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Bupropion for Smoking Cessation User Reviews

Brand names: Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Aplenzin, Budeprion Forfivo XL Budeprion SR

Bupropion has an average rating of 8.1 out of 10 from a total of 303 reviews for the treatment of Smoking Cessation. 75% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.

Bupropion rating summary

8.1 average rating out of 10

303 ratings from 323 user reviews.

Compare all 14 medications used in the treatment of Smoking Cessation.

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Reviews for Bupropion

  • Flo...
  • July 12, 2019

"I quit 7 months ago and no cravings since that day!! If you are not getting results, read this! I was a 30-year smoker and started a year ago on 150mg/day. Nothing. After months, I started extended release. Craved less, but still did not work. Then increased to 300mg once daily XL. Got more diligent, took it every day, smoked a lot less, but did not stop completely. One day woke up and simply didn’t want any. I have never wanted one since. Hard to describe. After a couple of weeks, I joined a gym, and by eating better lost 5 pounds since the quit day. Beats gaining, right? Don’t give up. If your doctor agrees, stay on them for as long as you can - and take it easy. Some of us just need more time on the drug maybe? I wanted to post in case this can help other people. Still taking it, no side effects that I can tell. Thinking of cutting the dose and weaning off but nervous about stopping. I wish you the best - I have completely changed my life and I know you will get there too."

10 / 10
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414 Report
  • Jos...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 10, 2020

Zyban (bupropion) "I used Zyban as prescribed in 2001 and quit for 15 years until 2016 when both parents passed away, which I hit the hardest difficult time of my life. I tried hard to quit, but it's been 4 years and now it's June 2020. Today I picked up my new prescription starting in the next couple of days, and I'm going to beat this habit for a long time. All I wanted to say, the med works like a miracle. The 1st day, I had a small urge to light up a cigarette, and after puffing for a couple of minutes, the taste was unbearable. Had no side effects and loved the feeling of not being drawn to smoking every 10 minutes. It's one of the best meds out there to stop smoking, but depending on your body chemistry, tolerance, and nicotine withdrawal. Definitely worth taking it to get your life back to normal."

10 / 10
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174 Report
  • Ama...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 28, 2021

"I smoked for 20 years and I quit smoking 4 years ago on Bupropion HCL XL 150mg once a day. I quit smoking after 3 days of taking it, cigarettes tasted gross and made me nauseous. All of my cravings stopped. I continued to take the bupropion for 2 weeks total. I did experience some anxiety but that could have been from nicotine withdrawals. Unfortunately, I have started smoking again and at first I didn’t even like it, I kept smoking until I did like it again and now I’m hooked. I let everything that’s going on in the world right now with quarantining etc. stress me out to the point that I said forget it and bought a pack of cigarettes 4 months ago. I went back to the doctor yesterday and I’m starting Bupropion HCL XL 150mg again tomorrow. I’m embarrassed and disappointed in myself but I know I will be quit again in just a few days. This drug is a miracle drug and I’m thankful for it. I vow to never pick up a cigarette again for the rest of my life!"

10 / 10
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146 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Joy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2020

"I smoked 2.5 packs of cigarettes a day, and my husband smoked 3.5 packs of cigarettes per day. I took Wellbutrin for 2 weeks and stopped smoking with my husband smoking right next to me on the couch! My husband took it for a little over 3 weeks and stopped smoking too! In the next 2 years, we got a new house and a new car from the money that we saved! Thank you, Wellbutrin, for changes our lives!"

10 / 10
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  • Car...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 7, 2020

"I smoked for 25 years (anywhere from half a pack to a pack a day) and tried to quit several times and always failed. As of Feb 9, I started taking bupropion XL 150 mg a day. I kept smoking with a quit day of March 1st. The closer I got to the 1st, I was nervous but to my surprise... it worked! I even left ashtrays and cigarettes around. I just didn’t smoke, and I wasn’t bothered by it at all. Crazy! Today I am 7 days in smoke-free, and honestly this is the longest I have ever made it without a cigarette and look forward to it continuing :) I should also add in that my desire for alcohol has diminished too. It just doesn’t taste as good. I definitely recommend giving it a try!"

