Naltrexone-bupropion

USES

This medication is mainly used for weight loss management in obese women (BMI 27-29) with PCOS.

IUPAC name: (4R,4aS,7aR,12bS)-3-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4a,9-dihydroxy-2,4,5,6,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-one;2-(tert-butylamino)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)propan-1-one

Brand name: Contrave

Drug class:  Naltrexone belongs to opiate antagonist; bupropion belongs to antidepressant

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

Contrave is the combination of naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone modulates cellular resistance to insulin, which may lead to weight loss. Bupropion acts via inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake.

Side effects

Common side effects of contrave may include:

• vomiting/nausea
• headache
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• hot flashes
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• abdominal pain
• tremor
• anxiety
• urinary tract infection
• hypertension
• rash
• increased sweating
• palpitations
• lightheadedness

Precautions

Symptoms from stopping treatment with opioid drugs include:

• manic-depression
• mood changes
• psychotic disorder
• suicidal thoughts
• alcoholism
• dependence on opioid-type drugs
• anorexia nervosa
• bulimia
• a low seizure threshold
• closed-angle glaucoma
• high blood pressure
• a heart attack
• low sugar level
• severe liver disease
• malformed blood vessels
• seizures
• weight loss

Use of this medication is not recommended during pregnancy.