 Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It also treats other conditions such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder (ADD), and can help people quit smoking. >Zyban is a drug for people trying to stop smoking. It contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as Wellbutrin. Never take both Zyban and Wellbutrin. Don't take Wellbutrin if you've taken an MAO inhibitor antidepressant such as tranylcypromine (brand name Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil) or isocarboxazid (Marplan) within the past two weeks, because this can cause the serious interaction of dangerously high blood pressure. Before taking Wellbutrin, be sure to tell your doctor if you're already taking carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet), SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft), or tricyclic antidepressants such as desipramine (Norpramin) or nortriptyline (Pamelor). Wellbutrin may cause these drugs to build up in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Ritonavir (Norvir), a drug used to treat HIV infection, increases the level of Wellbutrin in the body, which may cause more side effects from Wellbutrin. Talk to your doctor before taking Ritonavir and Wellbutrin together. Alcohol can interfere with the antidepressant effect of Wellbutrin and can also increase the risk of seizures. Don't drink alcohol when you're taking Wellbutrin. Sources:
Hansten, P.D., J.R. Horn. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Applied Therapeutics, 1999.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Wellbutrin Product Information. GlaxoSmithKline. Last accessed 11/2006.
This answer prepared 10/26/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.
- >Parnate
- >phenelzine
- >Marplan
- >carbidopa-levodopa
- >fluoxetine
- >paroxetine
- >desipramine
- >nortriptyline
- >Ritonavir
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