From the FDA Drug Label
- 5 Use with Alcohol In postmarketing experience, there have been rare reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance in patients who were drinking alcohol during treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). The consumption of alcohol during treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be minimized or avoided.
Drinking with SSRI and Wellbutrin (bupropion): It is recommended to minimize or avoid alcohol consumption while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) due to rare reports of adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance. 1
From the Research
It is not safe to drink alcohol while taking SSRIs and bupropion (Wellbutrin), and you should avoid alcohol completely when on these medications. Both SSRIs and Wellbutrin can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination, which alcohol can intensify 2. Alcohol can also worsen depression and anxiety symptoms that these medications are meant to treat. Additionally, combining alcohol with these medications increases the risk of rare but serious side effects, including seizures (particularly with Wellbutrin) and dangerous increases in blood pressure. The combination may also lead to increased suicidal thoughts in some individuals.
Some key points to consider when taking SSRIs and bupropion include:
- The risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse event, is increased when combining SSRIs with other medications, including opioids 3.
- Long-term use of SSRIs can increase the risk of tachyphylaxis and discontinuation syndrome, and patients should be monitored periodically to reassess the risk-benefit ratio of remaining on the SSRI 4.
- Bupropion and SSRIs have been shown to be equivalently effective in treating major depressive disorder, but SSRIs are associated with higher rates of sexual side effects 5.
If you're currently taking these medications and struggling with alcohol use, speak with your healthcare provider about your concerns rather than attempting to combine them. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and medical history.