Turn Down the Urge to Smoke with Bupropion
Bupropion (brand names: Budeprion, Buproban, Wellbutrin, Zyban) is a well-known antidepressant that, in ways that aren't totally clear, also helps smokers quit. (No, you don't have to be depressed to benefit!) Nearly 20% of people who stop with the help of bupropion alone achieve long-term success. Combine it with nicotine replacement therapy and that number jumps to 60%. And we've seen even higher rates in people who follow the YOU program.
Here's one theory on why it helps: Remember how nicotine in cigarettes creates a pleasurable sensation by getting dopamine flowing? Bupropion may achieve a similar result, but in a different way: Instead of increasing dopamine, bupropion keeps what's there from being absorbed. If you've got plenty of the feel-good chemical in circulation, you're less likely to want the dopamine-releasing effects of nicotine in a cigarette.
