Drug interactions
Bupropion + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Citalopram: 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 may raise citalopram levels through CYP2D6 inhibition, though CYP2D6 is only a minor pathway for citalopram. Both drugs can also lower seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Citalopram 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; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Minor CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion and additive seizure-threshold lowering.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for seizures, QT-related symptoms, and serotonergic effects.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Citalopram 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 may raise citalopram levels through CYP2D6 inhibition, though CYP2D6 is only a minor pathway for citalopram. Both drugs can also lower seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for seizures, QT-related symptoms, and serotonergic 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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