Using Wellbutrin to Stop Smoking

Wellbutrin and its competitor stop smoking drug Zyban utilize the antidepressant Bupropion, which is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

How to Use Wellbutrin to Stop Smoking

When using Wellbutrin to stop smoking, you may continue to smoke for about 1 week after you start the medicine. You should then set your stop smoking date during the second week of your treatment. By the time the second week rolls around you will have enough of the medicine in your blood stream to help you stop smoking. This may give you an advantage for your treatment for nicotine addiction.

Wellbutrin Side Effects

Wellbutrin and Zyban should not be taken together as they contain the same active ingredient, which could cause seizures if too much is taken. Wellbutrin side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, change of appetite, agitation and headaches. Do not use Wellbutrin if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives.

Wellbutrin Benefits

Using Wellbutrin to stop smoking may be a good option for you if you prefer it over nicotine replacement treatment, which include nicotine gum, the transdermal patch, nicotine nasal spray and an inhaler. Wellbutrin benefits include convenience for those who prefer a treatment regimen of taking a pill twice a day.

Wellbutrin Alternatives

A Wellbutrin alternative, if you would prefer to stop naturally but not cold turkey, is the use of stop smoking herbs. These are all-natural alternatives to the stop smoking programs. Most use an herb called Lobelia, to create a similar effect on the brain as nicotine and also relieve the withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine addiction. These all natural products are non-addictive and are relatively safe for your body.