10 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 18, 2019

"I took Wellbutrin to help me stop vaping. A lot of reviewers quit within the first 2 weeks. For me, it was after 1 month. I was a heavy vaper after 2 years of quitting cigarettes. It was hard for me to find reviews on bupropion and vaping. The first week, I was anxious and had some irregular thoughts. The second week, the anxiety went away but I had horrible headaches. The third week, I had days where I felt completely down, and every day I felt sick and slept a lot. Just as I was about to give up and try another avenue, I woke up one morning 28 days in and didn't want to vape, and all of the side effects went away (except for the vivid dreams, but I'm okay with that). A few days later, I gave up vaping completely. 15 days today and it is as if I'd never smoked, and I did for 15+ years. I was nervous about being on an antidepressant at first because I didn't need it, but I feel 100% normal. Also, I do not snack to replace nicotine cravings because of this miracle medicine! Hang on!"

9 / 10
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140 Report
  • Aja...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 8, 2018

Zyban (bupropion) "I had my first cigarette when I was seven years old. By the time I was 51, I was smoking 35 a day. I tried patches, hypnotherapy, and cold turkey, but none worked. Cold turkey was the worst, giving me stomach pains for 9 days in a row. I eventually went to my doctor for help, and he recommended Zyban. Almost immediately, it worked. Day 1 wasn't the best, but by day 4, I had the smoking habit licked. For me, it is a miracle because I always thought that I would never beat it. But Zyban saved me. That was 12 years ago. I now know that under no circumstances will I ever smoke cigarettes again. I can't thank the manufacturers or my doctor enough for my release from this evil addiction."

10 / 10
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159 Report
  • Ger...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 21, 2020

Zyban (bupropion) "I stopped smoking on January 22, 2019. Used Zyban as prescribed for 2 months and had no need to take my prescription for a third month. This was my first quit attempt, and today, after 485 days of staying quit, I am prepared to carefully announce (never let the guard down) that I think I have beaten a 30-year-long addiction of 25 plus cigarettes a day. Together with a strong desire to quit, Zyban helped a lot, and I would recommend it for sure. As the King of Norway said upon quitting, I also want to say 'It was disappointingly easy' (Wonder if he used Zyban)."

9 / 10
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119 Report
  • And...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 7, 2019

"Okay, so this is a life changer. Hands down. I've been smoking since 14, now am turning 32 next month. I drive semi so I smoked a lot. 3 packs a day, every day. I couldn't go more than 10 minutes without lighting up. My family (mom, dad, and cousin) all took this to quit. I figured I'd give it a go since I feel god-awful every day. Lots of pain, coughing. Today is the 5th day. I have cut down dramatically. I smoke half a pack to a pack a day now. But that was with one pill a day only. Today, I upped it to two pills. I can honestly say this has changed my life already. To wake up and not light a smoke before getting out of bed is amazing. I seriously can't remember ever being able to do that. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to quit. I have a pack in my pocket right now (old habits) and I don't even want one!"

10 / 10
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131 Report
  • Bil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 2, 2018

Zyban (bupropion) "Here it is the 11th day and I am not interested in a cig. Even after I ate. It's really weird because I don't have that anxious feeling I would get if I even went for an hour without. I lit one up today just to see if the nicotine would make me feel different. You know how it does after you've gone a long time without a cig, at a movie or eating, etc... I felt nothing. I can't explain how it's working but it makes me feel like I never was a smoker. I've been smoking for 30 years, a pack and a half a day! This medicine is freaking amazing!"

10 / 10
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  • Tee...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 8, 2014

Zyban (bupropion) "I smoked from age 15 to 50, up to 3 packs a day. I quit many times and suffered greatly. Plan 2: Decrease number of cigarettes a day, then quit. I decreased to 10-12 a day for about 10 months. Started Zyban and quit 7 days later. Went to Las Vegas of all places and all the smoking didn't tempt me. I am now 66 and haven't had a smoke since."

