Contrave ER Uses, Dosage Basics, and Safety

Contrave ER is a prescription, extended-release oral tablet that combines naltrexone and bupropion. It is used with diet and physical activity to support chronic weight management in selected adults. This page explains Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets in plain language, with practical notes on dosing patterns, safety, interactions, and handling.

What Contrave ER Is and How It Works

Contrave ER contains two medicines that act on brain pathways involved in appetite and food reward. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist (blocks opioid receptors), and bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant that affects norepinephrine and dopamine signaling. CanadianInsulin.com can help confirm prescription details with the prescriber when required. The extended-release formulation is designed to release medication over time, which is why tablets are taken on a schedule rather than “as needed.”

Some patients explore US shipping from Canada when discussing cross-border fulfilment, depending on eligibility and jurisdiction. The combination is intended to be used alongside nutrition and activity changes, not as a substitute for them. The prescribing information also emphasizes that this medication is for long-term weight management in appropriate candidates, and it is not used for short-term cosmetic weight loss.

Because bupropion has central nervous system activity, the treatment can affect sleep, mood, and blood pressure in some people. Naltrexone blocks opioid effects, which matters if a person needs opioid pain control or is using opioid-containing medicines. Understanding these mechanisms helps explain several key cautions, including seizure risk and the need to avoid opioids while on therapy.

Who It’s For

This medication is indicated for chronic weight management in adults who meet specific body-mass index criteria, typically either obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. For broader context on eligibility and common comorbidities, patients often review an Obesity Condition Hub or an Overweight Condition Hub to understand how different therapies are positioned.

Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets are not appropriate for everyone. High-level contraindications and “do not use” situations include seizure disorder, current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and use of other medicines that contain bupropion. It is also contraindicated with current opioid use or opioid dependence, and with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used now or in the recent past. Pregnancy is generally a reason to stop weight-loss pharmacotherapy; clinicians typically reassess risk and benefit if pregnancy occurs.

• Adults only: indication is for adults.
• Weight criteria: BMI-based eligibility applies.
• Opioid use: avoid due to naltrexone.
• Seizure risk: key limitation for many.
• Blood pressure: requires careful screening.

Dosage and Usage

The dosing approach is usually a gradual titration to improve tolerability. Prescribing information describes a step-up schedule over several weeks until a maintenance regimen is reached. Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets are swallowed whole; they should not be cut, crushed, or chewed because that can change the extended-release behavior. The label also advises avoiding high-fat meals when taking doses, because absorption can increase and may raise side-effect risk.

Quick tip: If meals are very high in fat, discuss timing with a clinician or pharmacist.

Missed-dose instructions and maximum daily dosing limits are specific to the product labeling, and clinicians may adjust plans based on tolerability and medical history. Follow the prescriber’s directions and the package insert for day-to-day use. Prescribing information also recommends reassessing response after a defined period at the maintenance regimen to determine whether ongoing therapy is appropriate.

Strengths and Forms

Contrave ER is an extended-release tablet that contains naltrexone hydrochloride 8 mg and bupropion hydrochloride 90 mg per tablet. Many listings describe it as a fixed-dose combination for chronic weight management. Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets may be supplied in multi-tablet bottles (for example, 120 tablets), though presentation can vary by pharmacy and jurisdiction.

Availability can differ across regions and over time, and substitutions are not automatic because extended-release products can differ in release characteristics. If a prescriber intends the brand product, pharmacies typically dispense according to that prescription. If a generic becomes available in a specific market, the prescriber or pharmacist may discuss whether it is an appropriate option.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature and protect them from excess moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and store out of reach of children and pets. Because the tablets are extended-release, do not crush them for easier swallowing; instead, ask a pharmacist about safe administration options if swallowing is difficult.

For travel, keep the medication in its original labeled container to reduce confusion during security screening or if medical care is needed away from home. A small amount in a pill organizer may be convenient, but the main supply should be kept protected from humidity (for example, not left in a hot car or a steamy bathroom). If a dose schedule crosses time zones, a clinician or pharmacist can help translate the plan safely without changing total daily dosing.

