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Compare Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)
    Bupropion
  • Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) is used along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise routine to help with weight loss for certain adults. This combination medication is a tablet that's taken by mouth. The dosage is slowly raised over the first 3 weeks of treatment until you reach the maintenance dosage of two tablets twice daily. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and headache. But it can also have more serious risks, such as unusual changes in behavior.

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion is taken by mouth to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's available as short-acting tablets that are taken two or three times a day, as well as long-acting versions that are taken once daily. Bupropion has fewer sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it's not a good choice for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or drink alcohol regularly.

  • Indications of Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Long-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater; or BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Pros
    •Is a tablet that's taken by mouth
    •Can see results in as early as 4 weeks (when it's taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise)
    •Combines 2 different medications into a single pill to help with weight
    Cons
    •Must take twice a day (after the dose ramp-up at the beginning)
    •Might raise your risk for unusual behavior and thoughts of self-harm
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic
    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Works well for depression and can be used alone or in combination with other antidepressants
    •Causes fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Good option for people who haven't had success with traditional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to feel the full effects
    •Not the best option if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders like as anorexia or bulimia
    •Might need to limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if you take it later in the day

  • Common Side Effects of Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (33%)
    •Constipation (19%)
    •Headache (18%)
    •Vomiting (11%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Dry mouth (8%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Changes in thoughts, behavior, and mood
    •Seizures
    •Don't take Contrave with opioid medications
    •High blood pressure and fast heart rate
    •Liver problems
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Potential risk for low blood sugar in certain people with Type 2 diabetes
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
    •Mental health changes
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)

  • Prices with our coupons for Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Contrave
    Learn more about Bupropion

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