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What is Zyban?

Zyban (generic name >bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription drug that can help people stop smoking. It is chemically identical to >Wellbutrin SR, an antidepressant. In contrast to other stop-smoking aids, Zyban doesn't contain nicotine. It works in the brain to reduce nicotine cravings.

In clinical studies, up to 25 percent of people who used Zyban along with individual counseling were still not smoking cigarettes eight weeks after quitting. By comparison, only 14 percent of the people who received a placebo (a sugar pill) and individual counseling quit successfully. People who used nicotine patches (such as >Nicoderm CQ) and >drugstore.com Nicotine Transdermal system) with Zyban therapy had an even higher success rate.

Start taking Zyban at least a week before you plan to quite smoking, so that the drug has time to start working in the body. The usual dose of Zyban is one 150 mg tablet in the morning for three days. Starting on day four, the dose is increased to one tablet twice a day, with doses spaced at least eight hours apart. You can take Zyban with or without food.

Most people take Zyban for seven to 12 weeks. The manufacturer recommends that people who haven’t quit smoking within 12 weeks should stop taking Zyban, but consider trying it again in the future.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex Inc., 2001.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts and Comparisons, 2001.
Zyban Product Information, http://www.zyban.com. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., 2001.

This response prepared 7/18/01.