I just started 150 ml Bupropion 2 days ago. My doctor recommended it for depression and anxiety. While I do struggle with both as my work and home life are very hectic, I have never taken anything for it. Situations changed and I decided to give it a try to see if it improves my symptoms. However, I am concerned to read the comments about drinking. I do drink wine, everyday. 3-4 glasses and don't plan to stop. But, I see that others say it has made them very sick to drink while on this medication. I certainly don't want seizure side effects. It also says not to quit drinking while on this medication. Confusing. I have noticed though in just two days that smoking tastes terrible and for that I am happy as I do want to quit. Today I'm noticing a strange, sort of off balance (in my head) feeling that I don't like. I am very sensitive to any sort of medication. I want to give this medication a chance but am worried and don't want to wait to stop in a few weeks when my body is dependant and I have to ween myself. But I also don't want to freak my family out by having a seizure after having a glass or two of wine. Any experience with this?
Wellbutrin and drinking?
Question posted by lgoldbeck on 22 March 2013
Last updated on 13 May 2022
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
69 Answers Page 4
I am not a person of judgment as, I have very recently been honored with a life-changing decision of my ministerial status and, must say that I have been on this exact med for almost four years.
I smoked 31 yrs and September will be two years I have not lit up a cigarette. I also love the drink as, being raised in church with people who once questioned(not doubted) my abilities are now looking to me for guidance I love and respect them but I am a walking time-bomb. Alcohol in any form can and will eventually cause intestinal problems, which, by suppressing our own immune system, We become weakened and you are looking at one of 3 outcomes:
1.) You realize that you are trying to justify the real reason as to why you feel the need TO drink alcohol. I LOVE Apothic Dark, Dreaming tree, 50 Shades, etc... but, you MUST face that which makes you WANT to be in any mind-altering state to begin with. "Know Thyself"; the mix of this drug with alcohol effects me by altering my judgment. NOT a good combination
2.) can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, short-term Pseudo-gout and\or Gout itself.
3.) your immune system is dependent upon your intestinal tract by more than 70% so, any re-occurring health problems can become more permanent if you take this choice too lightly.
Modesty is key. Experience is having suffered thru it and paying the price. Knowledge is heeding words of those who have the experience at a price.
Hope this helps.
I just started it 2 months ago. Wellbutrin and prozac combo. My wellbutrin had recently been increased to 100 MG twice a day. I was having a rough day but was in no way suicidal. I walked into a restaurant ordered salad and a glass of wine. The rest is a blur... I blacked out with just a few flashes of memory. I ended up having 5 glasses of wine and took about 60 wellbutrin pills in the restaurant. I do not remember making that decision. Luckily my friend came to save me and took me to ER. That earned me 6 days in patient at a mental health hospital. It all started with one glass of wine. I cannot ever have a drop of alcohol while on this medication. I warn everyone not to take the risk.
I have been taking it for the last 3 years. I would drink 1 beer every night. However I am wondering if drinking everyday inhibits how the medication should work. 1 beer doesn't seem like much, but it could have that effect. I have never had seizures though. My counselor said 1 beer a day is ok, but I think I could possibly be more sensitive to it than I thought. I am experimenting with not drinking for a week or so.
I was just prescribed wellbutrin only 150 mg once in the morning. And have been taking adderall for the past year 20 mg twice day once in morning once around lunch. My doctor told me that 1-2 beers maybe 3 times a week is reasonable but don't go binge drinking. I don't know if anybody else takes with adderall with this?
Yes. Adderall can be taken with Wellbutrin. As far as the alcohol is concerned, you may be using it to counter-act the effects of the instant release adderall you are taking. This may seem odd but is not uncommon. The fact remains that drinking alcohol with wellbutrin can cause a disturbing effect on your ability to make sound decisions. I would say that if you are comfortable in drinking casually, realize that there could be side-effects that can show up suddenly. Use caution when taking ANY medication(s) and alcohol in-take. If you notice ANY subtle changes in your behavior or thought process(i.e. having suicidal thoughts, thoughts of rage, etc... ) then I would recommend you re-evaluate your alcohol intake to see if that is what is causing short term anxiety(panic attacks).
Hope this helps.
I took Wellbutrin as one of my first drugs for depression. I had horrible hallucinations and I don't drink regularly. Since alcohol is a depressant, you definitely do not want to mix antidepressants with alcohol. When I do drink, I drink at night and since I take my antidepressants in the morning, I don't have problems.
