Stopping Contrave Suddenly

How do you stop Contrave when you are at your goal weight? Do you go down in dosage or stop cold turkey?

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Follow the titration schedule in reverse. Just as you had to gradually increase the dosage you must gradually decrease it.

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At first I didn't realize that Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) carried the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms associated with an abrupt cessation of treatment; similar to opioids, benzodiazepines, SSRI's, etc... Although with bupropion being an antidepressant I could certainly see how starting and stopping it might negatively impact the brain's chemical balance. But when it comes to naltrexone being an opioid antagonist (blocking the opioid receptors / endorphins) I had initially gotten the sense that discontinuing naltrexone under a cold turkey approach wouldn't be a problem (as it would theoretically open up those blocked/binded receptors and the endorphins associated with them) - but - my research suggests that I couldn't be more wrong about naltrexone. Apparently there are a wide range of potential withdrawal symptoms related to this drug, including but limited to GI tract issues, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, etc...

That said, I'd agree with post #1 about gradually decreasing the dose before completely stopping Contrave. I realize you posted back in 2015 Lola, but I hope this process has proven to work out well for you. If you ever get the opportunity to do so, please post back and let us know how it went...

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How do I get off contrave? I had the flu and missed taking ALL my meds including the contrave. Now going through the withdrawals is a nightmare.

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Re: Vicki (# 3)

Hi Vicki. Sorry to hear about your situation. Looking back at my last post here, I'm under the impression that your best bet would probably be to work closely with your prescribing doctor on a tapering schedule; something that seems feasible and realistic based on your own unique set of circumstances.

Also, eating right, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest should help the process.

Please post back with any updates you may have along the way!

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I have taken contrave for 3 weeks and feel like I need to stop. I don’t feel like myself and have the headaches and blurred vision and ringing in my ears along with constant nausea. Once I have stopped taking contrave when will these side effects go away?

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How long does contrave remain in your system when you stop taking it? I've been on it since October.

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I’m having surgery April 10th and April 1st will be 1 month. What will happen when I do have the surgery? I will have to take pain medicine. Will it be effective? Also, I didn’t know you have to go through withdrawals, is that true? I've already been on a medication for over 10 years, plus it was terrible. It was like my brain hasn’t been the same since. When I tried to get off it I couldn’t. I feel sorry for rats. Cause I know what it feels like. It is Effexor time release. It really helped me. But it is toxic. They should never ever have sold it!!!

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Week 4 on contrave, nausea was tolerable with meclizine. However for the last 4 days I have experienced some shortness of breath. Nothing terrible, yet noticeable. What do I do? Would it be ok to just stop?

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Re: Missstefanie (# 5)

Hi, did you ever receive an answer to your question. I have only been taking Contrave for 2 weeks, but it is awful and I want to stop. Thinking that since I am only on 1 pill a day still, (did not start 2 as I was too afraid) I can go to every other day for a few days??? I am hoping you heard back something hopeful as to when I will feel better. Thank you!

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Re: Mimi (# 9)

I am wanting to know the same thing on my second week and only one day of two pills. I don't want to take anymore.. Can I just stop?

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I have been taking Contrave for about 2 months now and haven't seen much difference in my weight, so I just stopped taking them. How long will it take to get out of my system?

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