Drug interactions
Bupropion + Protriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Protriptyline: 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
Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can raise protriptyline levels, increasing anticholinergic and cardiac toxicity. Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, so the seizure risk is additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Protriptyline 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
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion plus additive pro-convulsant effects.
What to do
Start protriptyline at a low dose with slow titration, and monitor for tricyclic toxicity or ECG changes. Keep bupropion at the lowest effective dose.
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 Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Protriptyline 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 inhibits CYP2D6 and can raise protriptyline levels, increasing anticholinergic and cardiac toxicity. Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, so the seizure risk is additive.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start protriptyline at a low dose with slow titration, and monitor for tricyclic toxicity or ECG changes. Keep bupropion at the lowest effective dose.
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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