Can You Drink on Wellbutrin?

The answer is NO! Mixing alcohol with Wellbutrin may lead to many risks for your physical and mental health. As a general rule, you should avoid alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ¹ (NIAAA), 40% of adults took a medication in the past year that could interact negatively with alcohol. These can lead to severe side effects and even death. 

If you have a drinking problem and have been prescribed Wellbutrin for depression, quitting alcohol cold turkey can be fatal. Instead, talk to a rehab center where you are treated for depression and alcohol use disorder (dual diagnosis treatment). Contact our DEA-certified providers today at 844.445.2565 or complete the online form for appointment scheduling.

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What Is Wellbutrin Used For?

Wellbutrin (generic name, bupropion) works as an antidepressant drug. Additionally, it is used for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it also helps people quit smoking. Both alcohol and Wellbutrin have their side effects that, when used together, can amplify these side effects. 

Wellbutrin and Alcohol: Why Can’t You Not Drink on Wellbutrin?

According to the Food and Drug Administration² (FDA), certain doses of Wellbutrin may cause seizures, with a risk of approximately 0.4%. A case study published in the International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology ³  highlights the seizure experienced by a 32-year-old female who was using Wellbutrin. Alcohol can also trigger seizures because it acts on GABA receptors of the brain, which are closely related to seizure risk. When alcohol and Wellbutrin are used together, the risk of seizures increases significantly, along with other potential side effects.

Other serious side effects are mentioned below.

Intensified Side Effects

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Increased Anxiety
• Changes in Behaviour
• Cognitive Issues

Aggravated Depression

Alcohol may provide temporary relief from depression, but in the long run, it worsens the condition. As a result, using Wellbutrin to manage depression while drinking alcohol may make the treatment less effective.

Long-Term Cognitive Issues

Both alcohol and Wellbutrin have side effects that can intensify when used together. Using both at the same time may affect your memory, clear thinking, and decision-making ability.

Long-Term Behavioral Changes

The mix can cause behavioral changes, leading to mood swings, irritability, and other unusual behaviors.

How Does Wellbutrin Impact the Brain?

Our brain can be imagined as a messaging system. When someone is depressed, it means the brain is not sending positive signals. Wellbutrin helps regulate certain brain chemicals, mainly dopamine and norepinephrine, affecting mood, energy, and other feelings. Wellbutrin helps these chemicals send faster, positive messages that make you happy, energetic, and motivated.

How Does Alcohol Impact the Brain?

Alcohol interferes with the communication pathways of the brain. It makes it harder for the nerve cells to send and receive messages. Long-term alcohol usage changes the way nerve cells communicate with one another in the brain. Even a little drinking can alter memory, judgment, emotional balance, and reaction time. Alcohol addiction turns these little effects into chronic problems that need proper alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment.

Symptoms You Need to Know!

How Much Can You Drink on Wellbutrin?

Ideally, you shouldn’t drink at all when you’re on Wellbutrin. That is because there is no way to predict what may happen, even when you have drunk a small amount of alcohol while on Wellbutrin. However, in case of alcohol dependency, it’s better to consult your doctor.

Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression: Dual Diagnosis

When someone is an alcohol addict and also faces depression, it is referred to as dual diagnosis. These conditions are often interconnected, hence called co-occurring disorders. According to SAMHSA’s ⁴ 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. The combination of the two disorders can be very risky and needs proper treatment.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Wellbutrin

Suppose you are a heavy alcohol user and your doctor recommends Wellbutrin. In that case, you should take a break from alcohol use. However, suddenly quitting alcohol may result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can lead to fatal consequences. This dilemma can be resolved by properly managing withdrawal symptoms. To safely and quickly get alcohol out of your system, these symptoms can be safely treated in a controlled environment through alcohol detoxification.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction or experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome, ChoicePoint offers a professional and compassionate environment for alcohol detox. Call our DEA-certified providers today at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form.

Insurance Coverage Made Simple at ChoicePoint

At ChoicePoint, we work with major insurance providers to help reduce your treatment costs. Our goal is to provide high-quality care with minimal financial stress on you. If you are unsure about your coverage, simply fill out the form to verify your insurance.

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

FAQs

Should I skip my daily Wellbutrin dose when drinking?

This isn’t a good idea because it can cause a relapse of depression or anxiety, resulting in antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. You can also end up experiencing withdrawal symptoms that are quite risky and difficult to manage. 

Can I Have One or Two Drinks?

It is advised not to use even a small quantity of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. If you are unable to resist the urge, it’s better to get advice from your doctor. You can also contact ChoicePoint for advice and treatment.

What Is the Difference between Wellbutrin XL and SR?

Both Wellbutrin XL and SR contain bupropion as the active ingredient. However, Wellbutrin XL is released and absorbed slowly by the body, while Wellbutrin SR is released faster.

What if I Am Addicted to Alcohol and Also Prescribed Wellbutrin?

If you are addicted to alcohol and also prescribed Wellbutrin, you shouldn’t suddenly stop drinking alcohol. Consult your doctor or consider a dual diagnosis treatment program to address both alcohol addiction and depression.

Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Gain or Loss?

Weight gain or loss may occur when using 150 to 300 mg per day of Wellbutrin XL or SR. According to research,⁶ 23% of people taking this dose of Wellbutrin XL lost 5 pounds or more, while 11% gained more than 5 pounds. Similarly, 14% of individuals taking 300 mg per day of Wellbutrin SR lost more than 5 pounds.

Sources

1. Alcohol-Medication Interactions: Potentially dangerous mixes | National Institute on Alcohol. Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2025, May 8).
   https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-medication-interactions-potentially-dangerous-mixes#
2. Unknown, U. (2022). Prescribing information for Wellbutrin tablets. In Prescribing Information (p. 4). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/018644s039s040.pdf
3. Ahmed, S., & Warraich, S. (2015). Seizure in a patient on Wellbutrin: a case report. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, ISSN 2279-0780.
   https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20151377
4. 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) releases. (n.d.). CBHSQ Data.
   https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2022
5. Gabriel, M., & Sharma, V. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 189(21), E747.
   https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.160991
6. Does Wellbutrin XL/SR cause weight gain or loss? (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/wellbutrin-xl-sr-weight-gain-loss-3557492/