Drug interactions
Bupropion + Perphenazine
Severity: Major
Bupropion and Perphenazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Perphenazine is a CYP2D6 substrate, and bupropion can raise its levels, increasing extrapyramidal and sedative effects. Both drugs also lower the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Perphenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System; Perphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion raises perphenazine exposure, with additive lowering of seizure threshold.
What to do
Use a lower perphenazine starting dose and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and QT effects. Keep bupropion at the lowest effective dose and monitor for seizures.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Bupropion and Perphenazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bupropion and Perphenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Perphenazine is a CYP2D6 substrate, and bupropion can raise its levels, increasing extrapyramidal and sedative effects. Both drugs also lower the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a lower perphenazine starting dose and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and QT effects. Keep bupropion at the lowest effective dose and monitor for seizures.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
