Support Your Weight, Focus, Mood & Unwanted Cravings with Bupropion/Naltrexone

Same active ingredients as Contrave®

How to get started

ZYP simplifies the process for managing and treating Weight Loss, allowing our patients to be evaluated via telemed and self-treated from their own home.

1

Schedule a Consult

  • One-time consultation fee of $99 is due at checkout. This fee will include the first month of treatment! (30 tablets of bupropion/naltrexone 100/10mg).

    The first month of treatment will allow time to see how you respond to the medication. We want to ensure patient’s tolerate this medication well before committing to our 3 month treatment plans thereafter.

    (Individual results may vary, compounded bupropion/naltrexone is not FDA approved for weight loss and is being used off-label for weight loss management)

2

Meet the Provider Virtually

  • This consultation is strictly educational and informative of our treatment options and to discuss Low-Dose Naltrexone in more detail.

    • At ZYP - we are not “Pushy” what-so-ever. We want patients to have a solid understanding of how bupropion/naltrexone works

    • We also want to help recognize your barriers to weight loss or weight gain and help our patient’s set up a game plan for maximum success with their weight loss journey

    • You will receive expert advice on how you can change your lifestyle and behaviors to guide you through your weight loss journey

    • If you are a qualified patient to receive bupropion/naltrexone treatment, your ZYP provider will discuss the medication options and the pricing thoroughly

Meds Shipped to You

  • Pricing for Bupropion/Naltrexone with ZYP Medical:

    Your First month of treatment is FREE (We include this in the cost of the Consultation)

    Pricing after the initial month:

    Once Daily Dosing: $99/mo

    Twice Daily Dosing: $130/mo

    • Treatment plans are 3 months in duration (minimum) - If you decide to discontinue treatment, you will not be given a refund.

    • 90 day supplies of the medication will be prescribed (if medically necessary per providers discretion)

    • These Pricing options all cover/include prescription(s), shipping/handling fee, credit card processing fees, follow ups, and provider support throughout the duration of your treatment plan.

    • Recurrent Billing for monthly payment options will automatically charge the card on file a total of 3 times. Your card will not be charged again unless you go forth with a refill for an additional 3-6 months. Follow ups are required at least once every 90 days - however our provider will check in on you at least once a month to follow and support your care.

3

What is Contrave®?

Contrave® is a prescription weight loss medication that combines naltrexone and bupropion. It is FDA-approved for use in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Brand name Contrave® is expensive and not typically covered by insurance. ZYP offers a more affordable option using compounded bupropion/naltrexone through our preferred compounding pharmacy. 


*Compounded medication is not FDA approved for weight loss but may be prescribed if clinically indicated by one of our ZYP providers.

Potential Clinical Uses of Bupropion/Naltrexone

  • Contrave is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with:
    ✅ A BMI of 30+ (obese)
    ✅ A BMI of 27+ (overweight) with weight-related conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

    How it Helps:

    • Contrave combines bupropion (affects dopamine and norepinephrine) and naltrexone (modifies reward pathways).

    • It reduces food cravings and emotional eating by altering brain chemistry.

    • It increases satiety (feeling of fullness), helping patients eat less over time.

  • Though not FDA-approved for ADHD, some providers use bupropion, one of Contrave’s ingredients, to help with:
    ✅ Focus and concentration
    ✅ Impulsivity control
    ✅ Mood stabilization

    How it Helps:

    • Bupropion increases dopamine and norepinephrine—key neurotransmitters involved in attention and motivation.

    • It has stimulant-like effects without being a controlled substance.

  • ✅ Helps reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms
    ✅ Increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which can ease the urge to smoke
    ✅ Used as a non-nicotine alternative to help people quit smoking

    How it Helps:

    • Bupropion affects reward pathways, making smoking less satisfying.

    • It reduces withdrawal symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

  • ✅ Treats major depressive disorder (MDD)
    ✅ Can be used in seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
    ✅ Helps improve energy, motivation, and focus

    How it Helps:

    • Unlike traditional SSRIs (like Prozac), bupropion boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, which can improve mood and drive.

