Table of contents:
- How Bupropion works as a drug to stop smoking
- Who should not use Bupropion?
- How effective is Bupropion as a smoking cessation drug?
- What are the possible side effects of bupropion?
- Why do I still want to smoke even though I already drink Bupropion?
- So, do I need Bupropion to quit smoking?
Bupropion is a type of drug that is sold in the market under several brands such as Zyban®, Wellbutrin®, or Aplenzin®. This is an extended-release prescription anti-depressant medication that relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion does not contain nicotine. This drug acts on chemicals in the brain associated with craving to use nicotine. Bupropion is often prescribed as a smoking cessation medication, and it works best if it is started 1 or 2 weeks before you quit smoking. A commonly used dose of bupropion is one or two 150 mg tablets per day.
How Bupropion works as a drug to stop smoking
Bupropion is a pill you take to reduce your urge to use tobacco. How it works is not completely known. Bupropion does not contain nicotine and does not help you quit smoking the same way nicotine replacement therapy does. However, like other drugs, Bupropion reduces the urge and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal (nicotine withdrawal).
Doctors also prescribe Bupropion to treat depression. However, Bupropion's ability to help people quit smoking is not related to its antidepressant action. This medication can help you quit smoking even if you are not depressed.
You must take Bupropion every day, starting 1 or 2 weeks before quitting smoking. This will accumulate drug levels in the body. You must take Bupropion for 7 to 12 weeks after quitting tobacco use. You can take it for up to 6 months to 1 year.
Who should not use Bupropion?
Bupropion is used in people who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day, and who are at least 18 years of age. Doctors prescribe this drug to help people when they quit smoking.
However, you should not use Bupropion if:
- You are already using other medicines that contain Bupropion (such as Wellbutrin)
- You have seizures or other medical conditions that make you prone to seizures
- You are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- You have an eating disorder
- You have an alcohol addiction problem
How effective is Bupropion as a smoking cessation drug?
Bupropion works as well as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Using Bupropion along with nicotine replacement therapy (such as nicotine patches, chewing gum, or inhalers) can increase your chances of success.
If used as directed, Bupropion can reduce:
- strong urge to use nicotine
- irritability, restlessness, anxiety
- hard to concentrate
- feeling unhappy or depressed
What are the possible side effects of bupropion?
Common side effects of using bupropion to quit smoking are:
- Dry mouth, experienced by 1 in 10 people who use Bupropion.
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). If you are taking the morning and evening doses, using the evening doses in the evening can help with sleep problems. Take the afternoon dose at least 8 hours after the morning dose.
In more than 70 out of 100 people taking Bupropion, the above side effects disappeared within one week after they stopped using this drug. Only about 10 out of 100 people have to stop using Bupropion because of these side effects.
There is a small risk of getting seizures when using Bupropion. This risk increases if you have had seizures in the past.
Why do I still want to smoke even though I already drink Bupropion?
The urge or strong desire to smoke can be caused by withdrawal symptoms (withdrawal). However, you may also feel a strong urge or urge to smoke when you are in a situation where you used to smoke.
Certain things that can trigger the desire to smoke, such as:
- places where you normally smoke, such as your home, office, or bar
- people you smoke with, such as family or friends, or when you are alone
- habits or routines in which you habitually smoke, such as when drinking coffee or alcohol, talking on the phone, after eating, or when you want to relax
- emotions, such as anger, boredom, feeling depressed or hurt, or for some people, when they are unhappy
Stopping the medication works best if you also reduce the triggers for cravings. You need to understand why you smoke in order to plan how to deal with the situation. The people who are most successful at resisting their strong urge to smoke use a range of strategies to help them. Making your home smoke-free and getting rid of any cigarettes in your home and car are strategies that can help.
So, do I need Bupropion to quit smoking?
Like any treatment, Bupropion works best if this drug is included in a program that includes setting a quit date, having a plan for dealing with things that get you to smoke (smoking triggers), and getting support from doctors, counselors, and support groups.
Using Bupropion along with nicotine replacement therapy (such as nicotine patches, chewing gum, or inhalers) can work better than using it alone. Consult your doctor before combining Bupropion with nicotine replacement therapy.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not use medications unless prescribed by your doctor. Some drugs can harm babies. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Also, make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
