Does Wellbutrin cause a lack of motivation? (3 tips)
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 whether Wellbutrin causes a lack of motivation. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Wellbutrin cause a lack of motivation?
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can cause a lack of motivation. However, this is a rare side effect and the incidence is low.
Lack of motivation itself is a common early symptom of depression and many people actually feel better on antidepressants. However, medications that work on your brain can affect people differently and antidepressants can cause a lack of motivation in some people.
This side effect is commonly seen in long-term users. Antidepressants can sometimes eliminate the natural element of anxiety that is beneficial for you. This makes people not feel happy, sad or motivated to do anything.
Some people may take it as a lack of motivation and some may call it a lack of emotion. wellbutrin generally takes some time to work, but it can effectively counteract your symptoms once it starts working.
Wellbutrin primarily works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps in regulating mood and also aids in smoking cessation (1).
What does research suggest?
There is limited research indicating a lack of motivation caused by Wellbutrin. However, antidepressants in general can cause a lack of motivation, which is relatively more common in people who are new to Wellbutrin or antidepressants in general or people who have underlying psychological illnesses.
It is important to note that Wellbutrin, being an antidepressant, can also help people with a lack of motivation associated with depression. Wellbutrin is actually one of the best antidepressants for increasing energy and motivation.
One research study has justified the use of Wellbutrin in depressed patients with mood disorders. It indicated that Welbutrin helped in improving behaviours and efficiently treated motivational symptoms in depressed people (2).
It is quite common for people to lose interest in various aspects of their lives, such as education, health, career, and relationships when they are feeling depressed.
Antidepressants are designed to help alleviate these symptoms by managing depression and anxiety. As a result, some individuals may find themselves feeling more motivated while taking Wellbutrin. However, it is important to note that medications can affect people differently.
Is Wellbutrin-induced lack of motivation reversible?
Wellbutrin-induced lack of motivation can be reversible for some people. As mentioned earlier, Wellbutrin is designed to help with symptoms of depression, including a lack of motivation or desire to do things.
Some people who are new to this antidepressant may experience this side effect, but it often improves as the body adjusts to the medication. Wellbutrin takes time to start working, but once it does, it can be effective in addressing a lack of motivation or depression in general.
However, in some cases, Wellbutrin may lead to a persistent lack of motivation. It is important to monitor your side effects while taking Wellbutrin and discuss them with your doctor.
What to do if Wellbutrin causes a lack of motivation?
If Wellbutrin causes a lack of motivation, talk to your healthcare provider. They can make adjustments to your dose if you are new to this antidepressant or if your dose was recently increased.
It is important to be patient when using antidepressants. These medicines need time to work in your body and improve your symptoms. For some people, it may take up to 12 weeks to see results, so be sure to give it enough time.
It is also important to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle like regular exercise, yoga and meditation. Surround yourself with people who care about you and support your recovery.
However, Wellbutrin may not work well for everyone. If this side effect continues to negatively impact your mental health instead of improving it, your doctor will safely switch you to another medication.
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome
Always remember, do not discontinue the antidepressant on your own as it may lead to discontinuation syndrome characterized by symptoms such as (3):
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tremors
- Vomiting
How to ensure the safe use of Wellbutrin?
Consider the following points to ensure the safe use of Wellbutrin:
- Always take your medication as guided by your healthcare provider.
- Do not skip the doses or discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol, as it can worsen the side effects.
- Wellbutrin can cause dizziness or impair your ability to concentrate, so be cautious while driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Always use Wellbutrin with caution in adults under 18 years of age.
- If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking Wellbutrin.
Always remember safe and effective use of medication is necessary for the full therapeutic output.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed whether Wellbutrin can cause a lack of motivation. We have also discussed that this side effect can be reversible for some people as their treatment with Wellbutrin continues, but some people may not recover without discontinuing Wellbutrin.
Was this helpful?
References
2.-
Carratalá-Ros, C., Olivares-García, R., Martínez-Verdú, A. et al. Energizing effects of bupropion on effortful behaviors in mice under positive and negative test conditions: modulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation patterns. Psychopharmacology 238, 3357–3373 (2021).https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-021-05950-4#citeas
3.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#:~:text=The%20mnemonic%20FINISH%20summarizes%20the,disturbances%20(%E2%80%9Cburning%2C%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%9C
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