The Effectiveness of Bupropion in Cigarette Smoking Cessation - A Narrative Review

Abstract

Smoking is still a large indirect cause of premature death worldwide. The first line of treatment for smoking cessation is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Bupropion, a drug primarily developed as an antidepressant, in some countries is the first drug licensed for smoking cessation that is not associated with nicotine. The drug acts mostly through its inhibition of dopamine reuptake in the neuronal synapses, but other effects of bupropion may also have a role in smoking cessation. There have been many clinical studies of bupropion that have shown impressive results in helping patients with smoking cessation. Because of its antidepressant role, it is useful in smoking cessation in patients with depression. Through the years bupropion has proven to be a potential cost-effective alternative to NRT.

Keywords

• bupropion
• nicotine replacement therapy
• smoking cessation