Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication originally used for addiction treatment that also helps with weight loss when combined with bupropion (as Contrave). It works by reducing food cravings and the reward-driven urge to eat, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that, at low doses (8-32 mg/day), modulates the mesolimbic dopamine reward pathway. When combined with bupropion — a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor — it synergistically reduces food cravings and appetite by activating hypothalamic POMC neurons while blocking auto-inhibitory opioid feedback, producing clinically meaningful weight loss of 5-10% of body weight over 56 weeks.

For patients who struggle with food cravings and emotional eating, naltrexone-containing therapies offer a medical option to regain control. Our clinic can assess whether naltrexone-based treatment is appropriate for your weight management plan.