Phenibut + Bupropion
Bupropion brand names: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, and others.
We found no known interaction between Phenibut and Bupropion in our sources. Absence of a documented interaction is not the same as proven safety, and does not guarantee one does not exist. Do not start, stop, or change a medication or supplement based on this page; confirm with your pharmacist or doctor first. Additionally, although there is no interaction, the two are separately associated with some of the same side effects, which would make a new symptom harder to attribute to one or the other.
Phenibut and Bupropion
We checked these two against our interaction database. Here is what we found.
No Known Interaction Found
We did not find a documented interaction between Bupropion and Phenibut in our sources. This does not guarantee that the combination is completely free of risk — there is often limited research on supplements and herbal products, especially around drug interactions.
If you decide to take both, the practical routine is simple: add one new thing at a time and note the date you started it. If the combination is going to disagree with you, it usually shows in the first days to a couple of weeks — and a start date turns “I’ve been feeling off” into something a pharmacist can actually work with. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before making changes to your medications or supplements, particularly if you take several medications or have an ongoing health condition.
Phenibut safety at a glance
Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Why No Interaction Is Listed for Bupropion
Interactions in our licensed database are recorded against drug classes, not just single drug names. Bupropion is filed under 6 classifications — including antidepressant drugs, cytochrome p450 2b6 (cyp2b6) substrates, cytochrome p450 2d6 (cyp2d6) inhibitors. Phenibut has documented interactions with 2 drug classes — the most serious being cns depressants (moderate) and pregabalin (lyrica) (moderate) — and none of Bupropion’s classifications are among them.
Classification data comes from our licensed Natural Medicines dataset. A medication can belong to classes beyond those recorded there, so this describes how the check was run — it is not a safety guarantee.
Phenibut Does Interact With Other Medications
Phenibut has 248 moderate known drug interactions in our database — Bupropion isn’t one of them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Phenibut
We haven’t checked that one against Phenibut yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Phenibut. Pick one to open its full report.
What Bupropion Is Prescribed For, and What Phenibut Has Been Studied For
These two come up together because they touch the same health topic — not because they do the same job. Bupropion is a prescription medicine with approved uses on its FDA label. Phenibut is a supplement: what follows is what researchers have looked at it for, and how strong that evidence is.
Bupropion is prescribed for: Bupropion is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) — a form of clinical depression. Extended-release formulations (XL and hydrobromide versions, including Aplenzin) are also approved for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the pattern of depression that tends to arrive in autumn and winter. Not all formulations share every indication. Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide extended-release) and bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are indicated for both MDD and SAD.
Read the rest of what Bupropion is prescribed for
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) and bupropion hydrochloride immediate-release tablets are indicated for MDD only.
Phenibut has been studied for:
-
Depression studied, not established Phenibut has been studied for this. Natural Medicines rates the evidence: Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Read what the research shows
Phenibut for depression
Although there has been interest in using oral phenibut for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phenibut for this purpose.
Effectiveness ratings and the research summaries above are the verbatim record from the Natural Medicines database, which grades evidence from “Effective” down to “Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate”. A rating below the top of that scale means researchers have looked at it — not that it works, and never that it can stand in for a prescribed medicine. Do not stop or replace Bupropion on your own; if you are taking Phenibut for the same health topic, tell your prescriber, especially if the medicine is being adjusted to a target.
Questions About Phenibut or Bupropion
These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Phenibut or Bupropion, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:
- How Far Apart Should You Take Wellbutrin XL and Tamoxifen? ›
- Do I Need to Space Out Wellbutrin XL and Eliquis? ›
- Interaction Concerns With Custom Vardenafil, Tadalafil, Citrulline Med ›
Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Bupropion
This page covers Phenibut only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Bupropion page lists 46 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Adrafinil (moderate), African Wild Potato (moderate), Artichoke (moderate) and Astaxanthin (moderate).
By severity: 1 major · 33 moderate · 12 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Bupropion page
“Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) deserves genuine care around supplements, and the entry to understand first is activated charcoal, the only major-rated interaction on this list. Charcoal and similar bulk products can soak up the drug in the gut and blunt its effect, so space them well apart from your dose.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Taking Phenibut as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 41 real supplement products containing Phenibut, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Phenibut. Even though Phenibut itself has no known interaction with Bupropion, another ingredient on your label might. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Phenibut and Bupropion 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.
#566 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#23 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.
Where does our data come from?
- Source: the Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) clinical database — the evidence-graded professional reference for herb & supplement interactions.
