Zyban

bupropion

Zyban (bupropion) is used to help people stop smoking. Bupropion is in a class of medications called antidepressants. It works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain.

Zyban has been used, very successfully, to treat nicotine addiction directly. In this case it is different to the way other anti-smoking agents work, such as nicotine gum and patches, since these simply supply an alternative source of nicotine other than cigarettes. Zyban works at the neurological level, reducing the craving for nicotine in any form. Zyban is a pill you take to reduce your craving for tobacco. Bupropion does not contain nicotine and does not help you quit smoking in the same way that nicotine replacement therapy does.

This medication is an atypical antidepressant that acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and nicotinic antagonist. It belongs to the chemical class of aminoketones and is similar in structure to the stimulant cathinone, to the anorectic diethylpropion, and to phenethylamines in general.

Bupropion is approved for use in people who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day and are at least 18 years old. You begin taking bupropion daily, 1 to 2 weeks before you quit smoking. This builds up the level of medicine in your body. You take bupropion for 7 to 12 weeks after you stop using tobacco. You can take it for as long as 6 months to a year. If you have missed your pill, do not take an extra dose. Resume your regular dosage schedule at the next scheduled time. Take Zyban by mouth with or without food. Swallow whole tablet. Do not break, crush, or chew tablets before swallowing. Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. It takes about 1 week for Zyban to work. You should begin taking while you are still smoking.

Side effects:
Side effects of Zyban include change in taste constipation difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, headache and increased sweating, nausea, tremor and weight loss.

Effective dosage:
Usual Dosage for Adults: The recommended and maximum dose is 300 mg/day, given as 150 mg twice daily. Dosing should begin at 150 mg once daily for the first 3 days, followed by a dose increase to the recommended usual dose of 300 mg/day as necessary. There should be an interval of at least 8 hours between successive doses. Doses above 300 mg/day should not be used.

Drug Class: Quit smoking.