Drug interactions
Bupropion + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital is an enzyme inducer and can increase bupropion clearance, lowering its concentrations and possibly reducing efficacy. Bupropion may also lower the seizure threshold, which is relevant in patients treated for seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Phenobarbital 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
Phenobarbital induces CYP2B6, accelerating bupropion metabolism.
What to do
Monitor therapeutic response and increase the bupropion dose if needed within the labeled maximum. Avoid bupropion in patients with active seizure disorders.
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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital is an enzyme inducer and can increase bupropion clearance, lowering its concentrations and possibly reducing efficacy. Bupropion may also lower the seizure threshold, which is relevant in patients treated for seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Phenobarbital?
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 therapeutic response and increase the bupropion dose if needed within the labeled maximum. Avoid bupropion in patients with active seizure disorders.
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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