Contrave and Weight loss - Can we use separate ingredients?

A question that often comes up since Contrave is made up of 2 older medications, bupropion and naltrexone, is can someone take the ingredients separately? Contrave can be very expensive and is often not covered by drug insurance, and some patients may already be stable on bupropion or naltrexone alone and don’t want to mess up that stability.
So, is there a best way to go?
⚠️ Are you on Contrave? Or separate ingredients? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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[@amberlopez1952]

My pharmacist and Dr worked my script this way to get insurance coverage for it.

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

Good for you! My doctor flat out refused. So, I got the script for Contrave which is crazy expensive. I was so mad that he just wouldn’t do it because “there’s no generic version of Contrave”.

[@sivils8356]

Wow. You explained that so well. Thank you.

[@RedPaperBadger]

Dr. Dan you have me in stitches. Love your sense of humour. Thank you so much for helping to understand the weight loss meds better.

[@theofficialdrdan]

Glad you enjoy it LOL

[@trinashumaker9929]

I'm concerned about hair loss that wellbutrin can cause...I have very thin fine hair as it is.Do you have any information on this?

[@Vivika9999]

Can Buproprion XL also be used with naltrexone or will only the SR work?

[@PlayJewel]

In my country bupropion is only available in 150mg pills(sr/er/xl all but only 150mg), is that fine to start out with one pill a day? Or its too much?

[@kirsikka3752]

I started buproprion first for depression. I started loose some weight. Then my doctor added naltrexone and weightloss continued. I have not been on a diet, because I have this medication for other reasons.

[@ericapoe]

Did you have any side effects?

[@kirsikka3752]

@@ericapoe First few weeks with buproprion, then not. I have taken it 9 months now. With naltreksone I had no side effects. I think my body needed both of them and that is why I have tolerated them well.

[@KT-lv4cg]

Hi Dr. Can I take Contrave and Glucophage XR together?

[@Beowulf-wt3kb]

I thought the naltrexone version that actually helped people with a low-dose, meaning 4 mg or less. So how does getting up to 32 mg help someone? I also really loved Wellbutrin, but when I had to take bupropion, the generic version, it acted the exact opposite. meaning it was not good at all. So how do we know if we’re getting the real McCoy or the generic in this combination?

[@ItsTheLittleThingsInLife1111]

My doctor has prescribed me half 50MGs of naltrexone 2 times a day for 90 days and bupropion ER 150 mg 2 times a day for 90 days. She has me jumping right in instead of getting my feet wet in the beginning. Kinda scared to take that. What kind of side effects do I need be be aware of ? Thank you in advance.

[@PlayJewel]

Long term side effects arent too bad ive read, but for the first month they can be extreme, like vomiting and horrible stomach ache. Best to start as low as u can, at least for first few days if cant do weeks.

[@rantube369.]

Thanks 👍

[@eileennitchke2532]

My dr increased my Wellbutrin xl from 150 to 300 this week for seasonal affective disorder. Been waiting on wegovy and saxenda but no avail. If I use this, what dose of naltrexone would be needed with the 300 mg xl of Wellbutrin?

[@theofficialdrdan]

Generally commercial naltrexone I dose at 25mg twice daily.

[@deborahglover0112]

I use Wellbutrin for weight loss because I can't take Contrave because I am on Methadone and I must say that it works great for me. I have been taking it for three months and have lost 25 pounds. I take Wellbutrin 150SR twice a day. The Once a day XL didn't work for me because I got food cravings by 3pm every day

[@christinestansberry9868]

Wow 25# in 3 months! My old PCP tried to prescribe Wellbutrin to me saying it will "get me off the couch". I got offended because he made me feel lazy and crazy, but if he would have explained it to me better including anti smoking med, I would have taken it and killed 2 birds with one stone with weight loss and stopped smoking! What a shame. Going to ask my new PCP about Contrave.

[@kathyjenkins4067]

I take Wellbutrin around 12-1 during the day so it lasts longer. I just take 150mg once a day. I've been on it for a week now and lost 2 pounds. No side effects !❤

[@Whiskey.Tango.Actual]

You could stop taking methadone...:D your liver will thank you.

