Does bupropion break a fast? (3+findings)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we are going to discuss whether bupropion breaks a fast or not, the impact of bupropion on insulin levels, the metabolic effects of bupropion during fasting, and important precautions to be considered while taking bupropion during fasting.
Does bupropion break a fast?
Yes, bupropion can break a fast. Bupropion is an NDRI (Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressant used in the treatment of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and seasonal depression, which can trigger insulin release in some cases.
This insulin release can break a fast, as the entire purpose of intermittent fasting is to keep your insulin levels low, which is required for your body to enter a state of fasting.
Bupropion can be taken with or without food. Your physician can shift you to a higher dose of 150 mg once daily if you are fasting. The once-daily dose can help you take bupropion during your eating or non-fasting window and the effects of such doses typically last 24 hours (1).
However, make sure you do not make any changes to your prescription without consulting your doctor first. If you wish to start intermittent fasting but are concerned about the way or timing at which you should take your antidepressant, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Bupropion can cause some anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, dehydration, and confusion which may feel more pronounced while fasting. So, make sure you properly monitor your side effects and discuss ways to mitigate them with your doctor.
The impact of bupropion on insulin levels
Bupropion can increase insulin levels due to its action on the KATP channel (ATP-sensitive K+ channel).
The function of the KATP channel is to sense metabolic changes in the pancreatic beta cells. When the KATP channel is opened, beta cells of the pancreas are hyperpolarized, and insulin secretion is suppressed.
Bupropion can inhibit the KATP channel in the pancreatic beta-cell membrane, thereby increasing insulin levels at high concentrations inside your body. (2)
Bupropion is an NDRI, which works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, thereby increasing their bioavailability, leading to improved glycemic control, and lowering fasting blood glucose levels. (3)
Therefore, bupropion is a better anti-depressant for diabetic patients than other antidepressants such as sertraline which can raise blood sugar levels.
What are the metabolic effects of bupropion during fasting?
Bupropion increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine hormones in the brain, these hormones promote metabolism. Bupropion impacts weight-altering hormones and enhances weight reduction.
Bupropion helps regulate hunger and increase satiety making it easier for people to fast. (4)
Short-term fasting increases metabolism by 14%. Therefore bupropion promotes metabolism and provides your body with energy during fasting.
Precautions and considerations when taking bupropion during fasting
These precautions must be considered when taking bupropion during fasting:
- To avoid breaking your fast, change the time you take your bupropion medication.
- Watch for anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, confusion, and dehydration (especially in the elderly) as bupropion increases these side effects while fasting.
- Consult your physician or healthcare provider to switch you to a longer-acting antidepressant medication such as (Wellbutrin SR or XL) with once or twice a day dosing.
- Monitoring your symptoms and following up with your physician or healthcare provider is essential when taking bupropion during fasting.
- Monitor your blood sugar level (especially in diabetic patients), as bupropion increases insulin secretion, thereby decreasing blood sugar levels in the blood (hypoglycemia). (5)
While fasting, there are non-pharmacological methods that can ease the symptoms of depression, including:
- Reflexology: Reflexology is a technique in which the reflexologist applies certain pressure on different body areas such as feet, hands, face, and ears to relieve pressure.
- Yoga exercises: Yoga is a group of physical, spiritual, and mental exercises that help control and relax your mind.
- Deep breathing exercise: breathing exercises by inhaling deep and slow breaths in, then slowly exhaling help in focusing your mind and relieve the symptoms of depression.
- Meditation: Meditation is a very effective practice in relieving depression symptoms during fasting, Meditation helps in focusing and clearing your mind using both physical and mental techniques. (6)
Conclusion
Bupropion can break a fast. Your physician can shift you to a higher dose of bupropion once or twice daily while fasting. Bupropion can help regulate hunger and improve satiety. Follow your physician’s precautions when taking bupropion.
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References
1.-
Bupropion (Oral Route) Proper Use – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20062478
2.-
Yang Y, Shimomura K, Sakuma K, Maejima Y, Iwasaki Y, Galvanovskis J, et al. Bupropion can close KATP channel and induce insulin secretion. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013 Jan 1;26(3-4). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23348218/
3.-
Sarwar H, Rafiqi SI, Ahmad S, Jinna S, Khan SA, Karim T, et al. Hyperinsulinemia Associated Depression. Clinical Medicine Insights Endocrinology and Diabetes [Internet]. 2022 Apr 21 [cited 2022 May 9];15:11795514221090244. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9039439/
4.-
Bupropion: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html#:~:text=Bupropion%20comes%20as%20a%20tablet,at%20least%204%20hours%20apart.
5.-
Naltrexone And Bupropion (Oral Route) Precautions – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/naltrexone-and-bupropion-oral-route/precautions/drg-20122495#:~:text=This%20medicine%20may%20increase%20the
6.-
Cleveland Clinic. Alternative Therapies for Depression | Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2020. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9303-depression-alternative-therapies
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