Skip to Content
Looking to save on your medications?  Find out how 

7 Interactions found for:

Wellbutrin XL and Cymbalta
Interactions Summary
  • 5 Major
  • 2 Moderate
  • 0 Minor
  • Wellbutrin XL
  • Cymbalta

Drug Interactions

Major
Wellbutrin Xl + Cymbalta

The following applies to the ingredients: Bupropion (found in Wellbutrin Xl) and Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

MONITOR CLOSELY: The use of bupropion is associated with a dose-related risk of seizures. The risk may be further increased when coadministered with other agents that can reduce the seizure threshold, including antidepressants, CNS stimulants, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, phenothiazines, and dopaminergic blocking agents such as neuroleptics and metoclopramide. These agents are often individually epileptogenic and may have additive effects when combined. The estimated incidence of seizures is approximately 0.4% for immediate-release bupropion hydrochloride at dosages between 300 to 450 mg/day (equivalent to 348 to 522 mg/day of bupropion hydrobromide), but increases almost tenfold between 450 mg and 600 mg/day (equivalent to 522 and 696 mg/day of bupropion hydrobromide). Data for sustained-release (SR) bupropion hydrochloride revealed a seizure incidence of approximately 0.1% at dosages up to 300 mg/day and 0.4% at 400 mg/day. Likewise, in clinical trials, an overall seizure incidence of approximately 0.1% has been reported with extended-release (XL) bupropion hydrochloride at dosages up to 450 mg/day and approximately 0.39% at 450 mg/day. The 0.4% seizure incidence may exceed that of other marketed antidepressants by as much as 4-fold.

ADJUST DOSE: Coadministration with bupropion may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are metabolized by CYP450 2D6, including many antidepressants, neuroleptics, CNS stimulants (e.g., amphetamines), metoclopramide, and some acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine). The mechanism is decreased clearance due to inhibition of CYP450 2D6 activity by bupropion and its metabolite, hydroxybupropion. Approximately 93% of Caucasians and more than 98% of Asians and individuals of African descent are extensive metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 and may be affected by this interaction. In a study of 15 male volunteers who were extensive metabolizers of CYP450 2D6, administration of a single 50 mg dose of desipramine following treatment with bupropion 150 mg twice daily increased the desipramine peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and half-life by an average of 2-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively. The effect was present for at least 7 days after the last dose of bupropion. A case report describes a 4-fold increase in plasma levels of imipramine and its metabolite, desipramine, in a 64-year-old woman following the addition of bupropion 225 mg/day. Plasma levels of desipramine were increased twofold more than the imipramine levels, which is consistent with the fact that desipramine is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2D6 while imipramine is also metabolized by other CYP450 isoenzymes. In another report, an 83-year-old woman became unsteady, confused, and lethargic following the addition of bupropion SR 300 mg/day. Her nortriptyline level was found to have increased by 185%. A later rechallenge prompted recurrence of the interaction. Likewise, a 62-year-old woman with no history of seizures developed a generalized tonic-clonic seizure in association with toxic trimipramine plasma levels following the addition of bupropion 300 mg/day. No further seizures occurred following dosage reductions of both drugs.

MANAGEMENT: Extreme caution is advised if bupropion is administered with any substance that can reduce the seizure threshold, particularly in the elderly and in patients with a history of seizures or other risk factors for seizures (e.g., head trauma; brain tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; metabolic disorders; CNS infections; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin). Bupropion as well as concomitant medications should be initiated at the lower end of the dosage range and titrated gradually as needed and as tolerated. The maximum recommended dosage for the specific bupropion formulation should not be exceeded. Clinical and laboratory monitoring may be appropriate for concomitant medications that are substrates of CYP450 2D6 whenever bupropion is added to or withdrawn from therapy. Bupropion should be discontinued and not restarted in patients who experience a seizure during treatment.