10 / 10
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200 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 10, 2019

Zyban (bupropion) "Took Zyban as prescribed for 6 days and decided to quit smoking on day 7. Today is day 78 of my quitting, and I stopped taking the pills after 2 months. This is my first quit attempt after 33 years of smoking 25 a day. I believe Zyban helped a lot and can recommend it for sure, but you still need to want to quit."

9 / 10
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  • Moa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 12, 2019

"I've been a smoker for over 50 years but really want to quit for health reasons. I just started bupropion 2 days ago and am surprised with the results I'm feeling. My cigarettes are tasting nasty and I can't even finish smoking one. I am smoking just out of habit. I know I am going to be successful quitting this time!"

10 / 10
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105 Report
  • Ivy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 11, 2015

Zyban (bupropion) "I used Zyban to quit smoking in 1999. To me, it was a miracle drug. I had smoked 1-1.5 packs/day for 33 years! What it does is change your brain chemistry to like you never smoked; consequently, you don't have any inclination to even want a cigarette! I have never smoked since nor had any desire to. If I had kept smoking, I probably wouldn't be alive to have my 72nd birthday next October (2015)."

10 / 10
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156 Report
  • fis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 7, 2020

"I have been a heavy smoker for 46 years. I honestly never thought about quitting because I never believed I could. I have been taking a dose of 150 mg bupropion for 14 days. On day 7, I tried taking 2 and it was so scary. Dry mouth was so bad that my lips were cracking, I couldn't swallow, my eyes and nose were so dry, I experienced insomnia, and total panic. I immediately went back to 1 pill a day as I saw many people stating they could not take 2. After 46 years, I don't care if it takes 3 or 6 months to quit smoking. With my severe anxiety disorder, I have to only take one. I have started keeping track of how many I smoke and have gone from 2+ packs a day to 12-17 a day. I am praying this works because I know quitting is best for my health. Thank you all for your reviews. It has certainly helped me to feel more positive even if it takes longer than usual :)"

5 / 10
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  • bel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 18, 2019

Zyban (bupropion) "I took Zyban to help quit smoking after several other attempts including cold turkey and laser treatment. It took me 9 days to quit completely. I gave into the cravings the first week, but by day 9, I wasn't craving at all. I couldn't have any alcohol at first while I was adjusting, but also didn't really want any (I usually love my beer). I was able to have a social drink after about 2 weeks. I thought it would be hard as smoking is usually associated with drinking, but to be honest, it wasn't, and I smoked for 20 years! I also didn't really want to quit, I love smoking and the social aspect that comes with it, but I guess enough was enough. It certainly helped the pocketbook!"

10 / 10
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105 Report
  • Win...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2014

Zyban (bupropion) "I'm 21 years old, and I used to smoke 25 cigarettes a day for 3 years. When I first started taking Zyban, I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to quit or keep smoking, but I thought, why not try! For the first 8-10 days, my morning dose made me very nauseous and feel like I was either going to vomit or faint, but I never did. Since I set my quit date with Zyban, I have never touched a cigarette since, and it has been 6 months now. The only caution I would like to share is that it only takes away the cravings! You still have to say no to having a cigarette."

10 / 10
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154 Report
  • Jef...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 2, 2014

Zyban (bupropion) "Tried quitting cold turkey and was so grumpy had to decide between quitting or my marriage, chose marriage. Tried Zyban, quit after 10 days, been a month and have not had any sign of grumpiness, withdrawal, or anxiety. I call them my magic pills."

