?
No. Contrave is not for people using opioids chronically. Tell your clinician about all medicines you use.
Does it affect mood?
It can. Report new or worsening mood changes or suicidal thoughts right away.
How TeleSlim Clinic Can Help
A TeleSlim Clinic physician can review your health history and goals by secure video visit and discuss whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. Prescribing is always at the clinician's discretion, and not every medication is right for every person. See our Cost & Insurance guides and Illinois locations.
Cost & Insurance guides
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay, and we do not bill insurance for our own services. We do handle prior authorization for your medication, provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, and send your medication and lab orders to the pharmacy or lab you choose, where your insurance can be used. We do not see patients with Medicare.
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Insurance and Weight Loss Medication in Illinois
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA and FSA for Weight Loss Treatment
- Cash-Pay vs. Insurance for Weight Loss Treatment
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Weight Loss Medication
- Illinois State Employee Plan and Weight Loss Medication
- When Your Employer Plan Excludes Weight Loss Drugs
- Prior Authorization and Appeals for Weight Loss Medication
- Self-Pay Weight Loss Medication and Compounded Drugs
- What to Ask Your Insurance About Weight Loss Medication
Medications & Decision Guides
Learn about the prescription options and how to choose:
Weight Loss Guides by Health Condition
- PCOS and Weight Loss
- Prediabetes and Weight Loss
- Menopause Weight Gain
- Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
- Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss Medication
- Blood Pressure and Heart Health
- Fatty Liver and Weight Loss
- Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss
- Antidepressants and Weight
- Binge and Emotional Eating
- Weight Loss After 50
More in This Library
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
- Orlistat (Xenical, alli)
Cost, Coverage and Illinois Care
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Medication?
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA/FSA and Weight Loss Medication
- Cash Pay vs Insurance
TeleSlim Clinic serves patients across Illinois, including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Evanston, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Schaumburg, Oak Lawn. See all Illinois locations.
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If you are considering bariatric surgery, learn about surgical options with Dr. Jihad Kudsi at DoctorKudsi.com (https://www.doctorkudsi.com).
Sources: FDA prescribing information for Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion extended-release).
This page is general information, not medical advice. Prescribing information changes; confirm current details with your clinician or pharmacist. Last updated: October 7, 2026.