Zyban

Zyban is an NHS and FDA-approved medication for smoking cessation. A course of the drug will considerably increase your chances of quitting smoking and will reduce the temporary withdrawal symptoms you suffer when quitting, for example, cravings, irritability and bad moods.

When you smoke, you inhale nicotine. This chemical is known as being incredibly addictive. The reason for this is that it promotes the production of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is known as the “happy hormone” and is involved in the positive sensations experienced from completed tasks and feelings of accomplishment. The association with smoking encourages feelings of euphoria with every cigarette.

When you stop smoking, you lose those effects, causing your body to want more - these are the cravings.

Zyban contains the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride. The effect bupropion has on smoking was first discovered in patients suffering from depression. As their course continued, they had less interest in smoking. Though the exact effect it has on the brain is unclear, it is believed that it increases dopamine release in other sections of the brain, making nicotine's effects redundant. Your brain gets less of a reward from each cigarette, so it becomes easier to quit altogether.

You should always follow the advice of the prescribing doctor when taking any medication. If in doubt, contact a medical professional - do not guess how to take it. You can also consult the patient information leaflet for clarification.

Remember to start taking this treatment while smoking.

Instructions for under 65s:

• you should start taking Zyban while smoking.
• week 1- for days 1-3, you should take one 150mg prolonged-release tablet per day. For days 4-6, you should take two tablets per day, with 8 hours in between.
• week 2- take two tablets per day. Stop smoking this week on the day of your choice.
• week 3+- continue taking two tablets daily until you finish the course.
• speak to your doctor if you are unable to stop smoking after 7 weeks

If you are over 65, the dosage instructions are different. You should take one 150mg tablet daily for the entire treatment course.

Do not take a double dose of Zyban, even if you miss a dose. Continue with the next dose as normal. Taking too many tablets at once can increase the likelihood of side effects, such as seizures.

Always complete a course of treatment, even if you feel you are no longer addicted to smoking. The exception is if you suffer side effects or are advised to by your doctor.

Unfortunately, no medication is completely without risk. There is always the possibility of experiencing side effects. However, with most medications the chance is slim.

For Zyban, the most common side effects include:

• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• problems concentrating
• constipation
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fever
• gastrointestinal disorder
• headache
• hyperhidrosis
• hypersensitivity
• insomnia (if taken in the evenings)
• nausea
• vomiting
• skin reactions
• changes to taste
• tremors

Please note that a possible but potentially serious side effect of Zyban is low mood, which could lead to depressive or suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of these side effects whilst taking Zyban, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.

A full list of side effects is included in the patient information leaflet (PIL) - this is included with all orders.

Just because these side effects are listed, it doesn’t mean you will get them. If you do though, you should report them to your doctor immediately. Depending on what it is and its severity, you may be asked to stop taking Zyban and try a new treatment, for example, Champix.

You should also report any unlisted side to your doctor.

If you believe you are suffering an allergic reaction to this treatment, stop taking it and seek immediate medical attention. Signs include skin reactions, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face and mouth. The ingredients of Zyban are also included in the patient leaflet.

Not everyone can use every medication. This may be because you have a condition that makes it too risky, or it may be because you’re taking medications that interact negatively.

If any of the following apply to you, you should ask your doctor about other treatments.

You should not take Zyban if you:

• are allergic to any of Zyban’s ingredients*
• are taking any other medication containing bupropion
• have a seizure disorder (e.g. epilepsy) or a history of seizures
• have a central nervous system (CNS) tumor
• are undoing alcohol withdrawal - as this can increase the risk of seizures
• are taking any medication that increases the risk of seizures (including on withdrawal)
• have or have had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• have severe hepatic cirrhosis (liver disease)
• are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• have a history of bipolar disorder

*The ingredients of Zyban are included in the patient leaflet.

What precautions should I take?

Do not exceed the recommended dose of Zyban or else you risk an increased chance of side effects occurring.

Please note - this medication can increase the chance of seizures. If you have any risk factors that may exacerbate this, for example, history of head injury, alcohol abuse, the use of stimulants and insulin, you should inform your doctor. This doesn't mean you will be unable to use Zyban, but your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive, speak to your doctor before starting a course of this treatment.

You can buy Zyban online from HealthExpress - we’re an online doctor and pharmacy service, and we put safety first.

All we ask you to do is complete one of our online consultation forms. It’s quick to do and is part of the order process. Simply go to the checkout and answer the questions honestly and thoroughly. We have a consultation for legal and medical purposes so that our doctors can ensure Zyban is safe for you to use.

If approved, our pharmacy will dispatch your treatment with your selected delivery method - next-day or nominated-day delivery. Both options are included in the price of the order, as are the consultation and prescription.