References

  1. Rosenstein DL, Nelson JC, Jacobs SC "Seizures associated with antidepressants: a review." J Clin Psychiatry 54 (1993): 289-99
  2. James WA, Lippmann S "Bupropion: overview and prescribing guidelines in depression." South Med J 84 (1991): 222-4
  3. Johnston JA, Lineberry CG, Ascher JA, et al. "A 102-center prospective study of seizure in association with bupropion." J Clin Psychiatry 52 (1991): 450-6
  4. Gittelman DK, Kirby MG "A seizure following bupropion overdose." J Clin Psychiatry 54 (1993): 162
  5. Sheehan DV, Welch JB, Fishman SM "A case of bupropion-induced seizure." J Nerv Ment Dis 174 (1986): 496-8
  6. Dufresne RL, Weber SS, Becker RE "Bupropion hydrochloride." Drug Intell Clin Pharm 18 (1984): 957-64
  7. "Product Information. Wellbutrin (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  8. Masco HL, Kiev A, Holloman LC, Batey SR, Johnston JA, Lineberry CG "Safety and efficacy of bupropion and nortriptyline in outpatients with depression." Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 55 (1994): 851-63
  9. Storrow AB "Bupropion overdose and seizure." Am J Emerg Med 12 (1994): 183-4
  10. "Product Information. Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  11. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  12. Shad MU "A possible bupropion and imipramine interaction." J Clin Psychopharmacol 17 (1997): 118
  13. Guzey C, Norstrom A, Spigset O "Change from the CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer to the poor metabolizer phenotype during treatment with bupropion." Ther Drug Monit 24 (2002): 436-7
  14. Enns MW "Seizure during combination of trimipramine and bupropion." J Clin Psychiatry 62 (2001): 476-7
  15. Pisani F, Spina E, Oteri G "Antidepressant drugs and seizure susceptibility: from in vitro data to clinical practice." Epilepsia 40(Suppl 10) (1999): S48-56
  16. "Product Information. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)." GlaxoSmithKline (2003):
  17. Shin YW, Erm TM, Choi EJ, Kim SY "A Case of Prolonged Seizure Activity After Combined Use of Bupropion and Clomipramine." Clin Neuropharmacol 27 (2004): 192-194
  18. Canadian Pharmacists Association "e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink" (2006):
  19. "Product Information. Aplenzin (bupropion)." sanofi-aventis (2009):

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Wellbutrin Xl + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Bupropion (found in Wellbutrin Xl)

GENERALLY AVOID: Excessive use or abrupt discontinuation of alcohol after chronic ingestion may precipitate seizures in patients receiving bupropion. Additionally, there have been rare postmarketing reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance in patients who drank alcohol during treatment with bupropion. According to one forensic report, a patient died after taking large doses of both bupropion and alcohol. It is uncertain whether a drug interaction was involved. Single-dose studies in healthy volunteers given bupropion and alcohol failed to demonstrate either a significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that alcohol consumption be minimized or avoided during bupropion treatment. The use of bupropion is contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol.

References

  1. Posner J, Bye A, Jeal S, Peck AW, Whiteman P "Alcohol and bupropion pharmacokinetics in healthy male volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 26 (1984): 627-30
  2. Ramcharitar V, Levine BS, Goldberger BA, Caplan YH "Bupropion and alcohol fatal intoxication: case report." Forensic Sci Int 56 (1992): 151-6
  3. Hamilton MJ, Bush MS, Peck AW "The effect of bupropion, a new antidepressant drug, and alcohol and their interaction in man." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 27 (1984): 75-80
  4. "Product Information. Wellbutrin (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):

The following applies to the ingredients: Bupropion (found in Wellbutrin Xl)

MONITOR: Additive or synergistic effects on blood pressure may occur when bupropion is combined with sympathomimetic agents such as nasal decongestants, adrenergic bronchodilators, ophthalmic vasoconstrictors, and systemic vasopressors. Treatment with bupropion can result in elevated blood pressure and hypertension. In clinical practice, hypertension, in some cases severe and requiring acute treatment, has been observed in patients receiving bupropion alone and in combination with nicotine replacement therapy. These events have occurred in both patients with and without evidence of preexisting hypertension. Furthermore, postmarketing cases of hypertensive crisis have been reported during the initial titration phase with bupropion-naltrexone treatment.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when bupropion is used with other drugs that increase dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity due to an increased risk of hypertension. Blood pressure and heart rate should be measured prior to initiating bupropion therapy and monitored at regular intervals consistent with usual clinical practice, particularly in patients with preexisting hypertension. Dose reduction or discontinuation of bupropion should be considered in patients who experience clinically significant and sustained increases in blood pressure or heart rate.

References

  1. "Product Information. Auvelity (bupropion-dextromethorphan)." Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. 1 (2022):
  2. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd (2022):
  3. "Product Information. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc. (2022):
  4. "Product Information. Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone)." Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC (2021):

The following applies to the ingredients: Bupropion (found in Wellbutrin Xl)

MONITOR: The concomitant use of bupropion and nicotine replacement for smoking cessation may increase the risk of hypertension. In a clinical study (n=250), 6.1% of patients who used sustained-release bupropion with nicotine transdermal system developed treatment-emergent hypertension, compared to 2.5% of patients treated with bupropion alone, 1.6% treated with nicotine alone, and 3.1% treated with placebo. Three patients in the bupropion plus nicotine group and one patient in the nicotine-only group discontinued treatment due to hypertension. The majority had evidence of preexisting hypertension.

MANAGEMENT: Blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients concomitantly using bupropion and nicotine replacement for smoking cessation.

