ZYBAN ^®

What to do if you missed your ZYBAN ^® dose

About Zyban

Zyban contains bupropion as its active ingredient. Originally it was used to treat depression, but has been found to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Zyban tablets are use in combination with lifestyle advice and support. It is thought bupropion works by affecting parts of the brain involved with addictive behaviour.

NowPatient offers bupropion under the brand name Zyban as a treatment for smoking cessation, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Zyban

• Zyban is used for the treatment of smoking cessation
• Zyban can take about one week to start working. You should set a date and not stop smoking until you have taken Zyban for 1 week
• Zyban has some common side effects which include nausea and headaches
• It can be dangerous if you take Zyban with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is Zyban not suitable for?

Zyban may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician about any other medical conditions you may have, or if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to bupropion hydrochloride in the past
• Have a history of seizures (epilepsy) or seizure disorder
• Are withdrawing from alcohol or other medications associated with a risk of seizures (such as benzodiazepines)
• Have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• Have severe liver cirrhosis
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), sedatives or stimulants
• Have a history of bipolar disorder or an eating disorder
• Have had a serious head injury
• Have diabetes
• Have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Are under 18 years of age
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

How and where to get Zyban?

Zyban is available, only with a prescription. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Zyban directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for smoking cessation, you can discuss if Zyban is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Zyban for smoking cessation

Zyban is available as 150 mg sustained release 150 mg tablets when used for smoking cessation.

Information about how to take Zyban for smoking cessation

The recommended dose of Zyban is 1 or 2 tablets daily. Start taking Zyban one or two weeks before you try to stop smoking. This will give you the best chance of quitting smoking, as Zyban can take around a week to start working. You will normally take Zyban for around 7 to 9 weeks.

The effectiveness of Zyban improves if taken with other over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) treatments, such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or sprays. For further medical advice speak to a healthcare professional at NowPatient.

What happens if you take too much Zyban?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Zyban and you experience any of the following side effects

What are the side effects of Zyban?

Possible side effects of Zyban are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Headaches, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression, insomnia, agitation, anxiety
• Skin rash, sweating, pruritus
• Fever

Serious side effects include:

• Serotonin syndrome; if you take more than your prescribed dose of bupropion, or if you also take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Symptoms may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, an increased heart rate, or agitation

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about taking Zyban at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Zyban. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medication, such as:

• Antidepressants such as paroxetine
• Antipsychotics such as risperidone
• Beta-blockers for high blood pressure such as metoprolol
• Medications for HIV or AIDS such as efavirenz, nelfinavir, or ritonavir
• Medications for Parkinson’s disease such as amantadine
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
• Clopidogrel
• Digoxin
• Steroid medications such as prednisone
• Medication for weight loss or attention disorder
• Theophylline
• Tramadol
• Warfarin

Why might Zyban not work for smoking cessation?

Zyban can take about one week to start working. You should set a date and not stop smoking until you have taken Zyban for 1 week. If you stop smoking too soon you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Can Zyban taken for smoking cessation be taken long term?

You will normally take Zyban for around 7 to 9 weeks.

Is there a herbal Zyban?

No. Herbal Zyban does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Zyban?

Women can take Zyban for smoking cessation. However, pregnant women should not use Zyban. Also, bupropion passes into breast milk during breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding and considering quitting smoking.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Zyban?

You can eat and drink normally when taking Zyban.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with smoking cessation?

You may modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, these may include:

• Telling people you’re quitting smoking
• Use stop smoking aids
• Make a plan
• Avoid your smoking triggers
• Keeping busy to prevent urges
• Exercise away the urge

Alternatives to Zyban

Alternative smoking cessation treatments include nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges, nicotine gum, and varenicline.

Sources

• NHS – Stop smoking treatments
• Medicines.org – Zyban