You're lucky. You have that morning dose in your body for 24 hrs.
Since I see alcohol as something totally unecessary and perhaps dangerous, having watched people die of end stage cirrhosis, I will always tell you don't drink with medication. Your liver has to filter the medications it doesn't need to have alcohol in there too.
Allright, I'm pretty lost where it comes to giving a personal reply, of one's own pondering.
So, I drink 4 (extra strong) beers every night, exactly that amount every night.
Formidable buzz.
I started Wellbutrin for depression about 2½ weeks ago.
Paradoxically(?), is it safe to cut down to 3 (for a certain reason) instead of 4 extra strong beers per night -- without getting the much talked about seizure?
Scared as h*ll really. I know I can cut down to 3, but am scared of the seizure.
Full effect of Wellbutrin usually takes place ''6-8'' weeks. When should I cut down?
I just want to add something to the conversation regarding people who were told they cannot drink alcohol while taking this medication. I'm quoting this from my Shoppers Drug Mart Healthwatch Patient Information Sheet that was included with my prescription.
"Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation."
I would say it really depends on the person. I would start with only having one drink, and see how it effects you, and if it's all clear then try two the next time and so on.
Maybe this isn't the right one for you... there are a lot out there. As for side effects, with great caution did I even consider taking this. Fortunately I have a lower dosage but that still won't negate any side effects if my body doesn't like the drug. Either way, I drank on this after having taken it for at least three days and literally NOTHING happened. I don't know about these horror stories people are talking about but it sounds like there are unresolved issues as an underlying problem. I actually was productive - I got all of my laundry washed, dried, and folded. As for earlier in the day, I went for a run. So... all in all nothing bad. Hope this helps???
I took this several years ago and just started again about a month ago. I too blacked out on this drug after a night of dinner and drinks with a friend. We went our separate ways and then I blacked out... in NYC mind you. Somehow made it home, broke my elevator key in the lock, had no phone and my fiance was out of town. Somehow managed to reach a friend with a key, he rescued me and put me to bed. I have a vague memory of being in the elevator but nothing else. I thought I had been slipped a ruffie at a bar. Have had a few drinks with it this time around and have felt very hungover after 3 glasses of wine, which I can normally handle. Will definitely have to reconsider the alcohol after reading this forum. Thanks for sharing.
Im just wondering if anyone knows whether stopping the dose for the day is a good strategy, if you know there's going to be one night when you drink?
No, because there will still be some in your body, and you'll drop the level in your body and that can cause depression.
Thank you, and obviously this is a tough question to answer, but would it be safe to consume 1 or 2 beers. My doctor told me to avoid all alcohol completely, but he is also well known to be very conservative. Obviously nothing is guaranteed safe, but im wondering if people here have been okay with the occasional drink here or there (I know that binge drinking is out of the question)
I don't think anyone can tell you how you will be affected -- unfortunately its different for everyone...
Give yourself a break and avoid perfection as a goal. That's what helped me--with any issue that confronts me. If you get sick go to the doctor. It's a no brainer. Moderation in all things. Wellbutrin needs a week to elicit a response. Stopping for a day will simply lead to an unpredictable and likely ill-timed fluctuation in serum levels. That is to be avoided. Many of the caution statements coming with drug use instructions--P.I. sheets--are simply efforts to avoid legal culpability in the event of an adverse reaction.
Any amount of alcohol is a depressant, so duh! Two words: Don't Drink.
Wow, SarahWowz and everybody on this forum. Thank You all for being so candid. I have my bottle of Wellbutrin in hand. Was not warned by my doctor about alcohol, so I am sitting here, reading all of your comments because I just read the warning on bottle.
I have had emotional outbursts, crying/rage just from prozac; stopped taking that 2 months ago. I have PTSD, GAD, Depression, frequent panic attacks. For me, alcohol helps with all of my symptoms. But I am not in denial that my drinking has become too frequent and quite the crutch.
I'm not sure how to start these 100 MG pills now. Usually I take a quarter of whatever it is to start for first week. I think I will try this with Wellbutrin. I know this comment is not of any help to anyone. But to join in on an ongoing conversation if I can help anyone else and myself would be great. So tonight and tomorrow I will be having some beer. After that, I am going to start the Wellbutrin at 25 mgs for few days then 50 then 100 and see if two to three beers drives me nuts.
