Fo-ti + Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan brand name: Auvelity.
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan falls into 3 drug categories that Fo-ti can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full interaction reportFo-ti and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 3 Interactions?
Fo-ti interacts with whole categories of medication. Buproprion, Dextromethorphan falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Fo-ti in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES
1 of 3Why this applies to Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Fo-ti interacts with.
Animal research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2D6. Additionally, an in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2D6 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Auvelity is a combo of bupropion and dextromethorphan, and it's a clever pairing. The bupropion is actually there to block an enzyme called CYP2D6, which slows how fast your body clears the dextromethorphan so it can build up to a working level. So this medicine is already designed around CYP2D6.
Lab and animal studies hint that Fo-ti might also block CYP2D6, especially the raw root. In theory, adding that on top could push dextromethorphan levels a bit higher, which may mean more dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or a foggy feeling. Honestly, though, this hasn't been seen in real people and the evidence is weak. Since Fo-ti also carries some liver-injury reports, I'd just run it by your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
- Zhang Y, Ding T, Diao T, Deng M, Chen S. Effects of Polygonum multiflorum on the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms in rats. Pharmazie 2015;70(1):47-54. DOI
- Xing Y, Yu Q, Zhou L, et al. Cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interaction (HDI) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. based on pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro inhibition assays. Phytomedicine 2023;112:154710. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
2 of 3Buproprion, Dextromethorphan also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP3A4. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP3A4 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this evidence conflicts with animal research suggesting that fo-ti does not inhibit CYP3A4. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Auvelity combines dextromethorphan with bupropion. The bupropion part is actually there on purpose to slow the breakdown of dextromethorphan, which boosts its antidepressant effect. The interaction we have on file is different: some lab studies hint that Fo-ti might block the CYP3A4 enzyme, which plays a role in clearing both of these medicines.
In theory, if Fo-ti slowed that enzyme, levels of the drug could creep up, possibly meaning more dizziness, nausea, headache, jitteriness, or trouble sleeping. But honestly, this is weak, test-tube level evidence that even conflicts with animal studies, and it has never been reported in people. I wouldn't lose sleep over it, but since Fo-ti has been tied to liver concerns, please run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
- Zhang Y, Ding T, Diao T, Deng M, Chen S. Effects of Polygonum multiflorum on the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms in rats. Pharmazie 2015;70(1):47-54. DOI
- Xing Y, Yu Q, Zhou L, et al. Cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interaction (HDI) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. based on pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro inhibition assays. Phytomedicine 2023;112:154710. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) SUBSTRATES
3 of 3Buproprion, Dextromethorphan also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) SUBSTRATES.
Animal research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2B6. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2B6 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
Here's the gist with Auvelity (that's the bupropion plus dextromethorphan combo). The bupropion piece is cleared by a liver enzyme called CYP2B6. In lab and animal studies, fo-ti appears to slow that enzyme down, and the raw root seems to do this more than heavily processed extracts. If that held true in people, bupropion could build up a bit more than expected.
Important caveat: this has only been seen in test tubes and animals, never confirmed in humans, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Still, since higher bupropion levels can mean more jitteriness, insomnia, a faster heartbeat, or at the extreme a lower seizure threshold, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or prescriber before pairing the two.
- Zhang Y, Ding T, Diao T, Deng M, Chen S. Effects of Polygonum multiflorum on the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms in rats. Pharmazie 2015;70(1):47-54. DOI
- Xing Y, Yu Q, Zhou L, et al. Cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interaction (HDI) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. based on pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro inhibition assays. Phytomedicine 2023;112:154710. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Fo-ti Also Interacts With Other Medications
Fo-ti has 1,256 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Buproprion, Dextromethorphan one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Fo-ti
We haven’t checked that one against Fo-ti yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Fo-ti. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Buproprion, Dextromethorphan
This page covers Fo-ti only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Buproprion, Dextromethorphan page lists 178 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Grapefruit (major), Lithium (major), St. John's Wort (major) and 1,3-dmaa (moderate).
By severity: 4 major · 134 moderate · 40 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Buproprion, Dextromethorphan page
“Auvelity pairs dextromethorphan with bupropion to treat depression, and its interaction list is one to approach carefully, with 178 supplements on file and four of them rated major. St.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Taking Fo-ti as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 976 real supplement products containing Fo-ti, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Fo-ti. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Buproprion, Dextromethorphan too, on top of Fo-ti — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Fo-ti and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#211 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#1,907 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Fo-ti
What is Fo-ti?
- Anti-aging and longevity
- Hair graying and hair loss
- General tonic for vitality
- Constipation
- High cholesterol
Fo-ti (He Shou Wu) is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, often promoted for healthy aging and hair. High-quality human evidence for these benefits is limited, and processed Fo-ti has been linked to reports of liver injury, so caution and professional guidance are important.
About Dextromethorphan and Bupropion
What Is Dextromethorphan and Bupropion Used For?
Brand name: Auvelity
Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is also approved to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in adults.
For Alzheimer's-related agitation, Auvelity is not meant to be taken only when agitation flares up — it is a scheduled, ongoing treatment, not an as-needed medication.
Other Drugs & Fo-ti
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Fo-ti — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,256 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Insulin (rdna) ›
- Naproxen ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Tetracycline ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Fenofibrate ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Insulin (pork) ›
- Methyltestosterone ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Bupropion ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Orphenadrine ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Allopurinol ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Insulin (human) ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Trimipramine ›
Showing 60 of 1,256 moderate interactions — see all 1,256 on the Fo-ti page.
No interaction 1,573 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Fo-ti against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Procainamide ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Tocainide ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Telmisartan ›
- Succimer ›
- Mitomycin C ›
- Lorazepam ›
- Chenodiol ›
- Desflurane ›
- Digitoxin ›
- Cabergoline ›
- Metronidazole ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,573 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Fo-ti list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Buproprion, Dextromethorphan Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Buproprion, Dextromethorphan as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Fo-ti — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Buproprion, Dextromethorphan nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Fo-ti and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan Together: Common Questions
Can you take Fo-ti with Buproprion, Dextromethorphan?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Fo-ti and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan?
How serious is the Fo-ti and Buproprion, Dextromethorphan interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Buproprion, Dextromethorphan and Fo-ti?
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.