bupropion vs tamoxifen
Side-by-side comparison of bupropion and tamoxifen. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Drugs that require metabolic activation by CYP2D6 to be effective (e.g., tamoxifen), theoretically could have reduced efficacy when administered concomitantly with inhibitors of CYP2D6 such as bupropion.
Recommendation: Your doctor may suggest a different medication that does not interfere with how tamoxifen works.
Bupropion is a medicine used to treat depression and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It can help improve your mood and energy levels.
Tamoxifen (Soltamox) is a medicine that can treat breast cancer. It can also lower the chance of getting breast cancer in some people.
Bupropion is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), which can cause you to feel sad, lose interest in activities, and have trouble sleeping or eating. It is also used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter.
This medicine is used to treat breast cancer that has spread in adults. It can also be used after surgery to help prevent breast cancer from returning in adults. Tamoxifen can also lower the risk of invasive breast cancer after breast surgery and radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Finally, it can lower the chance of getting breast cancer in women who are at high risk.
Bupropion works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. It helps to increase the levels of these chemicals, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Tamoxifen belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It works by blocking the effects of estrogen in breast tissue. This can help to stop the growth of breast cancer cells.
- • Dry mouth
- • Nausea
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Dizziness
- • Sore throat
- • Hot flashes
- • Mood changes
- • Vaginal discharge
- • Vaginal bleeding
- • Nausea
- Suicide 4,408
- Poisoning 3,113
- Tiredness 2,665
- Feeling sick to your stomach 2,309
- Headache 2,218
- Tiredness 391
- Feeling sick to your stomach 337
- Loose stools 274
- Joint pain 271
- Cancer getting worse 249
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teenagers, and young adults. Watch closely for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in mood or behavior.
Tamoxifen can cause serious and life-threatening problems, including cancer of the uterus, stroke, and blood clots in the lungs. Some cases have been fatal. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking tamoxifen, especially if you are at high risk for breast cancer or have DCIS. For most people already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is important to consider the risks of untreated depression during pregnancy. There is a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. You can register by calling 1-844-405-6185.
Tamoxifen can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will perform a pregnancy test before you start taking tamoxifen. Use effective birth control while taking tamoxifen and for several months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
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How to Read This bupropion vs tamoxifen Comparison
bupropion is classified in the Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI) drug class, while tamoxifen sits within the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, bupropion has 14,713 submissions while tamoxifen has 1,522. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to bupropion prevents tamoxifen from being changed into its active form, which could make the tamoxifen less effective at treating cancer.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between bupropion and tamoxifen - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.