Drug interactions
Bupropion + Pitolisant
Severity: Major
Bupropion and Pitolisant: major 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 is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and increases pitolisant exposure, raising the risk of adverse effects such as insomnia, anxiety, nausea and QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Pitolisant 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; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, decreasing pitolisant clearance.
What to do
Start pitolisant at 8.9 mg daily, increasing after 7 days to a maximum of 17.8 mg daily, or halve the existing pitolisant dose when bupropion is started. Monitor ECG in patients with QT risk factors.
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?
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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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Carbamazepine + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bupropion and Pitolisant 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 is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and increases pitolisant exposure, raising the risk of adverse effects such as insomnia, anxiety, nausea and QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start pitolisant at 8.9 mg daily, increasing after 7 days to a maximum of 17.8 mg daily, or halve the existing pitolisant dose when bupropion is started. Monitor ECG in patients with QT risk factors.
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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