Does Wellbutrin help with narcolepsy? (+3 findings)
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 helps with narcolepsy or not, clinical trials and studies assessing Wellbutrin’s impact on narcolepsy, the mechanism of action of Wellbutrin in managing narcolepsy symptoms, and the medications that are used to treat narcolepsy.
Does Wellbutrin help with narcolepsy?
Yes, Wellbutrin can help with narcolepsy. Wellbutrin is the brand name for the atypical antidepressant bupropion, which is used to treat MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and is thought to improve wakefulness and attention by increasing the brain’s norepinephrine and dopamine levels, which in turn lessens the symptoms of narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a lifelong condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent awakenings, and hallucinations.
What does research suggest?
Numerous research studies and case reports have demonstrated the efficacy of bupropion (Wellbutrin) in treating the symptoms of narcolepsy. Examples of these case studies include:
A 58-year-old woman with narcolepsy-cataplexy syndrome participated in a clinical trial. Imipramine (tricyclic antidepressant) and modafinil (stimulant) were used to address her symptoms, but there was no improvement. She started off with 150 mg of bupropion and worked her way up to 300 mg per day.
The results showed that bupropion helped her narcolepsy symptoms. (1)
Another case study was a 16-year-old girl identified as having SI (sleep inertia), a psychological condition that causes temporary disorientation and a decline in behavior and mood after awakening. She was constantly late to school as a result of this.
She received treatment with long-acting bupropion extended-release (150 mg once daily at bedtime) and methylphenidate sustained release to be consumed an hour before bed.
The medication had an effect, and she woke up promptly. Consequently, it has been proved that bupropion is effective in treating narcolepsy symptoms and sleep problems.
Another case study involved a 29-year-old woman with idiopathic depression and SI who was being treated with Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). She was prescribed bedtime bupropion-xl 150 mg, and responded positively to the medication right away, with benefits lasting for four months. (2)
Wellbutrin and Adderall are two different medications. They can be used together to overcome the symptoms of narcolepsy in certain individuals.
How does Wellbutrin manage narcolepsy symptoms?
Wellbutrin manages narcolepsy symptoms by increasing the brain’s norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine is a part of your sympathetic nervous system, which is part of your body’s fight-or-flight response and is released in acute stress situations. Its function is to increase your attention, alertness, and arousal. (3)
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is made in the brain. It functions as a reward center and affects a wide range of bodily processes, such as attention, mood, and memory. (4)
Both norepinephrine and dopamine are powerful neurotransmitters that control your brain states helping in reducing the symptoms of narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness.
What treatment strategies are approved for narcolepsy?
There are both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments that are used to treat narcolepsy.
Pharmacological treatment includes using Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants such as modafinil, methylphenidate, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (Wellbutrin).
- Boosting wakefulness is the goal of stimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil.
- Sodium oxybate and venlafaxine are used to reduce cataplexy attacks associated with narcolepsy.
- Sodium oxybate is also approved to treat symptoms of sleep paralysis and hallucinations. (5)
Note that Wellbutrin can be used in combination with a CNS stimulant such as modafinil to improve the symptoms of narcolepsy in certain patients.
These medications were proven to improve the symptoms of narcolepsy in 65-85% of patients. (6)
Non-pharmacological treatment includes:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, by sleeping 7.5-8 hours each night. Good sleep hygiene is crucial in treating narcolepsy. (6)
- Taking short naps during the day will help treat your narcolepsy symptoms.
- Regular exercise will improve your sleep quality and give you more energy the next day. It should be done 4 to 5 hours before bed.
- Avoid using nicotine and alcohol. They will make narcolepsy symptoms worse, particularly at night.
Conclusion
Wellbutrin can help in treating the symptoms of narcolepsy. Research studies and clinical trials proved that Wellbutrin in combination with a CNS stimulant showed better results in treating narcolepsy in certain individuals. Taking your medication and practising non-pharmacological techniques can certainly help improve your narcolepsy symptoms.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Goksan B, Mercan S, Karamustafalioglu O. Bupropion is effective in depression in narcolepsy. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice. 2005 Jan;9(4):289–91. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24930928/
2.-
Schenck CH, Golden EC, Millman RP. Treatment of severe morning sleep inertia with bedtime long-acting bupropion and/or long-acting methylphenidate in a series of 4 patients. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2021 Apr;17(4):653–7. Available from: https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.8994
3.-
Cleveland Clinic. Norepinephrine: What It Is, Function, Deficiency & Side Effects [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22610-norepinephrine-noradrenaline
4.-
Cleveland Clinic. Dopamine [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine
5.-
Thorpy MJ. Recently Approved and Upcoming Treatments for Narcolepsy. CNS Drugs. 2020 Jan;34(1):9–27. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982634/
6.-
Narcolepsy Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Nonpharmacologic Measures, Pharmacologic Treatment. eMedicine [Internet]. 2023 Jun 13 [cited 2023 Oct 19]; Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1188433-treatment#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20a%20regular
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