Depression Forum - Wellbutrin and alcohol
Medical questions     Health forums     Help    

Wellbutrin and alcohol

New Topic  Reply  Ask A Doctor
Medical Questions-> Health Forums -> Depression -> Wellbutrin and alcohol
Medical Questions
Author Message
progressivetechno

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Wellbutrin and alcohol
Posted: 04-22-08 21:12pm

I just started on wellbutrin yesterday. I noticed many warnings about alcohol consumption. Has anyone drank on this med? What is the biggest problem with drinking and wellbutrin? I start out 150mg for a week, then 150mg twice a day. I really want this medication to work for me. But I do enjoy social drinking. I'm willing to stop social drinking, if the meds will make the panic , mild-depression, and racing thoughts go away. I have never been on medication before. I feel like a nut job. Just any good advice would be great.
|
eeyore46

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 307
Thanks: 20
Thanked:0

Posted: 04-22-08 22:06pm

I am not saying this is a good thing, but my brother has been on Wellbutrin for years for depression and has several drinks each night. He is a very successul business man and has a lot of stress in his job, (who doesn't) and alcohol seems to relax him each night. He was having severe depression and had an anxiety attack approximately 8 years ago. The Wellbutrin and Buspar for anxiety work great for him. My doctor recently prescribed Effexor for me and told me that a glass of wine or two each night is acceptable. In fact, he recommended it, if alcoholism did not run in my family. The Effexor did not work for me, but I understand it is a great antidepressant/anxiety medication for many. Good luck - I hope this works for you.
|
Georgia59

Moderator
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 5136
Location: Along the Mississippi, USA
Thanks: 52
Thanked:25

Posted: 04-23-08 17:45pm

As far as light, social drinking, that's probably something to ask your doctor how much is considered ok. However, I would NEVER recommend drinking as a substitute for proper treatment of a mental illness, because anxiety/depression/bipolar are huge precursors to addiction.

check this out http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anti depressants-and-alcohol/AN01653
|
eeyore46

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 307
Thanks: 20
Thanked:0

Posted: 04-23-08 20:47pm

You are sooo correct - alcohol only helps temporarily! Why can the antidepressants/anxiety medications not do what the alcohol does (as far as calming the nerves due to stress and anxiety)? I think a lot of people that become dependent on alcohol have not had success with prescription meds, so they turn to alcohol.
|
Georgia59

Moderator
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 5136
Location: Along the Mississippi, USA
Thanks: 52
Thanked:25

Posted: 04-24-08 14:59pm

I agree that it's so hit and miss with prescriptions. I'm just really wary of people self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, having seen so many people in my own life do it and end up addicted. Yikes!!
|
eeyore46

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 307
Thanks: 20
Thanked:0

Posted: 04-25-08 23:55pm

How true - a lot of people do not even seek medical advice for these symptoms and just turn to drugs or alcohol. However, a lot do and still do not get relief. Anxiety/Depression is different for everyone and so are the effects of medication prescribed. Hopefully, if one keeps trying they will find one that works for them - so far, I have not. Still trying - even desperate enough after 7 different doctors, to try acupuncture.
|
Georgia59

Moderator
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 5136
Location: Along the Mississippi, USA
Thanks: 52
Thanked:25

Posted: 04-26-08 15:03pm

Interesting, let us know how that works for ya.
|
BullZye

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Jul 2007
Posts: 112

Posted: 04-28-08 20:44pm

I don't know about Wellbutrin but you seem to get more drunk on antidepressants I think.

The first time I drank on Prozac I didn't think it would affect my alcohol tolerance but I ended up getting way too drunk and blacking out. It was a huge creeper, I was drinking and having fun then next second I know i'm awake in my room after a night of drinking and having no idea how I got home.

I can hold my alcohol fine especially if I drink just beers but this other night I went to a party and ended up getting really drunk after just beer which was weird. I usually only get really drunk if I drink hard liquor.
|
eeyore46

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 307
Thanks: 20
Thanked:0

Posted: 04-29-08 00:33am

That is true! The label on the medication prescription bottle does say that alcohol may intensify the effect.
|
Related Topics
This Forum This Category All Forums
Jump to:  
New Topic   Reply
Medical Questions -> Health Forums -> Depression -> Wellbutrin and alcohol



We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.