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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jaybee9 on September 7, 2007, at 17:28:07
Hi,Today my doctor prescribed me wellbutrin for dysthymia and I took my first dose today and felt fine, and although my doctor didn't warn me against it, i've read that I should avoid alcohol.Apparently there is a risk of seizure. I don't drink everyday but I go on holiday tomorrow and would like to have a few drinks. What will happen if I get drunk? Does anyone have any experiences of drinking with wellbutrin, and how serious are these seizures, are they life threatening?
Thanks for your help
Posted by Abby Cunningham on September 10, 2007, at 9:12:53
In reply to Wellbutrin and alcohol, posted by jaybee9 on September 7, 2007, at 17:28:07
On the paper that comes from the pharmacy with my Wellbutrin XL, it says that drinking alcohol is not recommended, and that drinking an excess of alcohol could possibly cause a seizure.
I sometimes have a glass of wine in the early evening, and seem to be okay with that but will probably stop even that as alcohol is known to be a depressant, therefore the very purpose of the WB is being negated by the alcohol.
Posted by valero on September 10, 2007, at 15:17:01
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and alcohol, posted by Abby Cunningham on September 10, 2007, at 9:12:53
I think the fuss about ethanol relates to really heavy drinkers, who can get seizures easily ( on withdrawal) even without taking Bupropion. Actually I found that moderate drinking ( 2-3 glasses of red wine a day) worked quite well with zyban ( 150mg bupropion) Long term benzo users also need to be very carefull, (same story as heavy drinkers).
Ethanol can also speed up the elimination of bupropions active metabolites, so if you don't like it and want it out of your system faster, then a few drinks will help speed it up.Cheers.
Posted by Abby Cunningham on September 11, 2007, at 6:50:54
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and alcohol, posted by valero on September 10, 2007, at 15:17:01
Excuse me valero but the glaxosmithkline package insert regarding Wellbutrin indicates that any amount of alcohol is not a good idea; not just excessive amounts or withdrawal (which is also dangerous). And of course if anyone is not aware that combining benzos and alcohol must be very carful, they must have their head in the sand.
> I think the fuss about ethanol relates to really heavy drinkers, who can get seizures easily ( on withdrawal) even without taking Bupropion. Actually I found that moderate drinking ( 2-3 glasses of red wine a day) worked quite well with zyban ( 150mg bupropion) Long term benzo users also need to be very carefull, (same story as heavy drinkers).
> Ethanol can also speed up the elimination of bupropions active metabolites, so if you don't like it and want it out of your system faster, then a few drinks will help speed it up.
>
> Cheers.
This is the end of the thread.
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