Zyban

Zyban is a medicine prescribed to help people quit smoking. It works by altering the parts of your brain responsible for addiction. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and makes quitting smoking easier.

Zyban contains Bupropion. This medicine was originally used to treat depression. But, it was discovered it could also work to help people quit smoking and was licensed for smoking cessation treatment in the UK in 2000.

Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your health. It's never too late to benefit from stopping, and support is available to help you succeed

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

It is available in 150mg tablets. You start taking it 1-2 weeks before you decide to quit and then treatment lasts for up to 9 weeks. To see the full benefits, it’s recommended to take it alongside motivational support.

It’s not clear how Zyban works to stop smoking. However, research suggests that it acts on certain neurotransmitter receptors in your brain to ease withdrawal symptoms.

During withdrawal, Bupropion relieves symptoms by mimicking the effects of nicotine on dopamine and noradrenaline. It also affects nicotinic receptors to prevent relapse by reinforcing the properties of nicotine.

This means you reduce withdrawal symptoms that are likely to cause you to smoke again and you’re more likely to quit for good.

Zyban has several benefits for helping you quit smoking.

• Targets the brain activity: Zyban targets the brain activity responsible for nicotine addiction, helping to modify the way the brain responds to nicotine.
• Reduces withdrawal symptoms: Zyban effectively reduces withdrawal symptoms, which are one of the most challenging aspects of quitting smoking.
• Starts working after week 2: Zyban starts working to relieve withdrawal symptoms and help you quit smoking.
• Can be combined with other treatments: Zyban can be used with other quit-smoking aids like vapes or NRT to make it easier to quit.

It is an effective prescription treatment for gradually helping you quit smoking.

When should I start using it?

You should start taking Zyban 1-2 weeks before you plan on quitting smoking.

You start off taking one tablet once a day and increase it during week 2.

You start taking it while you are still smoking and then quit smoking during the second week on your chosen day.

How do I take it?

Do not take Zyban too close to your bedtime. This is because the medicine may cause sleeping difficulties.

Swallow each tablet whole. Do not crush or chew them, as this will cause the medicine to go into your bloodstream too quickly.

You can take Zyban with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next scheduled dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Taking too many tablets puts you at a higher risk of side effects. If you take too many tablets, talk to your doctor as soon as possible

How long does it take for Zyban to work?

Studies have shown that the therapeutic effect of Zyban occurs during the second week of taking it. However, it usually takes 7-9 weeks to see the full effect of the treatment.

What should I do if I don’t see any results after a few weeks?

Zyban should take around 2 weeks to start working, so be patient and try not to smoke. However, if you find that the medicine is not working then talk to your GP. They will ensure that you are taking it correctly, give you advice on how to quit or suggest an alternative treatment.

How long should I use Zyban for?

You should take Zyban for 7-9 weeks, but your doctor will give you a precise time on when you should stop using Zyban.

How do I stop taking Zyban?

You should not stop taking Zyban suddenly. This is because it may cause withdrawal symptoms and side effects including nicotine cravings.

You will need to taper off Zyban gradually after 7-9 weeks. How long you will need to taper off will vary from person to person.

Your doctor will advise you on how to stop taking Zyban.

Zyban is an effective stop-smoking treatment, especially for long-term results.

A meta-analysis looking at the results of 7 studies found that 1 in 5 smokers will continue to not smoke after one year on Zyban. Another study found that Bupropion almost doubles the chances of quitting smoking for good compared to not using any treatment.

Research also suggests it increases long-term quitting success. A 2020 meta-analysis found that Zyban increased long-term quitting rates by 52%.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but simple lifestyle changes can help you.

Quitting smoking is essential for improving your health and longevity. Start by setting a quit date and informing your friends and family for support. Use nicotine replacement therapies or prescribed medications to manage cravings. Additionally, consider joining a support group or counselling program,

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

• Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke. This will help you know how to tackle the urge when it arises.
• Use other stop-smoking aids. This may include NRT, e-cigarettes or vapes to help you quit smoking for good.
• List your smoking triggers and how to avoid them. For example, if you know you like a cigarette when you drink, don’t drink alcohol or do other social activities.
• Keep busy to keep cravings at bay. This may involve chewing gum or getting a fidget toy to keep your hands busy.
• Get active. Exercising can help fight the urge by redirecting your focus.
• Tell others you’re quitting smoking. Your loved ones can support you as well as hold you accountable.
• Join a support group. There are many support groups on social media or in person.

