Zyban

What is Zyban?

ZYBAN (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine that does not have nicotine and helps people quit smoking. For many people, it cuts down on cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as: irritability, frustration or anger, anxiety, trouble concentrating, restlessness, and depression.

Zyban should be used with a personalized support program.

Does Zyban Work?

A study done in Tucson, Arizona found that smokers using Zyban quit smoking more than smokers using a nicotine patch. Using both Zyban and a nicotine patch helped even more. Everyone in the study was also given brief individual stop smoking counseling.

How does Zyban work?

Zyban works with the chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) that are associated with nicotine addiction, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.

You don't have to stop smoking when you begin using Zyban! It is recommended that after two weeks of using Zyban, you should stop smoking and follow the rest of the treatment plan.

How Should You Take Zyban?

It is recommended that you take one 150-mg tablet in the morning for the first three days. On the fourth day, keep taking one tablet in the morning and start taking one tablet in the early evening. You should take Zyban for 7 to 12 weeks—depending on your doctor's instructions. If it upsets the stomach, it may be taken with food.

You Should Not Take Zyban if You:

• have a seizure disorder (for example, epilepsy);
• are taking WELLBUTRIN, or any other medicines that have bupropion hydrochloride;
• have or had an eating disorder (for example, bulimia or anorexia nervosa);
• are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);
• if you drink alcohol (It is best not to drink alcohol while taking Zyban. If you drink alcohol and suddenly stop, you may increase your chance of having a seizure. It is very important to talk about this with your doctor.);
• are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

You may get dry mouth and have trouble sleeping. These effects should be mild and often disappear after a few weeks. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid Zyban too close to bedtime.

A few people get skin rashes and shakiness and have had to stop using Zyban. If you get a rash or more serious side effects, contact your doctor or health care professional.

Arizona Smokers’ Helpline: 1-800-55-66-222 | Email: ashline1@u.arizona.edu | Webmaster: nicnet@u.arizona.edu| © 2004-2006 State of Arizona.

All rights reserved. The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline is made available as a free service to the citizens of Arizona through funding provided by the Tobacco Tax and Health Care Act, as disbursed by the Arizona Department of Health Services Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (TEPP) in partnership with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona.