Does Wellbutrin treat depression? (3 important issues)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss the use of Wellbutrin for depression. We will discuss the clinical efficacy of this medication, its side effects, and dosage recommendations for depression and related symptoms.
Does Wellbutrin treat depression?
Yes, Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) does treat depression(1,2). This disease affects adults and children and has symptoms of tearfulness (crying), feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, tiredness, irritability, feelings of guilt, frustration, sleep disturbances including insomnia or sleeping too much, anxiety, slowed thinking, trouble concentrating, and in worst cases, suicidal thoughts and attempts (2).
Wellbutrin is primarily categorized as an antidepressant, so it does manage these symptoms and can also be paired with other antidepressants in case of treatment-resistant depression.
What does research suggest?
Several research studies have indicated that Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a safe and effective medication for depression. One research review indicated that bupropion proved to be an effective treatment of depression according to around 40 clinical trials and it was well tolerated in the majority of individuals (4).
Another clinical study also indicated that bupropion is an effective choice for major depressive disorders and can also help people suffering from depression comorbid with obesity because of its weight loss properties. The study also indicated that it is generally well-tolerated (5).
How does Wellbutrin work for depression?
Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release formulation), and Wellbutrin XL (extended-release formulation) are the commercial names for bupropion hydrochloride. It has no clear complete mechanism of action but this drug does not inhibit the monoamine oxidase or the re-uptake of serotonin.
It is a norepinephrine and dopamine disinhibitor (NDDI), which promotes the release of these substances in the human body. It is called a second-generation antidepressant approved in many countries, including the United States of America and several countries of the European Union (1).
These excitatory chemicals improve mood and depression-related symptoms safely and effectively.
What are the dosage recommendations of Wellbutrin for depression?
Wellbutrin is usually prescribed for oral administration containing 75 mg or 100 mg film-coated tablets that should be given 300 mg per day, 3 times daily. Dosing should begin with 200 mg per day, given 100 mg twice a day.
It is important to notice that doses exceeding 450 mg daily can increase the risk of seizures in some people (2).
What are the side effects of Wellbutrin when used for depression?
Wellbutrin is associated with some side effects, including: (3)
- nausea
- agitation
- headache
- abdominal pain
- palpitation
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- myalgia
- arthralgia
- insomnia
- irritability
- somnolence
- sweating
- tinnitus
- blurred vision
- muscle weakness
- dizziness
- anxiety
These side effects should always be discussed with your doctor and you should never stop using Wellbutrin without first talking to your healthcare provider (1,2).
What to do if Wellbutrin does not work for depression?
If you suspect that Wellbutrin is not working for your depression effectively, discuss this with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will properly evaluate your treatment plan and may increase your dose, if possible. If dose escalation is possible and your body responds well to it, you will be asked to take a higher dose for at least a week.
However, if that still doesn’t work, your doctor will either start another antidepressant along with Wellbutrin or may switch you to another antidepressant. Just make sure you do not adjust your treatment plan on your own. If your doctor believes that Wellbutrin needs to be stopped, they will suggest a proper taper schedule.
This is important to avoid the symptoms associated with Wellbutrin-discontinuation syndrome. It is always important to remember that the safe and effective use of medications is the best way to achieve your desired therapeutic outcome.
Conclusion
In my experience, I have seen Wellbutrin doing wonders for depression and related symptoms. It can also help increase your energy and motivation. However, I have seen how people can be different and have different factors affecting their health. So, not everyone who takes Wellbutrin will do well on it.
An individual’s response to the antidepressant can make a huge difference. In my opinion, patients should strictly follow their doctor’s directions to ensure the safe and effective treatment of depression.
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References
1.-
Khan SR et al. Chapter One – Bupropion Hydrochloride. Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients, and Related Methodology. Volume 41, 2016, Pages 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.podrm.2015.12.001
2.-
Wellbutrin (Bupropion Hydrochloride). Prescribing Information. FDA Label. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018644s043lbl.pdf
3.-
National Library of Medicine. Bupropion: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
4.-
Dhillon S, Yang LP, Curran MP. Spotlight on bupropion in major depressive disorder. CNS Drugs. 2008;22(7):613-7. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200822070-00006. PMID: 18547129. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18547129/#:~:text=Oral%20three%2Dtimes%2Ddaily%20bupropion,weight%20gain%20than%20some%20TCAs.
5.-
Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK. Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016 Apr;6(2):99-144. doi: 10.1177/2045125316629071. Epub 2016 Feb 18. PMID: 27141292; PMCID: PMC4837968. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837968/
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