Does Wellbutrin cause yeast infections?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Wellbutrin cause yeast infections?
No, Wellbutrin does not cause yeast infections. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant associated with several side effects, but yeast infections have not been reported. (1)
If you think you have a yeast infection, talk to your healthcare provider. Your infection could have another cause as Wellbutrin isn’t commonly associated with this side effect.
However, if you’re taking any other medication or have been on antibiotics, you could get a yeast infection. There are other lifestyle factors as well which may also make you susceptible to yeast infections.
Women who douche frequently or use scented vaginal products are generally sensitive to vaginal infections as these products can throw off the vaginal pH, which can favour the growth of fungus.
Wearing tight underwear can also increase your chances of getting a yeast infection. It traps moisture and the damp environment is quite favourable for fungal growth.
A lot of other factors can also contribute to you getting a yeast infection, like your weakened immune – if that’s the case. This is why it’s best to consult your doctor and get a proper diagnosis. Don’t take any medication without your doctor’s approval.
What medications are known for causing yeast infections?
Certain medications have been associated with an increased risk of yeast infections. These medications include:
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body, including the beneficial bacteria that help keep yeast in check. This imbalance can lead to the overgrowth of yeast and increase the risk of yeast infections. (2)
Some examples include Sulfamethoxazole, Levofloxacin, Rifaximin, etc.
Corticosteroids
These medications, which are often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, can also increase the risk of yeast infections. They can weaken the immune response, making it easier for yeast to grow.
Birth control pills
While not all women experience this, some may be more susceptible to yeast infections while taking birth control pills. The hormonal changes caused by these medications can alter the vaginal environment and contribute to yeast overgrowth.
Immunosuppressants
Medications used to suppress the immune system, such as those prescribed for organ transplant recipients or autoimmune diseases, can weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections, including yeast infections.
It’s important to note that not everyone who takes these medications will develop a yeast infection, and there may be other factors involved. If you’re concerned about the risk of yeast infections while taking certain medications, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider.
How are yeast infections treated?
Yeast infections are typically treated with antifungal medications. These medications are available in various forms, including creams, suppositories, and oral tablets (3). The specific treatment prescribed may depend on the severity and location of the infection.
When using topical antifungal creams or suppositories, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. The medication is applied directly to the affected area and usually needs to be used for a specified duration, even if symptoms improve.
Oral antifungal tablets may be prescribed for more severe or recurrent infections. These tablets work from within the body to target the yeast causing the infection. Again, it’s crucial to take the medication as directed and complete the full course, even if symptoms resolve.
In addition to medication, there are self-care measures that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. These include keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing, avoiding irritants such as scented products or douches, and practising good hygiene.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection or have concerns, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.
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References
1.-
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://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212
2.-
Wilton L, Kollarova M, Heeley E, Shakir S. Relative risk of vaginal candidiasis after use of antibiotics compared with antidepressants in women: postmarketing surveillance data in England. Drug Saf. 2003;26(8):589-97. doi: 10.2165/00002018-200326080-00005. PMID: 12825971. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12825971/
3.-
InformedHealth.org [Internet].Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
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