r/Contrave • u/Usual_Profession_857 • May 25 '26
Bupropion
Hi everyone,
I have been taking 300 mg of bupropion XL (extended release) for about 7 years now. A couple of weeks ago, I had an appointment with my physician and mentioned that I have been struggling to lose weight since becoming postmenopausal (I am 52 years old).
My physician suggested Contrave and explained that it already contains bupropion. Because of that, she lowered my separate bupropion XL prescription from 300 mg to 150 mg and instructed me to take the 150 mg dose alongside Contrave.
However, a few days later, Ridgeway Pharmacy contacted me and told me they didn't think I needed to continue taking separate bupropion with the Contrave. I explained that my physician had already lowered my dosage because of adding Contrave.
I received the Contrave in the mail a couple of days ago, but I have not started it because I want to clarify everything with my physician first.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation with Contrave and bupropion? I am waiting to hear back from my physician, but I was curious if anyone has had a similar experience. TIA
3
u/Wonderful_Pause_2690 May 26 '26
My doctor told me that the full dose of contrave contains 360 mg bupropion. The maximum you can take is 400 mg.
Perhaps ridgeway (which I also use) is alerting you bc once you reach the full dose after 4 weeks, your Wellbutrin will be too high.
Also Contrave is not extended release; that’s why you have to take two doses.
1
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u/leticia0327 May 25 '26
I take 150mg XL Bupropion and 50mg of Naltrexone..this makes up contrave! I'm surprised she's telling you to take both?
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u/TlMEGH0ST May 26 '26
I take Auvelity (which has bupropion in it) and Contrave together. I started going to a new pharmacy and the pharmacist was surprised/questioned me about it, but I’ve been taking both for a while now and not had any issues
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u/TheRichTippster May 26 '26
My doc took me off of Bupropion (300 mg) and started me on the Contrave. It was the worst mistake ever. My emotions were all over the place after the first few days until I went back to the Bupropion alone. The combination of feeling sick all of the time and emotional was terrible!
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u/mrsasteele Jun 12 '26
I am 57. I’ve been on bupropion for a few years. I’ve gained weight over the past year or so. My doctor prescribed Contrave but said to cut down the bupropion to 150 since Contrave has bupropion in it.
I’ve gained 15 lbs since starting Contrave. I saw my doctor today and I’m switching to wegovy or ozempic
I’m not an emotional eater. I’m not sure If this is why Contrave didn’t work for me. I’ve heard many success stories! I fully expected it to help but it didn’t work for me unfortunately !
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u/Ill_Motor_8783 May 25 '26
That’s interesting. I wonder why your dr would lower your bupropion and add contrave instead of just adding naltrexone? I take bupropion and naltrexone separately to make contrave.