What is the starting dose of bupropion for smoking cessation?

The starting dose of bupropion for smoking cessation is 150 mg SR (sustained release) once daily. This dosage is recommended because it has been shown to be effective in helping individuals quit smoking while minimizing the risk of side effects, particularly seizures, which are associated with higher doses of the medication.

Initiating treatment at this dose allows for the patient's tolerance to the medication to be assessed before potentially increasing the dose. After at least a week on this starting dose, if well tolerated, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 300 mg SR daily, usually divided into two doses (150 mg twice daily), to enhance smoking cessation efficacy.

Selecting a starting dose that balances efficacy with safety considerations is crucial in addiction medicine, especially given the unique response patients may have to pharmacotherapy. The other options present either higher starting doses or less suitable dosing strategies that do not align with current clinical guidelines for bupropion use in smoking cessation.