Zyban

Zyban

Zyban was the first non-nicotine containing medication approved as a stop smoking
aid. It was first originally introduced as Wellbutrin®, an anti-depressant. Zyban went
on to be developed and marketed specifically as the first of the quit smoking pills.
Today, Zyban is marketed with a smoking cessation support program, where
Wellbutrin is not.

Since Zyban is used as a stop smoking aid, it is prescribed at a slightly lower dose
than its anti-depressant counterpart, Wellbutrin. This medication may not be for
everyone. People with eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia), predisposition to
seizures, or who drink in excess should not use Zyban. Side effects reported
include dry mouth and significant insomnia.

Zyban is thought to treat the underlying depression associated with nicotine
withdrawal and is considered a viable alternative to those who do not wish to use
nicotine replacement therapy. It may also be used for those who have already
relapsed using nicotine replacement therapies in the past. By itself, it has roughly
the same success rate as the nicotine replacement products, that is, doubling the
success over cold turkey. Alternatively, using the nicotine patch with Zyban may
actually improve the person’s chances of quitting over using the nicotine patch
alone.

An advantage to this and any option which requires a prescription, is the automatic
inclusion of a physician. Zyban also requires close follow up when someone is
placed on this class of medication. Having that physician accountability and access
to support likely improves the outcome when compared to anonymously buying an
over the counter stop smoking aid at the local pharmacy.

Zyban is typically administered for 12 weeks. Interestingly, continued treatment is
associated with less weight gain, about 4 pounds less than quitting cold turkey.
However, this effect disappeared when Zyban was stopped for one year.

Back to Stop Smoking Aids