10 / 10
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149 Report
  • Blu...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 3, 2019

"I smoked from 17 years to 31 years old (a pack and a half every day). I would smoke habitually - waking up, after eating, after sex, using the bathroom, and whenever I was stressed, bored, or mad - basically all the time. Somehow, though, after taking Wellbutrin for three weeks and two days, I just told myself I would smoke when I actually wanted one and not when I would normally smoke, and I only smoked 3 cigarettes that day. The next day, I didn't smoke any and haven't smoked any ever since. The only thing that I experienced that may be tied to withdrawal is slight insomnia the first couple of days, meaning I would fall asleep but after 3 or 4 hours, I would start waking up every hour, and it was hard to get back to sleep, but that only lasted 3 or 4 days. It's been 3 months and 2 days since I quit, and I'm around people who smoke cigarettes 24/7, and it doesn't bother me nor make me want one."

9 / 10
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91 Report
  • bbt...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 7, 2020

"Day 6 of taking bupropion, it took all the pleasures out of smoking and I no longer want to smoke. However, one thing I didn't expect was it also took the joy out of weed! I no longer have any vices and feel stable mentally without them, thanks to this drug. I've now realized I've been regulating my brain on my own (maybe because of depression?), and it's been really detrimental to my life. Taking this pill is really helpful for me and I really hope I don't have any of these scary side effects others are mentioning."

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • JoZ...
  • January 18, 2013

Zyban (bupropion) "I've been smoke-free for one and a half months and I largely credit Zyban for this. I am 40 years old, 15 a day smoker for 25 years. I have tried to stop smoking a few times over the past decade, but I end up very agitated and depressed, so resorted to cigarettes again. Previously, I have tried patches, lozenges as well as Champix, which worked for the duration I was on it, but gave me terrible nausea. This time has been quite easy, I credit Zyban for this. The first few days of taking Zyban were pretty tough mentally the first week; I felt spaced out, trippy, and also suffered a bit of insomnia, slightly blurred vision when reading, and teeth grinding. However, these all dissipated, the only effect I have now is minor dry mouth."

10 / 10
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156 Report
  • Don...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2020

Zyban (bupropion) "I was warned I would lose one or both legs due to smoking in 1999, and my GP offered this drug only if I was serious about stopping smoking. As a two-course treatment, I was told I would be tested after four weeks for staying away from smoking. The first course I tried, and after eight days, I began to smoke dramatically less after being a 40-a-day smoker for over 20 years. The second course went well, and after 20 years, I have not had a cigarette since. Sometimes I used to stand beside someone smoking for a quick sniff, but I never felt like restarting. If your GP offers this treatment, grab it with both hands."

10 / 10
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80 Report
  • Nev...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 26, 2019

"I have been taking the pill for 7 days as of today. I have a puff in the morning and a puff when I get home. It tastes horrible, so I think I'm just dealing with the actual habit and not addiction. I actually have an identity now. I am no longer 'the smoker'. I am free, finally, after 25 years and one pack a day. My car doesn't smell. My clothes don't smell. I don't have to go out in the hot or cold to get my cig fix. This drug has saved me. I felt absolutely hopeless when it came to smoking. My whole family smokes. I can finally say that I am no longer a slave to cigs! Never been happier! THANK YOU!!!!"

10 / 10
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  • Cdn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 1, 2018

Zyban (bupropion) "Smoked for 10 years, a pack a day for about 5 of them. Military doctor recommended I take Zyban to quit. I was skeptical, but about 4 days into the medication, it felt as though I forgot I was a smoker. No cravings after meals, wake up and don't even think to smoke, it truly is phenomenal. I quit 2 days after taking the drug and stayed on for 2 weeks to wean off. Life-changing."

10 / 10
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89 Report
  • Mic...
  • April 7, 2016

Zyban (bupropion) "I smoked for thirty years. I thought I'd die with a cigarette in my mouth. I tried everything and I still went back to smoking. Zyban was my last chance. I smoked at first and started to taper off. If there were side effects, I don't really remember them. It took three weeks before I had the guts to not smoke. I lost the cravings rather quicker than I thought possible. I haven't smoked for 12 years now. I still can't believe I'm a nonsmoker. Even at the worst time in my life, I still never felt like a cigarette. I can honestly say I'm not a reformed smoker, I'm truly a nonsmoker."

10 / 10
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112 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.