Does Wellbutrin Cause Dry Eyes? (3+ Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 27/01/2024 | Next review date: 27/01/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Wellbutrin (Bupropion) causes dry eyes. We will also dicuss some research studies and potential factors contributing to Wellbutrin-induced dry eyes.

Does Wellbutrin cause dry eyes?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can cause dry eyes in some individuals. This is a less common side effect, but individual responses to medications can vary.

Wellbutrin-induced dry eyes normally present with a symptom of burning, gritty sensation and blurry vision of the eyes. These symptoms are especially common in people who are new to Wellbutrin or antidepressants in general. This could happen because of how Wellbutrin affects some physiological functions.

However, the intensity of this side effect reduces as your body adjusts to the medication.

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that is used to treat depression and, in some cases, to help with smoking cessation (1). If you are concerned about dry eyes or any other side effects such as blurry vision while taking Wellbutrin, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.

What does research suggest?

Wellbutrin is a dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It also has minimal effects on cholinergic receptors (2). There is limited research on the mechanism by which Wellbutrin causes dry eyes.

However, antidepressants in general can cause dry eyes, which is relatively more common in people who are new to Wellbutrin or antidepressants in general.

One research study has indicated dry eye syndrome (DES) in veterans. Many men and women in this population had DES, which increased with age and was more common in those with psychiatric conditions and using psychiatric medications (3).

Another study indicated that individuals with depression, particularly the elderly, who have experienced depression for an extended period and have been on antidepressant medications for a long time had developed dry eye syndrome. The use of antidepressants could be seen as a possible factor contributing to the development of this side effect (4).

What factors can contribute to Wellbutrin-induced dry eyes?

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Wellbutrin will experience dry eyes. Some people may be more susceptible due to their unique physiology and other factors such as:

Medication dosage: Higher doses of Wellbutrin are likely to increase the risk of Wellbutrin-induced dry eyes.

Duration of use: Prolonged use of Wellbutrin is also associated with dry eyes.

Individual sensitivity: People vary in their responses to medications, and some individuals may be more prone to experiencing dry eyes as a side effect of Wellbutrin.

Concurrent medications: Using Wellbutrin with other medications that have anticholinergic properties increases the risk of this side effect.

Underlying ocular conditions: Pre-existing ocular conditions could make individuals susceptible to dry eyes or worsen dry eyes.

Environmental factors: Low humidity, exposure to allergens and heating systems may worsen dry eye symptoms.

Age: Tear production naturally decreases with age predisposing older age to dry eye symptoms.

What to do if Wellbutrin causes dry eyes?

If you are experiencing dry eyes while taking Wellbutrin, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor is important to determine whether the causative agent is Wellbutrin.

If dry eye is caused by Wellbutrin, your doctor may adjust your treatment by modifying your dosage or switching to an alternative medication with fewer side effects. However, make sure you do not stop taking Wellbutrin abruptly as it can lead to discontinuation syndrome characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, agitations, headache, dizziness etc (5).

Using artificial tears can help alleviate dry eye symptoms by supplementing the eye’s natural tear film. This helps to reduce dryness and discomfort.

Staying well-hydrated is also useful in managing dry eyes. You should drink plenty of water to help tear production.

Conclusion

Wellbutrin-induced dry eyes can be a very uncomfortable side effect. Understanding the potential mechanisms and factors precipitating this side effect is important in determining the management strategies you can use to reduce symptoms.

Frequent consultation with your doctor while on this medication will provide you with personalized guidance on how to best manage this symptom.