[@cathrinemackenzie5322]

I used welbutran to quit smoking it worked like a charm!

[@theofficialdrdan]

It is a fantastic drug.

[@kathyjenkins4067]

My doctor have me bupropion xl 150mg and topiramate 25 mg once a day for weight loss.What do you think of that combo? Thank you!

[@theofficialdrdan]

It might work for some people if they can tolerate topiramate but the use of them together we have no evidence as to the benefit

[@stacyemmynik]

I wonder if my doctor would prescribe naltrexone? I'm already on 300mg wellbutrin xl. Also I don't want to trade my wellbutrin for contrave because if it's not broke don't fix it. And I need the wellbutrin for my mental health.

[@Intercitywitty]

Do you offer telehealth consults if you live in Alberta? Im currently on Contrave but my insurance no longer covers it, and my family doctor will not consider the generic approach you've described. I can't really afford to pay for Contrave out of pocket, even with their patient assistance card.

[@theofficialdrdan]

You can give us a call at 403-993-6678 to get booked in.

[@cheriestolze]

Hmmm. I already take Low Dose Naltrexone for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. I now wonder if my doc would prescribe Wellbutrin, too.

[@theofficialdrdan]

Possibly. LDN is much lower dose though so the combo might not have same benefit.

[@nom8871]

Gonna talk to my PCP but waiting for an appt! Am I able to take contrave with Zoloft 50mg?

[@theofficialdrdan]

In theory yes!

[@catherinesowers4615]

I just prescribe this because my insurance want cover wegovy and I'm not diabetic .I ask for phentermine he said there were many side effects.. Not sure my insurance will pay for this medication.. I don't know what to do I'm walking and eating healthy meals but sometimes you just need a little help .

[@user-if8rb8gc2m]

I've had phentermine, but it's not that great. It's a stimulant so will mess with your sleeping, and it causes dry mouth, I found it didn't really affect my appetite too much. i was still eating on it.

[@bystandersarah]

I’ve been on bupropion 300XL for 8mo for depression and adhd and I just started titration for LDN for autoimmune issues/pcos/metabolic etc. it will be 4.5mg after titration. I’m doing my own research and I was surprised to se this drug combination for weight loss. I’m very curious how it will affect my weight. Losing some weight would be a welcome side effect. With the cat in the box thing….I think it’s funny Schrodinger chose that animal in particular to talk about. My cat would not allow me to forget she’s in a box😂She would scream and destroy the box from within.

[@tinalee6038]

Since these 2 drugs can be split in half, why can’t contrave? I keep reading not to do this as it’s time released, is this true of naltrexone and bupropion?

[@theofficialdrdan]

Technically yes the naltrexone component is sustained release with Contrave. It can still be used as an individual ingredient. We may just dose TID for some, but the immediate release commercially availble formulation still works well

[@kite6864]

bupropion can cause hair loss... was something I didn't know till I read it online. I know you have a video on semaglutide causing hairloss. i think with bupropion it's not related to low calorie diets or malnutrition though

[@ashleybrown5771]

Besides appetite suppression does naltrexone do anything to cause the weight loss

[@theofficialdrdan]

Decreases cravings and pleasure from food.

[@darrellwhite8718]

I was prescribed bupropion XL at 150mg and Naltrexone 50mg is that okay please get back to me please!!

[@tiona-4793]

Same here

[@mchandaltx]

I was on Contrave for about six months. But it got to be too expensive so my doctor prescribed 300 (150x2/day) generic Wellbutrin and 50 (1x1/day) generic Naltrexone. I've seen absolutely no difference after 3 months. It's been just as effective as the brand name Contrave. Plus with my insurance I can get a 90 day supply of each medication for a combined total of $34.

[@hollysterling8889]

So how much have you loss ?

[@sdumain]

do you prefer wegovy or contrave?

[@samanthastevens4197]

your videos are awesome! 👍👍👍

[@tbrownlee3729]

How much is Contrave per month without health benefits coverage in Canada?