    • It’s less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain compared to other antidepressants.

  • ✅ Blocks opioid receptors, reducing cravings for opioids and alcohol
    ✅ Used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD)
    ✅ Helps prevent relapse after detox

    How it Helps:

    • Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, making them less desirable.

    • It helps curb alcohol cravings and reduces binge drinking episodes.

    • Unlike methadone or buprenorphine, it’s non-addictive and does not cause withdrawal

  • ✅ Helps reduce compulsive overeating behaviors
    ✅ Decreases food cravings, especially for highly palatable foods (sugary, high-fat foods)
    ✅ Often considered when traditional treatments (like SSRIs) aren’t effective

    How it Helps:

    • The naltrexone component regulates the brain’s reward system, reducing food cravings.

    • The bupropion component helps with impulse control and emotional eating.

  • ✅ May reduce chronic pain sensitivity
    ✅ Can help with fatigue and inflammation
    ✅ Used in low-dose naltrexone (LDN) therapy for conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases

    How it Helps:

    • Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) modulates the immune system and reduces neuroinflammation.

    • It may increase endorphins, helping with pain tolerance and mood stabilization.

How does Bupropion/Naltrexone work?
The Science.

Bupropion (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor - NDRI)

The combination of bupropion and naltrexone works through the brain’s reward and appetite regulation systems to help with weight loss and cravings.

Each drug has a distinct mechanism of action.

• Increases dopamine & norepinephrine levels in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and mesolimbic system (brain’s reward center).

• Hypothalamus Activation: Stimulates pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which help reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure.

• Reward System Effects: Enhances dopamine activity, which may help reduce cravings for food and addictive substances.

Why They Work Together

• Bupropion activates POMC neurons → Appetite suppression & increased metabolism.

• Naltrexone prevents POMC auto-inhibition → Enhances and sustains appetite suppression.

• The dual action reduces cravings, increases satiety, and supports weight loss.

This combination is FDA-approved under the brand name Contrave for weight management. 

Naltrexone (Opioid Receptor Antagonist)

• Blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing the body’s natural opioids (endorphins) from reinforcing cravings.

• Works on the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, inhibiting feedback that would normally dampen POMC activity. This results in a stronger appetite-suppressing effect.

• Helps regulate the brain’s reward and addiction pathways, reducing food cravings and emotional eating.

What are the common side effects of Bupropion/Naltrexone?

The most common side effects reported with bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave) include:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues

• Nausea (most common, especially when starting)

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

2. Central Nervous System Effects

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)

3. Psychological Effects

• Anxiety or agitation

• Mood changes (irritability, depression, or suicidal thoughts in rare cases)

4. Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure

• Can cause mild to moderate increases in blood pressure and heart rate, so it’s not recommended for people with uncontrolled hypertension.

5. Dry Mouth & Sweating

• Dry mouth is common and can lead to mild discomfort.

• Increased sweating occurs in some individuals.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

• Seizures (especially in people with a history of seizures or using alcohol/drugs)

• Liver toxicity (rare, but can occur with naltrexone)

  • 🚫 Do NOT take this medication if you:

    • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure

    • Have a history of seizures (bupropion lowers seizure threshold)

    • Have an eating disorder (such as anorexia or bulimia)

    • Use opioid pain medications or are going through opioid withdrawal

    • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant

    • Have severe liver or kidney disease

    ⚠️ Use caution if you:

    • Have a history of anxiety, depression, or mood disorders

    • Have heart disease or high blood pressure (monitor regularly)

    • Consume alcohol regularly (can increase seizure risk)

    • Take medications that lower the seizure threshold (such as antipsychotics or steroids)

    💡 Important Tips:

    • Do not stop opioids suddenly before starting this medication, as naltrexone can trigger withdrawal.

    • Take with food to reduce nausea.

    • Avoid taking it close to bedtime to prevent insomnia.

    • If you experience severe side effects (such as chest pain, hallucinations, or severe mood changes), seek medical attention immediately.