Can you drink alcohol while taking bupropion XL?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 17, 2023

Bupropion XL is an antidepressant medication prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Other versions of bupropion are approved for smoking cessation and used off-label to treat obesity and ADHD. If you have been prescribed bupropion XL, you may wonder what drinking alcohol may do to you. Like a lot of antidepressants, bupropion interacts with alcohol. However, the possible adverse effects may be more severe than with other antidepressants. It is very important to understand the risks of mixing alcohol with bupropion XL.

It is best to avoid alcohol if you do not regularly drink and want to start taking bupropion XL. Mixing alcohol with this medication can increase your risk of serious side effects such as seizures. Alcohol can make other side effects worse as well, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Alcohol can also cause symptoms of depression which counteracts the effectiveness of bupropion XL.

What if you already drink and are prescribed bupropion XL?

If you drink alcohol regularly or have alcohol use disorder (AUD) talk to your healthcare provider before changing your drinking habits. You are at a higher risk for seizures if you drink a lot of alcohol and stop suddenly so that you can take this medication. Your healthcare provider may be able to provide you with a detox or alcohol addiction treatment program, advice, and support to treat this condition.

You may also be at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome if you stop drinking suddenly, which can increase your risk of seizures. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be fatal if not treated.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

Seizures
Confusion
Hallucinations and paranoia
Vomiting

To reduce your risk of having a seizure or other serious side effects while taking bupropion XL, you need to be honest with your healthcare provider about your drinking habits. If you have a seizure while taking bupropion XL, stop taking it right away and talk to your healthcare provider about an alternative treatment option.

How long after stopping bupropion XL can you drink?

While on bupropion XL, you should avoid drinking alcohol. If you and your healthcare provider have decided to stop bupropion XL, you may be about to have a drink after it is out of your system.

To estimate how long it will take your body to get rid of any drug, you can use its half-life. A medication’s half-life refers to the time it takes your body to eliminate half of it. Generally, it takes about 5 half-lives for a medication to be completely gone from your system. Bupropion XL has a half-life of about 21 hours so it should be out of your system in about 4.5 to 5 days.

Even when bupropion XL is out of your body, you still may need to avoid alcohol. If you are suffering from depression, alcohol can worsen your symptoms, so it may not be a good idea to start drinking again.

Bupropion XL FAQs

How does bupropion work?

Bupropion XL is an extended-release atypical antidepressant. It is sometimes referred to as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). The exact way bupropion XL works is not known. However, it is thought that it increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve your mood and relieve the symptoms of MDD or SAD.

What are some common side effects of taking bupropion XL?

The most common side effects of bupropion XL seen in clinical trials include:

Dry mouth
Weight loss
Anxiety
Nausea
Sweating
Trouble sleeping
Abdominal pain
Sore throat
Dizziness
Muscle pain
Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Skin rash
Constipation

Are there any severe side effects of bupropion XL?

Rarely, bupropion XL may cause some serious side effects, including:

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Mood swings or changes such as worsening symptoms of depression, aggression, or agitation
Extremely high blood pressure
Manic episodes (overactivity, excessive happiness or sadness, and racing thoughts), especially in bipolar patients
Increased risk of seizures, which is more likely if you are taking a high dose of bupropion XL
Eye pain and blurred vision
Serious, sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of your face, throat, tongue, or lips, chest pain, and shortness of breath)

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking bupropion XL. You can report your adverse effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What drug interactions are there with bupropion XL?

When bupropion is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Some drug interactions with bupropion include:

Drugs or medical conditions that increase your risk of seizures.
CYP2B6 inducers such as ritonavir, efavirenz, or carbamazepine.
Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6. Taking bupropion can increase the concentrations of:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline.
- Antipsychotics such as thioridazine and haloperidol.
- Beta-blockers and certain antiarrhythmics.
- Tamoxifen.
Dopaminergic drugs. Central nervous system (CNS) toxicity is a possibility if taken together.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) if they are used within 14 days of each other.
Any other medication that also contains bupropion such as Aplenzin, Wellbutrin SR, Forfivo XL, or Zyban.

What should you tell your doctor before beginning bupropion XL treatment?

There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking bupropion XL. Continued monitoring for new or worsening suicidal thoughts and behaviors is important while taking this medication.

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have a history of:

A seizure disorder. Bupropion XL should be avoided if you have this condition.
An eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia. You should not take bupropion XL if you currently are struggling with, or have a serious history with an eating disorder.
Pregnancy, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Using an MAOI medication such as tranylcypromine, linezolid, selegiline, or phenelzine within 14 days of starting bupropion XL.
History of alcohol abuse.
History of illicit substance abuse.
Have a known allergic reaction to bupropion XL or any of the inactive ingredients in its formulation.
Personal or family history of angle-closure glaucoma.
High blood pressure, heart attack, or heart disease.
Diabetes.
Bipolar disorder or a history of other mental health disorders.
Are taking Zyban to help you stop smoking or other medicines that contain bupropion hydrochloride.
A head injury.

Is there a generic available for bupropion XL?

Bupropion XL is the generic version of the brand names Wellbutrin XL and Forfivo XL.

What should you avoid while taking bupropion XL?

You should avoid alcohol and illegal drugs while taking bupropion XL as it can worsen depression and increase your risk of seizures. Talk with your doctor about how you can get off these substances before starting bupropion XL.

You should also not use an MAOI such as tranylcypromine, linezolid, selegiline, or phenelzine within 14 days of starting bupropion XL. Using these medications together increases your risk of severely high blood pressure.

Finally, if you are taking another product that contains bupropion such as Zyban, you should not start bupropion XL. Taking 2 medications that contain the same active ingredient increases your risk of overdose.

Can you drink caffeine while taking bupropion XL?

Side effects from Bupropion XL such as nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, increased blood pressure, and tremor may worsen if you consume too much caffeine. Your risk of having a seizure will increase as well. You should try and limit how much caffeine you have while taking bupropion XL. Many OTC drugs and weight loss products contain caffeine, so be sure to read the labels carefully. Foods and beverages can also contain caffeine. Some examples include coffee, sodas, teas, energy drinks, and certain herbal or dietary supplements.