Drug interactions
Bupropion + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Sertraline: 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, which may modestly raise sertraline levels, and serotonergic and seizure-threshold effects may add. Cases of adverse effects such as agitation, tremor and seizures have been reported with combinations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion, plus additive lowering of seizure threshold.
What to do
Start with low doses and titrate slowly, monitoring for agitation, tremor, serotonin toxicity and 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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Sertraline 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, which may modestly raise sertraline levels, and serotonergic and seizure-threshold effects may add. Cases of adverse effects such as agitation, tremor and seizures have been reported with combinations.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Sertraline?
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 with low doses and titrate slowly, monitoring for agitation, tremor, serotonin toxicity and 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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