Side Effects and Safety

As with many centrally acting medicines, side effects may involve the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system. Commonly reported effects include nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. These effects are often more noticeable during dose increases. Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets can also raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people, so clinicians often monitor vitals during treatment.

More serious risks require prompt medical attention. Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, so seizures are a key safety concern, especially in people with predisposing factors. The medication also carries warnings about mood or behavior changes, including suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger people, consistent with antidepressant-class labeling. Rare but important issues can include severe allergic reactions, angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals, and liver-related concerns associated with naltrexone.

Why it matters: New agitation, severe insomnia, or mood changes should be reported quickly.

Tell a clinician about a history of seizures, eating disorders, head injury, or heavy alcohol use, since these can change risk. Also share a full medication list, including nonprescription products, because several drug classes can increase seizure risk or interact with bupropion metabolism.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

This combination has clinically important interaction considerations. Because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, opioids (including some cough, diarrhea, or pain products) may be less effective and can precipitate withdrawal in someone who is physically dependent. Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets should not be used with MAO inhibitors, and a washout period is typically required when switching between these therapies.

Bupropion is metabolized largely through CYP2B6, so strong inhibitors or inducers can change drug exposure. Other medicines that lower the seizure threshold (certain antipsychotics, systemic corticosteroids, stimulants, or abrupt withdrawal from sedatives) can raise risk. Alcohol can also complicate safety, especially if intake is heavy or suddenly reduced. In addition, because bupropion can affect blood pressure, clinicians may review existing hypertension therapies and cardiovascular history before starting or continuing treatment.

• Opioids: avoid during therapy.
• MAOIs: contraindicated combination.
• Other bupropion: avoid duplication.
• Seizure-threshold drugs: increased caution.
• CYP2B6 agents: may alter exposure.

Compare With Alternatives

Weight-management treatment plans can include medication, nutrition support, physical activity changes, and sometimes procedures. To browse commonly used options by class and form, some patients use the Weight Management hub and the related Articles Weight Management collection for background reading. Choice often depends on medical history, tolerability, route of administration, and contraindications.

Compared with incretin-based injectables, this medicine is oral and works through central appetite/reward pathways rather than gut hormone signaling. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide are typically once-weekly injections for weight management; site information is available on the Wegovy Product Page. Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists such as tirzepatide are another injectable option; see the Zepbound Product Page for product context.

If you are comparing options, these explainers can help clarify differences in mechanisms and dosing patterns: Tirzepatide Vs Semaglutide, Wegovy Vs Zepbound, and Semaglutide Dosage Chart. Non-injectable alternatives may include other oral agents with different safety profiles, but suitability depends heavily on comorbidities and concurrent medications.

Pricing and Access

Access to prescription weight-management therapy can depend on clinical eligibility, documentation needs, and payer rules. Dispensing is handled by licensed third-party pharmacies where permitted. Coverage policies can vary widely between plans, and some insurers require prior authorization or documentation of BMI and related conditions before approving therapy. For people paying directly, cash-pay considerations may include pharmacy sourcing, supply continuity, and required prescription verification.

Patients who are without insurance sometimes ask about ways to plan for out-of-pocket spending over time. The guide Out Of Pocket Cost offers general budgeting considerations that can also apply to other weight-management prescriptions. If any manufacturer or platform-based programs are available in a given period, they may be summarized on Promotions Program Details, but program rules and eligibility can change.

Contrave ER 8 90mg tablets require a valid prescription, and pharmacies may need to confirm directions and patient identifiers before dispensing. Cross-border fulfilment may be considered when eligibility and jurisdiction allow. Keep an up-to-date medication list and disclose opioid use, seizure history, and blood pressure history, since these can affect whether therapy can be started or continued safely.

Authoritative Sources

For the most current boxed warnings, contraindications, and dosing instructions, consult the official prescribing information. Prescribing information can be found via FDA Drugs@FDA application overview.

For medication label summaries and references, consult DailyMed labeling search results and open the product entry that matches your prescription.

When permitted, fulfilment arrangements may involve prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when temperature control is required.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.