Drug interactions
Bupropion + Levodopa
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Levodopa: 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
Both agents increase dopaminergic activity, and combined use has been associated with more adverse effects such as nausea, restlessness, agitation, dyskinesia and psychiatric symptoms. Bupropion may also lower the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Levodopa 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; Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive dopaminergic pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Begin bupropion at a low dose and increase gradually while monitoring for agitation, dyskinesia, hallucinations and nausea. Reduce the dose of either drug 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 Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Levodopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Levodopa 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. Both agents increase dopaminergic activity, and combined use has been associated with more adverse effects such as nausea, restlessness, agitation, dyskinesia and psychiatric symptoms. Bupropion may also lower the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Levodopa?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Begin bupropion at a low dose and increase gradually while monitoring for agitation, dyskinesia, hallucinations and nausea. Reduce the dose of either drug 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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