Medication use
Bupropion SR for Quitting Smoking: Key Use Precautions
Bupropion comes in different formulations and is used for different conditions. For smoking cessation, confirm the exact product and schedule prescribed. Do not combine it with another medicine containing bupropion simply because the brand names differ.
What to do next
- Swallow sustained-release tablets whole. Follow the prescribed spacing between doses; do not crush or chew them.
- Skip a missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Do not double up or shorten the interval to catch up.
- Tell the prescriber about seizures, eating disorders, and planned abrupt alcohol or sedative withdrawal before starting.
- Review other medicines and monitor blood pressure as directed, particularly if nicotine replacement is also used.
When to contact your care team
A seizure requires emergency care. Seek immediate help for suicidal thoughts, severe mood or behavior changes, or a serious allergic reaction. Do not change alcohol or sedative use abruptly without medical advice. Read the complete medication guide for contraindications and interactions.
Put it into practice
Bring every current medicine to the review, including prescriptions from mental-health care. If insomnia or other side effects develop, describe the dose timing and symptoms. Let the prescriber adjust the plan rather than breaking a sustained-release tablet or taking doses closer together.
Notes for your next visit
Write these in your own notes or on a printed copy. Bring them to your follow-up.
- Exact formulation and prescribed dose times:
- Other products checked for bupropion:
- My quit plan and follow-up date:
Sources and further reading
General education for adults. Follow your clinician’s individual plan and the current instructions for your prescribed product. This handout is not a complete medication guide. If instructions conflict, ask your clinician or pharmacist to clarify. For a medical emergency, call 911.