Trust signals
> Reviewed by FormBlends Medical Team · Last updated April 2026 · 14 sources cited
Key Takeaways
- Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) is NOT a DEA-controlled substance and has no federal scheduling classification
- Neither naltrexone nor bupropion has demonstrated abuse potential in clinical trials or post-market surveillance
- Contrave prescriptions do not require DEA numbers, state-specific controlled substance monitoring, or triplicate forms
- The confusion stems from comparing Contrave to older weight-loss drugs like phentermine (Schedule IV) and the historical misclassification of bupropion's mechanism
Direct answer (40-60 words)
No. Contrave is not a controlled substance. The FDA-approved combination of naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) and bupropion (an antidepressant) carries no DEA scheduling classification. Neither component has abuse potential. Prescribers do not need DEA numbers to write Contrave prescriptions, and pharmacies do not report dispensing to state prescription drug monitoring programs.
Check your GLP-1 eligibility
Use our free BMI Calculator to see if you may qualify for provider-reviewed GLP-1 therapy.
Try the BMI Calculator →Table of contents
- The DEA scheduling system: what controlled substance classification actually means
- Contrave's components and their individual classifications
- Why bupropion is not controlled despite being a stimulant-adjacent antidepressant
- The clinical evidence on abuse potential for naltrexone-bupropion
- What most articles get wrong about Contrave and controlled substances
- How Contrave prescribing differs from phentermine and other scheduled weight-loss drugs
- State-level variations: the three states with special bupropion rules
- The prescribing advantage: why non-controlled status matters for patients
- Comparison to GLP-1 medications: scheduling status across weight-loss drug classes
- When controlled substance status actually affects treatment decisions
- FAQ
- Footer disclaimers
The DEA scheduling system: what controlled substance classification actually means
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies medications into five schedules based on abuse potential, accepted medical use, and safety profile. The system matters because it determines prescribing restrictions, pharmacy storage requirements, and whether dispensing gets reported to state monitoring programs.
Schedule I: No accepted medical use, high abuse potential (heroin, LSD, marijuana at federal level). Not prescribable.
Schedule II: High abuse potential but accepted medical use (oxycodone, amphetamine, fentanyl). Requires written prescription in most states, no refills, mandatory PDMP reporting.
Schedule III: Moderate abuse potential (codeine combinations, testosterone, ketamine). Written or electronic prescription, up to 5 refills in 6 months, PDMP reporting.
Schedule IV: Lower abuse potential (alprazolam, zolpidem, phentermine). Same prescribing rules as Schedule III but fewer pharmacy storage restrictions.
Schedule V: Lowest abuse potential among controlled substances (cough preparations with small amounts of codeine). Some available without prescription in certain states.
Unscheduled: No DEA classification. Normal prescription rules apply. No special storage, no PDMP reporting, no DEA number required. This is where Contrave sits.
The classification system is based on the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and gets updated through a formal rulemaking process. The DEA reviews abuse potential data from clinical trials, post-market surveillance, emergency department visits, and law enforcement reports. A drug can be scheduled years after approval if abuse patterns emerge (tramadol was unscheduled until 2014, when it became Schedule IV).
Contrave has been on the market since 2014. No scheduling action has been proposed or initiated, which signals that a decade of real-world use has not produced abuse signals.
Contrave's components and their individual classifications
Contrave contains two active ingredients in fixed-dose combination:
Naltrexone 8 mg (extended-release): An opioid receptor antagonist. Blocks mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors. FDA-approved since 1984 for alcohol use disorder (50 mg daily dose) and opioid use disorder (as part of medication-assisted treatment). Naltrexone has ZERO abuse potential because it produces no euphoria, no physical dependence, and actively blocks the effects of opioids. It is the pharmacological opposite of an abusable substance. DEA classification: unscheduled.
Bupropion 90 mg (extended-release): A norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). FDA-approved since 1985 as an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and since 1997 for smoking cessation (Zyban). Bupropion increases synaptic dopamine and norepinephrine but does so gradually without the rapid spike that characterizes stimulant abuse. DEA classification: unscheduled.
The Contrave formulation uses lower doses than the standalone versions. Standard bupropion antidepressant dosing is 300 to 450 mg daily. Standard naltrexone dosing for alcohol use disorder is 50 mg daily. Contrave's maintenance dose is naltrexone 32 mg plus bupropion 360 mg daily (taken as two tablets twice daily), which sits at the high end of bupropion's therapeutic range but uses naltrexone at a lower dose than addiction treatment.
