Bupropion is an antidepressant, but it is also prescribed to help people quit smoking. It can be used in combination with a nicotine replacement product.
Bupropion appears to affect two brain chemicals that may be related to nicotine addiction: dopamine and norepinephrine. Bupropion reduces the cravings for cigarettes that smokers experience when they try to quit. It also seems to reduce many of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, frustration, and anger.
Your doctor will determine the appropriate level of bupropion for you and will adjust the dosage as you progress.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take; some should not be taken with bupropion, while others may require a different dosage level.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of bupropion. Tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially
Women who are breastfeeding should not use bupropion. Talk to your doctor about other options.
Start taking bupropion one week before you plan to stop smoking. It takes about one week for this medication to reach adequate levels in your system, so plan a specific quit date during the second week that you are taking bupropion.
If you miss a dose, just skip it and stay with your regular dosing schedule.
Note:
Do not double doses. Taking too much bupropion at one time can cause seizures.
If all goes well and you are successful in quitting, you should plan to stay on the bupropion for 7 to 12 weeks. Your primary care provider may recommend a longer course of treatment, however, depending on your circumstances.
Most people do not have side effects from taking bupropion for this indication. If side effects do occur, they can usually be minimized. And the side effects are temporary—they last only as long as you are taking this medication.
Temporary weight loss is a possible beneficial side effect of bupropion, which might offset the weight gain that usually occurs when people quit smoking.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Buzzing or ringing in ears
- Headache (severe)
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Seizure
Symptoms of an overdose may be more severe than side effects seen at regular doses, or two or more side effects may occur together. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Seizures
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur frequently and/or become bothersome:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Decrease in appetite
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trembling or shaking
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
Bupropion should not be combined with other medications that lower the threshold for seizures. These include
the following:
- Theophylline
- Antipsychotic medications
- Antidepressants
- Tramadol (Ultram)
It is very clear from all of the studies on smoking cessation that your chances of long-term success depend a great deal on your motivation and commitment to quitting, regardless of which therapy you choose.
Last reviewed August 2007 by Edward R. Rosick, DO, MPH, MS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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