My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Using Buproplon SR to Quit Tobacco
Bupropion SR is a type of quit tobacco medication that doesn't contain nicotine. It is known by the brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban. It can help reduce withdrawal symptoms by increasing the release of certain brain chemicals and can ease the cravings and other symptoms you might feel as your body withdraws from nicotine. This allows you to focus on your other strategies for life without tobacco.
How to use bupropion SR
Bupropion SR is a prescription medication. Most people are prescribed 150 mg (one pill) per day for quitting smoking, but some people may start at or increase to 300 mg per day, depending on their needs and how well they tolerate the medication.
You should begin taking your bupropion pills 1 week before the date you plan to quit smoking. Most people take bupropion for 7 to 12 weeks, although some people use it longer.
Possible side effects
Side effects of taking bupropion SR can include:
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness, nausea
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Rash
Seizures are a possible side effect of taking bupropion, but this is very rare. If you're experiencing side effects severe enough to keep you from using this medication, let us know. There may be other forms of medication that you can use.
People who shouldn't use bupropion SR:
We do not recommend you take bupropion if you have:
- A seizure disorder such as epilepsy
- A history of or a current eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia
- An allergy to bupropion, or you're already using bupropion for another purpose
- Taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
We may decide to adjust your dose or use a different medication if:
- You drink more than 2 drinks per day or plan to abruptly stop using alcohol or sedatives.
- You use opium, cocaine, or other stimulants.
- You currently use over-the-counter decongestants or weight loss products.
- You are currently taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, theophylline, or systemic steroids.
- You have a history of head trauma or prior seizures.
- You have diabetes mellitus.
- You have severe liver or kidney disease.
Related Health Tools:
Classes and Coaching
- Wellness Coaching Wellness Coaching
Interactive Programs
- Quit Tobacco Medications Quit Tobacco Medications
- Quit smoking with Breathe™ Quit smoking with Breathe™
Podcasts
- Quitting Smoking Quitting Smoking
- Second-Hand Smoke Second-Hand Smoke
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.