Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Wellbutrin is a brand name for the prescription medication bupropion. It treats depression and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Sometimes, doctors prescribe it to treat bipolar disorder or a related mental health condition. Under the brand Zyban, bupropion helps with smoking cessation (nicotine replacement).
You’ll receive guidelines from your doctor if you are prescribed Wellbutrin for depression or smoking cessation. Before taking Wellbutrin, seek medical advice if you have high blood pressure, have had a heart attack, or have a history of other medical conditions.
It’s not safe to drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Drinking and using Wellbutrin increases your risk of seizures and addiction.
Wellbutrin and alcohol interact chemically. This interaction increases the impact of both substances on the body.
Medical experts consider Wellbutrin safe when used as directed and not mixed with alcohol, other medications, or drugs not approved by your doctor.
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Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant. It is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), unlike many other antidepressants, which are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by balancing the brain’s neurotransmitters and improves self-confidence and mood.
However, Wellbutrin use also comes with the risk of developing mild to severe side effects.
Common side effects may include:
Serious side effects may include:
Contact medical care immediately if you experience the following:
Combining Wellbutrin and alcohol increases the risk and severity of the side effects of bupropion. Despite some people drinking alcohol when using Wellbutrin without any adverse reaction, combining these two substances is dangerous.
The combination of Wellbutrin and alcohol also leads to long-term problems, including:
Epileptic seizures are another risk associated with taking Wellbutrin. This risk increases if you combine the drug and alcohol.
Other common side effects of Wellbutrin and alcohol use include:
People with an eating disorder, primarily anorexia or bulimia, should not use Wellbutrin. Some people using the drug find that symptoms associated with their eating disorders are worse when taking it. These include:
The symptoms listed above indicate cardiovascular stress, a concern for people with eating disorders. Using Wellbutrin when you have an eating disorder can exacerbate these symptoms and put you at risk for serious health complications.
Wellbutrin (bupropion or bupropion hydrochloride) does not treat alcohol addiction. Wellbutrin users are advised not to consume alcohol while taking the drug.
Mixing Wellbutrin with alcohol increase the risk of alcohol poisoning. Taking Wellbutrin while drinking lowers your alcohol tolerance and causes you to become severely intoxicated, even after drinking small amounts of alcohol. If you keep drinking more alcohol, death can occur.
The combination also impairs your judgment, so you might not be as careful when using these two substances. All of these factors put you at risk of accidentally overdosing.
Unfortunately, Wellbutrin and alcohol are among the most commonly used dangerous drug combinations. Addiction and rehabilitation treatment is available for those who have developed an alcohol addiction, including those who take Wellbutrin.
If you believe you have developed an addiction to alcohol while using Wellbutrin or any drugs of related brand names, speak to your healthcare provider about treatment.
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can cause feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It also causes drowsiness and may slow your reaction time.
It's recommended not to drink alcohol when you're depressed. But if you decide to drink, try limiting yourself to one or two daily drinks. This will help keep your mood stable. If drinking makes you more unhappy, cut back gradually until you no longer crave alcohol.
Talk to your doctor about getting help if you're having problems with depression. They will work with you to find ways to manage your symptoms.
There are many treatment options available for alcohol abuse and addiction, including:
Inpatient treatment takes place at a licensed residential treatment center.
These programs provide 24/7 comprehensive, structured care. You'll live in safe, substance-free housing and have access to professional medical monitoring.
The first step of an inpatient program is detoxification. Then behavioral therapy and other services are introduced.
These programs typically last a couple of weeks but can last as long as 30, 60, or 90 days, sometimes longer. Most programs help set up your aftercare once you complete the inpatient portion of your treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are sometimes referred to as intensive outpatient programs (IOP).
Compared to inpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs provide similar services. However, in a PHP program, you return home to sleep. These services include:
Some services provide food and transportation, but these vary by program. PHPs accept newly recovering people and people who have already completed an inpatient program but still need intensive treatment.
Outpatient treatment is less intensive than inpatient programs or PHPs. It is often part of aftercare treatment after completing either of the first two programs.
Outpatient programs organize your treatment session based on your schedule. Its goal is to provide therapy, education, and support in a flexible environment. They are best for people motivated to recover and cannot leave their responsibilities at home, work, or school.
Sometimes, medications may be used in alcohol addiction treatment. They can help reduce the adverse side effects of detoxification and withdrawal. Others can help you reduce cravings and normalize body functions.
When combined with other evidence-based therapies (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), MAT can help prevent relapse and increase your chance of recovery.
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are open to anyone with a substance abuse problem.
They are peer-led organizations dedicated to helping each other remain sober. They can be the first step towards recovery or part of a long-term aftercare plan.
Mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol is dangerous because it increases the side effects of either substance. If you're taking prescription medication, talk to your doctor about combining them to ensure safety. Various professional treatments are also available for those suffering from alcohol addiction.
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