Zyban

Pronounced: ZIGH-ban
Generic name: Bupropion hydrochloride

Why is Zyban prescribed?

Zyban is a nicotine-free quit-smoking aid. Instead of nicotine, it contains the same active ingredient as the antidepressant medication Wellbutrin. It works by boosting the levels of several chemical messengers in the brain. With more of these chemicals at work, you experience a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a weakening of the urge to smoke. More than a third of the people who take Zyban while participating in a support program are able to quit smoking for at least 1 month. Zyban can also prove helpful when people with conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema decide it's time to quit.

Most important fact about Zyban

About 1 person in 1,000 suffers a seizure while taking Zyban. For this reason, people with epilepsy and certain other disorders should never take the drug. Don't share Zyban with friends. Only a doctor can decide whether it's safe for a particular individual.

How should you take Zyban?

Treatment with this drug begins while you are still smoking. Zyban needs about a week to reach an effective level in your body; so to improve your chance of success, you should not attempt to quit until the second week of treatment. Set a firm date for quitting. If you are still smoking after that date, your odds of breaking the habit will be worse. You should keep taking Zyban for 7 to 12 weeks.

You can use nicotine patches along with Zyban. However, combining the two treatments can raise your blood pressure, so it's important to tell your doctor if you plan to use both. Do not smoke while using a patch, because too much nicotine can cause serious side effects.

Participating in a counseling or support program will make success more likely. Your doctor can recommend a local program for you.

Swallow Zyban tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush them. Take them exactly as prescribed.

--If you miss a dose...

Do not take an extra tablet to "catch up" for the missed dose. Skip the dose and take your next tablet at the regularly scheduled time.