Trying to figure out the wellbutrin/bupropion TNF alpha connection

So via the "briggs protocol", I've read about wellbutrin, used as an anti-depressant, or a smoking cessation drug, and how it acts as a TNF inhibitor, similar to humira, remicade, etc.

I just had mu first remicade infusion, and also my first dose of wellbutrin (150mg). My GP had never heard of the TNF activity of bupropion, and my GI wasn't interested in discussing things Ive read online, so I can't say wether or not he acknowledged its TNF inhibiting properties or not.

Im wondering if its actually true that it does this. The one paper that claims it "profoundly" lowers TNF is a mouse study, and its from 2006. So my question, without having done much research or reading here, is does this really lower TNF, and if so why is there really scant data, all roughly a decade old, pointing to its potential therapy there? Not really trying to rehash conspiracy theories about profits, etc for drug companies, but really, is there good proof wellbutrin inhibits TNF?

Freddy:

Here is a systematic review of antidepressants and IBD.

Most if not all the studies were of poor quality.

I don't expect much to go on with anything else these days except biologics.

We are lucky some docs are working with fecal transplants.

Some doc is working with a MAP vaccine,but basically has to self fund,or I guess beg.

Protease inhibotors,may also work,cheap med no interest.

Old Mike

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1599716/

here is another internet story on wellbrutrin and UC

http://fecaltransplant.org/bupropion-as-a-treatment-for-ulcerative-colitis/

well here is a new clinical trial but they are doing it for sleep disturbance in ibd

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02162862

I wonder what happened with this one

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00126373

 

Post Edited (Old Mike) : 7/24/2014 6:33:27 PM (GMT-6)

Perhaps a big difference in what is going on.

Wellbutrin inhibits tnf synthesis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16644475

While biologics such as remicade bind with TNF and or receptors.

Which then would leave much tnf around,I might guess.

Whether this might cause a problem,dont know,of course biologics work on many.

One problem with Wellbutrin is that it can cause seizures,they took it off the market

a number of years ago,and lowered the does in each pill.

Old Mike

 

I was on generic bupropion 75mg by Sandoz and it didn't really make much of a difference at all.

I stopped because I believe it caused a rash on my face and cheeks.