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Drug interactions

Bupropion + Trifluoperazine

Severity: Moderate

Bupropion and Trifluoperazine: 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 strongly inhibits CYP2D6, which contributes to trifluoperazine clearance, so phenothiazine levels may rise. Both drugs also lower the seizure threshold, so the combination adds to seizure risk. Extrapyramidal effects and sedation may increase.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bupropion and Trifluoperazine 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and both drugs lower the seizure threshold.

What to do

Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and QT effects, and consider a lower trifluoperazine dose. Use the lowest effective bupropion dose and avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Bupropion with Trifluoperazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Trifluoperazine 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 strongly inhibits CYP2D6, which contributes to trifluoperazine clearance, so phenothiazine levels may rise. Both drugs also lower the seizure threshold, so the combination adds to seizure risk. Extrapyramidal effects and sedation may increase.

How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Trifluoperazine?

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 for extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation and QT effects, and consider a lower trifluoperazine dose. Use the lowest effective bupropion dose and avoid the combination in patients with a seizure history.

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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