Does Wellbutrin help with emotional dysregulation? (5 factors)
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 will discuss whether Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help with emotional dysregulation. We will also discuss some research studies and the potential factors influencing Wellbutrin’s effect on emotions.
Does Wellbutrin help with emotional dysregulation?
Yes, Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help with emotional dysregulation. As an antidepressant, its primary purpose is to address mood disorders like depression and anxiety, which can significantly influence an individual’s emotional well-being.
Emotions are fundamental to an individual’s mental health, serving as a building block of psychological well-being. They influence thoughts, behaviours and overall mental health.
Wellbutrin a brand for Bupropion primarily works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). By inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, Wellbutrin increases their levels in the synaptic cleft, which helps regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression (1).
By managing mood disorders, Wellbutrin assists in managing and stabilizing emotions.
What does research suggest?
Numerous research studies have demonstrated that antidepressant medications, such as Wellbutrin, are associated with the improvement of emotional well-being.
One such study indicated that Wellbutrin, an antidepressant helps with emotional processing early in treatment by reducing negative biases, which is important for its effectiveness (2).
However, it can temporarily worsen issues with experiencing pleasure (anhedonia) in the beginning, but this tends to improve with long-term use (2).
Another study justified the use of Wellbutrin in decreasing emotional dysregulation in depressed patients. The research clarified that depressed patients taking Bupropion don’t seem to experience emotional numbness (3).
How does Wellbutrin help with emotional dysregulation?
The role of Wellbutrin in emotion regulation includes the following:
Depression management: Wellbutrin achieves mood stabilization by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and diminishes feelings of sadness. This contributes to the promotion of positive emotions and overall emotional well-being.
Anxiety reduction: Wellbutrin promotes a sense of calm and reduces feelings of restlessness and unease, thereby enhancing emotional regulation and reducing anxiety.
Emotional resilience: Individuals using this medication often find themselves better equipped to handle life’s challenges and lead a more stable and positive emotional state.
However, it is important to note that individual responses to Wellbutrin can vary and some people may feel a lack of motivation after using Wellbutrin but this side effect subsides as the body gets used to the medication.
Potential factors influencing Wellbutrin’s effect on emotions
Several factors may influence Wellbutrin’s effect on emotions. It is important to understand that individual responses to Wellbutrin can vary due to these factors:
Medication dosage: A higher or lower dose may lead to different emotional responses.
Duration of use: The length of time an individual has been taking this medication can affect its efficacy.
Individual brain chemistry: Variations in neurotransmitter levels and receptors can influence how an individual responds to this medication.
Underlying conditions: Pre-existing conditions, such as mental health disorders, may influence how Wellbutrin affects emotions.
Compliance: Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan is important for stabilizing emotions.
Supplementary steps to improve emotional dysregulation while taking Wellbutrin
Other supplementary steps that you can take to improve emotional well-being while using Wellbutrin include:
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help in improving an individual’s mood.
Psychological therapy: Participate in cognitive behavioural therapy alongside Wellbutrin, which involves identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to intense mood swings and impulsivity, promoting more effective emotion regulation strategies.
Medication optimization: You should work with your healthcare provider to enhance your treatment plan by optimizing your medication dosage and treatment plan.
Conclusion
In this article, we have delved into the beneficial effects of Wellbutrin on an individual’s emotional well-being. It is important to recognize that Wellbutrin is a valuable drug in promoting mental and emotional wellness.
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References
2.-
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.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5790828/
3.-
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.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5458340/
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