Drug interactions
Bupropion + Codeine
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Codeine: 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, reducing conversion of codeine to morphine, which can weaken analgesia. Patients may have inadequate pain control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Codeine 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; Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion blocks bioactivation of codeine to morphine.
What to do
Monitor pain control and consider a non-CYP2D6-dependent analgesic such as morphine. Avoid escalating codeine doses.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Codeine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Codeine 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, reducing conversion of codeine to morphine, which can weaken analgesia. Patients may have inadequate pain control.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Codeine?
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 pain control and consider a non-CYP2D6-dependent analgesic such as morphine. Avoid escalating codeine doses.
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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