Zyban

Zyban is an effective treatment that helps you quit smoking. It was the first non-nicotine-based therapy to be launched in the EU. Since receiving approval in 2000, it has helped many quit smoking for good.

Zyban is available as prolonged-release tablets. This means the medicine releases more gradually into the body, reducing the risk and severity of potential side effects.

When you smoke, the nicotine causes your brain to release dopamine, which is informally known as the “happy hormone”. This is one factor that makes smoking addictive and difficult to quit by yourself.

The Zyban pill contains Bupropion, which works by targeting this addictive cycle. It prevents your nerve cells from absorbing dopamine and another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. This means more of these neurotransmitters are released into the brain. This helps to reduce the positive feeling you get from smoking. This helps to reduce cravings and makes it easier to stop smoking.

Zyban also blocks receptors in your brain that are activated when you smoke (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors), which also helps to block the rewarding feeling of smoking.

Clinical trials have shown that Zyban tablet is an effective treatment for quitting smoking, especially when combined with behavioural counselling.

Research has found that 1 in 5 smokers successfully quit and remain non-smoking after one year on Zyban. Similar success rates have been seen in patients with cardiovascular disease and COPD.

You should start to feel the effects of Zyban within 2 weeks of taking it. You should experience fewer smoking cravings and, if you do smoke, it should start to feel less enjoyable. However, more significant, long-term effects will develop after 7-9 weeks.

Most adults aged 18 and over can use Zyban. However, if you have a specific medical condition or are taking certain medications, you should consult your doctor to determine if it's safe for you to use.

You should not take Zyban tablets if you:

• are going through alcohol withdrawal
• are going through benzodiazepine withdrawal
• have bipolar disorder
• have a tumour on your spine or brain (CNS tumour)
• have an eating disorder
• have a history of seizures
• have severe liver disease

Consult your doctor if you are unsure whether any of these conditions apply to you. Our doctors review every consultation to make sure it’s suitable for you.

Zyban is available as 150 mg prolonged-release tablets. The starting dose is one 150 mg tablet once a day, but you will increase the dose after 1 week to one tablet twice daily.

You should choose a Target Stop Smoking day in week 2 of your treatment.

Allow 8 hours between each dose. Do not take Zyban too close to your bedtime. This will prevent any sleep disruption.

Like all prescription medicines, the Zyban pill may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

• stomach pain
• anxiety
• reduced concentration
• constipation
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fever
• headache
• excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• tremor (shaking)
• vomiting

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects. If you experience any rare side effects such as seizures or an allergic reaction, please seek emergency medical attention.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) which comes in the box with your medicine.

No, Zyban is not available without a prescription. Our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

No, Zyban is a treatment for smoking cessation, while Wellbutrin is an antidepressant. They contain the same ingredient, Bupropion. However, they are licensed for different conditions.

Weight gain can be a common problem when you quit smoking. This is because nicotine suppresses your appetite. So, stopping smoking increases your appetite and can lead to weight gain.

However, clinical trials have shown that Zyban is very unlikely to cause weight gain.

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol while on Zyban. So, you should avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on Zyban. If you drink a lot of alcohol, do not stop suddenly, as it may increase the risk of having a fit (seizure).

Yes, you can take Zyban with nicotine replacement therapy methods such as gum, patches or lozenges. Some evidence suggests it can help to promote success in staying smoke-free after a year on Zyban. However, you should always ask your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to take both together.