Does Wellbutrin cause bloating and weight gain?
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
Does Wellbutrin cause bloating and weight gain?
Yes, Wellbutrin can cause bloating, but weight gain is not common with Wellbutrin. In fact, this antidepressant can help you lose weight and it is often prescribed for the treatment of depression comorbid with obesity. However, bloating can be considered a common side effect.
Wellbutrin may also affect insulin levels in some individuals and can affect intermittent fasting. However, these effects are not that common.
Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider if your Wellbutrin-induced side effects really disturb you. Do not stop this antidepressant without your doctor’s approval.
What does research suggest?
Research indicates that Wellbutrin may cause some gastrointestinal disturbances which may increase your stomach gases (1). This can cause bloating and make you feel heavy. Wellbutrin may also cause heartburn or acid reflux, which may reduce overall calorie consumption.
This may add a pound or two to your weight, but this weight gain is unrelated to your body’s metabolic changes. However, these side effects are not persistent and are more common in people who take Wellbutrin on an empty stomach.
As soon as your bloating goes away, the extra pound or two drops. If your bloating is making it difficult for you to eat normally or if you feel abdominal pain, reach out to your healthcare provider and discuss your side effects. Wellbutrin may rarely cause fluid retention, which can increase your water weight.
Wellbutrin, in general, is known to cause weight loss in depressed obese individuals.
Furthermore, Wellbutrin is actually considered a good alternative to antidepressants like Mirtazapine which can cause significant weight gain in people, as this antidepressant can have some stimulant effects, even though it’s different from typical stimulants like Vyvanse and Adderall.
This antidepressant can even cause weight loss when taken with other medications, like antipsychotics (Seroquel, Abilify, etc), other antidepressants (Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, etc), and some antiepileptic drugs (Lamotrigine).
Bupropion, the active drug in Wellbutrin, is also available in a combined form with other medications which are solely designed to lose weight and manage obesity.
One example is Contrave, which contains Naltrexone and Bupropion. If you’re taking any such medication, but you’re gaining weight or the medication does not seem to be working, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
What to do to get rid of Wellbutrin-induced bloating?
There are a few things you can do to get rid of Wellbutrin-induced bloating and heaviness in your stomach. These include:
Drink fennel tea
If you’re feeling too bloated after your meals, drink fennel tea. You can make tea by adding fennel seeds to boiling water and letting it steep for a while. Let it cool down to room temperature and drink it.
It will help digest your food and will stop those circulating gases that cause bloating and make you feel heavy. You can also throw some peppermint and ginger in your tea. All of them have amazing digestive properties.
Don’t overeat
Another way to prevent Wellbutrin-induced bloating from getting worse is to not overeat. Stuffing your stomach with an excess amount of food can trigger these gases and acid reflux.
These combined can make you feel terribly heavy and can cause severe Abdominal pain. Make sure you eat mindfully and stick to smaller portions.
Avoid spicy food for a while
It is best to avoid too much spicy food while you’re being treated with Wellbutrin. Spicy food can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects. It can also trigger acid reflux and heartburn.
Try probiotics
The addition of probiotics to your diet can help you a lot with your Wellbutrin-induced bloating. This is because these good bacteria can aid in digestion and improve your gut health.
They are normally a part of our gut microflora but the majority of people are deficient these days. Try probiotics and you’ll see a difference yourself.
Stay hydrated
Water is essential for your entire body, including your gut health. It can help dilute the acid in your stomach which can prevent the formation of gases that cause bloating in the first place.
It’s best to drink water before meals. You can also drink water with food, but experts have recommended not to drink water right after finishing your meals. It can affect your digestion.
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References
1.-
Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. 2022 Dec 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262173. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
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