Zyban
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† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Zyban Key Facts
About Zyban
Zyban contains bupropion as its active ingredient. Originally it was used to treat depression, but has been found to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Zyban tablets are use in combination with lifestyle advice and support. It is thought bupropion works by affecting parts of the brain involved with addictive behaviour.
NowPatient offers bupropion under the brand name Zyban as a treatment for smoking cessation, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Zyban
- Zyban is used for the treatment of smoking cessation
- Zyban can take about one week to start working. You should set a date and not stop smoking until you have taken Zyban for 1 week
- Zyban has some common side effects which include nausea and headaches
- It can be dangerous if you take Zyban with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Zyban not suitable for?
Zyban may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician about any other medical conditions you may have, or if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to bupropion hydrochloride in the past
- Have a history of seizures (epilepsy) or seizure disorder
- Are withdrawing from alcohol or other medications associated with a risk of seizures (such as benzodiazepines)
- Have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Have severe liver cirrhosis
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), sedatives or stimulants
- Have a history of bipolar disorder or an eating disorder
- Have had a serious head injury
- Have diabetes
- Have heart disease or high blood pressure
- Are under 18 years of age
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
How and where to get Zyban?
You can buy Zyban safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for smoking cessation, you can discuss if Zyban is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Zyban for smoking cessation
Zyban is available as 150 mg sustained release tablets when used for smoking cessation.
Information about how to take Zyban for smoking cessation
The recommended dose of Zyban is 1 or 2 tablets daily. Start taking Zyban one or two weeks before you try to stop smoking. This will give you the best chance of quitting smoking, as Zyban can take around a week to start working. You will normally take Zyban for around 7 to 9 weeks.
The effectiveness of Zyban improves if taken with other over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) treatments, such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or sprays. For further medical advice speak to a healthcare professional at NowPatient.
What happens if you take too much Zyban?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Zyban and you experience any of the following side effects
What are the side effects of Zyban?
Possible side effects of Zyban are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression, insomnia, agitation, anxiety
- Skin rash, sweating, pruritus
- Fever
Serious side effects include:
- Serotonin syndrome; if you take more than your prescribed dose of bupropion, or if you also take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Symptoms may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, an increased heart rate, or agitation
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Information about taking Zyban at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Zyban. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medication, such as:
- Antidepressants such as paroxetine
- Antipsychotics such as risperidone
- Beta-blockers for high blood pressure such as metoprolol
- Medications for HIV or AIDS such as efavirenz, nelfinavir, or ritonavir
- Medications for Parkinson’s disease such as amantadine
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- Clopidogrel
- Digoxin
- Steroid medications such as prednisone
- Medication for weight loss or attention disorder
- Theophylline
- Tramadol
- Warfarin
Why might Zyban not work for smoking cessation?
Zyban can take about one week to start working. You should set a date and not stop smoking until you have taken Zyban for 1 week. If you stop smoking too soon you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Can Zyban taken for smoking cessation be taken long term?
You will normally take Zyban for around 7 to 9 weeks.
Is there a herbal Zyban?
No. Herbal Zyban does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Zyban?
Women can take Zyban for smoking cessation. However, pregnant women should not use Zyban. Also, bupropion passes into breast milk during breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding and considering quitting smoking.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Zyban?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Zyban.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with smoking cessation?
You may modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, these may include:
- Telling people you’re quitting smoking
- Use stop smoking aids
- Make a plan
- Avoid your smoking triggers
- Keeping busy to prevent urges
- Exercise away the urge
Alternatives to Zyban
Alternative smoking cessation treatments include nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges, nicotine gum, and varenicline.
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Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Zyban
What is Zyban?
Zyban is a brand name for bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg prolonged-release tablets, used as an aid to smoking cessation. It is manufactured by GSK and is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Bupropion is a dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Zyban is one of three licensed pharmacological aids for smoking cessation in the UK, alongside nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and varenicline.
How does Zyban help with quitting smoking?
Zyban works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in the reward and motivation pathways that sustain nicotine addiction. By maintaining higher levels of these neurotransmitters, Zyban reduces the urge to smoke and lessens withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and low mood. It also acts as a non-competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, further reducing the reinforcing effects of nicotine.
How effective is Zyban for quitting smoking?
Clinical trials show that Zyban approximately doubles the chance of successfully quitting smoking compared to placebo. At 12 months, quit rates are approximately 20–25% with Zyban compared to 10–15% with placebo. Zyban is more effective when combined with behavioural support (counselling, stop smoking services). It is somewhat less effective than varenicline but is an important option for patients who cannot take varenicline or prefer a non-nicotine approach.
How do I take Zyban?
Start Zyban 1–2 weeks before your planned quit date. Days 1–6: take 150 mg once daily. Day 7 onwards: increase to 150 mg twice daily (at least 8 hours apart). Continue treatment for 7–9 weeks total. Swallow tablets whole — do not crush, break, or chew. The last dose of the day should be taken no later than mid-afternoon to minimise insomnia. Zyban can be taken with or without food.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take a double dose. It is important not to take more than 150 mg in a single dose or more than 300 mg in 24 hours, as higher doses significantly increase the risk of seizures.
What are the common side effects of Zyban?
Very common side effects include insomnia (the most frequently reported, affecting up to 40% — minimise by taking the second dose no later than mid-afternoon) and dry mouth. Common side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, taste disturbance, agitation, anxiety, tremor, abdominal pain, constipation, and rash. Most side effects are mild and improve over the course of treatment.
Can Zyban cause seizures?
Yes, bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and there is a dose-dependent risk of seizures — approximately 1 in 1,000 at recommended doses. The risk increases significantly with higher doses, hence the strict maximum of 150 mg per dose and 300 mg per day. Zyban is contraindicated in patients with current or past seizure disorders, eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia), CNS tumours, or those undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Who should not take Zyban?
Zyban is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders, current or history of eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia nervosa), bipolar disorder, severe hepatic cirrhosis, CNS tumours, those undergoing abrupt alcohol or sedative withdrawal, and those currently taking or recently stopped MAO inhibitors. Caution is needed in patients taking medications that lower the seizure threshold (antipsychotics, antidepressants, tramadol, antimalarials).
Can I use Zyban with nicotine patches?
Zyban can be used alongside nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) including patches, though blood pressure monitoring is advisable as the combination may increase blood pressure. Some NHS stop smoking services offer combined Zyban plus NRT. However, Zyban should not be combined with other medications containing bupropion (such as Wellbutrin, if obtained from abroad).
How can I get Zyban?
Zyban requires a prescription from your GP or NHS stop smoking service. It is available on the NHS. NowPatient also offers online consultations for smoking cessation support. For the best chance of success, combine Zyban with behavioural support from your local NHS stop smoking service.
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