Does bupropion thin your blood? (5+ precautions)
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
In this article, we will explore whether bupropion is associated with blood thinning or not, what research studies suggest on this, precautionary measures before considering bupropion and potential interactions between bupropion and blood thinners.
Does bupropion thin your blood?
Yes, bupropion may cause thinning of blood in some individuals. People with a history of bleeding disorders are at higher risk of experiencing this side effect. (1)
Bupropion is a medication used primarily as an antidepressant, it works by affecting the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. It can have side effects that affect bleeding. (1)
It is essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about your medical history, including any bleeding disorders or medications you may be taking that affect blood clotting.
What is the connection between bupropion and blood thinning?
Bupropion does not have any direct relationship with blood thinning. However, like many medications, bupropion can have side effects, and in some cases, it increases the risk of bleeding or bruising. (2)
The connection between bupropion and blood thinning is indirect, individuals with a history of bleeding disorders or those taking other medications that affect blood clotting should use caution and discuss their circumstances with their healthcare provider before using bupropion. (2)
What does research suggest?
Research studies suggest that bupropion and some other antidepressants may potentially lead to blood-thinning effects as a side effect. These medications might interfere with the ability of blood platelets to stick together and form clots. (2)
However, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the bupropion dosage and its impact on blood clotting. If persistent bleeding occurs, it may be necessary to reduce the dose of bupropion or discontinue its use.
What precautions should be taken before using bupropion?
Here are some key precautions to consider before taking bupropion: (3)
Consult with a healthcare provider: Always take bupropion under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare provider who can asses your individual needs and monitor your progress.
Medical history: Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications you are taking and any history of seizures.
Dosage: Take the prescribed dose as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting them.
Timing: Follow the recommended dosing schedule and take bupropion at the same time each day, as directed.
Extended-Release Formulation: If you are taking an extended-release formulation, do not crush, chew or split the tablets, as this can affect the medication’s release.
Side effects: Be aware of the potential side effects and report any unusual or severe reactions to your healthcare provider.
Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider of all the medications, supplements or herbal products you are taking, to prevent potentially harmful interactions.
Alcohol and substance use: Limit or avoid alcohol while taking bupropion, as it may increase the risk of seizures and other side effects.
What to do if you experience blood thinning with bupropion?
If you are experiencing signs of blood thinning, such as unusual bleeding or bruising while taking bupropion (Wellbutrin), contact your healthcare provider immediately. (3,4)
Do not adjust medication on your own. Your doctor may conduct a medical evaluation and may adjust your treatment plan or explore alternative medications depending on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend regular monitoring to track your progress and assess whether the bleeding issues are improving. (4)
Conclusion:
In this article, we have discussed the blood-thinning effects of bupropion and have also discussed the precautionary measures for overcoming or preventing this side effect.
In my opinion, you must be vigilant about any side effects while using bupropion, especially if you are taking other blood-thinning agents like, Warfarin, aspirin or NSAIDs.
Open and transparent communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring the best outcomes when using bupropion. They can provide personalized guidance, make adjustments as needed, and closely monitor any side effects.
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