References

  1. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):

Moderate
Cymbalta + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

GENERALLY AVOID: Use of duloxetine in conjunction with chronic alcohol consumption may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Duloxetine alone can increase serum transaminase levels. In clinical trials, 0.3% of patients discontinued duloxetine due to liver transaminase elevations. The median time to detection was about two months. Three duloxetine-treated patients had liver injury as manifested by transaminase and bilirubin elevations, with evidence of obstruction. Substantial intercurrent ethanol use was present in each of these cases, which may have contributed to the abnormalities observed. Duloxetine does not appear to enhance the central nervous system effects of alcohol. When duloxetine and ethanol were administered several hours apart so that peak concentrations of each would coincide, duloxetine did not increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Due to the risk of liver injury, patients prescribed duloxetine should be counseled to avoid excessive use of alcohol. Duloxetine should generally not be prescribed to patients with substantial alcohol use.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Bupropion (found in Wellbutrin Xl)

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Smoking cessation without the use of medications is advisable during pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B2
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-Neonates exposed to this drug late in the third trimester may require respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or prolonged hospitalization.
-Exposed neonates should be monitored after delivery for direct toxic effects of this drug, drug discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome (e.g.,. respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypo/hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, constant crying).

High dose animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of specific teratogenic effects. Low dose animal studies in rabbits have reported a slightly increased incidence of fetal malformations and skeletal variations. Epidemiological studies of pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester show no increased risk of congenital malformations overall.

Data from the international bupropion pregnancy register (675 trimester exposures) and a retrospective cohort study using the United Healthcare database (1,213 first trimester exposures) and a case-control study from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (6,853 infants with cardiovascular malformations and 5,763 with non-cardiovascular malformations) did not show an increased risk for malformations overall after bupropion exposure during the first trimester. A retrospective database of infants (n=7005) whose mothers were exposed to bupropion in the first trimester and outside of the first trimester also failed to reveal an increased risk for congenital malformation, especially cardiovascular malformation. Study findings on the risk for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and ventricular septal defect after first trimester exposure to bupropion are inconclusive.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antidepressant therapy, a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/

AU TGA pregnancy category B2: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

References

  1. "Product Information. Wellbutrin (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)." GlaxoSmithKline (2003):
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. "Product Information. Aplenzin (bupropion)." sanofi-aventis (2009):

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: Observational study data have not produced clear drug-associated risks regarding adverse events or major birth defects.

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-Neonates exposed to this drug late in the third trimester may require respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or prolonged hospitalization.
-Exposed neonates should be monitored after delivery for direct toxic effects of this drug, drug discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome.
-Women who discontinued antidepressant use during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant use.

Animal studies have revealed increased perinatal toxicity and fetotoxicity at doses potentially correlated with maternal toxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Some neonates exposed to SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) late in the third trimester had clinical findings including respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. This clinical picture is consistent with either direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs, drug discontinuation syndrome, or serotonin syndrome.

A less than 2-fold increase in postpartum hemorrhage was determined by observational data in patients exposed to the drug within 1 month before birth.

A study of women with a history of major depression who were euthymic at the beginning of pregnancy, showed women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant medication.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antidepressant therapy, a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/

Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients receiving Cymbalta by calling the Cymbalta Pregnancy Registry at 1-866-814-6975 or by visiting www.cymbaltapregnancyregistry.com.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Bupropion (found in Wellbutrin Xl)

A decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the infant and the importance of the drug to the mother.
-Some experts recommend: Use with caution.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comment: Another drug may be preferred, particularly when breastfeeding a newborn or preterm infant.

There is limited information that maternal bupropion at oral doses up to 300 mg daily produces low levels in breastmilk. It is not generally expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants; however, there are case reports of possible seizure in partially breastfed 6-month-olds. Alternate drugs that may be considered in place of bupropion include nortriptyline, paroxetine, and sertraline.

One case report has suggested that bupropion accumulates in human breast milk in concentrations much greater than in maternal plasma. At least two metabolites of bupropion are also detectable in human milk. However, in the plasma of one nursing infant whose mother took bupropion, neither bupropion nor its metabolites could be detected.

Data from a lactation study in 10 women showed breastmilk levels of 45.2 mcg/L for bupropion, and 104.6 mcg/mL, 72.1 mcg/mL, and 459 mcg/mL for it metabolites hydroxybupropion, erythrohydroxybupropion, and threohydroxybupropion, respectively. The authors of this study estimated that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive an average of 0.2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose of bupropion and an average of 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage of bupropion plus metabolites.

References

  1. "Product Information. Wellbutrin (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Zyban (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)." GlaxoSmithKline (2003):
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. "Product Information. Aplenzin (bupropion)." sanofi-aventis (2009):
  8. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

Use is not recommended and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Some experts state that a more thoroughly studied alternative agent (e.g., nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline) may be preferred while breastfeeding premature or neonates.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies other antidepressants as agents for which the effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern.
-Exposed infants should be monitored for developmental milestones, feeding, sedation, weight gain, especially in younger infants who are exclusively breastfed and/or when breastfed infants are exposed to multiple antipsychotropic agents.

The estimated neonatal dose is approximately 0.1% to 0.3% of the maternal dose.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  5. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):
  6. National Library of Medicine (US) "Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/" (2019):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

The following applies to: Wellbutrin Xl (bupropion), Cymbalta (duloxetine)

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antidepressants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines.

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Switch to: Consumer Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a healthcare professional. Use of this content is subject to our terms of use & medical disclaimer.