Zyban (bupropion)
Effective dosage:
150 mg once or twice daily
Side effects:
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
Drug Class: Quit smoking.
Zyban detailed information:
Zyban is a nicotine-free quit-smoking aid. Instead of nicotine, it contains the chemical buproprion. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication. It works by boosting the levels of several chemical messengers in the brain. With more of these chemicals at work, you experience a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a weakening of the urge to smoke. Zyban can also prove helpful when people with conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema decide it's time to quit.
Zyban has an antidepressant action. However, its effect on quitting smoking may not be directly related to its antidepressant effects. It works in a way to include blocking the effects of nicotine, reducing withdrawal or helping depressed mood.
Treatment with this drug begins while you are still smoking. Zyban needs about a week to reach an effective level in your body; so to improve your chance of success, you should not attempt to quit until the second week of treatment. Set a firm date for quitting. If you are still smoking after that date, your odds of breaking the habit will be worse. You should keep taking Zyban for 7 to 12 weeks.
The usual starting dose is one 150-milligram tablet in the morning for the first 3 days. After that, take one 150-milligram tablet in the morning and another in the early evening. Keep doses at least 8 hours apart. The maximum recommended dose is 300 milligrams daily. Swallow Zyban tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush them.
For further information about ZYBAN, consult with your doctor.
