Medical Encyclopedia

Many people combine two types of antidepressants: Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), such as the antidepressants Parnate and Nardil, though they are not the same.

You should not combine these types, as MAOIs stay in its own category of medications, due to their unique effects on the brains. It is sometimes put in a group called "next generation antidepressants". MAOIs prevent monoamine oxidase from breaking down the monoamines. This results in an increased amount of active monoamines in the brain.

By increasing the amount of monoamines in the brain, the imbalance of chemicals, thought to be important in causing depression, is altered. This helps relieve the symptoms of depression.

They are particularly effective in treating atypical depression, and have also shown efficacy in smoking cessation. You may experience an effect on your mood within two weeks, however, the full benefits of treatment with MAOIs may not occur for a further two to four weeks. It is important to keep taking the medicine even if you think it is not working at first.

Due to potentially lethal dietary and drug interactions, MAOIs had been reserved as a last line of defense, used only when other classes of antidepressant drugs (for example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants) have failed. Besides, they are used less frequently because they often interact with certain foods and require strict dietary restrictions. MAOIs can also result in severe adverse reactions if taken with many other medicines, including some over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. Wellbutrin is not an exception.

If you take Wellbutrin and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors at the same time, it may cause certain side effects. The reactions often do not appear for several hours. Signs may include severe high blood pressure, headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, possible confusion, psychotic symptoms, seizures, stroke, and coma.

Thus, taking Wellbutrin with other antidepressants may affect the level of Wellbutrin and the other antidepressants in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. Besides, taking Wellbutrin with other antidepressants may increase your risk of seizures. In some cases it is possible to take Wellbutrin and Monoamize Oxidase, but it should be taken only in the amount prescribed.
 
So, it is of primary importance to talk with your healthcare provider before combining Wellbutrin with other antidepressant medications as it may lead to serious health problems.