Bupropion and Ritonavir interaction
Bupropion and Ritonavir: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.
Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.
What the FDA labels say
From the Bupropion (BUPROPION HCl ER (XL)) label · effective 2026-02-04
CYP2B6 Inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical exposure, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose (7.1).
Inducers of CYP2B6 Ritonavir, Lopinavir, and Efavirenz: Concomitant treatment with these drugs can decrease bupropion and hydroxybupropion exposure.
From the Ritonavir (Norvir) label · effective 2026-07-23
Antidepressants: nefazodone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, tricyclics: e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline ↑ antidepressants A dose decrease may be needed for these drugs when co-administered with ritonavir.
Antidepressant: bupropion ↓ bupropion ↓ active metabolite, hydroxybupropion Patients receiving ritonavir and bupropion concurrently should be monitored for an adequate clinical response to bupropion.
Antidepressant: desipramine ↑ desipramine Dosage reduction and concentration monitoring of desipramine is recommended.
Antidepressant: trazodone ↑ trazodone Adverse events of nausea, dizziness, hypotension and syncope have been observed following co-administration of trazodone and NORVIR.
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.