Family trip to Las Vegas in January, never mind the holidays before. I really don't think I can do any of that without drinking. So I'm starting my own experiment here and will update you guys as to what happens with me.
I know this is very scary and confusing for all of us and my next post will just add to the confusion. But, all we can do is share and try to learn right?
Hi sashapolaris- I am being realistic here and I would suggest only drinking at home (no driving!! No party's!) and see how the alcohol makes you feel. In fact, drink in bed with a pizza (safety first!). I know for some people it's not a problem but for me, Wellbutrin and alcohol, well I just get wasted and black out and fall down (this just happened on Friday after being on the drug 6 weeks, I thought I was fine because I actually have been drinking less on the drug)
The worst part about my Friday incident is that I more or less went crazy the next day. I wanted to end my life. I had a plan all formulated in my head how to do it and then told my husband I needed him to help me be okay. He is such a strong man!
Anyway I feel better today. I have a million bruises from falling down drunk but I have all my teeth and fingers and toes. Just be SUPER careful and make sure you eat plenty. I know I might get criticized for this post but I am a realist. If I am going to drink on anti depressants, or if you are, have a plan so that you don't end up lower than when you started. Wellbutrin is a heavy duty antidepressant but it does work. The alcohol and all of that, you are just trying to survive just like I am. Just try this out and if it doesn't work, try out something else!
Hang in there!
I'm sooo happy I found this forum. Here's my story. I hurt my back at work 3 1/2 years ago I've been out of work almost the entire time. In the time I've been hurt I've drank a lot more. It's the only thing that helps with my pain. No meds have worked. I've tried them all. I don't want to take narcotics. I tried Percocet. It was hit and miss. Therefore more alcohol. I felt depression creeping In about 3 months Into my Injury. I went to a DR. He prescribed Zoloft. It worked fine. I've always drank since the age of 21. I'm 43 now. I continued to drink on Zoloft. A lot. Zero problems. I felt better about a year ago. About X-mas time I could feel depression creeping In again. I "held it off" with drinking. Then One day almost a month ago I went and saw a movie. One scene that wasn't even sad I just started crying. Right then and there I knew I needed to go get back on meds.
Over the past year my alcohol consumption has dropped. It's still a lot but it's dropped. Saw my DR, told him my problems. He prescribed WELLBUTRIN. Cool. I started taking it. During the first week I went to drink I could only drink 1 or 2. I just couldn't drink anymore. I thought odd. I had almost no appetite either. (I didn't realize that was a side effect.) Then 8 days later I went and hung out with a friend. We started to drink rum. I remember having 2 drinks. Next thing I know I woke up in bed fully clothed (LUCKILY). I have a very high tolerance to alcohol. I was like WTF? Went downstairs to talk to my buddy. He told me what happened. He said I seemed fine I was just louder than normal, I called a woman I "WAS" seeing put It on speaker and was totally inappropriate. Then I was going to go out to my car to get something. I just never came back. He went to find me I was just sitting outside. This was over the course of about 5 hours. I've drank much more plenty of times. This incident scared me. I've NEVER blacked out like that EVER. I looked WELLBUTRIN up that morning. Found all types of info and this forum. This has scared me so badly I haven't drank In 2 weeks now. I haven't gone this long without a drink since I was 20. I know I've been self medicating the past 3 1/2 years. I'm going to give this a real chance to work though. Cause I know how bad I'm depressed. I've felt it work a little the past 3 days but my depression Is so bad I know I need real help. I've seen It can take up to 6 weeks to really work. I never thought I was an alcoholic. I always thought I could stop if I wanted to. I miss drinking. I can't wait for this med to kick in and do it's thing. I WILL NOT DRINK AGAIN UNTILL I'M OFF THIS THOUGH. It's terrifying.
Hi there. I happened upon your post as I was reading everybody's input. The thread is quite old so you may just want to read through the old posts and it will give u the answer you need to read about mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol. I don't think you can expect for the meds to kick in and then quit taking them and return to alcohol. I don't mean to offend you but you are correct about having a drinking problem and you are seemingly going through alcohol withdrawal... I think you need help with drinking and be detoxed properly and try not to drink at all with Wellbutrin. What dose are you on? I wish you all the best and please reach out at perhaps AA meetings. You seem to be craving booze and if you just blacked out it will happen again. I started blacking out and was the talk of the town and was very ashamed. I quit drinking 12 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did.