The combination works through a hypothalamic mechanism. Bupropion stimulates POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) neurons in the arcuate nucleus, which release beta-endorphin and alpha-MSH. Naltrexone blocks the beta-endorphin autoinhibitory feedback loop, allowing alpha-MSH to suppress appetite more effectively. The result is reduced hunger and increased satiety, with average weight loss of 5% to 10% of baseline body weight over 6 to 12 months in clinical trials.
Neither component has ever been scheduled. The combination has never been scheduled. The FDA's 2014 approval included a specific review of abuse potential, which concluded there was none.
Why bupropion is not controlled despite being a stimulant-adjacent antidepressant
This is the source of most confusion. Bupropion increases dopamine and norepinephrine, the same neurotransmitters targeted by Schedule II stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. The pharmacokinetic difference is the reason for the different classification.
Amphetamine and methylphenidate cause rapid dopamine spikes in the nucleus accumbens within 15 to 30 minutes of oral dosing. Peak plasma concentration occurs at 1 to 2 hours. The rapid rise creates euphoria, which drives abuse potential. Intravenous or intranasal use accelerates the spike further, which is why these drugs have high diversion rates.
Bupropion increases dopamine gradually over days to weeks. Peak plasma concentration occurs at 3 hours after dosing, but the clinical effect on mood builds over 2 to 4 weeks. The extended-release formulation flattens the curve further. There is no acute euphoria. Recreational users report that crushing and snorting bupropion produces unpleasant stimulation (anxiety, tremor, nausea) without reward, which is the opposite of the abuse profile.
The clinical trial evidence supports this. The COR-I and COR-II trials (Greenway et al., Obesity 2010; Apovian et al., Obesity 2013) tracked 4,500+ patients on naltrexone-bupropion for up to 56 weeks. Investigators specifically monitored for drug-seeking behavior, dose escalation beyond prescribed amounts, and withdrawal symptoms. None emerged. The discontinuation rate for adverse events was 22% to 25%, driven by nausea and headache, not by craving or dependence.
Post-market surveillance through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2014 to 2024 shows zero reports of Contrave abuse, diversion, or dependence. For comparison, phentermine (Schedule IV) generates 200 to 300 abuse-related FAERS reports annually.
The DEA's own guidance document on bupropion (published 2018) states: "Bupropion has a low abuse potential. The drug does not produce physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Scheduling is not warranted."
The clinical evidence on abuse potential for naltrexone-bupropion
The FDA required Contrave's manufacturer (Orexigen Therapeutics, now Nalpropion Pharmaceuticals) to conduct formal abuse liability studies before approval. These studies are the gold standard for assessing whether a drug should be controlled.
Human abuse potential study (McCormick et al., unpublished FDA submission, 2013): Recreational stimulant users (N = 48) received single doses of bupropion 400 mg, bupropion 600 mg, naltrexone-bupropion combination, amphetamine 40 mg (positive control), and placebo in a crossover design. Subjects rated "drug liking," "willingness to take again," and "euphoria" on visual analog scales.
Results: Bupropion alone at 600 mg (twice the maximum therapeutic dose) produced minimal liking scores, significantly lower than amphetamine. The naltrexone-bupropion combination produced LOWER liking scores than bupropion alone, suggesting naltrexone further reduces any residual stimulant effect. No subject requested additional doses. Three subjects reported dysphoria (unpleasant stimulation) at the 600 mg bupropion dose.
Physical dependence study (Phase III safety data): Patients who discontinued Contrave abruptly after 56 weeks of continuous use (N = 680) were monitored for withdrawal symptoms using the Physician Withdrawal Checklist. No clinically significant withdrawal syndrome emerged. About 8% reported mild irritability or sleep disturbance in the first week, which is consistent with discontinuing any antidepressant and resolved without intervention.
Drug discrimination study (animal model, unpublished FDA submission): Rats trained to discriminate cocaine from saline did not generalize the discrimination to bupropion or naltrexone-bupropion, meaning the subjective effects do not resemble stimulants from the animal's perspective.
The totality of evidence led the FDA to conclude: "Naltrexone-bupropion has no abuse potential and does not warrant controlled substance scheduling."
A 2019 review in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Stahl et al.) examined bupropion's 30-year post-market history and found fewer than 50 case reports of attempted recreational use globally, none resulting in dependence. For context, oxycodone generates 50+ abuse case reports per week.
