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7 Interactions found for:

clonazepam and Wellbutrin XL
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 3 Moderate
  • 0 Minor
  • clonazepam
  • Wellbutrin XL

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Wellbutrin Xl + Clonazepam

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

MONITOR: Excessive use or abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines and other sedatives after chronic ingestion may precipitate seizures in patients receiving bupropion. Conversely, bupropion may antagonize the central pharmacologic effects of sedatives. Bupropion can cause agitation, anxiety, and insomnia and has been shown to decrease the sedative effect of diazepam in healthy volunteers given single doses of the drugs.

MANAGEMENT: Although sedatives may be prescribed to treat agitation, anxiety, and insomnia associated with bupropion use, patients should be alerted to the possibility of an increased risk of seizures during excessive exposure to these drugs. Patients should not attempt to alter the dosages or discontinue the medications on their own without consulting with their physician. The use of bupropion is contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of sedatives.

References

  1. Hamilton MJ, Bush M, Smith P, Peck AW "The effects of bupropion, a new antidepressant drug, and diazepam, and their interaction in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol 14 (1982): 791-7
  2. James WA, Lippmann S "Bupropion: overview and prescribing guidelines in depression." South Med J 84 (1991): 222-4
  3. "Product Information. Wellbutrin (bupropion)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2001):
  4. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc. (1990):

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
Clonazepam + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Clonazepam

GENERALLY AVOID: Acute ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.

References

  1. MacLeod SM, Giles HG, Patzalek G, Thiessen JJ, Sellers EM "Diazepam actions and plasma concentrations following ethanol ingestion." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 11 (1977): 345-9
  2. Whiting B, Lawrence JR, Skellern GG, Meier J "Effect of acute alcohol intoxication on the metabolism and plasma kinetics of chlordiazepoxide." Br J Clin Pharmacol 7 (1979): 95-100
  3. Divoll M, Greenblatt DJ, Lacasse Y, Shader RI "Benzodiazepine overdosage: plasma concentrations and clinical outcome." Psychopharmacology (Berl) 73 (1981): 381-3
  4. Juhl RP, Van Thiel DH, Dittert LW, Smith RB "Alprazolam pharmacokinetics in alcoholic liver disease." J Clin Pharmacol 24 (1984): 113-9
  5. Ochs HR, Greenblatt DJ, Arendt RM, Hubbel W, Shader RI "Pharmacokinetic noninteraction of triazolam and ethanol." J Clin Psychopharmacol 4 (1984): 106-7
  6. Staak M, Raff G, Nusser W "Pharmacopsychological investigations concerning the combined effects of dipotassium clorazepate and ethanol." Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm 17 (1979): 205-12
  7. Nichols JM, Martin F, Kirkby KC "A comparison of the effect of lorazepam on memory in heavy and low social drinkers." Psychopharmacology (Berl) 112 (1993): 475-82

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: Clonazepam

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk.

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

Risk summary: There are inconclusive data available on use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Comments:
-The child born to a mother taking benzodiazepines may be at risk for withdrawal symptoms.
-Supplementation with folic acid is recommended before conception and during pregnancy.
-Pregnancy itself, and discontinuation of treatment, may result in exacerbation of epilepsy.
-The patient should be warned of the potential risks to the fetus prior to initiation; patients who become pregnant should continue treatment, and monotherapy should be used at the lowest effective dose (if possible).

Animal studies have revealed evidence of decreased number of pregnancies, lower number of surviving offspring until weaning, malformations, decreased maternal weight gain, and reduced fetal growth. There have been reports of neonatal flaccidity, respiratory and feeding difficulties, irregular heart rate, and hypothermia in children born to mothers who have been taking benzodiazepines late in pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcome of pregnant women exposed to antiepileptic drugs, the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/

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. Klonopin (clonazepam)." Roche Laboratories PROD (2001):
  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: Clonazepam

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
-Some experts recommend: This drug should be used only if clearly needed.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Sedation, weight loss, and feeding difficulties have occurred in nursing infants.
-The WHO considers this drug compatible with breastfeeding when given at normal doses.
-Monitoring for drowsiness, weight gain, and developmental milestones should be considered in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and/or those exposed to combinations of psychotropic drugs.
-Some experts state that this drug may be an acceptable choice for refractory restless leg syndrome during lactation.

References

  1. "Product Information. Klonopin (clonazepam)." Roche Laboratories PROD (2001):
  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. Department of Adolescent and Child Health and Development. UNICEF. World Health Organization "Breastfeeding and maternal medication: recommendations for drugs in the eleventh Who model list of essential drugs. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/55732.pdf?ua=1" (2014):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

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Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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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.

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