Wellbutrin and alcohol don’t mix well. It’s best to avoid drinking or to limit how much you drink while taking this medication. Bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin, can heighten alcohol’s effects and increase the risk of side effects.
The effects of alcohol on coordination, reflexes, and attention can be significant, depending on how much is consumed. Drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants may also lessen the medication’s effectiveness, which can interfere with treatment progress. When combined with bupropion, alcohol’s depressant effects on the central nervous system may intensify, increasing the risk of drowsiness or seizures.
People who drink regularly and have developed alcohol dependence should not stop drinking suddenly while taking bupropion, as abrupt withdrawal can cause alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms of withdrawal may include nausea, tremors, restlessness, headaches, and insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures. It’s safer to reduce alcohol intake gradually under medical supervision.
Anyone taking bupropion or another antidepressant should talk with their healthcare provider for guidance on possible interactions between Wellbutrin and alcohol.