Can You Take Wellbutrin with Levothyroxine?
Yes, you can take bupropion (Wellbutrin) together with levothyroxine—there are no direct contraindications or dangerous interactions between these medications. The FDA drug label for Wellbutrin does not list levothyroxine as a contraindicated or cautionary medication 1.
Key Considerations
No Direct Drug Interaction
The evidence shows these medications can be safely combined:
- Bupropion's mechanism (dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) does not interfere with levothyroxine absorption or thyroid hormone metabolism 2
- Research demonstrates bupropion has been successfully combined with levothyroxine in bipolar patients without adverse effects 3
- A recent comprehensive review of commonly prescribed medications and their effects on sleep found no significant interaction concerns between bupropion and levothyroxine 4
Timing and Administration
Take levothyroxine on an empty stomach in the morning, at least 30-60 minutes before other medications. This is standard practice for levothyroxine regardless of what other medications you're taking 5.
Wellbutrin XL should be taken in the morning and may be taken with or without food 1. You can take it after your levothyroxine absorption window has passed.
Important Monitoring Points
While these medications can be taken together, be aware of:
- Levothyroxine absorption can be affected by many medications (calcium, iron, proton pump inhibitors), but bupropion is not among them 5
- Monitor TSH levels 6-8 weeks after starting any new medication when on levothyroxine to ensure thyroid levels remain stable 5
- Watch for mood changes as both medications can affect mood—bupropion is an antidepressant while thyroid dysfunction itself affects mood 1
Clinical Context
A large database study found that 24.4% of levothyroxine users take concomitant medications, with the problematic ones being primarily proton pump inhibitors, calcium, and iron supplements—not psychiatric medications like bupropion 6.
The combination is safe and commonly used in clinical practice. Simply maintain proper timing for levothyroxine administration and continue routine thyroid function monitoring.