Drug interactions
Bupropion + Carbamazepine
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Carbamazepine: 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
Carbamazepine induces CYP2B6 and lowers bupropion exposure, which may reduce its antidepressant or smoking cessation effect. Active metabolite exposure may also be altered.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Carbamazepine 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induction of CYP2B6 increases bupropion metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase bupropion within the labeled maximum if needed. Reassess if carbamazepine is stopped.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Carbamazepine 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. Carbamazepine induces CYP2B6 and lowers bupropion exposure, which may reduce its antidepressant or smoking cessation effect. Active metabolite exposure may also be altered.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor clinical response and increase bupropion within the labeled maximum if needed. Reassess if carbamazepine is stopped.
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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