Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Bupropion
Severity: Major
Amoxapine and Bupropion: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, and bupropion strongly inhibits CYP2D6, which can raise amoxapine concentrations. This increases the risk of seizures and tricyclic-type adverse effects including anticholinergic effects and arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine and Bupropion can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive seizure threshold lowering, plus bupropion inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated amoxapine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If used, start with low doses of both, titrate slowly, and monitor for seizures and amoxapine toxicity.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxapine with Bupropion?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amoxapine and Bupropion can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, and bupropion strongly inhibits CYP2D6, which can raise amoxapine concentrations. This increases the risk of seizures and tricyclic-type adverse effects including anticholinergic effects and arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine and Bupropion?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If used, start with low doses of both, titrate slowly, and monitor for seizures and amoxapine toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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