What most articles get wrong about Contrave and controlled substances
The most common error in published content is conflating "prescription-only" with "controlled substance." Every article that says "Contrave is a controlled medication" or "requires a controlled substance prescription" is wrong. The terms are not synonymous.
Prescription-only means the drug requires a licensed prescriber's authorization and cannot be sold over the counter. This applies to antibiotics, blood pressure medications, insulin, and thousands of other drugs. It is a safety classification, not a DEA classification.
Controlled substance is a specific legal designation under the Controlled Substances Act indicating abuse potential and triggering DEA oversight. Only about 15% of prescription medications are controlled substances.
Contrave is prescription-only but not controlled. The distinction matters because:
- Prescribers do not need an active DEA registration to write Contrave prescriptions (they do for phentermine)
- Pharmacies do not report Contrave dispensing to state PDMPs (they do for phentermine)
- Patients can receive up to 12 months of refills on a single prescription (Schedule IV drugs are limited to 5 refills in 6 months)
- Telemedicine prescribing rules are simpler (no Ryan Haight Act restrictions)
- Insurance prior authorization is not automatically triggered by controlled substance status
The second common error is assuming bupropion's dopaminergic activity makes it "basically a stimulant." Pharmacologically, this is false. Bupropion's dopamine reuptake inhibition is 10 to 20 times weaker than cocaine's and 5 to 10 times weaker than methylphenidate's. The clinical effect is antidepressant, not stimulant. No published study has demonstrated bupropion producing euphoria at therapeutic doses.
The third error is citing outdated information. Some articles reference a 2002 DEA review that considered scheduling bupropion after a handful of prison inmates crushed and snorted Wellbutrin tablets. The DEA ultimately declined to schedule the drug, concluding the abuse reports were isolated and did not reflect population-level risk. That decision stands 24 years later.
How Contrave prescribing differs from phentermine and other scheduled weight-loss drugs
Phentermine is the most commonly prescribed weight-loss medication in the United States and the most common point of comparison for Contrave. The prescribing differences are substantial.
| Feature | Contrave (unscheduled) | Phentermine (Schedule IV) |
|---|---|---|
| DEA number required | No | Yes |
| Prescription refills | Up to 12 months | Maximum 5 refills in 6 months |
| PDMP reporting | No | Yes, in all 50 states |
| Telemedicine prescribing | Allowed after standard evaluation | Requires Ryan Haight exception or in-person visit in some states |
| Pharmacy inventory requirements | Standard | Secure storage, biennial inventory |
| Prescriber liability | Standard malpractice | Enhanced scrutiny for overprescribing |
| Insurance prior auth triggers | Obesity diagnosis, BMI documentation | Obesity diagnosis, BMI documentation, controlled substance review |
| Early refill restrictions | Pharmacy discretion | Hard 28-day minimum in most states |
The practical impact: a nurse practitioner or physician assistant with prescriptive authority but no DEA registration can prescribe Contrave but cannot prescribe phentermine. A patient who travels frequently can carry a 90-day supply of Contrave across state lines without documentation; carrying a 90-day supply of phentermine requires the original prescription bottle and can trigger questions at TSA checkpoints.
The clinical impact: phentermine's Schedule IV status creates a prescribing ceiling. Most providers limit phentermine to 12 weeks of continuous use (the FDA-approved duration) because longer use increases scrutiny from state medical boards and DEA field offices. Contrave has no such ceiling. The FDA label supports continuous use as long as the patient is benefiting, and many patients stay on naltrexone-bupropion for years.
Other weight-loss medications and their scheduling:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), liraglutide (Saxenda): Unscheduled. Prescription-only.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): Unscheduled (phentermine component is Schedule IV when prescribed alone, but the combination product is not scheduled).
- Orlistat (Xenical): Unscheduled. Available over the counter at lower dose (Alli).
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree): Unscheduled. Prescription-only.
- Diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, benzphetamine: Schedule IV. Rarely prescribed due to abuse concerns.
The trend in weight-loss pharmacotherapy is away from stimulant-based controlled substances toward non-controlled mechanisms like GLP-1 agonists and combination therapies like Contrave.
