Does Wellbutrin affect GABA? (+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 concise article, we will explore the effects of Wellbutrin on GABA ( gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter. We will also discuss the research results and how Wellbutrin affects GABA. We will also indicate the role of GABA in the central nervous system and mention other medications that act on GABA receptors.
Does Wellbutrin affect GABA?
Yes, Wellbutrin can affect GABA. Wellbutrin can impact GABA receptors or GABA neurotransmitter levels directly and indirectly. Wellbutrin primarily affects the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Therefore, it can mostly affect GABA indirectly.
Wellbutrin is used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. Wellbutrin works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the nerve cells. This causes an increase in the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain.
GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the central nervous system by inhibiting or reducing the activity of the nerve cells. GABA has calming and relaxing effects on the nervous system.
Wellbutrin modulation of these neurotransmitters causes interactions with other neurotransmitters like GABA. The exact nature of these interactions is still not fully understood.(1,2)
How does Wellbutrin affect GABA?
GABA receptors are abundant in the brain. Wellbutrin and several other drugs usually target these receptors. Wellbutrin can induce or inhibit the GABA flow of neurons by binding partially to the GABA receptors.(3)
Another mechanism by which Wellbutrin affects GABA is by acting directly on dopamine neurotransmitters. Wellbutrin tends to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a direct modulator of the GABA receptors. As a result, Wellbutrin can affect GABA by altering the dopamine levels. (4)
What does the research suggest?
While Wellbutrin’s primary action is on norepinephrine and dopamine, some studies suggest that it might have indirect effects on GABA. The mechanism through which Wellbutrin affects GABA is still under ongoing studies. Wellbutrin’s effects on GABA are not as well-established as its impact on norepinephrine and dopamine.
One research study suggests that Wellbutrin can act as a partial agonist on the GABA receptors. Wellbutrin’s effect on GABA is dose-related. Studies have shown that low concentrations of Wellbutrin inhibit the GABA currents while higher concentrations of Wellbutrin induce the GABA currents.(3)
Moreover, dopamine directly modulates the GABA neurotransmitters. This is important for maintaining cognitive functions. Dopamine interacts with GABA in a complex mechanism to sustain the stability of the prefrontal cortex. This interaction is essential in regulating thoughts, planning, decision-making and working memory. (4)
What are other medications that affect GABA?
Because GABA receptors are abundant in the brain, they are the site of action of several medications. GABA can be responsible for regulating neuronal excitability, anxiety, motor control, learning, planning, working memory and circadian rhythms. Therefore, GABA is the target of several drugs, including (5):
- Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines such as diazepam and alprazolam have calming and sedating effects as they increase GABA activity.
- Barbiturates: Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital can also increase GABA activity and have effects similar to benzodiazepines.
- Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsants have GABA-ergic effects. Examples of anticonvulsants include gabapentin and pregabalin are used to treat epilepsy, seizures and nerve pain.
- Anesthetics: General anesthetics such as propofol increase the GABA-ergic effects to exert hypnotic and sedating effects.
- Muscle relaxants: Baclofen is an example of a muscle relaxant that has a GABA-ergic effect to treat conditions such as muscle spasticity. (5)
Conclusion
To sum up, Wellbutrin can affect GABA. Studies have shown that Wellbutrin can affect GABA directly and indirectly. However, the research is not well-established about how Wellbutrin affects GABA directly. Studies are still ongoing in this area to understand the interaction between Wellbutrin and GABA receptors and neurotransmitters.
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References
1.-
Amirabadi S, Pakdel FG, Shahabi P, Naderi S, Osalou MA, Cankurt U. Microinfusion of bupropion inhibits putative GABAergic neuronal activity of the ventral tegmental area. Basic Clin Neurosci. 2014 Summer;5(3):182-90.
2.-
Jembrek MJ, Vlainic J. GABA Receptors: Pharmacological Potential and Pitfalls. Curr Pharm Des. 2015;21(34):4943-59.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26365137/
4.-
Lew SE, Tseng KY. Dopamine modulation of GABAergic function enables network stability and input selectivity for sustaining working memory in a computational model of the prefrontal cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014 Dec;39(13):3067-76.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229578/
5.-
Sieghart W, Ramerstorfer J, Sarto-Jackson I, Varagic Z, Ernst M. A novel GABA(A) receptor pharmacology: drugs interacting with the α(+) β(-) interface. Br J Pharmacol. 2012 May;166(2):476-85. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3417481/#:~:text=GABAA%20receptors%20are%20the,neuroactive%20steroids%2C%20anaesthetics%20and%20convulsants.
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