Does the combination of Citalopram and Wellbutrin cause weight loss?
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
The combination of Citalopram and Wellbutrin may potentially cause weight loss in some individuals (1,2).
While weight changes can vary from person to person, certain studies and anecdotal reports suggest that these medications may be associated with a decrease in appetite and subsequent weight loss for some individuals.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone will experience weight loss while taking these medications, and individual responses can vary.
Both Citalopram and Wellbutrin are antidepressants and they are not intended to be used for the purpose of weight loss (1,2). Make sure you avoid the unnecessary use of medications and do not pair antidepressants together unless advised by your doctor.
Effects of Citalopram and Wellbutrin on body weight
Citalopram and Wellbutrin can have different effects on body weight. Let’s discuss them separately:
Citalopram and body weight
Citalopram, as stated earlier, is an SSRI – the class of antidepressants which is commonly known for causing weight gain. However, studies have shown mixed results regarding its impact on body weight. (1)
Some individuals may experience weight loss as a side effect of Citalopram, while others may experience weight gain or have no significant change.
Wellbutrin and body weight
Wellbutrin, on the other hand, is an antidepressant medication that works differently than Citalopram. It is classified as an atypical antidepressant and is known to have a lower incidence of weight gain compared to many other antidepressants (3).
In fact, studies have suggested that Wellbutrin may be associated with weight loss or less weight gain compared to other antidepressants. However, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary (3).
This antidepressant is often considered a drug of choice for people suffering from depression comorbid with obesity. (4)
Potential risks of combining Citalopram and Wellbutrin
Combining Citalopram and Wellbutrin without proper management or dose adjustment can lead to disturbing side effects, including (1,2):
- Serotonin syndrome: There is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, tremors, and sweating (5).
- Increased risk of seizures: Taking both medications may increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses or in individuals with a history of seizures.
- Increased blood pressure: Wellbutrin can sometimes elevate blood pressure, and combining it with Citalopram may further increase this effect, potentially leading to hypertension.
- Drug interactions: Both medications can interact with other drugs, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no harmful interactions.
- Adverse side effects: Each medication has its own set of side effects, and when combined, these side effects may become more pronounced or potentially interact with each other.
- Individual reactions: Every person reacts differently to medications, and the combination of Citalopram and Wellbutrin may have varying effects on different individuals.
What to do if you’re suffering from depression comorbid with obesity?
If you’re experiencing depression along with obesity, it’s important to seek help and support from healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive care. The first step is to consult with your primary care physician or a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
They can assess your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Therapy can help address the underlying causes of your depression and support you in developing healthier coping mechanisms. Medication, if prescribed, can help manage symptoms of depression.
In addition, adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep are essential for managing obesity.
It’s important to remember that seeking support from healthcare professionals, building a strong support network, and taking an active role in your own well-being are key steps toward improving both your mental and physical health.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222
2.-
Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. 2023 Apr 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212
3.-
Anderson JW, Greenway FL, Fujioka K, Gadde KM, McKenney J, O’Neil PM. Bupropion SR enhances weight loss: a 48-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Obes Res. 2002 Jul;10(7):633-41. doi: 10.1038/oby.2002.86. PMID: 12105285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12105285/
4.-
Gadde KM, Parker CB, Maner LG, Wagner HR 2nd, Logue EJ, Drezner MK, Krishnan KR. Bupropion for weight loss: an investigation of efficacy and tolerability in overweight and obese women. Obes Res. 2001 Sep;9(9):544-51. doi: 10.1038/oby.2001.71. PMID: 11557835. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11557835/
5.-
Simon LV, Keenaghan M. Serotonin Syndrome. 2022 Jul 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493999. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482377
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
