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Zyban FAQs: Common Questions And Answers About the Smoking Cessation Medication

Q: What is Zyban?

A: Zyban (bupropion) is a prescription-only drug that helps people stop smoking. Bupropion was first developed to treat depression but was later found to also help people stop smoking. Zyban does not contain nicotine, but can be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to increase the success rate of quitting smoking. It could be obtained by a doctor in person or at a reputable online pharmacy.

Q: Who should take Zyban?

A: If you are at least 18 years of age, smoke ten or more cigarettes a day and want to stop smoking with the help of a non-nicotine smoking cessation product, Zyban may be appropriate for you.  Learn more information at the Edrugstore.md Smoking Cessation Information Center

Q: How does Zyban help people stop smoking?

A: Zyban alters the level of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters), to reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, anxiety, cravings, irritability, hunger or lack of concentration, that many smokers experience when they try to stop smoking. In this way, the urge to smoke is reduced. While bupropion, the active ingredient in Zyban, is often prescribed as an antidepressant, there is no evidence to show that its antidepressant qualities are directly related to its effectiveness in helping people stop smoking.

 

Q: How effective is Zyban as a stop smoking product?

 

A: Zyban has about the same success rate as NRTs. Approximately twice the number of smokers who take Zyban stop smoking successfully compared to those who don't take anything. Studies show that more than 33% of people who take Zyban are able to stop smoking for at least one month and more than 20% quit smoking for at least one year.

Q: What is the advantage of taking Zyban compared to nicotine replacement therapies?

 

A: Since Zyban does not contain any nicotine, patients will not experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms during or at the end of their treatment.

 

Q: Both Chantix and Zyban help people stop smoking. Are they the same?

 

A: Zyban and Chantix (varenicline) are both non-nicotine smoking cessation products, but they have different active ingredients and work differently to help people stop smoking. One study found Chantix to be more effective than Zyban in helping people to stop smoking, but results do vary from one person to the next.

Q: How should I take Zyban?

A: Zyban is available in tablet form and should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. Chewing or crushing the tablet may cause too much of the drug to be released into the body at once, which could lead to unpleasant side effects. You should take Zyban twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks before you stop smoking. This allows the level of medication in your body to gradually build up. Continue taking Zyban according to the prescription for another 7 to 12 weeks after you stop smoking. Zyban can cause sleeplessness, so you should not take it close to bedtime.

 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Zyban?

 

A: If you miss a dose of Zyban, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Do not take an extra dosage to make up for the missed one.

 

Q: What happens if I overdose?

 

A: Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you think you have taken more than the recommended amount of Zyban. Symptoms of a Zyban overdose may include muscle stiffness, seizures, fainting, hallucinations, increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, heart failure or coma.

 

Q: What should I avoid when taking Zyban?

 

A: You should avoid drinking alcohol and excessive caffeine intake while taking Zyban, as these may increase the risk of a seizure. If you drink alcohol regularly, consult your doctor before taking Zyban. Also, if you are already using bupropion to treat depression, do not also take Zyban to stop smoking. Taking too much bupropion can increase the risk of a seizure. Many drugs taken in combination with Zyban can cause side effects, so it is important to inform you doctor of all other medications that you use - prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

Q: What are the possible side effects associated with taking Zyban?

 

A: Mild side effects can occur when taking Zyban, such as headache, migraine, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dryness around the lips or mouth, appetite changes or mild itching or skin rash. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or increase over time. Zyban may also cause dizziness and can affect your coordination during the initial stages of taking the drug, so be careful when driving or operating heavy machinery. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Zyban.

 

Less often, using Zyban can result in more serious side effects such as seizures, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives or breathing difficulties. These side effects are more likely to occur in patients with certain medical conditions, or when used in combination with other drugs, including MAO inhibitors, anti-malaria medicines, antihistamines, steroids, sedatives or antibiotics. Seek emergency medical help if this occurs.

 

Q: What other precautions should I take before using Zyban?

 

A: If you are considering taking Zyban to help you stop smoking, inform your doctor of your medical history, especially if you have suffered or are suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver diseases, diabetes, head or spinal injuries. Avoid Zyban if you have a history of epilepsy, seizures, anorexia or bulimia. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Zyban.

 

Q: What if I do not stop smoking on the date I had planned to quit?

 

A: If you do not stop smoking on your planned quit date, do not give up. Continue taking Zyban and try again to stop smoking. While a normal course of treatment with Zyban lasts 12 weeks, sometimes it can take as long as 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of addiction. Do not stop taking Zyban without notifying your doctor.

 

Q: How do I know if Zyban will help me stop smoking?

 

A: Zyban is not a "magic pill." Zyban does not help everyone stop smoking, and its effectiveness depends on a person's overall health, history of smoking, and commitment to quitting. Using Zyban in combination with another smoking cessation program or counseling service may increase your chances of successfully quitting.  Ask a Physician to alternatives to quit smoking.

 

For more information about Zyban, including whether it can help you stop smoking, and to order Zyban at discount prices, visit the Zyban product information page on eDrugstore.md.

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