Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a mental health prescription drug used to help treat issues like depression or seasonal affective disorder. Mixing alcohol and Wellbutrin can lead to a number of dangerous effects.
Combining Wellbutrin and alcohol causes symptoms like:
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- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Mood instability
- Overdose risk
- Liver stress
- Seizures
- & more
Read on to learn more about the risks and side effects of mixing wellbutrin and alcohol.
Can You Mix Wellbutrin and Alcohol?
Mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol is not recommended because of the life-threatening side effects. The interaction between the two can negatively impact the CNS and inflame the side effects of each substance. Wellbutrin and alcohol interaction may require immediate medical intervention, and it may also reduce the mood-stabilizing benefits of bupropion.
Both Wellbutrin and alcohol work on the CNS, but they do so in markedly different ways. Wellbutrin enhances the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, while alcohol acts as a CNS depressant, disrupting neurotransmitter levels and leading to confusion.
Alcohol can undermine the antidepressant effects of Wellbutrin, potentially worsening existing depression and even inducing symptoms of anxiety.
The combination of bupropion and alcohol can also severely affect motor skills and CNS functioning, leading to impaired coordination.
Beyond this, there is a significant risk that mixing alcohol with Wellbutrin could heighten feelings of depression. This can potentially lead to suicidal thoughts, as both substances affect mental health.
Can You Use Wellbutrin to Quit Drinking?
Bupropion is also marketed under the brand name Zyban, which is commonly prescribed to help people quit smoking. This medication targets depressive symptoms and can be used regardless of whether or not a person has depression. Zyban works by reducing tobacco cravings and alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms, although it does not contain nicotine itself.
Wellbutrin may mitigate the cravings associated with alcohol withdrawal in a similar way. By affecting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, it might help stabilize mood and reduce the urge to drink.
Unlike some medications used in the treatment of alcohol dependence, Wellbutrin is not addictive. This makes it a safer option for individuals at risk of substance abuse. Using Wellbutrin to quit drinking is considered off-label use, though, meaning that it’s not FDA-approved for this specific purpose.
Like all medications, Wellbutrin is most effective when combined with other forms of treatment, including therapy and support groups. This comprehensive approach addresses the psychological and social aspects of alcohol dependence.
Get Treatment for Alcohol & Drug Addiction at Renaissance Recovery
If you need help addressing Wellbutrin and alcohol addiction, reach out to Renaissance Recovery today.
Our customized treatment plans will help you or your loved one overcome both prescription drug abuse and alcohol addiction simultaneously, with tailored programming designed specifically for your unique needs.
We offer comprehensive levels of treatment through our detox partners and outpatient programming, ensuring that you can connect easily with treatment at an appropriate level of care.
Our premier treatment programs include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Motivational therapy
- Psychotherapy
- One-to-one counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic treatments
- Aftercare planning
Address issues of alcohol and prescription drug addiction at Renaissance by calling 866.330.9449.
