Drug interactions
Bupropion + Chlorpromazine
Severity: Major
Bupropion and Chlorpromazine: 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, so combining them increases the risk of seizures. Chlorpromazine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and inhibitor, and bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise phenothiazine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Chlorpromazine 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.
Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System; Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive lowering of seizure threshold, plus CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with seizure risk factors. If needed, use the lowest bupropion dose, titrate slowly and monitor for seizures and antipsychotic adverse effects.
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
Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bupropion and Chlorpromazine 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, so combining them increases the risk of seizures. Chlorpromazine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and inhibitor, and bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise phenothiazine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Chlorpromazine?
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 in patients with seizure risk factors. If needed, use the lowest bupropion dose, titrate slowly and monitor for seizures and antipsychotic adverse effects.
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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