Bupropion Interactions To Know About
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant medication that works by increasing the amount of
norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These are hormones that help in mood regulation.
Bupropion SR, Bupropion IR and Bupropion XL are the most commonly available Bupropion products and
are approved to treat depression. Bupropion is also available as a product called Zyban, which can be
used to help quit smoking. However, it is only available in the form of a generic medication.
Though Bupropion is an effective treatment option, it can interact with other medications. Interactions
can result in unintended side effects and can affect how well your medications work. If you take any
other medications or drink alcohol, you need to be aware of the potential Bupropion interactions. As a
Los Angeles pharmacy, we share some Bupropion interactions. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare
provider before starting Bupropion. They can look at your current prescription medications and check for any
potential interactions with Bupropion.
Some Medicines That Are Broken Down In The Liver
Bupropion is metabolized in the liver. Specifically, it is broken down by an enzyme called CYP2B6. Other
medicines that can affect this enzyme can increase or decrease the levels of Bupropion in the body. In
certain cases, you may need to take a higher dose of the medicine and in some others, you may need to
take a lower dosage. Some of the common medications that can affect levels of Bupropion in the body
are:
Ritonavir
Phenobarbital
Clopidogrel
Efavirenz
Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Bupropion also inhibits another enzyme named CYP2D6. This can result in higher levels of other
medicines that are metabolized by CYP2D6. These interactions may need more monitoring for side
effects. However, in some cases, your doctor may suggest a lower dose of Bupropion or may suggest a
lower dose of the interacting medicine. They may even recommend avoiding Bupropion altogether to
avoid interactions. Some of the medications that are metabolized by CYP2D6 are:
Tricyclic antidepressants like Pamelor
Beta blockers like metoprolol
Antipsychotics like Risperdal
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like Effexor XR
Some heart rhythm medications like flecainide.
Bupropion can also interact with alcohol and reduce your alcohol tolerance. Moreover, it can cause false
positives on a urine drug test for amphetamine or methamphetamine. You need to get in touch with
your healthcare provider if you are worried about false positives on a urine drug test or Bupropion
interactions. They can help you understand if taking Bupropion is safe for you.