Drug interactions
Bupropion + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Primidone: 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
Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital, which induces CYP2B6 and can speed bupropion metabolism, lowering bupropion exposure and possibly efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Primidone 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; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP2B6 by primidone and its phenobarbital metabolite.
What to do
Monitor response to bupropion and increase the dose if needed within the labeled maximum. Avoid bupropion in patients with uncontrolled seizures.
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 Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Primidone 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. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital, which induces CYP2B6 and can speed bupropion metabolism, lowering bupropion exposure and possibly efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Primidone?
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 response to bupropion and increase the dose if needed within the labeled maximum. Avoid bupropion in patients with uncontrolled 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.
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