Alcohol and Wellbutrin: A Dangerous Combination

Alcohol and Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant and physicians prescribe it to treat symptoms of major depression. Most antidepressants do not mix well with alcohol, particularly in large quantities. Wellbutrin is different from most antidepressants. Therefore, alcohol and Wellbutrin can interact differently than other antidepressants and alcohol.

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (generic name – bupropion) is an antidepressant. Physicians prescribe this drug to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). This drug is also known to help individuals stop smoking. Wellbutrin comes in extended-release tablets, immediate-release tablets, and sustained-release tablets that are taken orally.

Wellbutrin XL is the brand name for bupropion extended-release tablets, whereas Wellbutrin SR is the brand name for bupropion sustained-release tablets. There are differences in these two forms of Wellbutrin, although there are many similarities between the two.

Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are both medications to treat symptoms of depression. Both drugs include the ingredient bupropion hydrochloride. Wellbutrin SR and XL are part of a class of drugs called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). They are also referred to as aminoketone antidepressants.

The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved Wellbutrin SR in 1996 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is usually taken in 150mg doses twice a day. The FDA approved Wellbutrin XL in 2003 for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Unlike immediate-release and sustained-release tablets, Wellbutrin XL releases the substance over a longer period of time. Therefore, this tablet is only taken once per day.

What are the Side Effects of Wellbutrin?

As with any other prescription drug, the side effects of Wellbutrin can be different for different people. Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:

Headache
Dry mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Stuffy nose
Rash
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Vision problems
Rapid heartbeat
Hearing problems
Dizziness
Sweating
Confusion

Most of these side effects will subside as your system adjusts to having this drug in the body. If they don’t, you might want to discuss this with your physician.

Some of the more serious side effects of Wellbutrin might include:

Seizures
Eye pain or swelling
Tunnel vision
Blurred vision
Seeing halos around lights
Unusual changes in behavior or mood
Racing thoughts
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Feeling either irritable or extremely happy
Reckless behavior
Increased energy
Extreme problems with sleep

Some teens and young adults experience suicidal thoughts when taking this drug. If you have had this experience, get in touch with your physician immediately.

Do People Abuse Wellbutrin?

Just as with most prescription medications, while it is very beneficial for the purposes intended, some people do abuse Wellbutrin (bupropion) for its stimulant properties. They might snort or inject the substance giving it the same results as cocaine. If you discontinue Wellbutrin too quickly, whether you are taking it legally or illegally, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.

The withdrawal symptoms from Wellbutrin are usually not life-threatening. However, they can become very unpleasant and painful.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:

Excessive sweating
Tremors
Headaches
Anxiety and depression
Hostility and aggression
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach cramps
Flu-like symptoms (fever, aches, pains, & sweats)
Insomnia
Dizziness
Suicidal thoughts or actions

Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. These symptoms depend mainly on how much of the drug and for how long you have been using the drug.

When discontinuing Wellbutrin (whether taking it legally or illegally) it is best to taper off slowly reducing the dosage of the drug. If you stop this drug and then return to using it, there are chances for a possible overdose. You might experience seizures and/or death if you take too high of a dose.

Combining Alcohol and Wellbutrin

Physicians do not recommend using alcohol and Wellbutrin together. Just as with any other prescription medication, alcohol can cause adverse and even dangerous effects. Both alcohol and Wellbutrin suppress the nervous system.

Some of the side effects of combining alcohol and Wellbutrin can include:

Increased depression
Elevated effects of alcohol
Increased Wellbutrin side effects
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Risk of seizures
Higher chances of overdose

These effects can be dangerous and even become deadly in some cases. Before you combine alcohol and Wellbutrin, talk to your physician about your alcohol use and how this might affect your health and well-being. Do not take it upon yourself to stop using alcohol while you are taking Wellbutrin. Doing so could cause you to experience seizures which can be very dangerous.

Seek Professional Help if You are Abusing Alcohol and Wellbutrin

If you are abusing alcohol and Wellbutrin, seek help from a reputable, licensed addiction treatment facility. Contact A Forever Recovery to learn about the many different treatment programs that we offer. We can design a program that will fit your individual needs and preferences.

Resources:

mayoclinic.org – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
mayoclinic.org – Depression (major depressive disorder)
fda.gov – What We Do