Can you drink alcohol with Bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
Here is what the FDA-approved label for Bupropion (Wellbutrin) actually says about alcohol — transcribed, not a secondhand guess.
Bupropion and alcohol, from the label
The label's dedicated 'Use with Alcohol' section (7.5) reports rare postmarketing cases of adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance in patients who drank alcohol during treatment, and states that alcohol consumption during treatment should be minimized or avoided; the patient-information section likewise advises minimizing or avoiding alcohol. This is not a disulfiram-like reaction. Separately, because bupropion can cause seizures, the label notes that excessive use of alcohol lowers the seizure threshold, and that abrupt discontinuation of alcohol is itself a seizure-risk factor.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink alcohol while taking Bupropion?
The FDA label advises against it. Bupropion and alcohol interact (summarized above), and the label directs avoiding or minimizing alcohol while taking it. Confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist for your situation.
How long after Bupropion can you drink alcohol?
There is no single number that fits every drug, and the safe gap depends on why the two interact — a drug that adds to alcohol's sedation is a concern while it is still in your system, while a disulfiram-type reaction (like metronidazole's) is avoided during treatment and for a labeled period after the last dose. Follow the specific guidance above and ask the prescriber who wrote the prescription; do not guess a window.
What happens if you drink on Bupropion?
The specific effect is described above, from the label. In most cases it means additive drowsiness and impaired coordination, or added strain on an organ the drug already affects — worse with more alcohol and in older adults. If you feel unwell after mixing the two, stop drinking and seek advice; call 911 for trouble breathing, fainting, or a rapid irregular heartbeat.
More guides for Bupropion
Source
Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (XL) — FDA label, DailyMed ↗
Other drugs: Alprazolam · Baclofen · Buspirone · Clonazepam · Clonidine · Cyclobenzaprine · Diazepam · Duloxetine · Fluoxetine · Hydrocodone · Hydroxyzine · Lorazepam · Methylphenidate · Mirtazapine · all drugs.
The alcohol interaction is transcribed from this drug’s FDA-approved label. This is general reference information, not medical advice. If you drink and take medication regularly, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific situation.