Zyban

Zyban may be prescribed to help people quit smoking. The drug works by blocking the reuptake of certain chemicals in the brain, and it may be given in combination with smoking cessation counseling. Zyban comes in tablet form, and is typically taken twice a day. Side effects can include insomnia, dry mouth, and constipation.

 

What Is Zyban?

Zyban® (bupropion SR) is a prescription medicine used to help people stop smoking.
 
(Click Zyban Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Zyban is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Zyban Work?

Zyban was first developed as an antidepressant. In fact, bupropion, the active ingredient in it, is available in several products approved for the treatment of depression (Wellbutrin®, Wellbutrin SR®, and Wellbutrin XR®). Zyban is part of a class of drugs known as norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (or NDRIs for short). NDRIs act on specific chemicals within the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
 
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release norepinephrine (or dopamine). The norepinephrine (or dopamine) enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough norepinephrine or dopamine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell, and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any norepinephrine or dopamine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
 
Zyban helps to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that more of each chemical remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives these substances a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell. This action is thought to help people be more successful at quitting smoking.
 

Effects of Zyban

Several studies have shown that Zyban can help people stop smoking. In one study, up to 36 percent of people taking the drug were able to stop smoking for at least a month, compared to only 17 percent of those not taking it. In another study, combining Zyban with nicotine patches was even more effective -- up to 58 percent of people were able to quit smoking for at least one month, compared to 23 percent of those not taking either medication.
 
Studies have also shown that Zyban helps to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as:
 
  • Irritability
  • Frustration
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Restlessness
  • Depression.
     
In addition, studies have shown that people who continue to take the drug after stopping smoking are less likely to start smoking again.
 

When and How to Take It

Following are some general considerations for when and how to take Zyban:
 
  • Because it takes about a week to build up the necessary level of Zyban in your blood, you will need to start taking it at least one week before you try to stop smoking.
     
  • The medication comes in tablet form. The drug is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
     
  • Be sure to swallow the tablets whole. They should not be cut, crushed, broken, or chewed.
     
  • You can take Zyban with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Zyban should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For Zyban to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Zyban your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Zyban Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Zyban

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zyban. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects include:
 
(Click Zyban Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Zyban can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Zyban Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Zyban?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Zyban Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Are There Alternatives?

Zyban is generally effective at helping people to quit smoking. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Zyban. Examples of substitute medications include:
 
  • Nicotine products, including patches, inhalers, gum, or lozenges
  • Varenicline (Chantix®), a new non-nicotine medication for smoking cessation.
     
Many people take Wellbutrin SR instead of Zyban. This medication is similar, but is more likely to be covered by insurance (see Wellbutrin to Quit Smoking).
 
Various forms of counseling are also used to help people stop smoking. In fact, all of the studies of Zyban also included smoking cessation counseling.
 
(Click Zyban Alternatives for more information.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Zyban may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Fainting
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • A fever
  • Muscle tension, pain, and damage
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Breathing problems
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to take too much of the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Zyban Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should the Medication Be Stored?

Zyban should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Zyban as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose!
 

Available Strengths

Zyban tablets are available in one strength -- Zyban 150 mg tablets.
 

Generic Zyban

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Zyban are licensed for sale. The generic versions are sold under the names Bupropion SR tablets and Buproban tablets.
 
(Click Generic Zyban for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;