Bupropion Addiction Treatment

Giving up cigarettes is never easy but there are medications that can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting; bupropion is an example of one of these. In the below paragraphs you will come to know more about this drug and how it could help you quit smoking for good.

What Is Bupropion?

Bupropion is an antidepressant drug that is typically used to treat conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and major depressive disorder. It is also used to help with smoking cessation.

This medication is available on prescription only and is available in tablet form. When used to help with the cessation of smoking, the drug can lower the severity of nicotine withdrawal and can help to reduce cravings. It is recommended for use by smokers who have no history of depression.

When bupropion is used to help with cigarette withdrawal, it can almost double the person’s chances of being successful. A typical course tends to last for around twelve weeks and most people will be ready to quit smoking after around ten days of taking the drug. It is important that the correct dosage of bupropion is administered as low doses can encourage nicotine use instead of discouraging it.

Brand Names

History of Bupropion

Nariman Mehta, a scientist at Burroughs Wellcome – which is now GlaxoSmithKline – designed, synthesised, and patented Bupropion. He and a team of scientists were trying to find a compound that could act as an antidepressant with reduced side effects.

In 1974, bupropion was granted its US patent and was approved for use as an antidepressant by the US FDA in 1985. However, in 1986, the drug was withdrawn as it was suspected of causing epileptic seizures among patients at the recommended dosage. After an investigation, it was found that the incidence of epileptic seizures was dependent on dose; in 1989, the drug was reintroduced for use but at a lower recommended dose.

What Substance Abuse/Addictions Is Bupropion Used to Treat?

• Smoking Addiction

Is Bupropion Addictive?

Bupropion is not considered to be addictive and has a low potential for abuse. Nevertheless, there have been some reports of the drug being used for recreational purposes. Those who abuse the drug tend to crush the pills and snort them with high doses said to cause a stimulant-like effect. Nonetheless, because the drug can cause seizures when taken in large doses, the risk of dangerous side effects is very high.

As well as snorting the drug, those who abuse it often take more pills than the recommended dose, and there have been some reports of people dissolving the drugs in water and then injecting it.

What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is thought that bupropion works by affecting the neurotransmitters (chemicals) within the brain. In addition, scientists now think that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is responsible for conditions such as depression.

The brain tends to recycle released neurotransmitters, a process known as reuptake. Bupropion works by preventing certain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine from being recycled. It is thought that the increase of dopamine at various neuronal sites in the brain is responsible for reducing nicotine cravings.

Does Bupropion Have Any Interactions?

Bupropion can also interact with alcohol and increase the risk of seizures, paranoid delusions, and hallucinations. Use of bupropion should also be carefully considered in patients with the following illnesses:

If you have used an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine, selegiline, methylene blue injection, or isocarboxazid, you should not take bupropion as a dangerous interaction could occur.

Bupropion should not be taken by anyone with an eating disorder, a seizure disorder, or those who have suddenly stopped using alcohol.

Bupropion should not be taken to treat more than one condition. If you are taking it for the treatment of a mental health problem, it should not be used as a smoking cessation aid.

It is not known if bupropion will cause harm to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you should inform your doctor before taking bupropion. If you fall pregnant while taking it, it is important that you inform your doctor as soon as you find out.

What Are the Side Effects of Bupropion?

There are quite a few side effects that can occur with bupropion use. Below are a few examples:

Although some symptoms are more common than others and most do not require medical attention, it is important that you consult your doctor if you experience any severe symptoms or if your symptoms persist. You should seek urgent medical attention, however, if you experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction that include:

Can You Just Stop Taking Bupropion?

As bupropion is an antidepressant medication, it is not recommended that your use of it stop suddenly. Speak to your doctor if you want to stop taking your medication, and he or she will recommend a safe way to withdraw. It may be the case that you will begin taking lower doses over the course of two to three weeks before stopping completely.

Facts/Statistics

• Bupropion is effective for both short- and long-term use.
• Headaches, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia are the most common side effects.
• If you begin taking higher dosages of the drug, the risk of seizures increases. However, in lower doses, incidences are rare.
• Bupropion has one of the lowest incidences of weight gain, sexual dysfunction and somnolence when compared to other new antidepressant drugs.
• Bupropion is effective for use in treating both healthy adult smokers and those who are affected by smoking-related illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease.