Drug Interaction Report

Bupropion and Desonide: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Bupropion and Desonide interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Bupropion

Aplenzin Aplenzin® Budeprion® SR Budeprion® XL Buproban® Forfivo Forfivo® XL Wellbutrin
+

Desonide

Desowen Desrx Lokara Tridesilon Verdeso
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 117 documented Bupropion interactions, 114 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Lowering of the seizure threshold

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant administration of buPROPion and agents that lower seizure threshold, such as systemic steroids, should be undertaken with caution. In addition to using small initial doses and gradual dose increases, follow the dosing regimen recommendation according to each product labeling as xaximum daily dose varies by product formulation and indication12345.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Common questions

Can I take Bupropion and Desonide together?

Lowering of the seizure threshold Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Bupropion and Desonide interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Bupropion or Desonide need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (5)

  1. Product Information: WELLBUTRIN(R) oral tablets, bupropion hcl oral tablets. GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2007. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: WELLBUTRIN XL(R) extended-release oral tablets, bupropion hcl extended-release oral tablets. GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2007. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: WELLBUTRIN SR(R) sustained-release oral tablets, bupropion hcl sustained-release oral tablets. GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2006.
  4. Product Information: bupropion hcl extended release oral tablets, bupropion hcl extended release oral tablets. Sandoz,Inc, Princeton, NJ, 2006.
  5. Product Information: ZYBAN(R) sustained-release oral tablets, bupropion hcl sustained-release oral tablets. GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2007.
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Bupropion

Keep reading about Bupropion

All Bupropion interactions (117) Bupropion drug information
Also serious with: Linezolid Injection Dopamine Nebivolol Acyclovir
Desonide

Keep reading about Desonide

All Desonide interactions (33) Desonide drug information
Also serious with: Mifepristone Desmopressin Desmopressin Nasal Upadacitinib
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Bupropion + Activated Charcoal Adrafinil African Wild Potato Artichoke Astaxanthin Beer Biofeedback Cannabidiol (cbd) + 38 more
Desonide + Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) Turpentine Oil Alchemilla

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.