bupropion + nicotine

Bupropion + nicotine is a combination therapy used for smoking cessation. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant and non-nicotine aid that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms by acting as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor and as a non-competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Nicotine, typically administered via transdermal patch or other nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), provides controlled doses of nicotine to decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with tobacco cessation. The combination of bupropion and nicotine replacement has been shown to increase the rates of successful smoking abstinence compared to monotherapy, likely due to their complementary mechanisms—bupropion modulates neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction while also blocking some effects of exogenous nicotine, whereas NRT addresses physical dependence by substituting for the lost source of nicotine[1][3][6]. This regimen is generally initiated with bupropion 1–2 weeks before the quit date, followed by addition of the nicotine patch on the quit date[1].

Brand names

AuvelityContrave

Other names

nicotine patch + bupropionnicotine gum + bupropion