Bupropion and Methamphetamine interaction
Bupropion and Methamphetamine: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Methamphetamine (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride) label · effective 2025-11-07
If serotonin syndrome occurs, discontinue methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets, USP and the CYP2D6 inhibitor [see Warnings and Precautions 5.8].
The coadministration with cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitors may also increase the risk with increased exposure to methamphetamine.
In these situations, consider an alternative nonserotonergic drug or an alternative drug that does not inhibit CYP2D6 [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
If concomitant use of methamphetamine with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate methamphetamine with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Tricyclic Antidepressants Clinical Impact: May enhance the activity of tricyclic or sympathomimetic agents causing sustained increases in the concentration of d-amphetamine in the brain; cardiovascular effects can be potentiated.
From the Bupropion (BUPROPION HCl ER (XL)) label · effective 2026-02-04
…medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., other bupropion products, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline, and systemic corticosteroids), metabolic disorders (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, severe hepatic impairment, and hypoxia), or use of illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine) or abuse or misuse of prescription drugs such as CNS stimulants.
Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can cause false-positive urine test results for amphetamines (7.7).
Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for amphetamines have been reported in patients taking bupropion.
Confirmatory tests such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, will distinguish bupropion from amphetamines.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.