[@chynamadison4551]

I’m not sure how much it is in Canada. But, I live in United States. Without insurance I would have to pay $648.00. My doctor had to write separate prescription and I paid a little over $20.00.

[@vadaza]

I got my stuff delivered discreetly by this mycologist....

[@vadaza]

Dude is on telegram and Instagram......

[@vadaza]

Strogenic_Pharmacy

[@brendadaileypredmore6922]

Can you take this while your on saxenda?

[@cheriestolze]

Can Wegovy be taken with Contrave?

[@theofficialdrdan]

Technically yes!

[@ahmedhussam1409]

Yesterday my psychiatrist told me “I do not like naltrexone , it is not a good medication” so he told me to take bupropion 150 mg alone . Do you think this will work out for losing weight ?

[@kirsikka3752]

What mental symptoms do you have? My weight loss started with only buproprion. The naltrexone was added later on. I like that and my psychiatrist too. I have it for dissociation and it works.

[@ahmedhussam1409]

@@kirsikka3752 I have resistant OCD and I take other medications for it but these medications made me gain 30 kg . So , I asked my doctor if I can take contrave to lose weight and he told me that he do not like naltrexone but bupropion is ok so he wrote for me bupropion alone .

[@theofficialdrdan]

It might provide some benefit, but the naltrexone does work to boost the effects of bupropion for appetite reduction.

[@rb5078]

And now I’m craving lasagna. 😂 Hopefully I can start these medications soon. lol In all seriousness, thank you for this information.

[@theofficialdrdan]

😂😂

[@daileydoseofessentialoils1413]

What if I'm already on bupropion 300xl?

[@daileydoseofessentialoils1413]

Saw you answered this already 😊

[@juicycouturecollectionsam3473]

Wow its $700 a month in the US.

[@theofficialdrdan]

Yup. US is out to lunch in terms if pricing.

[@kaypee65]

the US has finally legalized drug pricing negotiation in Medicare instead of forced use of manufacturer list pricing. But don't expect much. Pharma makers don't want to give up cash cows and cost plus insurance providers for employers may reap higher profits for higher medication costs.

[@loreeambur5794]

Why does it cause such horrible constipation!!!! 😵‍💫

[@qqq1q1qqqqqqq]

A LOT of drugs cause constipation. Big key, TONS OF WATER along with exercise and possibly some sort of daily therapy such as Miralax or Benefiber.

[@jessicavargas7109]

My doc prescribed bupropion xl with the natraxone. Is that ok?

[@theofficialdrdan]

It can be yes

[@user-fn8oy6cv1g]

Contrave didn’t work for me

[@user-fn8oy6cv1g]

200 dollars to feel nauseous depressed and constipated

[@theofficialdrdan]

Sorry to hear that friend.

[@James-io6ff]

Contrave doesn't work

[@theofficialdrdan]

*for everybody

[@dakotadellafera5850]

If you tell a doctor, I don't want anti-depressants. I am just tired because I am an entrepreneur. I never have thoughts of suicide or anything like that. But they want you to lose weight so badly....they give you 8 of these contrave pills and put it in a little bag and tell you that this blue pill is a sleeping pill, and then after a week tell you "Oh! It's an antidepressant (contrave)" ...would you say that is unethical?

[@Blah115]

Listen, i am now on saxenda and there is no side effects. BUT before saxenda i tried contrave and let me tell you… stay away from this medicine! I was okay for one month but then i started having problem even thinking about tablets i wanted to throw up. They made me so nauseate and feeling sick so i stoped using them. Its the true- when i think of them it makes me sick that how strong side effects they have

[@qqq1q1qqqqqqq]

I'm sorry for your bad experience. I took Contrave a few years ago and did not have those issues and am about to start it again. I believe each person has a unique experience with each prescription they take. Not only am I a patient, I work in a pharmacy, so I hear all the stories about bad experiences. Personally, I have a very high tolerance to medication so maybe that's why I don't have a problem with Contrave.

[@cheriestolze]

Can Wegovy be taken with Contrave?

[@theofficialdrdan]

Technically yes.