Zyban
Bupropion (brand name Zyban or Wellbutrin) is a Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI) used as a smoking cessation aid. In the form of Wellbutrin, Bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. Its efficiency as a smoking cessation aid was discovered when people who were taking it for the treatment of depression reported that it also reduced nicotine craving and withdrawal. Studies confirmed its efficiency and the Food and Drug Administration approved Bupropion, under the brand name Zyban, as a smoking cessation aid in 1997. Since then, Zyban has become a popular smoking cessation aid. As a nicotinic antagonist, it helps to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Its other uses include the treatment of depression, attention deficit disorder, seasonal affective disorder and obesity.
Most studies show success rates of smoking cessation with Zyban to be between 15% and 25%, which is much higher than success rates without Zyban. Varenicline (Chantix) has shown higher success after one year rates in a direction comparison to Zyban. The rate of year long abstinence was 10% for placebo, 15% for Zyban and 23% for varenicline.
Zyban’s side effects are generally well-tolerated. When used as an anti depressant, it is noted for having few sexual side effects compared to SSRIs. Because Zyban is not a SSRIs antidepressant, it has a unique set of side effects. It does not cause drowsiness, weight gain and other side effects as often as some antidepressants. Side effects of Zyban may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash
- Sweating
- Shakiness and nervousness
- Stomach pain
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Ringing in the ears
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
- Sore throat
More frequent urination
A controversial side effect of Zyban are seizures. At the maximum dosage for the purpose of smoking cessation, 300 mg, seizures are rarely a side effect. However, the likelihood of a Zyban-induced seizure increases with higher doses. When the dose is higher than 600 mg, the risk of seizure increases tenfold. In one study, nearly all patients who ingested more than 9 grams of Zyban had a seizure.
A drug overdose on Zyban may have serious effects. The symptoms of Zyban overdose may include:
- High blood pressure
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Sinus tachycardia
- Delirium
- Seizure
- Hallucinations
- Coma
- Irregular heartbeat
It is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Taking Zyban in combination with other substances that lower the seizure threshold is dangerous. These substances include alcohol, anti-psychotics, steroids and some tricyclic anti depressants. Zyban should not be taken in combination with drugs that elevate blood pressure.