Bupropion Medication Guide

Bupropion, also known as Zyban®, helps to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Bupropion can be used safely with nicotine replacement products.

Dosing

Take 150 mg every morning for 3 days. Then increase to 150 mg twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Unlike NRT products, smokers should begin treatment with bupropion 1 to 2 weeks before they quit smoking. For maintenance therapy, smokers can take 150 mg twice daily for up to 6 months.

Side Effects

Side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Skin rashes

Precautions

This fact sheet was created to give you a general understanding of this medication. Please note that this fact sheet may not provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about using this medication. Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy/breastfeeding:

Smokers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should try to quit first without using bupropion. Bupropion should be used during pregnancy only if the associated benefits outweigh the associated risks.

Seizures:

Smokers who have a history of seizure, cranial trauma, or severe hepatic impairment must use bupropion with extreme caution.

References

Information in the medication guide and fact sheets is from a variety of sources, such as product information guides; manufacturers' Web sites, medical Web sites, and articles in the medical literature, including Corelli RL & Hudman KS. Pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation, Crit Care Nurs Clin N Am 2006;18, 39–51.