These tips will help you quit for good.

Who can take it?

Zyban is suitable for adults who are nicotine-dependent and are looking to quit smoking. It is recommended you take Zyban alongside some form of motivational support such as a support group.

Who cannot take it?

Some people cannot take Zyban. This includes if you:

• are typically a heavy drinker and have just stopped drinking or are planning to quit while taking Zyban
• have a benzodiazepine dependence (e.g. Xanax or Valium) and have just stopped taking them or are planning to stop taking them while taking Zyban
• have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder
• have a central nervous system (CNS) tumour
• have an eating disorder
• have a history of seizures
• have severe cirrhosis of the liver

Other groups of people may be able to take it but must consult their doctor beforehand. This includes if you:

• are a heavy drinker
• have diabetes
• are over the age of 65
• have a history of head trauma
• are at risk of seizures

Your doctor may want to closely supervise you whilst taking this medicine or adjust your dose.

If you are not sure whether any of these factors apply to you, or you have a health condition not listed, consult your doctor before using Zyban.

As with all medications, there is a chance you may experience some side effects.

These side effects are usually mild and go away once you have finished treatment. However, if your symptoms don’t go away or you experience more severe side effects, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects can affect up to 1 in every 100 people who take this medicine.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects occur in up to 1 in every 10,000 people. It is very unlikely you will experience these side effects. However, you should know what to expect should you experience any.

Please refer to the patient leaflet for a complete list of side effects.

Zyban may interfere with other medicines you are taking, such as:

• medicines for depression or other mental health problems (e.g. citalopram, risperidone or venlafaxine)
• medicines for malaria (e.g. Malarone)
• steroids
• medicines to control your weight or appetite
• quinolone antibiotics
• antihistamines for hay fever or sleeping problems
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for epilepsy
• medicines for HIV
• medicines for heart problems including irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke
• medicines for Parkinson’s disease

If you take any of these medicines as well as Zyban, you are more likely to experience side effects. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your current medicine or Zyban before taking it.

Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

This medicine does not have any specific storage requirements. However, you should keep it out of sight and reach of children and do not use it past the expiry date.

No, Zyban is not available without a prescription. It is only available via prescription from a registered doctor. This is so the doctor can ensure it’s safe for you to take. If you cannot get to your GP, you can order Zyban online from a trusted healthcare provider, such as euroClinix.

Ordering Zyban through euroClinix is simple and secure. Just follow these steps:

1. Start a confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
2. If approved, the doctor will write a prescription.
3. Your medication will then be dispensed in discreet packaging from a licensed UK pharmacy, with next-day delivery and tracking information provided.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive quit-smoking service.

The price of Zyban will depend on the healthcare provider. At euroClinix, we have competitive prices that include free delivery and consultation.

There are other stop-smoking treatments available. They can also be used alongside Zyban to help you quit.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

The main alternative is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It works by providing you with a low level of nicotine without the carcinogens and chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It helps reduce unpleasant withdrawal effects.

NRT is available as:

• skin patches
• chewing gum
• inhalators
• nasal and mouth sprays
• tablets, lozenges or oral strips

E-cigarettes and vapes

Devices such as e-cigarettes and vapes can also help you stop smoking. It provides the same hand-to-mouth action and similar sensations that smoking gives.

It provides a small amount of nicotine without harmful chemicals. The UK government in 2022 found that in the short and medium term, the risks of vaping are much fewer than smoking.

However, the long-term effects of vapes are not known. So, you should eventually aim to stop vaping as well.

Zyban vs Champix

Champix is another quit-smoking treatment. The main difference between Champix and Zyban is the active ingredient. Champix contains Varenicline, which works by reducing nicotine cravings and blocks the rewarding effects of nicotine in the brain.

However, unlike Zyban, Champix is not currently available and it is unknown whether it will ever become available again. It was withdrawn from the market in 2021 due to an impurity being found in the medicine.