Does Wellbutrin SR make you sleepy? (3+ Effects)
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 talk about how Wellbutrin affects sleep. The research studies about Wellbutrin-induced sleep disorders. We will also discuss the mechanism behind Wellbutrin causing sleep problems along with managing strategies for sleep-related problems.
Does Wellbutrin SR make you sleepy?
Yes, Wellbutrin SR can make you sleepy. Wellbutrin (bupropion) can cause deep sleep in some individuals. (1) The effects of Wellbutrin on sleep are variable and person-specific. Wellbutrin is also said to cause sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, leg movement disorder, etc.
Wellbutrin is primarily used to treat depression. Treating depression involves an increase in neurotransmitters that give you an overall feeling of well-being. Fluctuations in these neurotransmitters can cause changes in sleep patterns.
If you notice a significant increase in your sleep pattern which is affecting your quality of life, consult your healthcare provider for proper guidance. The effect of Wellbutrin on sleep is variable across individuals, and may not necessarily be experienced by everyone.
What does the research say?
A study done by Geoffrey et al. on the effect of bupropion on EEG sleep showed that Bupropion SR increased the rapid eye moment (REM) latency by approximately 40% along with REM density and REM activity during the first REM period. (2)
During the stage of REM sleep, individuals experience dreams. REM is when the eye movement is rapid and you dream. REM sleep can start with 10 minutes in the beginning and last up to 1 hour at the end of the cycle. (3)
A study done by Nofzinger et al. reported that antidepressant medication could improve REM sleep. (4) An improved REM sleep helps in overall quality of life. Wellbutrin can also cause sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, periodic limb movement and nightmares.
What are the other sleep-related problems caused by Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin has been reported to cause sleep disorders such as periodic limb movement and sleepwalking. The occurrence and severity of Wellbutrin-induced sleep disorders can vary from person to person.
Research studies have reported bupropion can cause vivid dreaming, nightmares and sleepwalking. A case report of a patient treated with Wellbutrin for his smoking addiction was reported where he complained of a sleepwalking episode after starting his treatment with Wellbutrin. (1)
A 15-year-old girl was being treated with Wellbutrin SR 100mg for her depressive symptoms, after which she experienced nightmares and vivid dreams, which usually take place during REM sleep. (5)
What is the mechanism behind Wellbutrin-induced sleepiness?
Wellbutrin impact on sleep is linked with the effect of its action on dopamine receptors and noradrenergic mechanism (2) Wellbutrin is an aminoketone antidepressant, which inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake receptors, hence increasing their level in the brain.
Wellbutrin is said to cause an increase in REM sleep at the beginning of the sleep cycle. The sleep cycle includes stages which start with light sleep, deeper sleep, and deepest non-REM sleep followed by REM sleep.
It is during REM sleep that you can dream and experience nightmares. An increase in REM sleep can cause increased nightmares and vivid dreams. REM sleep is associated with irregular movements of the eyes. It is more difficult to wake a person during REM sleep. The brain is highly active during REM sleep and can increase brain metabolism by up to 20%.
How do you manage sleep problems while taking Wellbutrin?
Several factors can contribute to the pattern of sleep and influence the quality of sleep.
- Having an abnormal sleep schedule can affect your sleep pattern. Maintain a proper sleep pattern and follow a routine where you go to bed at the same time every day.
- Substances such as heavy meals, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime will increase your alertness and impact your sleep. Avoid such substances a few hours before bedtime.
- Limit your exposure to blue light radiated by phones, TV screens and computers, as it can increase your wakefulness and disrupt your sleep.
- Maintain a peaceful environment during your sleep.
- If you are feeling drowsy during the day, switch the medication at night, to avoid daytime sleepiness.
- Set up a sleep schedule where you wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress. Consider cognitive behavioural therapy for your mental illnesses.
- Consult your physician if you notice any unusual symptoms while taking Wellbutrin.
- Don’t stop taking the medication suddenly just because you are experiencing side effects. Some of the side effects can be treated by simply adjusting the dose.
Conclusion:
In my perspective as a pharmacist, Wellbutrin can help you sleep. However, there are a few side effects associated with Wellbutrin, which can disrupt your sleep. If you have trouble sleeping or experience excessive sleepiness, consult your physician for proper management.
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References
1.-
Khazaal Y, Krenz S, Zullino DF. Bupropion‐induced somnambulism. Addiction biology. 2003 Sep;8(3):359-62. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13556210310001602284
2.-
Ott GE, Rao U, Lin KM, Gertsik L, Poland RE. Effect of treatment with bupropion on EEG sleep: relationship to antidepressant response. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2004 Sep 1;7(3):275-81. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/7/3/275/681887?login=false
3.-
Patel AK, Reddy V, Shumway KR, Araujo JF. Physiology, sleep stages. InStatPearls [Internet] 2022 Sep 7. StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526132/
4.-
Nofzinger EA, Reynolds 3rd CF, Thase ME, Frank E, Jennings JR, Fasiczka AL, Sullivan LR, Kupfer DJ. REM sleep enhancement by bupropion in depressed men. The American journal of psychiatry. 1995 Feb 1;152(2):274-6. Available from: https://europepmc.org/article/med/7840365
5.-
Mathews M, Mathews N, Jamal F, Papa-Molter A. Bupropion-Induced Nightmares Treated With Clonidine. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. 2019 Oct 3;21(5):26727. Available form: https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/bupropion-induced-nightmares-treated-with-clonidine/
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