Drug interactions
Bupropion + Lorcaserin
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Lorcaserin: 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
Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-HT2C agonist, and combining it with other agents that affect monoaminergic transmission has been associated with a risk of serotonin syndrome. Bupropion is not a classic serotonergic drug, so the risk is theoretical and mainly relates to the additive central effects. Lorcaserin has since been withdrawn from the US market.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Lorcaserin 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.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic and central monoaminergic effects; bupropion also inhibits CYP2D6, which contributes to lorcaserin metabolism.
What to do
If both are used, monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, diarrhea and neuromuscular hyperactivity, especially after dose increases. Consider an alternative weight-management agent.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Lorcaserin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Lorcaserin 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. Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-HT2C agonist, and combining it with other agents that affect monoaminergic transmission has been associated with a risk of serotonin syndrome. Bupropion is not a classic serotonergic drug, so the risk is theoretical and mainly relates to the additive central effects. Lorcaserin has since been withdrawn from the US market.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Lorcaserin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If both are used, monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, diarrhea and neuromuscular hyperactivity, especially after dose increases. Consider an alternative weight-management agent.
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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