Using Zyban to Help You Quit Smoking

Using Zyban to Help You Quit Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking Print How Zyban Can Help With Quitting Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on August 13, 2015 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on February 07, 2020 Fuse/Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking After You Quit Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery Zyban is the brand name for the generic drug bupropion hydrochloride. It is a nicotine-free quit aid. Originally marketed as an anti-depressant drug under the brand name of Wellbutrin, it became apparent that bupropion was an effective quit aid because smokers using it to treat depression also lost interest in smoking. People not planning to quit smoking found themselves stopping with relative ease. Later, bupropion hydrochloride was given the brand name of Zyban and in  1997, the FDA approved it as a quit smoking aid.  When used in combination with  nicotine replacement therapy  (NRTs), the chance for long-term success with smoking cessation increases.?? Note:    it is important to be monitored by your doctor if youre using both Zyban and an NRT as  high blood pressure  can be a concern.?? How It Works It isnt completely understood how Zyban works, but we do know that it alters brain chemistry in such a way that  nicotine  is rendered less effective.?? The result is a reduced interest in smoking, and  nicotine cravings and withdrawal are minimal. While this medication was developed as an anti-depressant, you do not need to suffer from depression for it to work as a quit aid.  That said, if you develop  quit-related depression, Zyban may help to offset the symptoms. Usage Zyban is not sold over the counter, so you must see your doctor for a prescription. To begin with, you take Zyban while youre still smoking. Days 1 - 3:    One 150 mg tablet once a day. Days 4 - 7:    One 150 mg tablet twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. Its a good idea to space your pills out so that the second pill of the day is several hours before bedtime as bupropion can make it hard to get to sleep.?? Week 2:    Continue to take one pill twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. Stop smoking during week two, on the day you picked to quit. Week 3 and beyond:    Continue as with week 2. The recommended course of treatment is 7 weeks, but it can be taken for a longer period of time.?? Your doctor will help you decide when you should stop treatment. If youre unable to stop smoking by the end of week 3, your doctor may discontinue this medication as it might not be a good fit for you as a quit aid.  If that happens, dont worry. There are  several other options  on the market today that could work better for you. Very Important:  If you miss a dose and its close to time for the next one, skip that pill. Never take a double dose to catch up as this could increase the risk for seizures.?? If you take too much Zyban accidentally,  call your doctor, poison control or go to an emergency room at your local hospital immediately, even if youre not experiencing anything out of the ordinary. Also,  never stop taking this drug abruptly,  unless you have one of the side effects in the section below where that is recommended. Consult with your doctor immediately if this happens. Who Should Not Use Zyban Zyban isnt suitable for everyone.  Avoid it if:?? You use any other drug containing bupropion hydrochlorideYou have or have had a seizure disorderYou have or have had an eating disorderYou are taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)You are pregnant or nursingYou are allergic to bupropion hydrochlorideYou are abruptly discontinuing alcohol or sedatives(including benzodiazepines) Common Side Effects Dry mouthDizzinessInsomniaChange in appetiteChange in sense of tasteWeight lossStomach painNauseaVomitingAnxietyExcitementHeadachesStuffy noseUncontrollable shaking in a part of the bodyRinging in the earsSore throatExcessive sweatingFrequent urination If any of the above side effects become severe or dont go away, see your doctor. Side Effects You Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention For: seizureshallucinationsconfusionirrational fearsrapid, pounding or irregular heart ratemuscle or joint pain Side Effects That Warrant Stopping Zyban Immediately: Rash or blistersFeverItchingSwelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, lower legsHoarsenessDifficulty breathing or swallowingChest pain If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue Zyban and see your doctor or go to an emergency room right away. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration required the makers of Zyban and Chantix, a similar quit aid to post a warning on product packaging about potentially severe side effects. If you have any problems not listed here that are troublesome and youre concerned about whether they might be related to Zyban, check in with your doctor as soon as possible. Effectiveness Of the small number of studies done on Zyban efficacy over the years, success rates seem to be in the 30% range for people who are smoke-free at the one year mark.??  When used with NRTs however, the rate climbs slightly to approximately 35.5% for those who didnt smoke at all during the first year.?? More importantly, perhaps, is how effective Zyban can be when you couple it with a good support group of like-minded individuals for smoking cessation.??  Whether online or in person, support may be the single most important quit tool you can employ.