Zyban is the trade name of a drug called bupropion hydrochloride. It was first developed as an anti-depressant drug, but has also been shown to help people who are trying to quit smoking. Zyban is the first non-nicotine based medicine to be licensed for prescription to help with stopping smoking.
It is available as a tablet, usually taken twice a day. People start taking it two weeks before they plan to stop smoking, and it is used for about two months.
Zyban can help to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms from stopping smoking, making it easier to break the habit of smoking. It can also help prevent the weight gain which people often experience when they stop smoking.
Two published studies have shown that it greatly increases a smokers’ chances of quitting. The results from these studies are very encouraging, but more research is needed. Based on the evidence available, Zyban has been made available on NHS prescription.
When used as advised by your doctor, Zyban can be safe and can be effective. It is not suitable for everyone. You do still need to decide for yourself that you want to stop smoking, and Zyban cannot do it for you. Zyban should be prescribed along with support and advice to help you quit.
Zyban is only available on prescription from a GP. Some health board areas in Scotland provide it and others are still deciding whether to supply it.
Zyban is not recommended:
Zyban can react with a number of other medicines, including ones bought without a precription. So it's important to tell your doctor what you are taking before Zyban is prescribed for you, and to tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Zyban before you take any new medicines.
Medicines that can react with Zyban include some anti-histamines and antibiotics, anti-malarial medicines, steroids, slimming medicines, and medicines used to treat asthma, sleep problems and depression.
Some people may experience side effects after using Zyban. These can range from a dry mouth to sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness, depression and sweating.
People who experience side effects should seek their doctor’s advice.
Both Zyban and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (also known as NRT) have been shown to work in helping people stop smoking.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy can be bought over the counter but Zyban must be prescribed. This is because of the possible side effects of using Zyban. Speak to your doctor, who will advise you on the most suitable product for you.
Because they work in different ways, if you are prescribed Zyban you can also still use Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help you deal with the cravings to smoke.
Zyban is only one way of helping you to stop smoking. It is not a magic cure, and you still need to be committed and determined to quit.
More information about the safety of Zyban (and other smoking cessation aids) and the conditions for using it are available on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Smokeline: 0800 84 84 84
The national Smokeline is free and staffed by trained counsellors who will do their best to help you and to answer any questions you may have.
Quit: 0171 487 3000
Runs a freephone Pregnancy Quitline service, and freephone Asian Quitline services in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.