Drug Interactions with Wellbutrin: Exploring Compatibilities with Other Medications, Alcohol, and Substances
Wellbutrin and Potential Interactions: A Guide for Users
Wellbutrin, a prescription drug used to treat certain types of depression, can interact with other medications, alcohol, and supplements, potentially increasing risks or reducing effectiveness. Here's what you need to know about the interactions of Wellbutrin with various substances.
Alcohol
Combining Wellbutrin and alcohol can significantly increase the risk of seizures, one of the most serious side effects of Wellbutrin. It can also reduce Wellbutrin's effectiveness and cause dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and potentially increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Excessive alcohol use or sudden stopping of alcohol after chronic use while on Wellbutrin particularly raises seizure risk, so avoiding or minimizing alcohol is strongly advised.
Medications
Wellbutrin can interact with various drugs, including other antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline/Zoloft). Co-prescribing Wellbutrin with SSRIs should only be done under medical supervision due to risks of serotonin syndrome and other side effects. Because Wellbutrin lowers seizure threshold, combining it with drugs that also increase seizure risk should be avoided.
Supplements and Herbs
The key concern with supplements is products containing caffeine, such as green tea supplements or energy boosters. Caffeine combined with Wellbutrin may also raise the risk of seizures. There are no well-documented interactions between Wellbutrin and vitamins, but patients are advised to inform their doctors about all supplements taken so potential interactions can be assessed.
Strattera
Strattera is metabolized by an enzyme in the body called CYP2D6, and Wellbutrin can reduce the activity of CYP2D6. This means that if your doctor prescribes Strattera while you're taking Wellbutrin, they'll likely prescribe a low dose of Strattera and monitor you closely throughout your treatment for side effects from Strattera.
Other Interactions
Stimulants, such as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), can increase the risk of side effects of Wellbutrin, especially seizures. It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbs you're currently taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Forms of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin comes in two forms: Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release) oral tablets and Wellbutrin XL (extended-release) oral tablets. Sustained-release tablets release the drug slowly into your body over a period of time, while extended-release tablets have a more prolonged effect and require only once-daily dosing.
Always provide your healthcare providers with a complete list of current medications, supplements, and herbs so they can monitor for interactions and adjust treatment safely. If you have any questions or concerns about the interactions of Wellbutrin with other substances, consult your doctor.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Wellbutrin (bupropion). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/wellbutrin-oral-route/description/drg-20068244 [2] Drugs.com. (2021). Wellbutrin SR Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/wellbutrin-sr-side-effects.html [3] Drugs.com. (2021). Wellbutrin XL Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/wellbutrin-xl-side-effects.html [4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) tablets. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/019912s038lbl.pdf [5] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Bupropion. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682604.html
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