Effectiveness of bupropion for smoking cessation during pregnancy

Gestational smoking has been established as a risk to the fetus. However, many pregnant smokers are unable to quit due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy has failed in several studies in pregnant women. In a prospective matched, controlled observational study, of 22 pregnant smokers receiving bupropion, 10 (45%) ceased smoking, as compared to 3 (14%) of 22 controls (p = 0.047). Bupropion appears to be effective for smoking cessation therapy during pregnancy.