I am on cymbalta 60mg but it stopped working so am going to ask my psych team to try me on Wellbutrin as my cousin had a total break down and is on max dose I think 450 mg daily and she is doing really well. We are genetically similar so hope it works. She went from being sad agitated etc and was off work for six months. She is now motivated and back at work so it is working on her in a great way. Good luck with all you do!
Thanks for your story. Have you seen a pain management dr for your back? They may be able to help you.
I'm certainly craving alcohol. It's helped me get thru my pain the past 3 1/2 years. My drinking hasn't interfered with anything. I understand what you're saying though. No offense taken :) I've got a fridge with most of a 30 pack and a pretty stocked up bar. Still, I haven't touched it.
I'm on 300mg as of now.
I went to a pain mngmnt dr. He couldn't do anything else cause workers comp denied doing MRI's. I as of this week stared paper work for a disability retirement. :(
So that didn't help the depression. lol
Catch 22 isn't it? Pain management is wonderful if u have right team but yep they need the MRI done to help you and if your insurance doesn't cover them they r expensive as are the treatments offered. Know that you certainly are not alone in your dilemma and this support system here has many educated and kind people to lean on or simply observe and read the posts. I truly wish you health and happiness!
I just started wellbutrin. My doctor prescribed klonopin and beta blockers and sleeping pill. I have been dealing for a year with panic attacks.
I just have to say, I've been taking this medicine for almost a month now. I seem to be having violent and angry outbursts over things that would have given me anxiety without meds. I used to shut down when someone would anger me but now I fight back and get hulk angry. I'm not sure why this is happening honestly I mean, I rarely drink because I'm a vegan but sometimes after a bad day I just want a drink. Has anyone else had these issues??
I've been taking Wellbutrin 300mg for my depression, anxiety and smoking. ..I'm on 300mg daily. I do have a few glasses of wine each night with dinner ( don't all Italians! Lol)... but after reading everyone's concern on possible seizures while taking this medication, now gets me pretty worried. I know its gonna sound stupid, but this medication does help and the wine is my comfort. ..not sure what to do...
Ok ive read alot of stories about this med... what if you didnt take the meds for that one day to drink for an special occasion would that still affect anything.
I looked up drinking with welbutrin after my last couple incidents. NOT NORMAL. I know it was the combination of the drug and the alcohol. Ive been feeling sick and weak and the side effects are times 10. I don't want to combine the two, I love the way the welbutrin makes me feel. I enjoy life. So much that when friends invite me to go drinking I don't say no. From now on though I need to make sure I NEVER mix the two again. I am lucky I didn't do anything stupid or hut anyone. I did black out and pee on my friends love seat. Don't remember that. And I've been feeling like my head is somewhere in the clouds. I can't get it together. UGH.
I also had a reaction with a combo of an anti-depressant and alcohol. Not with Wellbutrin which I am now on, but with a different one. My suggestion is don't chance it. After my incident, ending up in hospital hallucinating and losing 5 days of my life/memory... its not worth it. I was also a wine drinker on my nights off work, but I am too scared to risk it. Everyone reacts differently but what if you are that someone? Your mental health is more important than some alcohol. I am now on 300mg and my daughter sees a better me than the depressed person I once was. It's worth taking and giving it a chance:):)
About the author S.A.D. sufferer 25 years i live above 45th parallel so its common I also suffer anxiety acutely at times.
You wrote: "Today I'm noticing a strange, sort of off balance (in my head) feeling that I don't like"
MY reply:
I took this crap for 95 days ,that strange balance is just the effect it is supposed to be this is what i referred to as the FLAT effect.. I felt nothing not happy not sad , not excitable , u couldn't piss me off,if i had a gun pointed at me ,i didn't care, I would not laugh at anything no mater how funny. Some how I think this is exactly what it is supposed to do.. it would also explain suicidal tendencies while using it ( think about that one no up no down whats the use??? )
SO UNLESS you are diagnosed Manic -Depressive disorder.. , or have SAD Seasonal Affected Disorder! REALLY BAD!!! and will be able to dump it in 60 70 days.. Tell your health care professional. No I will not take this crap ever again.get something for mild anxiety to get you buy till u feel better . Humans are not supposed to live in FLAT state! we are after all Predator as well as Prey animals. I feel these drugs are a first world problem ( as opposed to a 3rd world )
We think we should always be happy and unafraid NOT TRUE!
Any Doctors reading this i hope i have not hurt your feelings or stepped on toes. , in my humble But Correct opinion these type of drugs are over prescribed.
