Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been considering taking Wellbutrin to assist me staying cigarette free, but I do not want to become defendant on the drug. Are there any adverse side effects of taking the drug sporadically? Such as only when a nicotine craving arises? I have read that it must be taken on a daily basis, but it appears that it is only necessary when used as an antidepressant. Thank you!

Dear Robyn: Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is used for smoking cessation as it helps to relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms from smoking. To gain the most benefit, it is important not to miss doses. Therapy should begin at least 1 week before your target quit date. Target quit dates are generally in the second week of treatment. If you have successfully quit smoking after 7-12 weeks, you may consider ongoing maintenance therapy based on your individual risk/benefit. Maintenance therapy has been demonstrated to be effective for up to 6 months. Conversely, if significant progress has not been made by the seventh week of therapy, success is unlikely and treatment discontinuation should be considered.