Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release)

Additional information

Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release) is typically given as one tablet once daily, in the morning for the first week. For the second week, the dose is one tablet twice a day, once in the morning and one with the evening meal. The maximum daily dose is two tablets taken twice daily. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It may be taken with meals. High-fat meals should be avoided, as this increases the amount of medication in the body and can increase the side effects. Swallow the tablets whole and do not cut, crush or chew them. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often than prescribed. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist. 
 
WARNING: This medication may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. People Taking Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. Use with caution in patients with heart disease, liver impairment, and the elderly. This medication may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. Weight loss often causes decreased blood glucose.
 
In addition to its desired action, Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or metallic taste in the mouth. 
It may cause dizziness, fatigue, headache, or flu-like symptoms (e.g., muscle aches, cough, fatigue, sudden lack of energy, sore throat, fever).
It may cause hair loss, sensation of spinning, sweating, trouble paying attention, trouble sleeping, or unusual dreams.
 
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to bupropion, naltrexone, or any other component of the formulation. The concomitant use of other bupropion-containing products is contraindicated. Do not use in case of chronic opioid use (a group of narcotic pain medications), acute opioid withdrawal, uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), seizure disorder or a history of seizures, bulimia (an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by vomiting) or anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight). Do not use in case of abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic (anti-seizure) drugs. The concomitant use of MAO inhibitors (antidepressants) (concurrently or within 14 days of discontinuing the MAOI or naltrexone/bupropion) is contraindicated. Do not initiate naltrexone/bupropion in a patient receiving linezolid (antibiotic) or IV methylene blue (a dye and medication).
 
Taking Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release) during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.
 
A treatment with Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Contrave Extended Release (Naltrexone Bupropion extended-release)