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This weight loss provider comparison is independently researched by our editorial team. We compare telehealth services based on publicly available information including pricing, available treatments, service areas, and verified customer reviews.
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Best Naltrexone for Weight Loss
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that, when combined with bupropion in the medication Contrave, supports weight loss by reducing food cravings and appetite. While naltrexone alone has modest effects, the combination with bupropion is FDA-approved for chronic weight management with average weight loss of 5 to 9 percent of body weight.
What Is Naltrexone and How Does It Help with Weight Loss?
- Opioid antagonist that reduces food cravings and reward-driven eating
- Used in combination with bupropion as Contrave for weight management
- Targets the brain reward system that drives overeating
- FDA-approved for weight loss as part of the naltrexone/bupropion combination
Clinical Trial Results: Contrave Weight Loss Data
- COR-I trial: 6.1% weight loss with naltrexone/bupropion vs 1.3% placebo
- 48% achieved 5% or more weight loss vs 16% on placebo
- COR-II confirmed 6.4% weight loss over 56 weeks
- 4,536 patients studied across four phase 3 trials
Naltrexone/Bupropion vs GLP-1 Medications
- GLP-1 medications produce roughly 2 to 3 times more weight loss
- Contrave is an oral tablet, GLP-1s require weekly injections
- Contrave costs less than most GLP-1 medications
- Contrave may be better for patients with cravings-driven eating
How Naltrexone and Bupropion Work Together
- Bupropion activates appetite-reducing neurons in the hypothalamus
- Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that limit bupropion effects
- The combination produces greater appetite control than either alone
- Targets reward-driven eating behavior at the neurological level
Naltrexone/Bupropion Dosing and Administration
- Gradual dose increase over 4 weeks to reach full dose
- Full dose is 2 tablets twice daily (32 mg naltrexone/360 mg bupropion)
- Oral tablets taken with morning and evening meals
- No injection required - entirely oral treatment
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
- Nausea is the most common side effect, usually during dose escalation
- Constipation, headache, and dizziness also reported
- Bupropion carries a boxed warning about suicidal ideation
- Not appropriate for patients with seizure disorders
Who Qualifies for Naltrexone/Bupropion Online?
- BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions
- Particularly suited for patients with food cravings or emotional eating
- Not appropriate for patients on opioid medications
- Virtual consultation with licensed provider required
Contrave Cost and Telehealth Access
- Contrave costs to per month without insurance
- Generic naltrexone/bupropion may be available at lower cost
- More affordable than most GLP-1 injectable medications
- Available through multiple telehealth platforms
Maximizing Results: Lifestyle Changes with Naltrexone
- Behavioral therapy combined with medication shows stronger results
- COR-BMOD trial demonstrated enhanced outcomes with coaching
- Focus on building awareness of eating triggers and patterns
- Physical activity enhances both weight loss and mood benefits
Choosing the Right Provider for Naltrexone/Bupropion
- Look for providers offering behavioral support alongside medication
- Ensure proper screening for contraindications
- Ask about blood pressure monitoring protocols
- Compare costs for Contrave vs individual components
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can you lose with naltrexone?
Naltrexone combined with bupropion (Contrave) produces average weight loss of 5 to 9 percent of body weight over one year in clinical trials. For someone weighing 200 pounds, this equals 10 to 18 pounds. Some people lose more while others lose less. Naltrexone alone produces minimal weight loss - the combination is what makes it effective.
How much does naltrexone cost for weight loss?
Brand Contrave costs $100 to $200 per month without insurance in 2026. Generic naltrexone plus bupropion prescribed separately costs $30 to $60 per month, providing the same medication at lower price. Some insurance plans cover Contrave. Manufacturer coupons may reduce costs. Consultation fees typically range from $49 to $99.
Is naltrexone the same as Contrave?
No, Contrave contains both naltrexone and bupropion in combination. Naltrexone alone is just one component. The combination is what provides effective weight loss. Providers can prescribe Contrave specifically or prescribe generic naltrexone and bupropion separately for lower cost with identical effects.
How long does it take naltrexone to work for weight loss?
Most people notice reduced cravings and initial weight loss within the first 4 to 8 weeks of taking Contrave (naltrexone plus bupropion). Weight loss continues over the following months. Maximum weight loss is typically achieved at 6 to 12 months of consistent use combined with diet and exercise.
Can you take naltrexone for weight loss if you take pain medication?
No, naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and cannot be used with opioid pain medications. It will make opioids ineffective and could cause withdrawal if you are currently using opioids. Inform your provider about all pain medications. Alternative weight loss medications should be considered if you need opioids.
What are side effects of naltrexone for weight loss?
Common side effects from Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) include nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, and insomnia. Nausea is most common and usually improves after a few weeks. Taking it with food and increasing dose gradually helps. Most people tolerate it reasonably well.
Is low dose naltrexone (LDN) effective for weight loss?
Low dose naltrexone (1.5-4.5mg) is used off-label for various conditions but has limited evidence for weight loss. The Contrave formulation uses standard naltrexone doses (32mg daily total) combined with bupropion. This combination has FDA approval and clinical trial evidence for weight loss.
Do I need a prescription for naltrexone?
Yes, naltrexone requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Telehealth platforms can prescribe Contrave or naltrexone plus bupropion for weight loss after medical evaluation confirming you meet criteria and have no contraindications like opioid use or seizure history.
Can you combine naltrexone with other weight loss medications?
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) should not be combined with other bupropion-containing medications. Combining with other weight loss medications requires medical supervision. Discuss any combination approaches with your provider to ensure safety, as some combinations may increase side effect risks.
Which telehealth platform is best for naltrexone/Contrave?
Ro, Calibrate, Found, and Sequence offer Contrave or naltrexone-bupropion prescriptions through weight loss programs. Compare consultation fees, medication costs (brand vs generic), insurance acceptance, and ongoing support. Look for platforms that offer the generic combination to reduce costs while providing identical medication.
Sources & References
Our comparisons are informed by official sources and regulatory guidelines. We encourage readers to verify information with authoritative sources.
- The combination of naltrexone and bupropion (marketed as Contrave) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- This combination targets eating behavior from a neurological angle. Naltrexone/bupropion is an investigational combination reviewed for weight loss and maintenance efficacy
- The COR-I trial demonstrated that naltrexone 32 mg plus bupropion produced 6.1% weight loss compared to 1.3% with placebo. 48% of patients achieved at least 5% weight loss versus 16% on placebo
- The COR-II trial confirmed these results, showing 6.5% weight loss at 28 weeks and 6.4% at 56 weeks, significantly exceeding placebo at 1.9% and 1.2% respectively
- Semaglutide achieves 14.9% weight loss
- tirzepatide up to 20.9%
- The synergistic mechanism produces greater appetite suppression than either alone. Role of bupropion plus naltrexone for obesity management provides clinical framework
- Nausea is most common during dose escalation. Systematic literature review of cardiovascular safety found no increased MACE risk
- Contrave is contraindicated in seizure disorders, eating disorders, and opioid dependence. A systematic review confirmed naltrexone safety for weight loss
- COR-BMOD demonstrated combining medication with behavioral modification produced even stronger weight loss. The COR-BMOD trial design validated this integrated approach
- Getting started through telehealth is straightforward. Psychiatric pooled analysis confirmed no increased mood-related adverse events with the combination
Editorial Note: Researched and edited by our editorial team. AI tools assist with initial research and drafting; all content is fact-checked and edited by humans before publication. Learn more about our editorial standards