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Contrave vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion) and Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) both contain bupropion, which affects norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. However, they are used for different purposes. Contrave is a combination medication used for weight management in adults with a high body mass index (BMI), while Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Contrave is taken as a tablet twice daily after taking it once daily for at least one week. Wellbutrin is available in various forms, including immediate-release, sustained-release (Wellbutrin SR), and extended-release (Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo XL) oral tablets, with dosing ranging from once to three times daily. Contrave is not available as a generic, while Wellbutrin is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Contrave include nausea and constipation, while Wellbutrin may cause headache and dry mouth. Both medications carry a risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Additionally, Contrave should not be taken with opioid medications due to the risk of opioid withdrawal. Both medications requires caution with alcohol use.

Contrave

(naltrexone / bupropion)

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Bupropion

 

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Summary for Contrave

Prescription only

Contrave is a combination medication that helps with weight loss for certain adults. It's taken along with a balanced diet and exercise plan. Contrave is a tablet with two active ingredients that help regulate your appetite. They are naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) and bupropion (a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Your dosage will slowly increase over the first 3 weeks. Then, you take the maintenance dose of two tablets by mouth twice a day. Some side effects are nausea, constipation, and headache. But it can also have serious risks, like unusual changes in behavior. Contrave is brand name only; there isn't a generic version available yet.

Indications for Contrave

Pros and Cons for Contrave

Pros

  • Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth
  • Might start to notice results in as early as 4 weeks (when taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise)

Cons

  • Must take twice a day (after the dose ramp-up at the beginning)
  • Might raise your risk of unusual behavior and thoughts of self-harm
  • Interacts with a lot of medications

Common Side Effects for Contrave

  • Nausea (33%)
  • Constipation (19%)
  • Headache (18%)
  • Vomiting (11%)
  • Dizziness (10%)
  • Trouble sleeping (9%)
  • Dry mouth (8%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)

Warnings for Contrave

  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Possible changes in thoughts, behavior, and mood
  • Seizures
  • Don't take Contrave with opioid medications
  • Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
  • Liver problems
  • Mania (extreme enthusiasm or excitement)
  • Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
  • Potential risk of low blood sugar in people taking certain medications for Type 2 diabetes

Summary for Wellbutrin XL

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 for Wellbutrin XL

  • Depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

Pros and Cons for Wellbutrin XL

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

Common Side Effects for Wellbutrin XL

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Constipation
  • Restlessness (agitation)

Warnings for Wellbutrin XL

  • 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

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Contrave120 tablets / 8mg/90mg
$199.20$702.54
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Bupropion30 tablets / 75mg
$8.37$8.37
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