Does Wellbutrin affect HRV? (+5 factors)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss whether Wellbutrin has any effects on heart rate variation or not. We will look into some factors that may affect the HRV while taking Wellbutrin. We will further discover the ways to manage HRV if the cause is Wellbutrin.
Does Wellbutrin affect HRV?
Wellbutrin may affect Heart rate variation (HRV) in some patients. Wellbutrin is considered to have a low risk of cardiovascular side effects, but some factors may lead to changes in HRV while being on Wellbutrin.
It is important to note that individual responses to Wellbutrin may vary. However, if you feel any heart rate variations while taking Wellbutrin, you need to seek immediate medical attention.
What does research suggest?
Based on research studies, it can be stated that Wellbutrin may cause a reduction in heart rate variation. This is hypothesized that the decrease in HRV is due to Wellbutrin’s sympathomimetic activity on the heart (1).
Wellbutrin is an aminoketone, an atypical antidepressant that selectively inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Due to this inhibition of neurotransmitters, Wellbutrin exerts its antidepressant effects on the brain (1).
Wellbutrin is given as an antidepressant drug to relieve stress and depression. An investigation report showed that Wellbutrin was given to 17 depressed patients who showed decreased heart rate variability (2).
It was reported that when patients with major depressive disorder were given Wellbutrin, they showed an increase in diastolic blood pressure suggesting that Wellbutrin may exert cardiovascular side effects to a smaller extent (2).
Research suggests that major depressive disorder and antidepressant medications are linked to decreased HRV. It has also been studied that depression and decreased HRV are associated with the risk of mortality in cardiac patients (3).
What factors can affect HRV while taking Wellbutrin?
The following are some of the factors that affect HRV while taking Wellbutrin (2,3):
- The impact of Wellbutrin on casing HRV largely depends upon its dosage and administration. The higher the dose of Wellbutrin, the more the chances of causing HRV and other cardiovascular conditions such as heart palpitations.
- Careful administration and monitoring should be done while taking Wellbutrin to avoid HRV. However, always take the prescribed dosage as suggested by your doctor.
- Individual response to medication may cause HRV. Different patients may experience HRV varyingly based on their response to Wellbutrin. Some of them might experience significant changes in HRV, while others might not face them.
- Various lifestyle factors such as physical exercise, diet, smoking, and stress may alter HRV in some patients. Lifestyle changes vary in different patients taking Wellbutrin and may cause an increase or decrease in HRV.
- Taking concurrent medication along with Wellbutrin might impact the HRV. Underlying cardiovascular conditions may serve as risk factors.
- It is important to discuss with your doctor if you have any underlying heart condition or if you are taking any concomitant drug with Wellbutrin to avoid HRV complications.
How to manage Wellbutrin-associated HRV?
Consult your healthcare provider if you are having heart rate variations. You should inform your healthcare provider of any history of cardiovascular conditions so the dosage and timing of Wellbutrin can be adjusted accordingly.
If this drug is causing HRV, then your doctor must taper off the Wellbutrin dose and may shift you to a safer antidepressant with a lower chance of cardiovascular complications.
You should limit your intake of intoxicants such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Along with Wellbutrin, these stimulants may affect the heart rate and HRV and can lead to severe consequences.
Hydration and a healthy diet are necessary for good cardiovascular health. An active lifestyle with physical activities and stress management while taking Wellbutrin can improve HRV.
You should not miss out on your follow-ups with your healthcare provider. Keep your doctor updated about any side effects or changes in your health condition related to HRV.
Never stop taking Wellbutrin abruptly without consulting your doctor first. Stopping this drug may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
In this article, we have answered how Wellbutrin affects heart rate variation in patients. We have discussed some research studies to support our answer. We have further, discovered some factors that affect HRV in patients taking Wellbutrin.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Siepmann, M., Weidner, K., Petrowski, K. et al. Heart Rate Variability: A Measure of Cardiovascular Health and Possible Therapeutic Target in Dysautonomic Mental and Neurological Disorders. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 47, 273–287 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-022-09572-0
2.-
Preetam J. Schramm, Russell E. Poland, Uma Rao,
Bupropion response on sleep quality in patients with depression: Implications for increased cardiovascular disease risk, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 24, Issue 2, 2014, Pages 207-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.09.007
3.-
van Zyl, L.T., Hasegawa, T. & Nagata, K. Effects of antidepressant treatment on heart rate variability in major depression: A quantitative review. BioPsychoSocial Med 2, 12 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0759-2-12
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
