Zyban

Zyban is a medicine prescribed to help you stop smoking.  A prescription only medicine with an active ingredient called Bupropion 150mg modified release tablets. This is a nicotine free quit aid. It reduces interest in smoking, the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The medication will be most effective if you are fully committed to giving up smoking.

Bupropion has been used in the past for other purposes but we at The Family Chemist only prescribe it to help patients stop smoking.

Buproprion was first developed to treat depression but it was found that it helps patients give up smoking. It is not clear how it works but it is thought to alter the level of transmitters in the brain.

A cigarette contains nicotine which is a highly addictive chemical. Nicotine promotes the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine (“happy hormones”)is part of your reward system and gives you a sense of pleasure and motivation to continue smoking. When you stop smoking the brain releases transmitters which cause typical withdrawal symptoms such as craving, feeling anxious, restlessness, headaches, or irritability. Zyban acts to reduce the withdrawal symptoms by controlling the release of transmitters in the brain. Your brain gets less reward from smoking, so it becomes easier to quit.

Whilst this medicine was developed as an antidepressant, you do not need to be diagnosed with depression for it to work as a quit smoking aid. Although if you do develop quit related mood changes zyban may help offset the symptoms.

How effective is Zyban?

Zyban does increase the chances of quitting smoking. Many studies have looked at this issue. The studies found that twice the number of smokers who take bupropion stop smoking compared to those who don’t take bupropion.

Understanding Zyban Restrictions

It’s essential to recognise who should not use this medication to ensure safety and effectiveness. If you fall into any of the categories below, you should not take Zyban:

• Allergic Reactions: Avoid if you are allergic to bupropion or any other ingredients in this medicine.
• Existing Bupropion Treatments: Do not use if you are already taking any other medicines containing bupropion.
• Seizure Disorders: Individuals with conditions that cause fits, such as epilepsy, or those with a history of seizures should steer clear of this medication.
• Eating Disorders: If you have an eating disorder now or in the past, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, Zyban is not advisable.
• Liver Conditions: Those with severe liver issues, such as cirrhosis, must avoid using it.
• Neurological Concerns: Do not use if you have a brain tumor.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid if you are a heavy drinker who has just stopped or is planning to stop drinking alcohol.
• Sedative Use: If you have recently stopped or plan to stop taking sedatives, particularly benzodiazepines, it’s best to avoid this medication.
• Mood Disorders: Individuals with bipolar disorder should not use as it could trigger an episode.
• MAOI Interaction: Avoid if you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days.

Additional Warnings and Precautions

Seizure Risks: Approximately 1 in 1,000 people may experience seizures when taking Zyban. This risk increases if you regularly consume a lot of alcohol, have diabetes treated with insulin or tablets, or have had a serious head injury.

Mental Health Risks: Hallucinations, delusions, disordered thoughts, or severe mood swings can occur, especially in those with a history of mental health issues. If you experience depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.

High Blood Pressure Concerns: Zyban can increase blood pressure, particularly if combined with nicotine patches. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial.

Alcohol Sensitivity: It may heighten alcohol sensitivity. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

Impaired Alertness: Side effects such as dizziness or light-headedness can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Exercise caution and avoid engaging in these activities if affected.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Do not take if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby. Avoid breastfeeding while using this medication as its ingredients can pass into breast milk.

You may not experience any side effect at all however the most common side effects reported include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), headaches, feeling and being sick, constipation, dizziness.

Strategies to Overcome Side Effects

1. Manage Insomnia: Establish a calming bedtime routine and avoid caffeine in the evening to combat insomnia. If sleep disturbances persist, consult your healthcare provider about possibly adjusting your dosage timing.

2. Address Dry Mouth: Increase your fluid intake and use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production, alleviating dry mouth.

3. Reduce Headache Impact: Regular hydration and over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your doctor, can help manage headaches.

4. Combat Nausea: Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or fatty foods can help reduce nausea. Ginger tea is also a natural remedy worth trying.

Please refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of the side effects, cautions and contraindications.

Yes you can buy Zyban online from The Family Chemist. The Family Chemist has gone above and beyond in ensuring we comply to all standards stipulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, Legit Script, NPA and IPO.

We have a clinician on site who can review your consultation and generate a prescription, have it dispensed at our UK registered Pharmacy and sent out on the same day. The consultation should only take a matter of few minutes but please do answer them accurately and honestly so the clinician can make sure the Zyban is safe for you to use.

Once the consultation is approved you will receive tracking from Royal Mail and hopefully receive the parcel in less than 24 hours.

Champix and Zyban are both prescription medications used to aid smoking cessation, but they operate differently. Zyban (bupropion) primarily acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. On the other hand, Champix (varenicline) works by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain, thus reducing cravings and the pleasurable effects of smoking. Patients often choose Zyban if they prefer a medication that also addresses underlying depression, as it has antidepressant properties. Conversely, Champix may be more suitable for those who need direct assistance with nicotine dependency. Both treatments require a doctor’s consultation to ensure their suitability and to discuss potential side effects. Ultimately, the choice between Zyban and Champix should be made based on individual health profiles and smoking cessation goals. Below is a table comparing the two:

If you miss a dose, wait and take your next tablet at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

You may need to take Zyban for as long as 7 weeks to have its full effect. After 7-9 weeks Zyban can be stopped abruptly however if you feel that may induce a smoking habit then try tapering your dose reduction.

It can take up to 1 week for Zyban to show its effects. We normally recommend you stop smoking on the 10th day.

Zyban is only recommended for 7-9w and sometimes extended to 12w. The Family Chemist Clinician assesses the number of boxes ordered and may cancel your order if you order more than 3-4 boxes in consecutive months.

Do not take Zyban if you’re pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. Some studies show a increased risk of birth defects in babies whose mothers were taking Zyban. The ingredients of Zyban can pass through into breast milk so it is generally advised not to take Zyban whilst breastfeeding.