Contrave is an FDA-approved prescription medication designed to support weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese, particularly those with weight-related health conditions. It combines two medications—naltrexone, commonly used to treat addiction disorders, and bupropion, often prescribed as an antidepressant or for smoking cessation. Together, these ingredients act on brain pathways that regulate appetite and cravings, helping patients manage eating habits more effectively.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine, Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad and her team use Contrave to reduce hunger and curb cravings, making it easier for patients to follow a healthy eating plan. Bupropion helps balance brain chemicals related to appetite and energy, while naltrexone diminishes food-related pleasure, helping limit tendencies to overeat or binge. This approach supports sustainable weight loss as part of a structured, doctor-guided program.

Contrave is prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes nutritional guidance, a reduced-calorie diet, and increased physical activity. Our team closely monitors each patient’s progress, evaluates health history, and adjusts treatment as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. By combining medication with lifestyle support, we help patients achieve meaningful and lasting weight loss while improving overall health.

When starting Contrave for weight loss at Cape Fear Physical Medicine, it’s important to understand that results are gradual. Contrave, which combines bupropion and naltrexone, works by targeting brain pathways that control appetite and cravings. While it supports weight loss, most patients do not experience immediate changes in weight during the first few weeks due to the gradual titration of the medication to minimize side effects.

Clinical studies indicate that some weight loss may become noticeable within about four weeks of reaching the full recommended dose. However, the most substantial results typically appear after roughly 12 weeks of consistent use, particularly when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This gradual approach helps ensure safe and sustainable weight loss rather than rapid, short-term changes.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine, our providers closely monitor each patient’s progress. Around the 12-week mark, we evaluate whether patients have lost at least five percent of their initial body weight, which is considered a positive response. If additional support is needed, the team discusses other safe and effective strategies to help achieve weight management goals. By pairing Contrave with healthy lifestyle changes and ongoing follow-up, patients receive personalized guidance to maximize success and long-term results.

Combining Contrave with other weight loss medications is generally not recommended unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. Contrave, which contains bupropion and naltrexone, works by targeting brain pathways that regulate appetite and cravings. Using multiple medications that affect similar pathways can increase the risk of side effects and make outcomes unpredictable.

Taking Contrave with other weight management drugs, such as phentermine, liraglutide, or orlistat, may raise the risk of complications like elevated blood pressure, seizures, or psychiatric side effects. Because bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, combining it with other medications affecting the central nervous system can be particularly risky. Close monitoring and professional oversight are essential to avoid potential interactions or adverse effects.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine, Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad and her team carefully review each patient’s medical history, current medications, and overall health before recommending any weight loss plan. If additional therapies are considered, the clinic develops a personalized strategy to ensure safe and effective results. Patients are encouraged to follow all guidance from our skilled team and never self-medicate or mix prescription weight loss drugs without professional supervision.

Contrave is a prescription medication combining bupropion and naltrexone, approved for long-term weight management in adults who are overweight or obese with related health conditions. When used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Contrave can help patients achieve meaningful weight loss and maintain those results over time. Its mechanism targets brain pathways that regulate appetite and cravings, making it easier to adhere to a structured lifestyle plan.

Safety is a key consideration for long-term use of Contrave. Clinical studies indicate that it is generally well-tolerated when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and insomnia, while some patients may experience elevated blood pressure or heart rate. Because Contrave contains bupropion, mood changes or other neuropsychiatric effects can occur, and naltrexone may impact liver function, so careful monitoring is essential.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine, Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad and her team provide personalized oversight for patients using Contrave. Before starting therapy, they review medical history, medications, and individual risk factors to ensure safety. Throughout treatment, the clinic offers regular follow-ups to track progress, manage side effects, and adjust the plan as needed, supporting patients in achieving sustainable, long-term weight loss and improved overall health.

Getting started with Contrave for weight loss begins with a consultation at Cape Fear Physical Medicine. During this appointment, Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad and her team will review your medical history, current medications, and overall health to determine if Contrave is a safe and appropriate option for you. This initial evaluation ensures that the treatment plan is personalized to your needs and aligns with your weight loss goals.

Once approved, the team will guide you step by step on how to use Contrave safely and effectively. This includes instructions on dosing, potential side effects, and integrating lifestyle changes such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. With ongoing support and regular follow-ups at Cape Fear Physical Medicine, patients receive the guidance needed to achieve sustainable weight loss and long-term health improvements.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine in Fayetteville, NC, Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad and her team offer personalized Contrave weight loss programs designed to meet each patient’s unique health needs and goals. By reviewing medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors, the team develops a safe and effective treatment plan that integrates Contrave with structured nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, and ongoing support. This doctor-focused approach ensures that patients receive a program tailored specifically for sustainable results.

We closely monitor each patient’s progress throughout the weight loss journey. Regular follow-ups allow Dr. Abbasinejad and her staff to assess the effectiveness of Contrave, manage any side effects, and make adjustments as needed. By combining medical oversight with personalized guidance, patients are empowered to achieve meaningful weight loss while improving overall health and metabolic function.

Contact us for more information or schedule a consultation. We are conveniently located at 1540 Purdue Dr, Ste. 200, in Fayetteville, NC 28303. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Woodfield NC, Hope Mills NC, Fort Bragg NC, Eastover NC, and surrounding areas.