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Can Wellbutrin Inhibit The Need To Drink Alcohol?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017
Question: does wellbutrin 150mg Sr help you to stop drinking
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is not great.

Detailed Answer:
Actually I think it was chantix that had better results if I remember correctly. There isn't much in the scientific literature on it. Since it only increases quitting cigarettes a mild amount, it isn't likely to be all that good. On the other hand, if someone is depressed, certainly also treating the depression is helpful. Naloxone/naltrexone has had a modest (25%) improvement in alcoholism versus placebo. Lately 12 step programs have come into criticism for not having good numbers but they certainly work that well. Furthermore I have no idea how a clnical trial of 12 step programs could be done. You can't have a fake one (placebo) to compare it with.....
So, you could go with welbutin BUT 1) it is probably only indicated if there is another reason to take it and 2) it wouldn't be the first choice since its main side effect (seizures) is also triggered by alcohol withdrawal so, its a bit dangerous and a bit wrong to use it.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman

Addiction Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 4214 Questions

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Can Wellbutrin Inhibit The Need To Drink Alcohol?

Brief Answer: It is not great. Detailed Answer: Actually I think it was chantix that had better results if I remember correctly. There isn't much in the scientific literature on it. Since it only increases quitting cigarettes a mild amount, it isn't likely to be all that good. On the other hand, if someone is depressed, certainly also treating the depression is helpful. Naloxone/naltrexone has had a modest (25%) improvement in alcoholism versus placebo. Lately 12 step programs have come into criticism for not having good numbers but they certainly work that well. Furthermore I have no idea how a clnical trial of 12 step programs could be done. You can't have a fake one (placebo) to compare it with..... So, you could go with welbutin BUT 1) it is probably only indicated if there is another reason to take it and 2) it wouldn't be the first choice since its main side effect (seizures) is also triggered by alcohol withdrawal so, its a bit dangerous and a bit wrong to use it.