Drug interactions
Bupropion + Carbidopa-levodopa
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Carbidopa-levodopa: 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 has dopaminergic activity, and in patients taking levodopa it has been associated with more adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, restlessness, agitation, tremor and dyskinesia. Bupropion also lowers the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Carbidopa-levodopa 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; Carbidopa-levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive dopaminergic and CNS stimulant effects through bupropion's inhibition of dopamine reuptake combined with levodopa.
What to do
Start bupropion at a low dose and increase it gradually. Monitor for neuropsychiatric effects and dyskinesia, and reduce either dose if these occur.
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 Carbidopa-levodopa
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Carbidopa-levodopa Major
- Asenapine + Carbidopa-levodopa Major
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 Bupropion with Carbidopa-levodopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Carbidopa-levodopa 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 has dopaminergic activity, and in patients taking levodopa it has been associated with more adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, restlessness, agitation, tremor and dyskinesia. Bupropion also lowers the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Carbidopa-levodopa?
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 bupropion at a low dose and increase it gradually. Monitor for neuropsychiatric effects and dyskinesia, and reduce either dose if these occur.
What other medicines interact with Carbidopa-levodopa?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbidopa-levodopa with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline transdermal. The full list is on the Carbidopa-levodopa page.
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