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Does Taking Wellbutrin And Mirtazapine Affect Thyroid Function?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015
Question: Hi,
I HAVE BEEN TAKING MIRTAZAPINE AND WELLBUTRIN FOR A MONTH AND TSH LEVEL HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM 1.38 TO 3.19. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism 2 years ago.Could one of the drugs be a cause of it??
I need 100% certainty as different websites and drugs leaflets don't say anything about it.
Many thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Both Wellbutrin and Mirtazapine don't significantly affect thyroid function

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Welcome to HCM. I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Both these drugs - Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Mirtazapine don't have a drug interaction with Levothyroxine. So it won't affect levothyroxine action.

These drugs don't lead to a clinically significant change in thyroid function (TSH or thyroid hormones). There are reports on some small changes in T3 and T4 in some studies with Mirtazapine. But these are not clinically significant.

So the change in TSH in your case is not related to the drug intake. The TSH change of 1.38 to 3.19 will not change the management of hypothyroidism, as the target TSH most treating physician keep is between 0.5 and 4 miu/ml (unless you are planning pregnancy - when your target is less than 2.5 miu/ml).

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.


Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (13 minutes later)
Thank you for your reply.
Could you also advise on how much time apart is best to take these drugs away from Levothyroxine. Is it OK to take Wellbutrin an hour after taking Levothyroxine in the morning?

Many thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
These medications can be taken 1 hr after thyroxin

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Welcome back.

Both these medications can be taken 1 hour after levothyroxine. Levothyroxine has to be taken in morning empty stomach.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (43 minutes later)
Is it OK TO HAVE PORRIDGE FOR BREAKFAST OR WOULD IT SUPPRESS THYROXINE PRODUCTION AND INCREASE TSH LEVELS?
Also, could grief affect TSH levels being raised as I had recently death in the family.

Many thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It's ok. stress change thyroid function reports

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Diet is restricted for 1 hour after thyroid medications as food will interact with Levothyroxine absorption.

Type of breakfast don't influence thyroid gland. So you can eat anything you like 1 hour after thyroid tablets.

Severe stress will change the TSH values. But this is not due to increased hormone production but the change is due to decreased T3 due to stress and suppression of TSH by cortisol hormone. These changes will return to normal once the stress is over.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)
Thank you for your reply.
That was very helpful.
Can I just ask one more question please?
Can hypothyroidism, taking into account my current TSH level 3.19,cause a sensation in the eye as if something was stuck in it?
The best I could compare it to is a sensation as if a contact lense was stuck in my eye ( and I don't wear one)
Would it also affect clarity of my vision?

Thank you for your help.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely due to hypothyroidism, may be the drugs

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Welcome back.

At your level of thyroid function, the eye symptoms are unlikely due to your under active thyroid. Eye symptoms are seen in over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and in severe cases of under active thyroid.

Your symptoms may be related to the side effects of medication that you are on. Mirtazapine can cause eye pain and eye irritation while Wellbutrin can cause blurring of vision.

If you have any further queries, I will be happy to help

Regards
Dr Ajish TP
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ajish TP

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 819 Questions

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Does Taking Wellbutrin And Mirtazapine Affect Thyroid Function?

Brief Answer: Both Wellbutrin and Mirtazapine don't significantly affect thyroid function Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX Welcome to HCM. I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Both these drugs - Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Mirtazapine don't have a drug interaction with Levothyroxine. So it won't affect levothyroxine action. These drugs don't lead to a clinically significant change in thyroid function (TSH or thyroid hormones). There are reports on some small changes in T3 and T4 in some studies with Mirtazapine. But these are not clinically significant. So the change in TSH in your case is not related to the drug intake. The TSH change of 1.38 to 3.19 will not change the management of hypothyroidism, as the target TSH most treating physician keep is between 0.5 and 4 miu/ml (unless you are planning pregnancy - when your target is less than 2.5 miu/ml). Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Regards Dr Ajish TP Consultant Endocrinologist