Drug interactions
Bupropion + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Bupropion and Ethanol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Alcohol can lower seizure threshold, particularly during heavy use or withdrawal, and bupropion adds to this risk. Reports also describe reduced alcohol tolerance and neuropsychiatric adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic lowering of seizure threshold, especially with alcohol withdrawal.
What to do
Minimize or avoid alcohol while taking bupropion. Do not use bupropion in patients undergoing abrupt alcohol withdrawal.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bupropion and Ethanol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Alcohol can lower seizure threshold, particularly during heavy use or withdrawal, and bupropion adds to this risk. Reports also describe reduced alcohol tolerance and neuropsychiatric adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Minimize or avoid alcohol while taking bupropion. Do not use bupropion in patients undergoing abrupt alcohol withdrawal.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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