Drug interactions
Bupropion + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Escitalopram: 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, which can modestly raise escitalopram concentrations. Both agents may also lower the seizure threshold. The combination is used clinically but needs careful dosing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Escitalopram 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; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Bupropion CYP2D6 inhibition modestly increases escitalopram exposure, with additive seizure-threshold lowering.
What to do
Start with low bupropion doses and increase gradually. Monitor for seizures, QT-related symptoms and serotonergic effects, and adjust escitalopram if adverse effects appear.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Escitalopram 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, which can modestly raise escitalopram concentrations. Both agents may also lower the seizure threshold. The combination is used clinically but needs careful dosing.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Escitalopram?
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 with low bupropion doses and increase gradually. Monitor for seizures, QT-related symptoms and serotonergic effects, and adjust escitalopram if adverse effects appear.
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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