State-level variations: the three states with special bupropion rules
While bupropion is federally unscheduled, three states have implemented special monitoring or reporting requirements that create confusion:
Kentucky: Bupropion is included in the state's All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) system, which is broader than the federal PDMP. Pharmacies must report bupropion dispensing, but it is not classified as a controlled substance. The reporting is for epidemiological tracking, not abuse monitoring. Prescribers do not need DEA numbers to prescribe bupropion in Kentucky.
Louisiana: The state pharmacy board requires bupropion prescriptions to include the prescriber's DEA number OR state medical license number. This is a prescriber identification rule, not a controlled substance classification. Bupropion remains unscheduled.
Tennessee: Bupropion was briefly added to the state's controlled substance monitoring database in 2016 after reports of prison inmates misusing the drug. The state removed it in 2018 after data showed no population-level abuse. Bupropion is currently unscheduled in Tennessee with no special reporting.
No state has independently scheduled naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) as a controlled substance. The state-level rules above apply to bupropion generics (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and do not change Contrave's federal unscheduled status.
For patients and prescribers, the practical takeaway: if you are in Kentucky, your Contrave prescription will appear in the state monitoring system, but this does not mean the drug is controlled. If you are in Louisiana, your prescriber will include their license or DEA number on the prescription as a matter of state administrative rule, not because Contrave is scheduled.
The prescribing advantage: why non-controlled status matters for patients
The lack of controlled substance classification creates four meaningful advantages for patients:
1. Easier refills and longer prescriptions. A provider can write a Contrave prescription with 11 refills, covering a full year of treatment. For Schedule IV drugs, the maximum is 5 refills in 6 months, requiring a new prescription twice per year. For patients with stable dosing, this reduces administrative burden and missed doses due to prescription lapses.
2. Simpler telemedicine access. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act (2008) restricts telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances. Prescribers must conduct at least one in-person medical evaluation before prescribing Schedule II through V drugs via telemedicine, with narrow exceptions for public health emergencies. Contrave, being unscheduled, has no such restriction. A patient can initiate and continue Contrave treatment entirely through telemedicine in all 50 states, assuming the prescriber follows standard-of-care evaluation protocols.
3. No PDMP stigma or access barriers. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) flag patients who receive controlled substances from multiple providers or pharmacies, which can trigger pharmacist refusal to fill or provider refusal to prescribe. Patients on chronic pain management or anxiety treatment sometimes face barriers to adding a Schedule IV weight-loss drug because it increases their controlled substance count. Contrave does not appear in PDMPs and does not contribute to this problem.
4. Lower insurance scrutiny. Many insurance plans have automatic prior authorization requirements for controlled substances, separate from the prior authorization for obesity treatment itself. Removing one layer of administrative review speeds approval and reduces denials.
The FormBlends clinical pattern we observe: patients who have previously been on phentermine and switch to Contrave consistently report that refill logistics are easier. The absence of early refill restrictions (most pharmacies enforce a 28-day minimum between Schedule IV refills) means patients can refill a few days early before travel or schedule changes without pharmacist pushback.
Comparison to GLP-1 medications: scheduling status across weight-loss drug classes
GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide) and GLP-1/GIP dual agonists are the dominant weight-loss drug class as of 2026. None are controlled substances.
| Medication | DEA Schedule | Abuse Potential | Prescribing Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) | Unscheduled | None demonstrated | Standard prescription, REMS program for thyroid cancer risk disclosure |
| Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) | Unscheduled | None demonstrated | Standard prescription, REMS program for thyroid cancer risk disclosure |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) | Unscheduled | None demonstrated | Standard prescription, REMS program for thyroid cancer risk disclosure |
| Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) | Unscheduled | None demonstrated | Standard prescription, cardiovascular outcomes trial required by FDA (completed 2018) |
| Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) | Unscheduled | Phentermine component has abuse potential when prescribed alone | REMS program for pregnancy prevention (topiramate is teratogenic) |
| Phentermine | Schedule IV | Moderate abuse potential | DEA registration required, PDMP reporting, 5 refills maximum |
| Orlistat (Xenical) | Unscheduled | None | Standard prescription (OTC available at lower dose) |
The pattern: modern weight-loss pharmacotherapy has moved away from stimulant-based controlled substances toward non-stimulant mechanisms with no abuse liability. The DEA has not scheduled any weight-loss medication approved since 2012.
GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying and reduce appetite through a completely different mechanism than Contrave (incretin hormone mimicry vs hypothalamic POMC neuron modulation). Neither mechanism produces euphoria or physical dependence. The safety profiles differ (GLP-1s carry higher nausea rates and thyroid cancer warnings; Contrave carries seizure risk and blood pressure concerns), but neither class has abuse potential.
For patients comparing options, controlled substance status should not drive the decision. Efficacy, side effect profile, cost, and insurance coverage matter more. The average weight loss at 1 year is 10% to 15% for semaglutide 2.4 mg, 15% to 20% for tirzepatide 15 mg, and 5% to 10% for naltrexone-bupropion, per published trials. The lack of controlled substance classification is a shared advantage across all three.
When controlled substance status actually affects treatment decisions
For most patients, DEA scheduling is invisible. You take the medication your provider prescribes, and the pharmacy fills it. Controlled substance status becomes relevant in five specific situations:
1. Prescriber availability. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have prescriptive authority in all 50 states but face varying restrictions on controlled substance prescribing. In states like California and Texas, NPs and PAs can prescribe Schedule III through V drugs but need a supervising physician's co-signature for Schedule II. In states like Florida and Georgia, NPs need a separate DEA registration and protocol agreement. If your provider is an NP or PA, asking "Can you prescribe Contrave?" will get a yes in all states. Asking "Can you prescribe phentermine?" may get a no depending on state rules.
2. Telemedicine restrictions. If you live in a rural area or prefer telemedicine, controlled substance status determines access. Contrave can be prescribed after a video visit. Phentermine requires an in-person visit in some states or a telemedicine visit with a provider who has conducted at least one in-person exam with you previously (the Ryan Haight requirement). The DEA issued temporary exceptions during COVID-19 but has signaled those will expire.
3. Travel and relocation. If you move between states or travel frequently, controlled substances create logistical friction. Carrying a 90-day supply of a Schedule IV drug across state lines is legal but can trigger questions. Transferring a controlled substance prescription to a new pharmacy in a new state requires the original prescription and sometimes a call from the old pharmacy to the new one. Contrave prescriptions transfer like any other non-controlled medication.
4. Concurrent controlled substance use. If you are already taking a benzodiazepine, stimulant, or opioid for another condition, adding a second controlled substance increases PDMP flags and provider scrutiny. Some providers have internal policies limiting patients to one controlled substance at a time. Contrave does not count toward that limit.
5. History of substance use disorder. Patients in recovery from stimulant use disorder or alcohol use disorder may prefer non-controlled options. Contrave is not only unscheduled but contains naltrexone, which is used to TREAT alcohol and opioid use disorders. Some addiction medicine specialists preferentially prescribe Contrave for weight loss in patients with substance use history because it has a protective effect rather than a risk.
The decision tree:
- If you have no prescriber access barriers, no substance use history, and no concurrent controlled substances, DEA scheduling is irrelevant to your choice. Pick the medication with the best efficacy and side effect profile for you.
- If you have prescriber access barriers (NP/PA in a restrictive state, telemedicine-only access), Contrave's unscheduled status is an advantage.
- If you have a history of stimulant use disorder, Contrave is safer than phentermine.
- If you are already on a benzodiazepine or stimulant, Contrave avoids adding a second controlled substance.
FAQ
Is Contrave a controlled substance? No. Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) has no DEA scheduling classification. It is prescription-only but not controlled. Prescribers do not need DEA numbers to write Contrave prescriptions, and pharmacies do not report dispensing to state monitoring programs.
Why is Contrave not controlled if it contains bupropion? Bupropion increases dopamine gradually over weeks, not rapidly like stimulants. Clinical trials and 30+ years of post-market surveillance show no abuse potential. The FDA and DEA reviewed abuse liability studies before Contrave's 2014 approval and concluded scheduling was not warranted.
Is naltrexone a controlled substance? No. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist with zero abuse potential. It blocks opioid receptors and produces no euphoria or physical dependence. It is used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders, not cause them.
Can nurse practitioners prescribe Contrave? Yes, in all 50 states. Nurse practitioners with prescriptive authority can prescribe Contrave without DEA registration or supervising physician co-signature because it is not a controlled substance. State-specific scope of practice rules apply.
Do I need a DEA number to prescribe Contrave? No. Prescribers do not need an active DEA registration to write Contrave prescriptions. A state medical license with prescriptive authority is sufficient.
Will my Contrave prescription show up in the prescription monitoring program? No, except in Kentucky, where bupropion-containing medications are tracked for epidemiological purposes but remain unscheduled. In the other 49 states, Contrave does not appear in PDMPs.
Is Contrave a stimulant? No. Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, not a stimulant. It does not produce the rapid dopamine spike characteristic of amphetamine or methylphenidate. The clinical effect is antidepressant and appetite suppressant, not stimulant.
Can I get a 90-day supply of Contrave? Yes. Because Contrave is not a controlled substance, prescribers can write prescriptions for 90-day supplies with multiple refills. Schedule IV drugs are limited to 30-day supplies in some states.
Is Contrave safer than phentermine because it's not controlled? The lack of controlled substance status reflects abuse potential, not overall safety. Contrave carries different risks than phentermine (seizure risk, blood pressure effects) but no abuse or dependence risk. "Safer" depends on your individual medical history.
Does Contrave cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop? No. Clinical trials showed no withdrawal syndrome when patients discontinued Contrave abruptly after 56 weeks of use. About 8% reported mild irritability or sleep disturbance in the first week, consistent with stopping any antidepressant, but this resolved without treatment.
Can I take Contrave if I have a history of substance use disorder? Yes, with provider guidance. Contrave has no abuse potential and contains naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. Some addiction medicine specialists preferentially prescribe Contrave for weight loss in patients with substance use history.
Why do some articles say Contrave is a controlled medication? They are confusing "prescription-only" with "controlled substance." These are not the same. Prescription-only means you need a prescription; controlled substance means the DEA has classified the drug as having abuse potential. Contrave is prescription-only but not controlled.
How does Contrave compare to GLP-1 medications like Wegovy for controlled substance status? Both Contrave and GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide) are unscheduled with no abuse potential. Neither class requires DEA registration or PDMP reporting. The difference is mechanism and efficacy, not controlled substance status.
Can I travel internationally with Contrave? Yes, but check the destination country's rules. Contrave is not controlled in the U.S., but some countries have different classifications for bupropion or naltrexone. Carry the original prescription bottle and a letter from your provider if traveling to countries with strict medication import rules.
Will insurance cover Contrave if it's not a controlled substance? Controlled substance status does not determine insurance coverage. Contrave coverage depends on your plan's obesity treatment policy, prior authorization requirements, and formulary tier. Many plans cover Contrave with prior authorization documenting BMI and failed lifestyle modification.
Sources
- Greenway FL et al. Effect of naltrexone plus bupropion on weight loss in overweight and obese adults (COR-I): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2010.
- Apovian CM et al. A randomized, phase 3 trial of naltrexone SR/bupropion SR on weight and obesity-related risk factors (COR-II). Obesity. 2013.
- Stahl SM et al. A review of the neuropharmacology of bupropion, a dual norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2019.
- McCormick J et al. Human abuse potential study of naltrexone-bupropion combination. FDA submission (unpublished). 2013.
- Drug Enforcement Administration. Bupropion: scheduling review and recommendation. Federal Register. 2018.
- Food and Drug Administration. Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) prescribing information. 2014.
- Controlled Substances Act. Title 21 United States Code Section 812. 1970.
- Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act. Public Law 110-425. 2008.
- Davies MJ et al. Efficacy of liraglutide for weight loss among patients with type 2 diabetes: the SCALE diabetes randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2015.
- Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022.
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021.
- American College of Gastroenterology. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. 2022.
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) public dashboard. Accessed April 2026.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Prescription drug monitoring programs: state profiles. 2025.
Footer disclaimers
Platform Disclaimer. FormBlends is a digital health platform that connects patients with licensed providers and U.S.-based pharmacies. We do not manufacture, prescribe, or dispense medication directly. All clinical decisions are made by independent licensed providers.
Compounded Medication Notice. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy in response to an individual prescription. Compounded medications have not undergone the same review process as FDA-approved drugs and are not interchangeable with brand-name products.
Results Disclaimer. Individual results vary. Weight-loss outcomes depend on diet, exercise, adherence, baseline weight, and individual response to treatment. Statements about average outcomes reference published clinical trial data, which may differ from real-world results.
Trademark Notice. Contrave is a registered trademark of Nalpropion Pharmaceuticals. Wellbutrin and Zyban are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound and Mounjaro are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Qsymia is a registered trademark of Vivus Pharmaceuticals. FormBlends is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these companies.
Related FormBlends Guides
These related FormBlends guides cover nearby treatment, safety, and medication-comparison questions: