Pharmacology - Bupropion and nicotine interactions?

[Tux27]

SWIM is on Citalopram and has recently added Bupropion to the depression arsenal.

When doing some research(Wikipedia), SWIM noticed that Bupropion is used as a smoking cessation aid, and is classified as a nicotinic antagonist.

Can SWIY please explain the interaction between nicotine and Bupropion(if any)?

[Freedom of Mind]

When swim was taking it he didn't really notice interactions and would still smoke ciggs. SWIM always thought it helped people quit smoking due to being a slight stimulant as well and serving the same purpose, although swim never really researched to verify if that was all their was to it.

[Jatelka]

Bupropion inhibits reuptake of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin in the central nervous system, is a non-competitive nicotine receptor antagonist, and at high concentrations inhibits the firing of noradrenergic neurons in the locus caeruleus.

It is not clear which of these effects accounts for the antismoking activity of the drug, but inhibition of the reductions in levels of dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the central nervous system that occur in nicotine withdrawal is likely to be important. The antismoking effect of bupropion does not seem to be related to the antidepressant effect as bupropion is equally effective as a smoking cessation therapy in smokers with and without depression.

[Tux27]

Thank you both very much for the replies, that's exactly what SWIM was looking for.

SWIM just stopped smoking a few days ago and quit with no withdrawal symptoms or cravings, not sure if it was the Bupropion or not, but he was wondering how it contributed.

Thank you.

[Jatelka]

I have to say, Bupropion was my absolute saviour when I quit a 30+ a day habit

I'd tried everything, and all of a sudden, the cravings were gone.

I think it's now 2 years or so when I quit, and... NOTHING

See the "Quitting tobacco the endless cycle" thread

[Tux27]

Congratulations, I don't know anyone who's quit after smoking that much per day. SWIM could only get through a pack on a bad day.

Since SWIM read that bupropion aids in quitting, he figured he'd quit while on the medication to make it easier.

SWIM's tried to quit on and off, and it was always the familiar "eeh, I'll quit next time" that I'm sure we all know. This time, however, SWIM knows it's for good 'cause he's spent time around smokers since quitting and didn't crave a cigarette at all(that's the hardest test for SWIM).

I'll check out that thread, thank you.