- Citation library: 103,510 references behind our interaction content, 65,311 of them resolved to verified PubMed/DOI sources. See every Phenibut reference on this page ↓
- Freshness: we automatically re-check this combination every week — this pair was last verified September 13, 2026. The Phenibut and Bupropion records this page draws on were last updated July 11, 2026.
- What “no known interaction” means: no documented interaction in the sources above — not a guarantee of safety. Supplements are studied far less than prescription drugs, so we say exactly what the evidence supports, and nothing more.
About Phenibut
What is Phenibut?
- Anxiety and stress
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Stress relief
- Mood and focus
- Reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms (unproven)
Phenibut is a synthetic, lab-made central nervous system depressant—not a natural herb—that some people use for anxiety and sleep, but it carries a serious risk of tolerance, dependence, and dangerous withdrawal. It is not an approved medication or dietary supplement in the United States, and we do not recommend its use. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about safer, proven options for anxiety or sleep.
Synthetic compound (not a plant part) · Powder, capsules, tablets
An interaction check asks whether these two react with each other — it does not ask whether Phenibut is a good idea for someone in your situation. Here is what our Phenibut record says about it on its own.
Phenibut: dosing
There is no established safe or standardized dose of phenibut for use as a supplement, and it is not approved as a medicine or supplement in the United States. Products sold online are unregulated, so the actual amount and purity can vary widely and be unpredictable.Because of the real risk of dependence, dangerous withdrawal, and overdose, we do not provide dosing guidance and do not recommend using phenibut. If you already use it regularly, do not stop suddenly—get medical help to taper safely.
From our Phenibut monograph — the full record covers uses, side effects and every documented interaction.
About Bupropion
What Is Bupropion Used For?
Brand names: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL
Bupropion is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) — a form of clinical depression. Extended-release formulations (XL and hydrobromide versions, including Aplenzin) are also approved for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the pattern of depression that tends to arrive in autumn and winter.
Not all formulations share every indication. Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide extended-release) and bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are indicated for both MDD and SAD. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) and bupropion hydrochloride immediate-release tablets are indicated for MDD only.
Most-Reported Side Effects for Bupropion
From FAERS, the FDA’s public side-effect reporting system (152,137 reports, all brands). Reports are voluntary and are not proof the drug caused the effect.
Other Drugs & Phenibut
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Phenibut — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
248 interactions
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Temazepam ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Diazepam ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Meprobamate ›
- Oxymorphone ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Topiramate ›
- Aripiprazole ›
- Cetirizine ›
- Clobazam ›
- Clonazepam ›
- Clorazepate ›
- Desipramine ›
- Doxepin ›
- Hydromorphone ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Metoclopramide ›
- Midazolam ›
- Phenobarbital ›
- Tramadol ›
- Valproic Acid ›
- Zolpidem ›
- Acetazolamide ›
- Alprazolam ›
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil ›
- Buprenorphine Hydrochloride ›
- Butabarbital Sodium ›
- Chlorpromazine ›
- Dexmedetomidine ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Hexobarbital ›
- Hydrocodone ›
- Hydrocodone Bitartrate ›
- Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) ›
- Loxapine ›
- Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) ›
- Meperidine ›
- Oxcarbazepine ›
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Tasimelteon ›
- Zaleplon ›
- Zonisamide ›
- Acepromazine ›
- Alfentanil ›
- Aminoglutethimide ›
- Amitriptyline ›
- Amobarbital ›
- Brexanolone ›
Showing 60 of 248 moderate interactions — see all 248 on the Phenibut page.
No interaction 2,581 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Phenibut against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Apixaban ›
- Levothyroxine ›
- Amlodipine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Warfarin ›
- Sertraline ›
- Testosterone ›
- Losartan Potassium ›
- Metoprolol ›
- Aspirin ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rivaroxaban ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Tadalafil ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Clopidogrel ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Atorvastatin ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Abemaciclib ›
- Methamphetamine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Warfarin Sodium ›
- Prednisone ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lisdexamfetamine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Fluoxetine ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Dextroamphetamine ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Quetiapine ›
- Omeprazole ›
- Amlodipine Besylate ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Duloxetine ›
- Letrozole ›
- Buspirone ›
- Citalopram ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Naproxen ›
- Bisoprolol ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Dapsone ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Cephalexin ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,581 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Phenibut list.
Phenibut References
The 23 references that drive our Phenibut monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Downes MA, Berling IL, Mostafa A, Grice J, Roberts MS, Isbister GK. Acute behavioural disturbance associated with phenibut purchased via an internet supplier. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2015;53(7):636-8. PubMed
- Samokhvalov AV, Paton-Gay CL, Balchand K, Rehm J. Phenibut dependence. BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 6;2013. Pii: bcr2012008381.
