Does Wellbutrin cause emotional blunting? (5+ solutions)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 07/02/2024 | Next review date: 07/02/2026
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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 causes emotional blunting. Furthermore, we will talk about what the research suggests, what emotional side effects are associated with Wellbutrin, and their management strategies while taking Wellbutrin. 

Does Wellbutrin cause emotional blunting?

Wellbutrin may cause emotional blunting when used for depression. Emotional blunting is a condition in which individuals with depression do not respond normally, like healthy people, to feelings of sadness, joy, fear, or anger. In some cases, it may also be a symptom of depression itself. 

Many patients who take antidepressants may experience emotional blunting as an adverse effect of these drugs. Antidepressants help patients treat their depression but can also make them feel emotionally unresponsive, which can affect their social lives (1).

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Wellbutrin primarily regulates dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Wellbutrin also has a mild effect on nicotinic and serotonin receptors, which are related to mood, sleep, stress response, and other brain functions (2).

What does research suggest?

According to research studies, Wellbutrin may cause emotional blunting, but it is not a common side effect. Other antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which affect the levels of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain, are commonly known to cause emotional blunting.

Several research studies examined the effect of antidepressants on a patient’s ability to feel emotions. Some patients think that antidepressants can make them feel less emotional, but it is not proven.

A clinical study used data from three trials with people who had depression. They found that emotional unresponsiveness might be a symptom of depression rather than a side effect of the antidepressant drugs.

These studies were conducted during short-term treatment; however, long-term studies should be done to confirm this emotional side effect of Wellbutrin (3,4). In another research study, Wellbutrin was evaluated for affecting the connections between brain regions.

In depressed patients, these brain connections are not regulated, which might lead to unusual thoughts and emotional numbness. However, research has found that Wellbutrin increases the connectivity between various regions of the brain, making it an effective antidepressant.

These results suggest that Wellbutrin might not make patients emotionally unresponsive, which is a common side effect of some antidepressants (SSRIs) (5). Another research study indicated that patients with depression, when given Wellbutrin, had improvements in their emotional issues.

When these patients continued taking Wellbutrin for 6 weeks, they behaved normally, like healthy people. These results are important for treating different aspects of depression, including emotional problems (6). 

What emotional side effects are associated with Wellbutrin?

The emotional side effects associated with Wellbutrin may include:

What to do if Wellbutrin-induced emotional side effects persist?

If you experience Wellbutrin-induced emotional side effects and they are getting worse, you should not take it lightly. It is important to inform your healthcare provider, as they will take appropriate measures to manage your current condition.

These emotional side effects may also occur due to other psychotic illnesses, rather than an adverse effect of Wellbutrin. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin or any other antidepressant, without consulting your doctor, as antidepressants have the potential to cause withdrawal symptoms.

It should only be discontinued under the supervision of a medical professional. Your doctor may gradually taper it off over a few weeks or months and switch you to another antidepressant which is appropriate for you according to your specific needs. However, it is important to note that not everyone taking Wellbutrin will experience these emotional side effects (8). 

How to manage emotions while taking Wellbutrin?

To effectively manage your emotions while taking Wellbutrin, it is advisable to consult with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend some management strategies, as follows:

  • Your doctor may make adjustments to your Wellbutrin dosage and closely monitor you for potential side effects. 
  • You should be patient and let Wellbutrin work, as antidepressants may take a few weeks to show their full therapeutic benefit. 
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may also help some patients to manage their emotions. 
  • You should practice stress-reduction activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga that will keep you calm and relaxed. 
  • Get enough sleep, as a lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood and emotional well-being. 
  • Avoid alcohol as it can worsen the side effects of Wellbutrin (7). 

Conclusion

Wellbutrin may cause emotional blunting when used for depression. Emotional blunting may also be a symptom of the underlying depressive disorder. Although Wellbutrin has emotional side effects, you should consult your doctor if you experience such side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose, monitor side effects, and suggest management strategies to help emotions. 

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References

1.-

Ma H, Cai M, Wang H. Emotional Blunting in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Brief Non-systematic Review of Current Research. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Dec 14;12:792960. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.792960. PMID: 34970173; PMCID: PMC8712545. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712545/ 

2.-

Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. 2023 Apr 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262173. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262173/ 

3.-

Peters EM, Balbuena L, Lodhi RJ. Emotional blunting with bupropion and serotonin reuptake inhibitors in three randomized controlled trials for acute major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2022 Dec 1;318:29-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.066. Epub 2022 Aug 24. PMID: 36029876. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36029876/ 

4.-

Goodwin GM, Price J, De Bodinat C, Laredo J. Emotional blunting with antidepressant treatments: A survey among depressed patients. J Affect Disord. 2017 Oct 15;221:31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.048. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28628765. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28628765/ 

5.-

Rzepa E, Dean Z, McCabe C. Bupropion Administration Increases Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Dorso-Medial Prefrontal Cortex. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017 Jun 1;20(6):455-462. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx016. PMID: 28340244; PMCID: PMC5458340. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5458340/ 

6.-

Walsh AEL, Browning M, Drevets WC, Furey M, Harmer CJ. Dissociable temporal effects of bupropion on behavioural measures of emotional and reward processing in depression. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2018 Mar 19;373(1742):20170030. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0030. PMID: 29352029; PMCID: PMC5790828. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29352029/ 

7.-

Bupropion. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 15th Feb 2018]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html 

8.-

Ma H, Cai M, Wang H. Emotional Blunting in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Brief Non-systematic Review of Current Research. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Dec 14;12:792960. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.792960. PMID: 34970173; PMCID: PMC8712545. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712545/ 

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