Drug interactions
Atomoxetine + Bupropion
Severity: Moderate
Atomoxetine and Bupropion: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, the main pathway of atomoxetine clearance, and can substantially raise atomoxetine levels. This may increase heart rate, blood pressure, insomnia, and other adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atomoxetine and Bupropion can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atomoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Bupropion inhibition of CYP2D6 reduces atomoxetine metabolism.
What to do
Start atomoxetine at a low dose and titrate slowly, as labeling advises for strong CYP2D6 inhibitors. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Atomoxetine
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atomoxetine with Bupropion?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atomoxetine and Bupropion can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, the main pathway of atomoxetine clearance, and can substantially raise atomoxetine levels. This may increase heart rate, blood pressure, insomnia, and other adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Atomoxetine and Bupropion?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start atomoxetine at a low dose and titrate slowly, as labeling advises for strong CYP2D6 inhibitors. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
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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