Published on 26 May 2022

Wellbutrin For Smoking Cessation: Does It Really Help?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) wellbutrin-for-smoking-cessation
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Approximately 34.3 million people smoke, even though it has decreased since the 2000s. According to the CDC (Centres for disease control and Prevention), almost 4,80,000 people died from smoking in the US within a year.


So, what are the solutions to say Bye to addictions that remove peace from your smooth living life?

Medicines and Nicotine Replacement Therapies are the best solutions for eliminating smoking that harms your health. Among different medicines, Wellbutrin is a profoundly known name in the discussion. Other words for Wellbutrin are Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, and Bupropion.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Different medications have their own identity in treating a particular condition or multiple. When it comes to Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that is majorly used for treating the seasonal affective disorder and Major depressive disorder. 

A single medication is also used for its off-label use, wherein the drug is used not just for the primary condition but for conditions in which it can heal others. Wellbutrin is also used to treat ADHD and for smoking cessation. Know more about it below.

How Does Wellbutrin Work?

All the medications in the pharmaceutical world have their unique way of working, but it depends on the drug class it belongs to. Medications that belong to the same drug class, work similarly.

Once you consume Wellbutrin, it boosts the mood by blocking the dopamine in the body. This process has a productive output for the person suffering from the condition. 

Dopamine is the main element that regulates the reward system related to the addiction to smoking. It mainly works by blocking dopamine which lowers the addiction to smoking. 

Does Wellbutrin Help You Stop Smoking?

Yes, it does help you in quitting smoking. But the answer is not that simple because it is believed to depend on various factors. Clinical trials show that Wellbutrin is a good option for lowering the addiction and desire to smoke. 

As per the research done by Dr. Taylor believes that Wellbutrin works best for people suffering from depression and smoking habits. This drug will ensure you are treated for both conditions and help you quit smoking. 

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Wellbutrin does cause weight loss due to its medicinal components. An average of 13 lbs can be lost if you consume for 12 weeks.
Yes, it does affect the mood and might make you dull. It happens due to the calmness it gives after working on the body.
No, it is not at all recommended to consume alcohol while on Wellbutrin. This will create many problems within your body, and you might suffer from severe side effects.

How To Use Wellbutrin To Stop Smoking?

Many people in the world smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day. This eventually builds within people who are addicted to smoking. That’s when Wellbutrin comes in place to eliminate the addiction to smoking more than 10 cigarettes.

A doctor might recommend you Wellbutrin for lowering the addiction symptoms. It is available in tablet form, and different dosages will be suggested as per the severity of the addiction. 

Wellbutrin HCL (Immediate release): 75mg to 100mg.
Wellbutrin HCL (sustained release): 100mg, 150mg, or 200mg per 12 hours.
Wellbutrin HCL (Extended release): 150mg, 300mg, or 450mg per 24 hours.

You will see the changes after a few weeks of consumption. This medicine will reach its full effectiveness in your body; till then, the medicine will fully work inside your body. At the initial stage of consuming medicine, you might smoke a few cigarettes, but eventually, you will stop smoking. You can take medicine for atleast 6 months to one year.

Possible Side Effects Of Wellbutrin

Most medicines in the pharmaceutical world have negative effects too. It does show positive effects on the condition you have been treating, but side effects, too, exist. Side effects are differentiated into two perspectives as Common and severe.

Common Side Effects

Severe Side Effects

Nausea

Suicidal Thoughts

Constipation

seizures

Infections

Irregular heartbeats

Headaches

High blood pressure

Dizziness

Hostility

palpitations

Insomnia

You should always consider the above-mentioned side effects. This will help you to be safe, and if you have been through severe side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. Common side effects can leave your body over time.

Is Wellbutrin The Correct Choice For Quitting Smoking?

You might have been through such a question: will it be suitable for you or not when there are many medicines available in the market? Even though you have to start something with natural remedies available. But when nothing works as per your vision, you have the option of consuming medicines.

Medicines effectively do work to get off the addiction symptoms. When it comes to Wellbutrin, it works effectively and helps you quit smoking due to its medicinal components. You should take medicine only after consulting a doctor, as it's prescription-based to buy Wellbutrin online.

Precautions Before Consuming Wellbutrin

It is always advisable to follow the precautions before you consume any medicine. This will help you not be in trouble with side effects. 

You should not take Wellbutrin

  • If you are allergic to the drug
  • If you are suffering from seizures
  • Do not double the dose or overdose the medicine
  • If you are breastfeeding, it is advised to ask your doctor for a suitable dosage
  • You should not take medicine while you are pregnant.

You should inform your doctor about the following conditions

  • A head injury
  • Spinal cord tumor
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Liver or kidney issues
  • Depression
  • If you are addicted to drinking alcohol

If you follow the above-given instructions, you would be benefitted from not affecting the side effects. Always have a clear vision to cure the condition by clearly expressing your medical history with the doctor you are consulting.

Drug Interactions

Possibly that you might consume some different medicine for any other condition, but what if it interacts with Wellbutrin? So when you are on a different medication, you must inform your doctor about the other medication. This will prevent you from having medicinal interactions.

Some medicines interact with Wellbutrin, such as:

  • Abilify
  • Adderall
  • Albuterol
  • Ambien
  • Cymbalta
  • Klonopin
  • Lexapro
  • Tramadol
  • Trazodone

This is not the complete list of medicines. You should inform any medicines you take for your benefit. 

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

You will need something to get off the addiction, and in terms of smoking, Wellbutrin can be a better solution for cessation. Most of the research has mentioned that for people who want to quit smoking, Wellbutrin medicine will work on their addiction.

Never be in a hurry to judge a medicine in one go; sometimes, Wellbutrin might take extra time to work on your body. Always be cautious about realizing it will make you strong enough to stop smoking.

As far as it's a matter of health, one should never compromise. Wellbutrin helps you the best due to its non-nicotine substance that will disappear your addictions from your daily routine. Wellbutrin will be a game changer if you want to opt for smoking cessation.