Bupropion SR

What is Bupropion SR?

Bupropion SR is a tablet you’ll take every day to help you stop smoking. The ‘SR’ stands for sustained release, which means the tablets release the treatment into your body slowly, giving you a steady dose throughout the day. It’s a nicotine-free stop smoking aid, so if you’ve tried nicotine replacement therapy before and it hasn’t worked (or you’d just like to quit without nicotine), it could be a good option for you.

Who can use Buproprion SR?

Bupropion SR is thought to affect dopamine levels in your brain to help you stop smoking. But this means it might not be suitable for everyone. Speak to your physician about your stop smoking options if you:

• have seizures;
• have been diagnosed with eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia;
• are suddenly quitting alcohol; or:
• are using a type of treatment called MAOIs for a psychiatric disorder.

How do Buproprion SR doses work?

Bupropion SR tablets come in one strength: 150 mg. You’ll start off by taking one tablet a day for three days, which will then increase to two tablets a day (with at least eight hours between doses).

What is Bupropion SR’s active ingredient?

Bupropion SR is named after its active ingredient: bupropion. Bupropion was originally developed as an antidepressant medicine sold under the brand Wellbutrin. But when people noticed it reduced their cigarette cravings, a version was developed as a stop smoking treatment under the name of its active ingredient.

How does Bupropion work?

We’re not one-hundred percent sure exactly how bupropion combats cravings and withdrawal, but we’ve got some good ideas.

It’s thought that nicotine affects the reuptake of two neurotransmitters (dopamine and noradrenalin) in your brain. Dopamine is responsible for ‘positive’ feelings like reward and pleasure, and is released when you smoke a cigarette. Interfering with its reuptake can reduce the dopamine-hit you get from smoking, meaning you’re less likely to crave a cigarette or get withdrawal symptoms.^[1]

How to take Bupropion SR

When you start Bupropion SR, you’ll take one 150 mg tablet a day for the first three days. From day four onwards you’ll up your dose to two 150 mg tablets a day, with at least eight hours in between doses. You can take your tablets with or without food, just try and take them around the same time each day.

How long does it take Bupropion SR to work?

It takes at least eight days to build up enough bupropion in your body to relieve cravings and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.^[1] Most people will start Bupropion SR a week or two before the date they intend to quit smoking, so it’s active in their system when the time to stop smoking comes. You’ll typically take Bupropion SR for 12 weeks, but if you’re still getting cravings and withdrawal symptoms your clinician may prescribe it for longer.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Bupropion SR?

If you accidentally take too much Bupropion SR, contact your doctor or nearest emergency department right away. Symptoms of Bupropion SR overdose can include:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Losing consciousness
• Heart changes (like arrhythmia).

If you miss a dose of Bupropion, don’t take a double dose to make up for it. Just skip the tablet you missed and take the next one at your usual time.