Zyban

Zyban is a medication used to help smokers quit smoking. It is used as a short term treatment for nicotine dependence in those who are committed to quitting. It should be used together with counselling for smoking cessation. As with all quitting aids, Zyban is not a complete quitting solution.

What is in Zyban?

Zyban contains the drug bupropion hydrochloride, also known as amfebutamone hydrochloride. Bupropion hydrochloride is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain.

Zyban comes in the form of sustained release tablets containing 150 mg of bupropion hydrochloride and non active components. These non active components are:

• microcrystalline cellulose
• hypromellose
• cysteine hydrochloride
• magnesium stearate
• carnauba wax
• titanium dioxide
• edible black ink

What does Zyban do?

When Zyban is taken, it

• reduces withdrawal symptoms
• reduces cravings for cigarettes
• reduces the urge to smoke

Zyban is not a complete quitting solution, the user of Zyban should have a strong desire to quit smoking and a quit smoking plan.

How does Zyban work?

The exact way Zyban works to help smokers abstain from smoking is not fully understood. It is believed to work by interacting with chemicals in the brain (noradrenaline and dopamine).

Precautions and Contraindications

Zyban is not suitable for everyone. Do not take Zyban if you

• had an allergic reaction to bupropion hydrochloride (also known as amfebutamone hydrochloride)
• had an allergic reaction to the non active components of Zyban tablets
• have or had a seizure disorder, like epilepsy
• have a brain tumor
• suddenly stopped drinking alcohol or taking benzodiazepines
• have or had bulimia or anorexia nervosa
• are taking antidepressants in the class monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
• are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding

Interactions with Other Drugs

Zyban can interact with the following medications to increase the chances of you having a seizure.

• antimalarials
• tramadol (pain killer)
• theophylline (for asthma)
• medicines to suppress appetite
• sedating antihistamines
• quinolones (a type of antibiotic)
• steroid tablets or injections

Zyban can also interact with herbal preparations like St John's Wort. Taking Zyban with nicotine replacement therapy may increase your blood pressure.

How to take Zyban Tablets

The usual dosage for Zyban is 1 tablet once daily for the first 3 days, then on the fourth day, take 1 tablet twice daily, leaving at least 8 hours between doses. Each tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, don't chew, cut or crush the tablets. If you experience sleep disturbance, try not to take Zyban too close to bedtime.

You may continue to smoke for up to 1 week while starting Zyban because it takes about 1 week to reach the correct levels in the body to be effective. Set a date to stop smoking during the 2nd week of taking Zyban (usually the 8th day).

Zyban should be taken for at least 7 weeks.

Your doctor may prescribe a different dosing schedule to this.

Side Effects

Some people may experience the following while taking Zyban:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• altered concentration
• visual disturbance

Other common side effects of bupropion are:

• headache
• difficulty sleeping
• dry mouth
• nausea
• constipation

Some people may be allergic to bupropion hydrochloride or other non active components. Symptoms of an allergic reaction includes:

• wheezing
• swelling of the lips or mouth
• difficulty breathing
• hay fever
• lumpy rash or hives
• fainting