Bupropion SR (Cont.)

Alternatives to Bupropion SR for Smoking Cessation

For many people, bupropion SR is effective at helping with smoking cessation. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, it is possible that bupropion SR side effects may occur or that the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to bupropion SR. Some examples of substitute medications include:
 
  • Nicotine products, including patches, inhalers, gum, or lozenges
  • Varenicline (Chantix®), a new non-nicotine medication for smoking cessation.
     
Many people take Wellbutrin SR instead of Zyban for smoking cessation because Wellbutrin SR is more likely to be covered by insurance (see Wellbutrin to Quit Smoking).
 
Various forms of counseling are also used to help people stop smoking. In fact, all of the studies of Zyban also included counseling for smoking cessation.
 
(Click Zyban Alternatives to learn more about alternatives to bupropion SR for smoking cessation.)
 

Overdose With Bupropion SR

People who take too much bupropion SR may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Fainting
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • A fever
  • Muscle tension, pain, and damage
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Breathing problems
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on bupropion SR, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Wellbutrin SR Overdose or Zyban Overdose for more information.)
 
(Bupropion SR Continued: Page 7)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;