Wellbutrin, a prescription drug used in the treatment of depression and quitting smoking, can have adverse reactions when mixed with alcohol. While some people may be able to manage mild to moderate alcohol consumption, the safest approach is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin.
What Is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and as a smoking cessation aid. Bupropion regulates brain chemicals responsible for mood, energy, and motivation, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), including Wellbutrin, help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Aside from its FDA-approved uses, Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and weight loss.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is classified as an NDRI, which works to enhance energy and mood levels to combat symptoms of depression and fatigue. Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac, or Lexapro, Wellbutrin does not affect serotonin levels.
This can make it a preferred option for treating depression for those who experience weight gain or sexual side effects with traditional antidepressants.
Like all prescription medications, bupropion can cause side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or constipation
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Appetite loss
- Muscle pain
More severe side effects of Wellbutrin include severe allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts and actions, seizures, increased blood pressure, and mania.
Can I Drink Alcohol While On Wellbutrin?
Many prescription medications advise against drinking alcohol while taking it, as it can present adverse reactions and health risks. Mixing alcohol with Wellbutrin can lead to serious side effects and health risks, including worsened mental health, seizures, and liver complications.
Drinking alcohol while on Wellbutrin may lead to intensified side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Sleeping difficulties
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive urinating
While some may tolerate minimal alcohol consumption while on Wellbutrin, there is no “safe” amount of drinking. Even occasional alcohol use could still trigger mood instability, seizures, and blackouts. Speak with a medical professional about your personal medical history before drinking alcohol on Wellbutrin or any medication.
The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Wellbutrin (Polysubstance Use)
Polydrug use with alcohol and Wellbutrin is highly discouraged as it can have dangerous reactions and health complications. Alcohol, by itself, slows down brain function, producing its relaxing and euphoric effects.
When mixed, alcohol and bupropion can increase the risk of mental and physical health complications. Women and older adults are at a notably higher risk of experiencing the adverse effects of polysubstance use.
This form of polydrug or polysubstance use can be particularly harmful to individuals with existing physical and mental health conditions.
Increased Risk of Seizures
Wellbutrin is known to lower the seizure threshold alongside other antidepressants, antipsychotics, and systemic corticosteroids. This means that bupropion may facilitate seizures, especially when combined with alcohol. Seizures are a profound yet rare side effect of bupropion, yet more often found in individuals taking a high dose or pre-existing conditions causing seizures.
Excessive alcohol consumption while taking Wellbutrin can make someone more susceptible to experiencing seizures. Binge drinking and the alcohol withdrawal process can also increase the risk of seizures.
Worsened Mental Health Symptoms
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which can interfere with Wellbutrin’s antidepressant effects. Drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin can interact with bupropion and reduce its effectiveness, making depressive symptoms worse. Mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol can result in the following:
- Worsened depression
- Higher levels of anxiety
- Mood swings
- Increased irritability
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
For individuals taking Wellbutrin for depression, the mental health consequences are notably higher and dangerous. Bupropion has an FDA-issued warning for suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Wellbutrin can lead to the development or exacerbation of existing suicidal thoughts, ideation, and attempts. Alcohol can amplify feelings of depression, sadness, and loneliness, further contributing to suicidal ideation.
If you begin experiencing worsened depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts, seek medical care immediately.
Higher Risk of Blackouts and Poor Judgment
Bupropion is known to amplify the side effects of alcohol, including:
- Confusion and dizziness
- Slowed reaction time and impaired coordination
- Blackouts and memory loss
- Risky behaviors and poor decision-making
Alcohol’s heightened effects can lead to unpredictable cognitive impairments, increasing the likelihood of alcohol-related incidents, injuries, car accidents, and other dangerous situations.
Increased Risk of Overdose or Toxicity
Both alcohol and Wellbutrin are metabolized in the liver. Alcohol consumption can make it more challenging for the liver to process Wellbutrin, resulting in unpredictable drug levels in the body. These side effects may lead to:
- Reduced effectiveness of Wellbutrin
- Increased side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or tremors
- Irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure
- Heightened risk of overdose or toxicity
Drinking alcohol while taking bupropion can, in extreme cases, lead to life-threatening toxicity. Higher levels of Wellbutrin in the bloodstream, due to ineffective drug metabolism, increase the risk of overdose.
Higher Potential for Dependence and Addiction
Using more than one substance simultaneously creates unpredictable reactions in the body. Alcohol and bupropion alter the brain’s reward system, heightening the risk of dependence and addiction.
People who frequently mix alcohol and Wellbutrin may require a higher dose of Wellbutrin in an attempt to counteract alcohol’s effects. This can lead to the development of a co-occurring disorder, the coexistence of a mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD).
When someone who frequently uses Wellbutrin and alcohol stops using one of the substances, this may facilitate intense withdrawal symptoms like severe anxiety, tremors, headaches, insomnia, and seizures.
Alcohol Detox Program in Stuart, FL
Mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol is highly risky for your mental and physical health, potentially leading to seizures, suicidal thoughts, blackouts, and even overdose. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse while taking Wellbutrin, help is available.
Coastal Detox offers holistic addiction treatment and alcohol detox programs for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Contact us today for more information on our drug and alcohol detox in Stuart, FL.
References:
- StatPearls, 2024. Bupropion.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2024. Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs).
- WebMD, 2024. Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban, and others) – Uses, Side Effects, and More.
- Healthline, 2019. Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Wellbutrin?
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2003. Alcohol’s Effects on Health: Harmful Interactions.
- Medical News Today, 2024. What to know about combining bupropion and alcohol.