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Drug interactions

Bupropion + Pentobarbital

Severity: Moderate

Bupropion and Pentobarbital: 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

Pentobarbital induces hepatic enzymes including CYP2B6 and may lower bupropion levels, potentially reducing therapeutic effect. Metabolite levels may relatively increase.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bupropion and Pentobarbital 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Barbiturate induction of CYP2B6 increases bupropion clearance.

What to do

Monitor for loss of antidepressant or smoking cessation efficacy and adjust the bupropion dose within the labeled maximum if needed.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Bupropion with Pentobarbital?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital induces hepatic enzymes including CYP2B6 and may lower bupropion levels, potentially reducing therapeutic effect. Metabolite levels may relatively increase.

How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Pentobarbital?

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 for loss of antidepressant or smoking cessation efficacy and adjust the bupropion dose within the labeled maximum if needed.

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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