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I Relapsed On Alcohol And Stopped Taking My Meds (at

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Posted on Fri, 22 May 2020
Question: I relapsed on alcohol and stopped taking my meds (at the time sertraline) because of it. Now I want to stop drinking again and am being advised to get back on my meds (Welbutrin) but I see Welbutrin has a risk of seizures especially after abruptly stopping drinking. I guess my question is how long should I wait after stopping drinking before I start back on my meds?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
At least onre week interval between complete abstinence and medication

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Since both sudden alcohol withdrawal and use of wellbutrin can cause seizures it is advised to space both the events at the minimum one week interval. This is because lowering of seizure threshold due to alcohol withdrawal remains there for 3 to 7 days after complete abstinence is achieved.

I like to assure you that in otherwise healthy individuals risk for seizure but it is always better to have better plan in mind rather than suffering.

I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
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. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3350 Questions

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I Relapsed On Alcohol And Stopped Taking My Meds (at

Brief Answer: At least onre week interval between complete abstinence and medication Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. Since both sudden alcohol withdrawal and use of wellbutrin can cause seizures it is advised to space both the events at the minimum one week interval. This is because lowering of seizure threshold due to alcohol withdrawal remains there for 3 to 7 days after complete abstinence is achieved. I like to assure you that in otherwise healthy individuals risk for seizure but it is always better to have better plan in mind rather than suffering. I hope this helps you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.