Contrave
A naltrexone-bupropion combination targeting cravings and reward-driven eating rather than gut hormones.
Contrave pairs bupropion (an antidepressant that dampens appetite) with naltrexone (an opioid-receptor blocker used in addiction medicine). Together they act on the brain's reward circuitry — the system behind cravings and emotional eating — rather than on digestion like GLP-1 drugs.
Trials average roughly 4–5% placebo-adjusted loss, with the strongest fit in patients whose eating is driven by cravings, and the drug carries bupropion's boxed warning regarding mood changes plus a seizure contraindication. It remains a reasonable oral, non-incretin option — particularly where stimulants are inappropriate — but head-to-head expectations should be calibrated: it plays in a different league than semaglutide or tirzepatide.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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