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Smoking
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Bupropion, is a prescription only medicine used
to reduce the craving for cigarettes and therefore to
help you stop smoking. Originally developed as an anti-depressant,
during trials to measure its efficacy it was found to
also reduce the number of cigarettes smoked in users.
While Bupropion reduces the symptoms of withdrawal
from cigarettes, it is not a form of Nicotine Replacement
Therapy.
Bupropion is not suitable for everyone and may
only be prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is one
150mg prolonged release tablet taken daily for the intial
days, followed thereafter by one tablet twice daily for
seven to nine weeks. Those taking other medicines or who
have a medical condition may be prescribed a different
dose. Smokers are advised to start quitting smoking in
their second week of treatment.
From the clinical studies, Bupropion is at least
twice as effective as a placebo in helping smokers quit
and was shown to reduce the craving for cigarettes and
withdrawal symptoms experienced by smokers when quitting.
One study demonstrated less weight gain associated with
the use of Bupropion when compared to forms of
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
or a placebo.
Side effects associated with the use of this medication,
may also be part of withdrawal from nicotine. These have
included a dry mouth, insomnia, high blood pressure, headaches,
dizziness, changes in taste and allergic reactions. It
is not suitable for people with a number of medical conditions
including epilepsy, certain psychiatric problems such
as manic depression and liver disease and may require
to be used with caution by those on other medicines or
with certain medical conditions. Your doctor may suggest
a suitable smoking cessation programme and will be able
to discuss if Bupropion is appropriate for you.
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