Does Wellbutrin cause nipple discharge? (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 are going to discuss whether Wellbutrin causes nipple discharge or not, the link between Wellbutrin and nipple discharge, research studies on the association between Wellbutrin and nipple discharge, other possible causes for nipple discharge, and how to deal with nipple discharge.
Does Wellbutrin cause nipple discharge?
Yes, Wellbutrin can cause nipple discharge (galactorrhea) in certain individuals. The active ingredient of Wellbutrin is called bupropion which belongs to a class of antidepressants called NDRI (Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor) used in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and seasonal depression.
Bupropion has action on both serotonin and nicotinic receptors, hence the incidence of causing endocrine and sexual adverse effects are rare, but the occurrence of this side effect differs from one individual to another. (1)
The link between Wellbutrin and nipple discharge
Wellbutrin is an NDRI antidepressant. It acts on both serotonin and nicotinic receptors, serotonin stimulates prolactin hormone release.
Prolactin’s main function is to stimulate the growth of mammary glands, and activating the serotonin pathway stimulates the release of prolactin in the pituitary and hypothalamus glands.
Dopamine is the main inhibitor of prolactin release, and Wellbutrin is an NDRI, it inhibits dopamine reuptake leading to prolactin release and causing galactorrhea or nipple discharge.
However, galactorrhea is a rare side effect of Wellbutrin compared to other antidepressants such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). (2)
What does research suggest?
A case of a 24-year-old unmarried woman was reported. She was diagnosed with depression and started treatment with antidepressants such as escitalopram and clonazepam, her symptoms of depression improved.
After two weeks, bupropion was added to her treatment to improve the rest of her depression symptoms.
It was reported that she developed galactorrhea within the first 2 weeks of taking bupropion, her symptoms of galactorrhea improved when she discontinued the drug and was replaced with sertraline (Zoloft) instead.
Zoloft and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are both antidepressants that share some similar properties in treating depression symptoms.
The studies indicated that the reason for galactorrhea is bupropion due to its action on the serotonin receptors. It is also a CYP2D6 inhibitor (Cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme) which leads to increasing the escitalopram level increasing the side effect of galactorrhea. (3)
Other potential causes for nipple discharge
There are several conditions that can cause nipple discharge such as:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: a pregnant or breastfeeding woman can experience nipple discharge due to hormonal changes.
- Enlarged milk duct: if your milk duct is enlarged or inflamed due to an underlying medical condition can cause nipple discharge.
- Small and non-cancerous breast lumps: this condition can result in galactorrhea as a side effect.
- Mastitis: inflammation and infection in the breast causes galactorrhea.
- A side effect of other medications: Galactorrhea can occur as an adverse effect of taking medications other than antidepressants such as certain antipsychotics, synthetic hormones, antihypertensives, and other hormone imbalance medications.
Therefore, your healthcare provider or physician must assess your condition and diagnose your case properly to exclude any other underlying medical condition that can be a main cause for nipple discharge other than Wellbutrin. (4)
How to deal with nipple discharge while taking Wellbutrin?
The first thing to do is to contact your physician or healthcare provider to find out the underlying cause of nipple discharge through tests and diagnosis, they will find out if the cause of nipple discharge is due to the use of Wellbutrin or not and will ask you to reduce the dose or discontinue the medication.
If nipple discharge is due to the use of other medications, they will recommend proper dosing and discontinuation of certain medications to avoid this side effect.
If the cause of nipple discharge is unknown, your healthcare provider will recommend cabergoline or bromocriptine to lower your prolactin level and prevent nipple discharge.
Here are some lifestyle and home remedy tips that you can take to help reduce your nipple discharge:
- Breast pads: you can use breast pads to absorb nipple discharge until it is resolved by medication.
- Cotton clothes: try wearing cotton clothes and a cotton bra, and avoid wearing clothes that cause friction between your nipples and the fabric.
- Avoid squeezing or pinching your nipples to reduce your nipple discharge. (5)
Conclusion
Wellbutrin can rarely cause nipple discharge, according to research studies, there were some case reports that Wellbutrin causes nipple discharge as a side effect, but it differs from one individual to another.
However, if you experience nipple discharge while using Wellbutrin, contact your physician immediately in order to assess your condition and underlying causes, follow your physician’s guidelines and home remedies to reduce your nipple discharge.
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References
1.-
Bhandutia D, Nayok S. Galactorrhoea as a side effect due to Bupropion- a case report. European Psychiatry [Internet]. 2021 Aug 13 [cited 2023 Oct 17];64(Suppl 1): S837. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9480184/#:~:text=Bupropion%20is%20a%20NDRI%20antidepressant,following%20Bupropion%20augmentation%20of%20Escitalopram.
2.-
Aguado AIW, Garcia L, Rodriguez C. Galactorrhea as a side effect of antidepressant drugs. A case report. European Psychiatry. 2021 Apr;64(S1):S775–6. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-psychiatry/article/galactorrhea-as-a-side-effect-of-antidepressant-drugs-a-case-report/459967515A0C5E01462493A69D2D2A25
3.-
Bhandutia D, Nayok S. Galactorrhoea as a side effect due to Bupropion- a case report. European Psychiatry [Internet]. 2021 Aug 13;64(Suppl 1):S837. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9480184/#:~:text=Bupropion%20is%20a%20NDRI%20antidepressant,following%20Bupropion%20augmentation%20of%20Escitalopram.
4.-
Nipple discharge [Internet]. nhs. uk. 2017. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nipple-discharge/
5.-
Galactorrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org. 2019. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/galactorrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350434
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