Does Bupropion treat social anxiety? (3 groups)
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
This article addresses the question: Can Bupropion effectively treat social anxiety? We’ll explore the scientific evidence and the appropriate utilisation of Bupropion in managing social anxiety.
Does Bupropion treat social anxiety?
Yes, Bupropion can be a viable option for managing social anxiety. It’s worth noting that Bupropion isn’t typically considered a first-line therapy for social anxiety. However, it has demonstrated positive outcomes when used in conjunction with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Bupropion works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the body, which not only elevates mood but also improves anxiety symptoms.
An advantage of Bupropion over other antidepressants is its propensity not to cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction, which are common side effects associated with many other medications.
Therefore, Bupropion can be prescribed as a monotherapy for social anxiety, especially when patients express concerns about the potential for sexual dysfunction or weight gain and have comorbid depression alongside social anxiety.
What does research suggest?
According to research, Bupropion has the potential to treat both depression and anxiety.
It has been shown to be as effective as SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms associated with depression. However, because of limited research in these cases, Bupropion is considered off-label for specific anxiety disorders. (1)
Research shows Bupropion is a safe and effective option for elderly people with anxiety and depression. Compared to medications like sertraline and fluoxetine, it has a favourable side effect profile and has shown positive results in managing anxiety associated with depression. (2)
Bupropion-SR achieved a remarkable 50% response rate in strict response criteria, indicating its potential in treating generalised social phobia. (3)
Furthermore, research dispels concerns that Bupropion worsens anxiety in people with comorbid major depressive disorder. It is as effective as SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms and is more tolerable, so clinicians should consider it more frequently. (4)
While bupropion is not the first choice for comorbid anxiety disorders, it rises to prominence when avoiding side effects, particularly sexual dysfunction and weight gain, is a top priority. (5)
Can Bupropion cause anxiety as a side effect?
As a potential side effect, bupropion can cause anxiety, especially in the early stages of treatment. Anxiety is one of the medication’s rare side effects. (4)
Bupropion, as previously stated, is not the first choice for treating anxiety. However, when combined with a comprehensive anxiety treatment plan, it can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Patients should be aware that the therapeutic benefits of Bupropion usually become apparent after approximately 6-8 weeks of consistent use. Some people may notice positive effects early.
Successful antidepressant treatment requires patience and strict adherence to the prescribed plan.
Who can benefit from using Bupropion for social anxiety?
Some groups may be more appropriate for Bupropion therapy when it comes to social anxiety. If your doctor has prescribed bupropion in combination with other drugs or as a monotherapy for social anxiety, you should trust him.
People with comorbid anxiety and depression
People dealing with anxiety and depression frequently find Bupropion a promising treatment option. This medication effectively treats both conditions and improves symptoms effectively. (1,2)
Bupropion can be valuable for those who are dealing with depressive thoughts as well as the anxiety that social situations can bring. It can help to alleviate the burden of both of these mental health challenges at the same time.
People concerned about weight gain and sexual side effects
Bupropion stands out as an appealing choice for people who are concerned about the side effects that many other antidepressants have, specifically weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
When compared to other antidepressants, bupropion is generally well-tolerated and has a notably low incidence of sexual side effects. Also, it is more likely to result in weight loss than gain.
These benefits make Bupropion a good choice for people who want to reduce the impact of these common side effects in their treatment. (5)
As a combination therapy with other drugs
A combination therapy approach can be extremely effective when anxiety plays a central role and requires special attention. Bupropion can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It improves the management of anxiety symptoms when combined with anxiolytic drugs such as Xanax. (6)
Bupropion can also be prescribed with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in low doses. This approach provides a more comprehensive strategy for addressing the complexities of social anxiety. (6)
Conclusion
Bupropion has a positive effect on the treatment of social anxiety. Incorporating Bupropion into the treatment plan of people suffering from anxiety can result in better therapeutic effects.
Notably, Bupropion treats anxiety without the typical side effects of weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
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