bupropion and naltrexone

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Pronunciation: bue PRO pee on and nal TREX own

Brand: Contrave

What is the most important information I should know about bupropion and naltrexone?

You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, an eating disorder, kidney failure, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have recently stopped using seizure medicine. Do not take this medicine if you also take narcotic medicine or other forms of bupropion (such as Wellbutrin or Zyban), or if you are going through withdrawal from alcohol or drug addiction.

Do not use bupropion and naltrexone if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Do not use bupropion and naltrexone if you are pregnant.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking bupropion. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

What is bupropion and naltrexone?

Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that can also decrease appetite. Naltrexone is usually given to block the effects of narcotics or alcohol in people with addiction problems. Naltrexone may also curb hunger and food cravings.

Bupropion and naltrexone is a combination medicine used to help manage weight in obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems. This medicine is used together with diet and exercise.

Bupropion and naltrexone is for use only to help you manage your weight. This medicine will not treat any weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Although bupropion is an antidepressant and is sometimes used to help people quit smoking, Contrave is not approved to treat depression or other psychiatric conditions, or to help you quit smoking.

Bupropion and naltrexone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bupropion and naltrexone?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bupropion or naltrexone, or if you have:

  • untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia);
  • a history of seizures;
  • kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease);
  • if you are pregnant or breast-feeding;
  • if you have recently stopped using seizure medicine suddenly;
  • if you have taken any narcotic (opioid) medicine within the past 10 days;
  • if you are going through withdrawal from alcohol or drug addiction; or
  • if you also take bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Budeprion, Forfivo, Zyban, and others).

Do not use bupropion and naltrexone if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

To make sure bupropion and naltrexone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • past or present depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder (or a family history of bipolar disorder, depression, or suicide);
  • a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol;
  • narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • diabetes, or a history of low blood sugar;
  • heart disease, high blood pressure, history of stroke or blood clot;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • a history of head injury;
  • a history of tumor or infection in your brain or spinal cord;
  • if you normally drink a lot of alcohol; or
  • if you have taken buprenorphine or methadone in the past 14 days.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking bupropion. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use bupropion and naltrexone if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Bupropion and naltrexone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take bupropion and naltrexone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole. Do not take more than 2 tablets at once.

Do not take this medicine with a high-fat meal, or you may be more likely to have a seizure. If you have a seizure while taking bupropion and naltrexone, you may never be able to take it again.

If you need to use narcotic medicine for any reason (such as pain, surgery, or treatment for drug addiction) you may need to stop taking bupropion and naltrexone for a short time. You also may need to use a lower dose of any narcotic medicine you have used in the past. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight after 16 weeks of treatment, this medicine may not be right for you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Do not take more than 4 tablets in 1 day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of this medicine can be fatal, especially if you also take a narcotic (opioid medicine).

What should I avoid while taking bupropion and naltrexone?

Do not use narcotic medication, methadone, heroin, or other street drugs while you are taking bupropion and naltrexone. Doing so could result in dangerous effects, including coma and death.

Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Bupropion can also cause seizures in a regular drinker who suddenly stops drinking at the start of treatment with bupropion and naltrexone.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Do not take other weight-loss products or diet pills unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of bupropion and naltrexone?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: fever, swollen glands, mouth sores, muscle or joint pain; hives, rash or itching; chest pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • seizure (convulsions);
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • manic episodes --racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative;
  • liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • dangerously high blood pressure --severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, severe chest pain, shortness of breath; or
  • severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Older adults may be more likely to have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • dry mouth; or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect bupropion and naltrexone?

Naltrexone will block the effects of any narcotic medicines you take (such as prescription medicine for pain, cough, or diarrhea). Harmful side effects could also occur.

Many drugs can interact with bupropion and naltrexone, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with bupropion and naltrexone. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about bupropion and naltrexone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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