Can Wellbutrin Cause Acne? If you’re taking Wellbutrin and experiencing acne breakouts, it could be due to an allergic reaction. Acne can be due to hormonal changes or increased oil production. Wellbutrin, which is also known as bupropion hydrochloride, can cause changes in hormone levels.
Wellbutrin’s Effect on Acne According to the April 2000 issue of the American Journal of Medical Sciences, some patients taking Wellbutrin have noticed increased acne breakouts due to increased oil production on their skin.
The journal notes that Wellbutrin’s effects on the liver may cause acne breakouts. It causes increased production of hormones in both men and women, leading to oily skin and acne.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about this side effect to find the best way to manage it. Read on for more information!
How To Prevent Acne While Taking Wellbutrin
1. See Your Doctor
Wellbutrin can cause acne in some users, and this is often due to an allergic reaction caused by Wellbutrin’s effects on the liver – it increases hormone levels. The side effect is suitable for many patients because of anti-depressant effects that can help with mood disorders such as depression. Your doctor can recommend alternative anti-depressants that help with acne without causing a side effect.
2. Try an Oil-Free Moisturizer
Using an oil-free moisturizer can help prevent your skin from becoming oily and therefore reduce the number of breakouts you’ll have on your face or back. Try using an acne-fighting product that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid to help keep your skin clear of breakouts.
3. Dispose of Used Facial Scrubs After One Use
Skin scrubs may be harsh for your skin, causing irritation and redness, which can cause you to break out more often. Throw away used facial scrubs after one use.
4. Go Easy on the Makeup and Acne Products
Wearing lots of makeup such as concealer or foundation may clog pores and cause acne breakouts. Instead, try to wear makeup as little as possible. In addition, many acne products such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also irritate your skin if used too often, decreasing its effectiveness and causing further problems for your skin.
5. Cut Down on Stress and Try Relaxation Techniques.
Stress can increase the hormones that lead to breakouts, so you should look at ways to lower y our stress levels, such as practicing gratitude or meditation. You could also try yoga which decreases stress.
6. Moisturize your skin after shaving
Moisturizing your skin after shaving can prevent hair follicles from becoming clogged with dead skin cells, which can cause acne. Try using a moisturizer that contains Aloe Vera as it has natural anti-inflammatory properties, calming irritated acne-prone skin.
7. Try an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A diet high in sugar and trans fats can increase hormones which can lead to acne breakouts. Instead, try an anti-inflammatory diet that consists of vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds to help your body fight inflammation.
Can I Use Other Medications to Treat My Acne While on Wellbutrin?
You can use most medications containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne while taking Wellbutrin. However, check with your doctor before using any new medicines to ensure that they won’t cause a negative interaction with Wellbutrin and other anti-depressants prescribed by your doctor.
What To Consider Before Using Wellbutrin
1. Wellbutrin May Cause Side Effects
Some of the commonly reported side effects of Wellbutrin are headache, dizziness, insomnia, and nausea. More severe side effects can include mood swings or suicidal thoughts. If you experience any adverse side effects while using Wellbutrin, contact your doctor immediately.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Suppose you start experiencing any unusual, adverse side effects while taking Wellbutrin to contact your doctor immediately. If you experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact a medical professional immediately, as these could be signs that something is seriously wrong. Never ignore warning signs such as these because they can lead to serious health problems and death.
3. Monitor Your Mental Health While Taking Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with a history of suicidal thoughts or bipolar disorder. If you have an account of mental illness in your family, let your doctor know before starting on Wellbutrin so that they can monitor your psychological well-being carefully.
4. Take Additional Precautions if You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
There have been no studies on the effects of Wellbutrin on a mother’s unborn child, so your doctor will most likely prescribe another medication for you that is safer for pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, it has not clear if Wellbutrin is directly harmful to an unborn child.
5. Get Sufficient Sleep
Getting the necessary hours of sleep every night will help ensure that your body functions normally, including metabolizing medications effectively. Lack of sleep can also cause physical and emotional problems, which could interfere with the effects of Wellbutrin.
6. Be Cautious if You Drink Alcohol
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin can increase the neurotoxic effects (harmful to brain cells) caused by thiamine deficiency, leading to memory loss and confusion.
7. Don’t Start Using Illicit Drugs
Most illicit drugs are highly neurotoxic and can cause severe damage to the brain. Using more of these types of drugs could make this worse. Please avoid using any illegal drugs, including marijuana, while taking Wellbutrin, as they may interact with the medication in harmful ways.
Can Wellbutrin Cause Acne?
From the above discussion, Wellbutrin can cause acne breakouts in some patients. It increases hormone levels which can lead to oily skin and acne breakouts. However, you can follow specific steps to reduce the chance of getting acne while taking it. They include using an oil-free moisturizer, disposing of used facial scrubs after one use, going easy on makeup and acne products, practicing gratitude or meditation to reduce stress levels, practicing yoga to lower stress hormone levels, and treating your skin gently. You should also see your doctor for advice if you are concerned about getting acne while taking Wellbutrin.
What do you think? Did these tips help you out? Do you have any questions? Please leave them in the comments below!