OH AND P.S.: Real answer ,, I didn't stop drinking 1-2 drinks 1-3 times a week never suffered seizure.. ALTHOUGH i believe what i said up top is important! i also find it odd i could not use username RecoveringWellbutrinUser even though it met the criteria??? HMMMMM? GSK are u listening ???
Did it ever occur to you that to some people this drug is a life saver, you kept on drinking with it and suffered side effects.
@kaismama - did it occur to you that maybe this drug is overprescribed and detrimental as a whole? Sure in a few cases it is a life saver, but it is marketed as a pill thats "a good pick me up" and helps "lose weight" as some one commented above? Is that responsible marketing? Most of these comments make it look like a life caver, not a life saver.
Amen to that! For one, I don't care about stepping on any Drs toes bs these meds are over prescribed and once you have lives through it and seen the lack of knowledge many of them truly have about the subject matter, I feel any of us have the given right to voice our opinion.
As far as drinking, most any medications now can lower your seizure threshold and most all prescription and OTC medications come with a million warnings, one being not to consume alcohol. I for one enjoy a few glasses of wine once or twice a week. I am in NO way self medicating, I like it, I am extremely responsible and I have asked quite a few Drs and pharmacists and actually worked in pharmacy for many years and I was given the same advice every time. To be cautious, have small amounts, not often and that it was fine. And 20 plus years later and I'm fine.
As a matter of fast the only time in my entire life I craved having a drink or really felt at times like I needed one at times was when I was on the devil drug cymbalta. Of course at the time I thought it was my worsening of depression just like all the other issues cymbalta caused but, after I stopped that awful crap I went back to my normal self of not caring of I went a month with none and didn't give it a second thought 80% of the time. Cymbalta was the only time in my life I craved alcohol. Believe it or not I've heard others say this.
Anyway, I think we all handle things differently and I will continue to have a few glasses of wine here and there responsibly at home when I want. Depression won't take every single enjoyable thing from me:)
I am not a smoker or drinker nor am I depressed or have anxiety. I just wanted to curb my appetite. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and my husband wanted me to have a glass of wine with him so I did and I tell you It took me 3 days yo get back to myself so I am stopping this med. I lost almost all the weight I wanted to lose so I'll just keep going to the gym and eating healthy, besides this med keeps me up at night and that's not good. I hate this med, wellbutrin or butopion. My doctor didn't tell me about the side effect of this med. Cea
I am not a smoker or drinker nor am I depressed or have anxiety. I just wanted to curb my appetite. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks and my husband wanted me to have a glass of wine with him so I did and I tell you It took me 3 days yo get back to myself so I am stopping this med. I lost almost all the weight I wanted to lose so I'll just keep going to the gym and eating healthy, besides this med keeps me up at night and that's not good. I hate this med, wellbutrin or butopion. My doctor didn't tell me about the side effect of this med. Cea
I was prescribed welbutrin when i went in for ADHD. I explained that i did have a brief month of intense anxiety and panic attacks but i felt that the root cause as the fact that i cant focus on pretty much anything. My brain is everywhere. I have read the studies on adhd/add and welbutrin and i understand its the starting point with medication due to adderal being a controlled substance but im not sure if this is a good choice for me personally. im usually a high energy happy person and i feel very "flat" (as you would say). I handle situations differently. Things that would usually flick a trigger in my brain to throw me over the edge, doesnt anymore. I give a monotone semi sarcastic answer instead, with a tone of annoyance. I find this good at time and scary at others. Ita changing me and. Thats a scary feeling. Im only 2 weeks in and i know that giving my opinion this early is nothing you can really say is substantial information but im noticing the differences.
I worry about alcohol. Im from the rugby community and alcohol is something that is a constant in our lifes when were social and we social all the time. So theres that. Im worried like the rest of you are. Do i need to be on the drug? I dont feel like im a case that needs to be on anti depresents. Im for sure not an extreme case or suicidal. Sure i feel depressed every now and then but i live in the PNW, its cloudy all the time and it effects our moods here. its normal. Stopping alcohol is like starting a long term diet, its hard! But as i am only 2 weeks in im going to atart weening my weekly intake down. I need to anyway, the lbs you pack on with it bot worth the trade off. Im going to give this medication a couple months and think of it as a Seasonal medication to get me though the winter.
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wellbutrin, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, bupropion, doctor
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