Drug interactions
Bupropion + Oxycodone
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Oxycodone: 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 converts oxycodone to the more potent oxymorphone, though oxycodone itself is active and largely cleared by CYP3A4. Analgesic effect may shift and oxycodone levels may rise, with variable clinical impact.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Oxycodone 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; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion reduces oxymorphone formation and may redirect oxycodone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor analgesia and sedation or respiratory depression when bupropion is started or stopped, and titrate oxycodone to effect.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Oxycodone 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 converts oxycodone to the more potent oxymorphone, though oxycodone itself is active and largely cleared by CYP3A4. Analgesic effect may shift and oxycodone levels may rise, with variable clinical impact.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Oxycodone?
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 analgesia and sedation or respiratory depression when bupropion is started or stopped, and titrate oxycodone to effect.
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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