Bupropion (marketed as Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation and for depression) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for smoking cessation.
Bupropion SR is also called Zyban. This medication can help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke.
Bupropion SR can be used safely with nicotine products.
Wellbutrin sustained-release information:
- Wait until you've taken it for two weeks before you try to stop smoking. It has to build up in your system.
- Wellbutrin SR belongs to the chemical class of aminoketones and acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and nicotinic antagonist.
- Unlike many antidepressants, Wellbutrin SR does not cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Bupropion sustained-release is a non-nicotine pill approved to treat tobacco dependence although it is also used as an antidepressant.
Wellbutrin SR in a Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Use of Bupropion SR in a smoking-cessation program
Patients received bupropion SR as long as they had no contraindications to its use. For patients who had a psychiatric diagnosis, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, a psychiatrist's consent was obtained before prescribing bupropion SR.
A bupropion SR 150-mg tablet was taken once/day for 3 days, then twice/day for 8 weeks. After a review of the drug's purpose, proper use, and potential adverse effects, each patient documented a target quit date. Behavior modifications were reinforced. Patients were scheduled to return to the clinic for follow-up at 8 weeks and 6 months to assess efficacy and tolerability of therapy.
Bupropion treatment must be initiated before the quit attempt, and it prepares a smoker's body for the actual stress of quitting. Bupropion is easy to take and the side effects from taking it are minimal.
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The treatment of depression and major depressive disorder.
The usual recommended dose is 100 mg to 150 mg once daily.
Wellbutrin, or bupropion, has a mechanism of action which is not as clearly understood, but it does not directly affect serotonin, working instead on other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and adrenalin.
Wellbutrin is free of sexual side effects and does not cause weight gain, and is slighly stimulating; it can sometimes cause insomnia or anxiety.
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Depression treatment and management
Neither medication is "better" for depression; it just depends on the person, and what types of symptoms or side effects are of greatest concern. Some people will do better on one than the other, and some people do best on the combination if neither medication works perfectly by itself.
Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.
Appropriate treatment for depression starts with a physical examination by a physician. Certain medications, as well as some medical conditions such as viral infections or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression and should be ruled out.
Difference between Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL?
The difference between Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL is how it is released into the body. Wellbutrin SR is the sustained release form whereas Wellbutrin XL is the extended release form. Both types are time control released.
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