Naltrexone/bupropion: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:25, 16 February 2025

Naltrexone/Bupropion[edit]

Naltrexone/bupropion is a combination medication used for weight management in adults. It combines two drugs: naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an atypical antidepressant. This combination is marketed under the brand name Contrave, among others.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Naltrexone and bupropion work together to affect the central nervous system. Naltrexone is primarily used to manage alcohol and opioid dependence by blocking the euphoric effects of these substances. Bupropion, on the other hand, is used to treat depression and aid in smoking cessation. When combined, these drugs influence the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic dopamine circuit, which are involved in regulating appetite and energy balance.

Clinical Use[edit]

Naltrexone/bupropion is prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is indicated for use in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m_ or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m_ or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of naltrexone/bupropion include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include seizures, increased blood pressure, and liver damage. Patients are advised to monitor for any unusual changes in mood or behavior, as bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Contraindications[edit]

Naltrexone/bupropion is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia, and those undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs. It is also contraindicated in patients who are currently dependent on chronic opioids or opiate agonists, or who are in acute opiate withdrawal.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Naltrexone/bupropion''' is a combination drug used for weight loss in those that are either obese or overweight with some weight-related illnesses. It combines low doses of [[bupropion]] and [[naltrexone]]. Both drugs have individually shown some evidence of effectiveness in weight loss, and the combination has been shown to have some synergistic effects on weight.
+== Naltrexone/Bupropion ==
-== Mechanism of action ==
+[[File:Bupropion_and_naltrexone.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structures of Bupropion and Naltrexone]]
-The exact neurochemical effects of Contrave leading to weight loss are not fully understood. However, it is known that [[bupropion]] is a reuptake inhibitor for both norepinephrine and dopamine, and [[naltrexone]] is a opioid receptor antagonist.
-== Side effects ==
+'''Naltrexone/bupropion''' is a combination medication used for weight management in adults. It combines two drugs: [[naltrexone]], an opioid antagonist, and [[bupropion]], an atypical antidepressant. This combination is marketed under the brand name Contrave, among others.
-The most common side effects observed with naltrexone/bupropion include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. More serious side effects may include seizures, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and severe allergic reactions.
+== Mechanism of Action ==
+Naltrexone and bupropion work together to affect the central nervous system. Naltrexone is primarily used to manage alcohol and opioid dependence by blocking the euphoric effects of these substances. Bupropion, on the other hand, is used to treat depression and aid in smoking cessation. When combined, these drugs influence the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic dopamine circuit, which are involved in regulating appetite and energy balance.
+== Clinical Use ==
+Naltrexone/bupropion is prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is indicated for use in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m_ or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m_ or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.
+== Side Effects ==
+Common side effects of naltrexone/bupropion include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include seizures, increased blood pressure, and liver damage. Patients are advised to monitor for any unusual changes in mood or behavior, as bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
 == Contraindications ==
-Naltrexone/bupropion is contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, or with a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. It is also contraindicated in patients undergoing an abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates and antiepileptic drugs.
-== Interactions ==
+Naltrexone/bupropion is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia, and those undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs. It is also contraindicated in patients who are currently dependent on chronic opioids or opiate agonists, or who are in acute opiate withdrawal.
-Naltrexone/bupropion has several potential drug interactions. It can interact with certain types of antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and certain types of opioids.
-== See also ==
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Naltrexone]]
+* [[Bupropion]]
 * [[Obesity]]
-* [[Weight loss]]
+* [[Weight management]]
-* [[Bupropion]]
+* [[Antidepressant]]
-* [[Naltrexone]]
+* [[Opioid antagonist]]
+{{Pharmacology}}
-[[Category:Drugs]]
-[[Category:Weight loss medications]]
 [[Category:Combination drugs]]
+[[Category:Anti-obesity drugs]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Antidepressants]]