Drug interactions
Bupropion + Donepezil
Severity: Minor
Bupropion and Donepezil: minor 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, one pathway of donepezil metabolism, so donepezil levels may rise. Cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and vomiting may become more likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Donepezil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of donepezil.
What to do
Monitor for cholinergic adverse effects such as nausea and bradycardia. Reduce the donepezil dose if these occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Bupropion and Donepezil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, one pathway of donepezil metabolism, so donepezil levels may rise. Cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and vomiting may become more likely.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for cholinergic adverse effects such as nausea and bradycardia. Reduce the donepezil dose if these occur.
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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