Does Taking Wellbutrin And Mirtazapine Affect Thyroid Function?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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