What is one of the risks associated with using bupropion for tobacco cessation?

One of the risks associated with using bupropion for tobacco cessation is the potential seizure risk, especially in patients with a history of bipolar disorder. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. While it has proven effective for smoking cessation, it also has significant side effects, including lowering the seizure threshold. Patients with bipolar disorder, who may already be at an increased risk for seizures due to mood stability fluctuations, are particularly susceptible to this risk.

The other choices highlight concerns that may not be as pronounced with bupropion. Increased heart rate can occur, but this is not typically a primary concern compared to the seizure risk. Bupropion is actually more commonly associated with weight loss rather than promoting weight gain. Lastly, suggesting that there are no side effects with bupropion is inaccurate, as it is known to have several side effects, with seizure risk being a particularly critical one for specific populations.