Does Wellbutrin cause swelling in feet? (+3 management)
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 the given article, we will discuss the effects of Wellbutrin on swelling. We will understand the mechanism of action of Wellbutrin and its association with causing swelling or oedematous conditions in the periphery.
Does Wellbutrin cause swelling in feet?
Wellbutrin may be associated with causing swelling in feet. Peripheral edema is less commonly linked with Wellbutrin and is not a common side effect. However, it is important to detect the root cause of swelling which can be accurately rectified.
Swelling of the periphery or extremities might be experienced by some patients based on various factors while some may not experience it. However, it is understood that different patients react differently to the medications and hence show different effects.
What does research suggest?
According to research studies, a few cases have been reported with swelling in feet, hands, tongue, and other extremities due to Wellbutrin for treatment of various conditions such as bipolar depression, major depression, or smoking cessation (1).
One case of a 33-year-old patient is reported who was prescribed Wellbutrin for smoking cessation. After starting his treatment with Wellbutrin, he started to develop a rash on his extremities (2).
Later, that rash was followed by pruritus and swelling of his arms, feet, lips, and his tongue. However, his symptoms subsided after treatment with intravenous histamine but swelling returned as he restarted his Wellbutrin dose (2).
After severe swelling in his feet and periphery, he discontinued his Wellbutrin dose which resulted in the disappearance of his swollen feet, the next day. This case indicates the involvement of Wellbutrin in swelling and edematous conditions (2).
However, Wellbutrin is an aminoketone antidepressant that inhibits the presynaptic uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine increasing their concentrations in the brain. It inhibits the reuptake of serotonin to a smaller extent and induces anticholinergic activity (1).
Based on the mechanism of action of Wellbutrin, there is no clear indication that can explain the link between Wellbutrin’s mechanism of action and fluid retention leading to edema and swelling.
What factors can impact swelling in feet with Wellbutrin?
Many factors may impact swelling in the lower extremities with Wellbutrin. Some of them are discussed below:
Pre-existing health conditions
Taking Wellbutrin along with other pre-existing health conditions may impact swelling in the extremities. Certain medical conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and liver disease may result in fluid retention leading to edema.
Certain injuries, infections, and allergies may also cause edema or swelling in the hands, feet, tongue, and other parts. Pregnant women may also be a risk factor for developing edematous conditions.
Concomitant drugs intake
Taking certain drugs along with Wellbutrin may affect its metabolism and lead to fluid retention. Therefore, careful monitoring is required with drugs that alter the fluid mechanisms in the body to avoid conditions leading to edema or swelling.
Diet and health
A healthy diet plays a significant role in fluid retention. A diet with high sodium intake can cause excessive fluid retention in the body which can cause severe swelling in the extremities.
What are the other side effects of Wellbutrin?
Some other common side effects of Wellbutrin include (1,3):
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Insomnia
Some serious side effects of Wellbutrin include (3):
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
- Rhinitis
- Tachycardia and chest pain
- Hallucinations and tremors
- Suicidal thoughts
It is important to note that not all patients face severe consequences of taking Wellbutrin. However, if you face side effects that alter your normal functionality then you need to seek immediate medical attention.
What to do if Wellbutrin causes swelling in feet?
First and foremost, if you experience any sort of swelling in your hands, tongue, face, or feet, report to your doctor immediately. As mentioned earlier, swelling is not commonly associated with Wellbutrin but can lead to serious consequences.
To manage Wellbutrin-induced swelling in the extremities, one key tip would be to manage your salt intake. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid excessive salt in your diet as it may cause fluid retention which can contribute to edematous conditions.
You need to avoid dehydration which can also lead to fluid retention and ultimately to edema. Make sure you take an adequate amount of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
You should adopt a healthy lifestyle and keep yourself engaged in physical exercises. Regular activity and workouts may help in improving blood circulation, therefore, reducing the chances of swelling in the feet or periphery.
Your doctor should also discover the root cause of edema. Swelling may be due to many reasons including an injury, trauma, infection, inflammation, or frequent weight changes.
However, if it is due to Wellbutrin, your doctor may suggest an alternate antidepressant such as Mirtazapine or Vortioxetine which may not result in causing swelling or edema in the periphery.
Conclusion
In this article, we have successfully discussed the effects of Wellbutrin on the swelling of feet and other extremities. We have discovered the mechanism of Wellbutrin linked with foot swelling and fluid retention.
We have also discovered some additional side effects associated with the use of Wellbutrin along with their management.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Yuan W, Williams BN. Monoarthritis Induced by Bupropion Hydrochloride. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2011 May 15;44(2):85-87. PMID: 27738357; PMCID: PMC5044482. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5044482/
2.-
Tackett, A. E., & Smith, K. M. (2008). Bupropion-induced angioedema. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 65(17), 1627–1630. https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp070575
3.-
Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. [Updated 2023 Apr 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
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