Contrave 8/90 (Naltrexone Hydrochloride And Bupropion Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Contrave 8/90 Used For?
Contrave is a medication designed to assist in weight management for adults who are obese or overweight. It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Primary Uses
Contrave is primarily used to help manage weight in obese or overweight adults.
How It Works
Contrave works on brain areas that control food intake and energy use.
Good to know: Contrave is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Contrave 8/90
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Contrave.
Dosage Instructions
The initial dose is one tablet taken once daily in the morning. This dose will be gradually increased over four weeks to a maximum of two tablets taken twice daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- constipation
- headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- seizures
- allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, difficulty breathing)
- mental disturbances (e.g., suicidal thoughts)
- serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Impulse Control Issues
Some patients may experience impulse control problems, including issues related to gambling or spending.
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before using Contrave.
Who Should Not Take Contrave 8/90
Do not use Contrave if you are allergic to its ingredients, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of seizures, or certain other medical conditions.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have a history of depression, heart disease, liver or kidney problems, or if you are at risk for seizures.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Contrave should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may harm the baby.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Contrave has not been adequately studied in older adults, particularly those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Contrave, affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may interact with Contrave, consult your doctor.
- antidepressants
- antipsychotics
- asthma medications (e.g., theophylline)
- antimalarials
- tramadol
- sedating antihistamines
- quinolone antibiotics
- insulin or oral diabetic medications
- sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while taking Contrave.
Alcohol
Minimize or avoid alcohol while taking Contrave, as it may increase the risk of seizures.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Contrave affects you.
Storage
Store Contrave in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, and irregular heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weight loss effects may be seen after several weeks, but it is important to continue using it in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Yes, Contrave should be taken with food.
No, Contrave is not considered addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping, as it may affect your weight management plan.
It is advised to minimize or avoid alcohol due to the increased risk of seizures.
Contrave is intended to assist with weight loss, not weight gain.
Elderly patients should use Contrave with caution, as it has not been adequately studied in this population.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.