Zyban 150mg (Bupropion)

Zyban general information

What is Zyban used for?

Zyban tablets 150mg originally used to treat depression is used primarily as an ant-addictive drug to treat nicotine dependence, as part of a smoking cessation programme that includes motivational support. Zyban tablets 150mg help people who are addicted to nicotine to stop smoking, by reducing cravings and the urge to smoke as well as counteracting withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, restlessness and anxiety.

How does Zyban work?

Zyban tablets 150mg contain bupropion which is an antidepressant that is chemically unrelated to other known antidepressant agents, although it works at the level of the brain in a way similar to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which block the uptake by nerve cells of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate). Bupropion in Zyban tablets has minimal effect on the re-uptake of serotonin, although it is a selective inhibitor of the neuronal re-uptake of other neurotransmitters, in particular the catecholamines noradrenaline and dopamine. The anti-addictive and antidepressive properties of bupropion in Zyban tablets are thought to be due to the same mechanism; restoring the balance of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain, as lack of these neurotransmitters may be involved in the addiction process and may contribute to withdrawal symptoms. However, other mechanism may also be involved in helping with smoking cessation, including stimulation by bupropion of noradrenaline and dopamine receptors, increasing the effectiveness of these neurotransmitters, while at the same time blocking the action of nicotine on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function in the brain, resulting in a reduction in the rewarding effects of nicotine, which is what contributes to nicotine addiction.

What does Zyban contain?

Zyban tablets 150mg contain the active ingredient bupropion, an antidepressant and anti-addictive drug used to treat major depression and to treat nicotine dependence, as part of a smoking cessation programme. Zyban tablets 150mg are a sustained release (SR) tablet which means that the active ingredient is released slowly into your blood. They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, cysteine hydrochloride, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methycellulose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, carnauba wax, edible black ink.

Zyban for smoking cessation

Zyban tablets 150mg are used to treat nicotine dependence, as part of a smoking cessation programme that includes motivational support, and helps people who are addicted to nicotine to stop smoking, by reducing cravings and the urge to smoke, as well as counteracting withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, restlessness and anxiety. Zyban tablets 150mg contain bupropion, which is antidepressant agent with anti-addictive properties and works at the level of the brain, by inhibiting the reuptake by nerve cells, of noradrenaline and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters or brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate. A lack of noradrenaline and dopamine may be involved in the addiction process and may contribute to withdrawal symptoms. Zyban tablets help restore the balance of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain as well as blocking the action of nicotine on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function, resulting in a reduction in the rewarding effects of nicotine, which is what contributes to nicotine addiction.

What are the side effects of Zyban?

Many of the side effects reported with taking Zyban tablets 150mg for smoking cessation are associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The most commonly reported side effects when taking Zyban tablets 150mg include: restlessness, agitation, dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, change in weight, tremor. There is an increased risk of seizure when taking Zyban tablets 150mg, particularly if you are already prone to seizures.

When should Zyban not be used?

You should not use Zyban if you:

• are allergic to bupropion or any of the ingredients in Zyban tablets 150mg
• have seizures or a medical condition that makes you prone to seizures
• have an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or an alcohol use problem
• are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as the antidepressants phenelzine or tranylcypromine as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Zyban or within 14 days of taking Zyban tablets 150mg
• taking other medication that interacts with Zyban, including levodopa or amantadine, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, cyclophosphamide, carbamazepine, phenytoin, ritonavir

What medications interact with Zyban?

Several medications interact with Zyban and should either not be taken while you are taking Zyban tablets 150mg or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that increase side effects of Zyban: levodopa or amantadine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as the antidepressants phenelzine or tranylcypromine
• Drugs that affect Zyban: cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, orphenadrine, ticlopidine, clopidogrel carbamazepine, phenytoin ritonavir
• Drugs that are affected by Zyban: antidepressants like desipramine, imipramine, paroxetine; antipsychotics like risperidone, thioridazine; beta-blockers like metoprolol; antiarrhythmics like propafanone, flecainide

How should Zyban be taken?

You should take your Zyban tablets 150mg with a glass of water, with or without food, usually once a day but this dose may be increased to twice a day, as recommended by your doctor. It takes a week to reach maximum effect; therefore, when taking Zyban tablets 150mg for smoking cessation, it is recommended that you start at least one week before quitting. The initial dose is usually 150mg taken daily for 3 days increasing to 150mg twice daily, with an interval of at least 8 hours between successive doses. You should take Zyban tablets 150mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for 7-9 weeks or longer to prevent relapse, depending on your success in quitting smoking and your doctor’s recommendation.

How long should you take Zyban?

You should take Zyban tablets 150mg regularly, for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for 7-9 weeks or longer to prevent relapse, depending on your success in quitting smoking and your doctor’s recommendation.

Missed dose of Zyban

If you miss a dose of Zyban take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Zyban be stored?

You should keep your Zyban tablets 150mg in their blister packs until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.