You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det)
BuPROPion HCl ER (extended-release) is a prescription medication used to help people quit smoking. When prescribed for smoking cessation, it is commonly known under the brand name Zyban. BuPROPion is an atypical antidepressant that influences the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program that includes behavioral support and counseling.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det) ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for BuPROPion HCl ER to start working for smoking cessation?
It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for BuPROPion to start reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patients are advised to start taking the medication 1 to 2 weeks before their planned quit date.
Can BuPROPion HCl ER be used with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?
Yes, BuPROPion can be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapy. However, patients should be monitored for an increase in blood pressure when using both treatments together.
What should I do if I miss a dose of BuPROPion HCl ER?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Is BuPROPion HCl ER safe to use during pregnancy?
The safety of BuPROPion during pregnancy is not well-established, and it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using BuPROPion for smoking cessation.
Can BuPROPion HCl ER cause weight gain after quitting smoking?
BuPROPion is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other smoking cessation methods. In fact, some patients may experience weight loss as a side effect of the medication. However, individual responses vary, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise play a significant role in managing weight after quitting smoking.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det) Work?
BuPROPion HCl works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and reward processing. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, BuPROPion helps reduce the cravings for nicotine and the withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person stops smoking. Unlike nicotine replacement therapies, BuPROPion does not contain nicotine and works differently to help with smoking cessation.
What is buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det) Used For?
Smoking Cessation: To help people quit smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program that includes behavioral support.
Common Dosages
BuPROPion HCl ER is available by prescription only and is supplied in extended-release tablet form, allowing for once or twice-daily dosing.
Administration: BuPROPion HCl ER tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken, as this could release the drug too quickly and increase the risk of side effects. It is typically started 1 to 2 weeks before the patient’s planned quit date to allow the medication to reach effective levels in the body.
Duration of Use: Treatment usually continues for 7 to 12 weeks, but some patients may require longer treatment. The duration should be tailored to the individual’s response and the severity of their nicotine dependence.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
The typical dosage of BuPROPion HCl ER for smoking cessation is:
- Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily for the first 3 days.
- Maintenance Dose: After the initial period, the dose is typically increased to 150 mg twice daily, with at least 8 hours between doses. The total daily dose should not exceed 300 mg.
Off-Label Uses
Who Shouldn't Take buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det)?
BuPROPion HCl ER is contraindicated in patients with:
- A history of seizure disorders, as BuPROPion can lower the seizure threshold.
- Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, as these conditions increase the risk of seizures.
- Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines), which can increase the risk of seizures.
- Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
Advice From The Pharmacist
Patients using BuPROPion HCl ER for smoking cessation should be advised to:
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dose, as this increases the risk of seizures.
- Be aware that it may take 1 to 2 weeks of treatment before the medication starts to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so it’s important to continue taking it even if they do not feel immediate effects.
- Avoid alcohol or significantly reduce alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of seizures.
- Report any unusual mood changes, such as agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts, to their healthcare provider immediately.
- Follow a comprehensive smoking cessation plan that includes behavioral support and counseling, as this increases the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking.
Side Effects of buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det)
Common Side Effects
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weight loss
- Increased sweating
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Seizures: The most significant risk associated with BuPROPion, especially at higher doses or in patients with risk factors.
- Mood Changes: Including depression, anxiety, agitation, or suicidal thoughts, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment or when adjusting the dose.
- Hypertension: BuPROPion can increase blood pressure, so it should be monitored regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing hypertension.
Risks and Warnings of buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det)
- Seizure Risk: BuPROPion lowers the seizure threshold, and the risk is dose-dependent. It is crucial not to exceed the prescribed dose and to report any history of seizures to the healthcare provider.
- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Some patients may experience changes in mood or behavior, including depression, hostility, agitation, or suicidal thoughts. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
- Hypertension: Blood pressure should be monitored, especially in patients with pre-existing hypertension or those using nicotine replacement therapy concurrently.
Interactions with buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det)
Common Drug Interactions
BuPROPion HCl ER may interact with other medications, including:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Concurrent use is contraindicated due to the risk of hypertensive crisis.
- Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: May increase the risk of seizures when used with BuPROPion.
- Drugs Metabolized by CYP2B6: BuPROPion is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2B6, and drugs that inhibit this enzyme (such as orphenadrine) can increase BuPROPion levels, raising the risk of side effects.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Concurrent use with nicotine patches may increase the risk of hypertension.
Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Alternatives to buPROPion HCl ER (Smoking Det)
Alternative treatments for smoking cessation include:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, or inhalers, which help reduce withdrawal symptoms by providing low levels of nicotine.
- Varenicline (Chantix): Another prescription medication that works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasurable effects of smoking and easing withdrawal symptoms.
- Counseling and Behavioral Therapy: Often combined with pharmacotherapy, these approaches address the psychological aspects of nicotine addiction and provide strategies for coping with cravings and triggers.
The choice of treatment depends on the individual’s preferences, the severity of their nicotine dependence, and their response to previous cessation attempts.