Is Bupropion Safe During Pregnancy?
Bupropion (Zyban) has been helpful for smokers who have difficulty with depressed moods when they stop smoking. It probably acts as an antidepressant, helping with withdrawal symptoms of depressed mood, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and increased appetite. Bupropion is probably as effective as nicotine replacement in helping patients quit smoking. Increased success rates are observed when patients also receive behavioral therapy or guidance. Unfortunately, there are no data available on the safety of bupropion during pregnancy. However, this drug is marketed as Wellbutrin for treatment of depression and can be used during pregnancy for that indication. Bupropion is labeled as Category B for treatment of depression during pregnancy. Bupropion should not be used by anyone with a history of seizures or eating disorders and should not be used in conjunction with alcohol.