- O'Connell CW, Schneir AB, Hwang JQ, Cantrell FL. Phenibut, the appearance of another potentially dangerous product in the United States. Am J Med. 2014 Aug;127(8):e3-4. PubMed
- Brunner E, Levy R. Case report of physiologic phenibut dependence treated with a phenobarbital taper in a patient being treated with buprenorphine. J Addict Med. 2017 May/Jun;11(3):239-40. PubMed
- Sankary S, Canino P, Jackson J. Phenibut overdose. AM J Emerg Med. 2017 Mar;35(3):516.e1-516.e2.
- Owen DR, Wood DM, Archer JR, Dargan PI. Phenibut (4-amino-3-phenyl-butyric acid): Availability, prevalence of use, desired effects, and acute toxicity. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2016 Sep;35(5):591-6. PubMed
- Magsalin RM, Khan AY. Withdrawal symptoms after internet purchase of phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid HCl). J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2010 Oct;30(5):648-9.
- Rod W, Kudryk A, Brunetti L, Sun N, Nguyen M. Phenibut withdrawal management in the setting of concomitant kratom and alcohol dependence. Critical Care Med 2018;46(1):451.
- Li W, Madhira B. Phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid) psychosis. Am J Therapeut 2017;24(5):e639-640.
- Joshi Y, Friend S, Jimenez B, Steiger L. Dissociative intoxication and prolonged withdrawal associated with phenibut: a case report. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017;37(4):478-80. PubMed
- Zheng KH, Khan A, Espiridion ED. Phenibut addiction in a patient with substance use disorder. Cureus. 2019;11(7):e5230. PubMed
- Hardman MI, Sprung J, Weingarten TN. Acute phenibut withdrawal: A comprehensive literature review and illustrative case report. Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2019;19(2):125-129. PubMed
- Ahuja T, Mgbako O, Katzman C, Grossman A. Phenibut (β-Phenyl-γ-aminobutyric Acid) dependence and management of withdrawal: Emerging nootropics of abuse. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2018;2018:9864285.
- Isoardi KZ, Kulawickrama S, Isbister GK. Severe phenibut poisoning: An adolescent case cluster. J Paediatr Child Health. 2020;56(2):330-331. PubMed
- McCabe DJ, Bangh SA, Arens AM, Cole JB. Phenibut exposures and clinical effects reported to a regional poison center. Am J Emerg Med. 2019;37(11):2066-2071. PubMed
- Graves JM, Dilley J, Kubsad S, Liebelt E. Notes from the field: phenibut exposures reported to poison centers - United States, 2009-2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69(35):1227-8. PubMed
- Tamarelli C, Hosanagar A. Phenibut use in a patient prescribed gabapentinoids (letter). Pain Med 2020; Aug 4:pnaa205. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa205. PubMed
- Esposito CM, Mandolini GM, Delvecchio G, Fiorentini A, Brambilla P. Psychomotor agitation non-responsive to treatment: a case report of phenibut withdrawal syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2021;12:688147. PubMed
- Acosta E, Munguti C. Acute Psychosis Associated with Phenibut Ingestion. Kans J Med 2021;14:308-309. PubMed
- VanDreese B, Holland A, Murray A. Chronic Phenibut Use: Symptoms, Severe Withdrawal, and Recovery. WMJ 2022;121(1):E1-E4.
- Martin R, Buffenstein I, Cho D, Kiyokawa M. Toxidrome of an Easily Obtainable Nootropic: A Case Report of Phenibut Intoxication and Withdrawal Delirium. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2023. PubMed
- Morris M, Espinosa J, Lucerna A, Lahr R. A case of phenibut withdrawal and treatment with baclofen. World J Emerg Med 2023;14(4):338-340. PubMed
- DiFiore E, Pittman J. A Case of Phenibut Withdrawal Management and Detoxification Using Baclofen in the Outpatient Setting. Case Rep Psychiatry 2024;2024:8824770. PubMed
Medication overviews come from MedlinePlus (NIH); supplement label data from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Bupropion Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Bupropion as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Phenibut — 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 Bupropion 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 Phenibut and Bupropion Together: Common Questions
Is it safe to take Phenibut with Bupropion?
Do Phenibut and Bupropion have any of the same side effects?
Are Phenibut and Bupropion used for the same thing?
How was the Phenibut and Bupropion combination checked?
Does Phenibut interact with any other medications?
Does Bupropion interact with any supplements?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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Still Have a Question About Bupropion and Phenibut?
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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.