Interactions
Medicines that interact with bupropion may reduce its effect, shorten its duration of action, increase side effects, or have no effect when combined. An interaction between two medications does not always necessitate the discontinuation of one of them; however, it can. Consult your doctor about how to handle drug interactions.
Bupropion may interact with the following medications:
- amantadine
- antiarrhythmics, such as amiodarone or flecainide
- anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone
- antidepressants, such as SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine, sertraline), tricyclic antidepressants (such as desipramine, nortriptyline), or MAOIs (such as phenelzine or selegiline) (these may lower the seizure threshold)
- antipsychotics (such as butyrophenones, phenothiazines, or thioxanthenes) and atypical antipsychotics (eg, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone)
- any medication that lowers the seizure threshold, such as corticosteroids, tramadol, reserpine, and volatile anesthetics
- benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, lorazepam, or oxazepam
- beta-blockers, such as atenolol or metoprolol
- blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or ticlopidine
- cimetidine
- corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisone
- cyclophosphamide
- HIV medications, such as efavirenz, ritonavir, or lopinavir
- levodopa
- nicotine
- orphenadrine
- theophylline
- warfarin.
While taking bupropion, avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal or recreational drugs as this may increase the risk of neuropsychiatric side effects.
CYP2D6 inducers, such as dexamethasone or rifampin, may lower bupropion concentrations, while CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as amiodarone, celecoxib, or fluoxetine, may raise bupropion concentrations.
It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and only includes common medications that may interact with bupropion. For a complete list of interactions with bupropion, consult the prescribing information.
