Does Wellbutrin Contain Lithium? (3+ Differences)

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 contains Lithium. We will also talk about the key differences, related research findings regarding the combination of Wellbutrin and Lithium, common side effects, and how to choose between these two medications.

Does Wellbutrin contain Lithium?

No, Wellbutrin does not contain Lithium. Wellbutrin and Lithium are two different medications used for different therapeutic purposes. However, they may be used together in certain conditions, but only if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

The combination of Wellbutrin and Lithium may also have potential side effects that need to be considered when taking these two medications together.

How is Wellbutrin different from Lithium?

Wellbutrin and Lithium have the following differences:

Mechanisms of action

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Wellbutrin primarily regulates dopamine, which is involved in 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 (1).

Lithium is a mood stabiliser that helps patients with mood problems. It is the first choice for treating bipolar disorder, a condition where people experience extreme mood swings.

The exact mechanism of action of Lithium is not fully understood, but it appears to help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing the severity and frequency of mood swings in bipolar disorder (2).

Therapeutic uses

Wellbutrin is approved by the FDA for use in adult depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. Wellbutrin may also be used to treat antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression associated with bipolar disorder, and obesity (1).

Lithium, on the other hand, is used to manage manic episodes in bipolar disorder and as a maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder. It can also be used as adjunct therapy to treat major depressive disorder, vascular headaches such as migraines, and neutropenia (low WBC count) (2).

Discontinuation symptoms

If you are using a combination of Wellbutrin and Lithium or using either of these drugs, sudden discontinuation is not advisable. Abrupt discontinuation may result in adverse effects, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and irritability with Lithium.

Wellbutrin, on the other hand, may cause headaches and generalized body pains upon withdrawal. Both of these medications should be gradually discontinued, only under the supervision of a qualified medical professional (3,4).

Can you take Wellbutrin and Lithium together?

Wellbutrin and Lithium can be used together, but only if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Wellbutrin can be used to treat depression in patients with bipolar disorder and to prevent them from experiencing a manic episode.

Research studies have indicated that Wellbutrin can be effective in patients who do not respond to standard treatments for bipolar disorder and that it is safe to use alongside Lithium in such cases (5).

Another clinical study has suggested that Wellbutrin might be a good option for people with bipolar disorder who have quick mood swings, especially when combined with the right dose of Lithium (6).

However, some patients taking Wellbutrin may become too excited or experience mood swings. Therefore, it is essential to be closely monitored by a qualified healthcare professional when using Wellbutrin and Lithium to treat bipolar disorder, as it may lead to mood swings in some patients (7).

What are the common side effects of Wellbutrin and Lithium combination?

Wellbutrin and Lithium are commonly associated with the following side effects when used in combination (8,9):

Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Weight changes
Drowsiness
Anxiety
Headaches
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Muscle or joint pain
Restlessness
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Bloating
Seizures

However, not everyone using Wellbutrin and Lithium will experience these side effects. The incidence of these side effects may vary based on individual risk factors, such as age, current symptoms, dosage regime, response to the medication, underlying health conditions, and family or medical history.

It is important to be vigilant when taking a combination of Wellbutrin and Lithium due to the increased risk of seizures (10).

How to choose between Wellbutrin and Lithium?

The choice between Wellbutrin and Lithium depends on the symptoms you are experiencing, and the most appropriate medication should only be decided by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Your doctor may recommend Wellbutrin and Lithium based on your current symptoms and specific needs. Both Wellbutrin and Lithium are prescription medicines and should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor.

Conclusion

Wellbutrin and Lithium are two different medications. Wellbutrin is used to treat conditions like depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. On the other hand, Lithium is a mood stabilizer used mainly for managing manic episodes in bipolar disorder.

Wellbutrin is safe and effective when used in combination with Lithium. However, this combination may increase the risk of seizures, so careful monitoring should be done under the supervision of your doctor.

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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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262173/

2.-

Chokhawala K, Lee S, Saadabadi A. Lithium. 2023 Feb 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085604. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30085604/

3.-

Berigan TR, Harazin JS. Bupropion-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms: A Case Report. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 1999 Apr;1(2):50-51. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v01n0205. PMID: 15014696; PMCID: PMC181057. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181057/

4.-

Balon R, Yeragani VK, Pohl RB, Gershon S. Lithium discontinuation: withdrawal or relapse? Compr Psychiatry. 1988 May-Jun;29(3):330-4. doi: 10.1016/0010-440x(88)90056-9. PMID: 2897893. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2897893/

5.-

Erfurth A, Michael N, Stadtland C, Arolt V. Bupropion as add-on strategy in difficult-to-treat bipolar depressive patients. Neuropsychobiology. 2002;45 Suppl 1:33-6. doi: 10.1159/000049259. PMID: 11893875. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11893875/

6.-

Haykal RF, Akiskal HS. Bupropion as a promising approach to rapid cycling bipolar II patients. J Clin Psychiatry. 1990 Nov;51(11):450-5. PMID: 2121720. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2121720/

7.-

Fogelson DL, Bystritsky A, Pasnau R. Bupropion in the treatment of bipolar disorders: the same old story? J Clin Psychiatry. 1992 Dec;53(12):443-6. PMID: 1487473. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1487473/

8.-

Lithium. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 15th April 2017]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html

9.-

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

10.-

Conway CR, Nelson LA. The combined use of bupropion, lithium, and venlafaxine during ECT: a case of prolonged seizure activity. J ECT. 2001 Sep;17(3):216-8. doi: 10.1097/00124509-200109000-00014. PMID: 11528316. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11528316/

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Does Wellbutrin contain Lithium? (3+ differences)