Losing weight with Mysimba (Naltrexone/Bupropion)

What is Mysimba?

Mysimba is a weight loss medication in tablet form that is used to help adults who are overweight or obese to lose weight. A tablet contains two active substances: naltrexone and bupropion, which work together to reduce your appetite and ‘peckishness’ and to influence the reward feelings that eating gives you. Mysimba is prescribed as part of a programme that also comprises a low-calorie diet and increased levels of exercise. The medicine may help to improve control over your weight and to lose weight, particularly if your improved lifestyle alone leads to insufficient results.

How does Mysimba work?

Mysimba works due to the effects of naltrexone and bupropion: two substances that influence the part of the brain that regulates appetite and energy intake. Naltrexone helps you to desire food less, while bupropion suppresses true appetite and influences the brain’s reward system. Consequently, you desire food less and experience fewer cravings. This means that you are less tempted to eat something when you see food, think less about food and feel satisfied quicker. This may help to reduce calorie intake and weight loss.

Who is Mysimba suitable for?

Mysimba is prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 or more (obesity), or to people with a BMI between 27 and 30 who also have weight-related health issues, for example type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or increased cholesterol levels. If after 16 weeks of treatment with Mysimba less than 5 percent weight loss is achieved, the doctor may advise stopping the treatment. Mysimba is not suitable for everyone and a doctor from NOK Clinics will carefully evaluate whether the medication is suitable in your situation and can help you to lose weight.

How is Mysimba used?

Mysimba is taken orally in the form of tablets. The dosage is slowly increased to allow your body to get used to the medicine and to guard against potential side effects as best as possible. The schedule starts with one tablet per day in the first week and is increased in one-week steps to a maximum of four tablets per day (at most two tablets twice a day). It is important to keep to the prescribed dosage and to take the Mysimba weight loss medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. Our NOK Clinics doctor will, always together with you, search for the optimum dosage and evaluate this at set times.

What is the active substance in Mysimba?

Mysimba contains naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone was originally developed to reduce the cravings for substances such as alcohol; however, it also appears to affect appetite. Bupropion is a medicine that is prescribed for depression or for stopping smoking. In addition, it suppresses appetite. Together, these substance form an effective combination to reduce food intake and, as a weight loss medicine, support weight loss.

Does Mysimba have any side effects?

As with many medicines, side effects may develop when using Mysimba to lose weight. Common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness and a dry mouth. These symptoms present mainly during the initial stage of treatment and often disappear over time. It is important to contact your doctor if you develop severe side effects, such as increased blood pressure, changes in mood or insomnia.

How should Mysimba be stored?

Mysimba tablets must be stored at a temperature below 30 °C, in a dry place and out of reach of children. Do not use the Mysimba weight loss medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. If you have forgotten to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never take a double dose to catch up on a forgotten dose.

Are there any other types of weight loss medicines?

In addition to Mysimba, there are other weight loss medicines that may help with weight loss, such as Saxenda, Mounjaro and Wegovy/Ozempic. Each of these medicines works in a different way and may be suitable, depending on your personal situation and health status. You can find more information about these alternatives on our website so that you and your doctor together can decide which weight loss treatment is most suitable for you.

Disclaimer

This information provides a general overview of losing weight with Mysimba. For specific medical advice or detailed information about dosages and side effects, consult the official package leaflet or contact your NOK Clinics doctor.