Bupropion sustained-release is a non-nicotine pill approved to treat tobacco dependence although it is also used as an antidepressant.
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.
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.
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.