Key takeaways
Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both medications used for weight loss and long-term weight management. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Contrave is a combination of an opioid antagonist and a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, taken orally as a tablet. Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, administered as a daily subcutaneous injection. Contrave is only available as a brand-name medication, while Saxenda has a generic version available. Common side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, and headache, whereas Saxenda often causes nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Both medications can interact with other medications and substances, but Contrave has a higher risk of interactions due to its two components. Additionally, Saxenda is approved for use in children aged 12 and older, while Contrave is only for adults.
