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Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 5/8/2009


Question
Will taking Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL) with hard alcohol on an empty stomach
interfere with the extended release property of the drug?  Will the drug dissolve
too quickly, releasing unsafe amounts into the bloodstream?  This is a drug that
can causes seizures if the dose is not monitored carefully.

Answer
Dear Sharon

Alcohol should not in any way interfere with the absorption of extended release preparations of any drug. Note one should not drink on an empty stomach. Also, bupropion and most psychoactive drugs do not go together for other reasons.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

Pharmacy

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Dr Alan Galbraith

Expertise

I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience

I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.

Organizations
Institute of Biology, London.


Publications
Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;MIBiol; Cert Biol; HECert

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