Does Wellbutrin affect fertility? (+3 factors)
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 will discuss the effects of Wellbutrin on fertility. We will look into the factors that alter and impact fertility in both men and women while taking Wellbutrin as an antidepressant. Additionally, we will look at the ways to avoid fertility-related complications associated with Wellbutrin.
Does Wellbutrin affect fertility?
Wellbutrin may affect fertility in some individuals. The effects of Wellbutrin on male and female fertility are not very well documented. Wellbutrin is not generally associated with fertility-related complications but side effects may vary from person to person.
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant that is most commonly prescribed for smoking cessation, attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder, and major depressive disorder. If your doctor has prescribed Wellbutrin for any of these conditions, you should discuss fertility concerns with him too.
As mentioned earlier, Wellbutrin may not be directly associated with causing fertility problems such as low sex drive or low libido. However, these issues may appear in a few populations taking Wellbutrin based on their response to the medication.
What does research suggest?
According to the research studies, Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that is associated with a lower incidence of causing sexual dysfunction in men. This effect can occur as a result of increased dopamine levels and a slight influence of Wellbutrin on serotonin levels (1).
Wellbutrin is an aminoketone atypical antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also associated with inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and nicotine to a lesser extent (2).
Wellbutrin is an effective antidepressant and is not significantly reported to cause sexual abnormalities such as arousal, desire, or orgasmic dysfunctions. It is also not associated with female fertility or sexual abnormalities. It is also not linked with any child-birth defects, miscarriages, or pregnancy-related problems (1,3).
Wellbutrin is instead used in combined treatment with other antidepressants such as Sertraline, Citalopram, and Fluoxetine which are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction in both men and women (1).
Wellbutrin is given in combination to reduce the severity of sexual abnormalities caused by other antidepressants. The sexual benefits of Wellbutrin are due to an increase in dopamine signaling in the brain (1).
What are the factors that may impact fertility with Wellbutrin?
Following are some of the factors that may cause fertility issues while being on Wellbutrin:
Hormonal imbalance and pre-existing health conditions
Hormonal imbalance due to underlying conditions and stress levels leads to devastating effects on sexual functioning in both men and women. Hormonal balance in women may disturb the menstrual cycle which may lead to difficulties in concieving.
Underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other hormonal disorders may affect fertility while being on Wellbutrin.
Dietary and lifestyle habits
Diet and lifestyle can significantly impact fertility in both men and women. A sedentary lifestyle with smoking and alcohol consumption may lead to harmful consequences related to fertility.
A healthy and nutritious diet with a well-hydrated body might have positive effects on fertility and sexual well-being. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is beneficial and may impact fertility.
How to manage Wellbutrin-induced fertility issues?
If you are having Wellbutrin-associated fertility issues, then you need to consult your healthcare provider and discuss your health condition with them. You should be prescribed an alternate antidepressant that suits your health well and does not cause sexual side effects.
Based on your health condition, your prescriber might alter your medication dose which might potentially reduce the occurrence of sexual side effects associated with Wellbutrin.
Since Wellbutrin is an antidepressant, it should not be abruptly stopped due to fertility-associated side effects. Consult your prescriber before stopping the medication to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
In the above article, we have discussed the effects of Wellbutrin on male and female fertility. We have discovered some factors that may impact fertility in patients taking Wellbutrin.
We have discussed how Wellbutrin-induced side effects should be managed in the general population. These side effects do not affect every patient but may affect a few based on their drug response.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Cavariani, M. M., de Almeida Kiguti, L. R., de Lima Rosa, J., de Araújo Leite, G. A., Silva, P. V. e, Pupo, A. S., & De Grava Kempinas, W. (2015). Bupropion treatment increases epididymal contractility and impairs sperm quality with no effects on the epididymal sperm transit time of male rats. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 35(9), 1007–1016. doi:10.1002/jat.3089 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25645087/
2.-
Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. [Updated 2023 Apr 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
3.-
Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) 2021 Oct. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582611/
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