Bupropion for Smoking Cessation: Meta-Analysis
BMJ (2014)
Bupropion approximately doubled quit rates vs placebo (RR 1.69) across 44 trials, comparable to NRT and slightly less effective than varenicline.
Bupropion
Oral tablet SR (150mg)Available in all 50 statesMarketing purposes only. Actual medications, if prescribed, are dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
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BupropionBupropion
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) with unique multi-indication utility: depression, smoking cessation, ADHD, and weight management. Does not cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain, distinguishing it from SSRIs.
No sexual dysfunction (unlike SSRIs)
Weight-neutral or modest loss
Energizing/activating profile
Smoking cessation efficacy
No commitment · HSA/FSA eligibleNo commitment · HSA/FSA eligible
How it works
Mechanism of action
Inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, increasing synaptic levels. Also acts as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist (contributing to smoking cessation). Does not affect serotonin, avoiding SSRI-type sexual and weight side effects.
The baseline panel.
Every Marek client receives this baseline panel before a provider review. Your provider may add additional biomarkers based on your health history, symptoms, and goals, pulling from 1,000+ available markers. See more biomarkers →
Hormone Profile
12 markers
Sex hormones
- Total TestosteroneLC/MS
- Free TestosteroneEquilibrium Dialysis
- Estradiol, Sensitive / UltrasensitiveLC/MS
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- ProgesteroneLC/MSFemale panel
- Prolactin
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- hCG, Total, QuantitativeFemale panel, pre-menopause
Adrenals & neurosteroids
- Cortisol
- DHEA-S
Growth hormone / IGF-1
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1)
Thyroid Status
3 markers
Thyroid hormones
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Free T4
- Free T3
Heart Health
9 markers
Cardiovascular health
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- LDL:HDL Ratio
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Apolipoprotein-B (ApoB)
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hsCRP)
- Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))
Metabolism
3 markers
Insulin sensitivity
- Blood Glucose
- Fasting Insulin
- HbA1c
Organ Function
26 markers
Liver & pancreas
- AST
- ALT
- Bilirubin, Total
- γ-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Kidney function
- BUN
- Creatinine w/ eGFR
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Glucose
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- eGFR
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Carbon Dioxide, Total
- Calcium
- Protein, Total
- Albumin
- Globulin, Total
- Albumin/Globulin (A/G) Ratio
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- AST
- ALT
Prostate health
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)Male panel
- Free PSAMale panel
- % Free PSAMale panel
Nutrient Status
31 markers
Vitamins & minerals
- Vitamin D, 25-OHD (25-Hydroxy)
- Magnesium, RBC
Iron status
- Iron
- Iron Saturation
- TIBC
- UIBC
- Ferritin
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- White Blood Count (WBC)
- Red Blood Count (RBC)
- Hemoglobin (Hgb)
- Hematocrit (HCT)
- MCV
- MCH
- MCHC
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
- Platelets
- Neutrophils
- Neutrophils (Absolute)
- Lymphocytes
- Lymphocytes (Absolute)
- Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio
- Monocytes
- Monocytes (Absolute)
- Eosinophils
- Eosinophils (Absolute)
- Basophils
- Basophils (Absolute)
- Immature Cells
- Immature Granulocytes
- Immature Granulocytes (Absolute)
- NRBC, w/ Reflex for Immature Cells
Clinical evidence
The research behind Bupropion.
Safety profile
Monitoring & safety information.
Commonly reported side effects
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Agitation/anxiety
- Tremor
Less common but serious risks
- Seizures (dose-dependent, risk increases >450mg/day)
- Suicidality (black box warning, all antidepressants, <25 years)
- Hypertension
Generally not appropriate for
- Seizure disorder
- Concurrent MAOIs
- Anorexia/bulimia nervosa (seizure risk)
- Abrupt withdrawal of alcohol or benzodiazepines
Typical monitoring
- Blood pressure
- Mood and suicidality assessment
- Seizure risk factors
- Weight
FAQ
Quick answers.
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) with unique multi-indication utility: depression, smoking cessation, ADHD, and weight management. Does not cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain, distinguishing it from SSRIs.
No sexual dysfunction (unlike SSRIs). Weight-neutral or modest loss. Energizing/activating profile. Smoking cessation efficacy. Dual utility: depression + cessation.
Common side effects include: insomnia, dry mouth, headache, nausea, agitation/anxiety, tremor. Most side effects are dose-dependent and may resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) with unique multi-indication utility: depression, smoking cessation, ADHD, and weight management. Does not cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain, distinguishing it from SSRIs.
Treatments are dependent on licensed clinical prescription. Client costs vary based on individual labs and panel in treatments and services.