Zyban (bupropion) is a prescription-only medication used to help people quit smoking. Bupropion, the active ingredient in Zyban, was first sold as an anti-depressant called Wellbutrin. Although it is still used as an anti-depressant, several potentially beneficial side effects are caused by this drug, which has led to its use for other purposes. For example, smokers who took Wellbutrin for depression found that it decreased their desire to smoke. The drug was eventually FDA-approved for this purpose, and the manufacturer repackaged it as Zyban.
Effects
Most people who take Zyban experience few side effects, and the side effects caused by Zyban are usually not severe enough to make someone stop taking the medication. The most common side effects caused by Zyban are dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. Zyban has some side effects that may be seen as beneficial; it tends to reduce the amount of weight gained when quitting smoking, and in some people, may increase libido.
Significance
Zyban lowers the seizure threshold; this means that if you are taking Zyban, you are more likely to experience seizures than if you are not taking it. Seizures from Zyban are very rare if the drug is taken in the recommended dosage and you do not have a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders. If you usually drink a lot of alcohol, and stop drinking while taking Zyban, you are more likely to have seizures than if you were not taking this medication.
Prevention/Solution
Because seizures are more likely to occur in people who take large doses of Zyban, or who begin taking the full dose right away, your doctor will probably ask you to start at a lower dose of the medication. The dose is gradually increased over time to help prevent seizures from occurring. If you have a history of epilepsy, other seizure disorders, or drink heavily, you may need to use a different drug to help you quit smoking.
Considerations
Because Zyban sometimes causes people to lose weight, it is a poor choice if you are significantly underweight, have trouble eating enough to maintain your weight, or if you have an eating disorder. Zyban can interact with other drugs, including some over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your doctor to make sure that Zyban is safe for you to take. Zyban can cause some illnesses to become worse, including high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver diseases, bipolar disorder and diabetes. If you have these, or any other medication conditions, discuss them with your doctor before taking this medication.
Warning
Anti-depressant drugs, including bupropion (the active ingredient in Zyban), are associated with an increased risk of suicide. This risk is highest if you are under 24 years old and have clinical depression. Suicidal thoughts or actions most commonly occur during the first 12 weeks of treatment with an anti-depressant. If you begin thinking about suicide while taking Zyban or experience mood or behavioral changes, call your doctor right away.
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