Bupropion: Start Before You Stop
Before you toss that last butt into the toilet. On the YOU plan, we suggest beginning it 2 days before your quit date. Others may recommend taking bupropion for a week or more beforehand, but we've found 2 days is enough. So make an appointment with your health-care provider as soon as you've decided to quit.
How Much, How Long
We recommend somewhat less than the standard dose, simply because our patients have had great success with it.
- For average smokers, we usually find that taking 100 milligrams (mg) twice a day for 5 months, followed by 100 mg once a day for another 1 to 2 months, keeps them off cigarettes.
- Light smokers may find that as little as 75 mg twice a day controls their cravings.
We also suggest keeping one tablet with you to control emergency cravings. But never take more than the max dose of 300 mg a day.
We've had the most success with a combination of NRT and bupropion. The combo boosts your chance of quitting by 60%.
When you're ready -- usually no more than 4 months after your quit date -- you can simply stop taking bupropion. Tapering off isn't necessary.
A Couple of Cautions
During the first few weeks of taking bupropion, you may have dry mouth and some trouble sleeping, but both usually go away. Blood pressure can go up, so get it monitored. Some people notice nausea, dizziness, and headache. If any side effects are severe, call your doc. There's a small risk of a seizure while taking bupropion -- only 1 in 1,000 -- but it can occur. There's also a small risk of increased libido.
Who Shouldn't Take It
- Anyone with epilepsy, a history of head injuries, or any other predisposition to seizures
- Anyone with an eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia nervosa)
- Anyone with major depression problems or cirrhosis of the liver
As with any medication, tell your healthcare provider about any vitamins, herbs, and other drugs you are taking (prescription and nonprescription).
