Zyban Uses

Zyban is used primarily to help people successfully quit smoking. The drug can be used alone or in combination with nicotine patches or nicotine gum. It may also help lessen symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal, such as irritability and anxiety. Off-label Zyban uses can include the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

 

An Overview of Zyban Uses

Zyban® (bupropion SR) is a prescription medicine used for smoking cessation (or to help people quit smoking).
 
Quitting smoking has many beneficial effects. It improves lung function, decreases the risk of cancer, lowers blood pressure, and decreases your chances of heart disease -- just to name a few benefits. Unfortunately, most people find quitting smoking to be difficult. This is most likely due to the addicting effects of nicotine. It usually takes people several attempts to successfully stop smoking.
 
Zyban has been shown to increase your chances of quitting smoking. It can be used alone or along with nicotine replacement products (such as nicotine patches or gum). Zyban can also help to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as:
 
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Frustration
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Depression.
     
Because bupropion (the active ingredient of Zyban) has been shown to cause weight loss, it is thought that Zyban may also prevent or decrease the weight gain that often happens when people stop smoking (see Zyban and Weight Loss).
 
(Zyban Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;