last update: November 14, 2025
Zyban is the brand name for sustained-release bupropion formulated to support smoking cessation. It helps adults quit smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, trouble concentrating, and low mood. While the active ingredient bupropion is also used under other brand names to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder, the Zyban brand is specifically indicated as an aid to stop smoking, ideally combined with a structured behavioral support program.
Clinicians sometimes prescribe bupropion for additional purposes when they judge the benefits to outweigh the risks; however, any off-label use should be guided by a qualified healthcare professional familiar with your medical history.
Zyban belongs to a class of medicines called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). By modestly increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, it helps rebalance the brain’s reward and stress systems that are disrupted during nicotine withdrawal. In practical terms, many people notice less intense cravings, fewer withdrawal-related mood swings, and improved ability to focus, which together make it easier to set and stick to a quit date.
Unlike nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Zyban contains no nicotine. It can be used alone or, in some cases, alongside nicotine patches or other NRT modalities if a clinician determines that combination therapy is appropriate. Successful cessation rates improve significantly when Zyban is paired with counseling, digital quit tools, or a structured stop-smoking program.
Always take Zyban exactly as directed by your healthcare provider and follow the instructions on your prescription label. Do not take more than prescribed, and do not use it longer than recommended without medical advice.
Important: Zyban and other bupropion-containing products should not be used together. Review all your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines to avoid accidental duplication (for example, Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Forfivo).
Some conditions significantly increase the risk of serious side effects with bupropion. Do not use Zyban if any of the following apply to you:
Talk to your clinician before using Zyban if you have any of the following:
Antidepressants, including bupropion, carry a warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Although Zyban is used for smoking cessation, monitor closely for mood or behavior changes, especially when starting or adjusting the dose.
Bupropion is a strong inhibitor of the CYP2D6 enzyme and interacts with many medications. Always provide a full list of your prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
Notable interactions include:
This list is not exhaustive. If a new medication is prescribed or you plan to start a supplement, ask your healthcare provider to screen for interactions first.
Many people tolerate Zyban well, especially when doses are spaced properly and taken earlier in the day. Side effects are often mild and improve as your body adjusts.
Common effects:
Serious reactions—seek urgent medical care:
If you notice new or worsening depression, anxiety, panic, agitation, or unusual behavior, contact your clinician promptly. Close monitoring is especially important at the start of therapy or when doses change.
Combining Zyban with counseling or quitline support (telephone or digital programs) substantially improves long-term success. If appropriate, your clinician may recommend adding a nicotine patch, gum, or lozenge to help bridge intense craving periods, with careful blood pressure monitoring.
Decades of clinical research support bupropion SR as an effective aid for quitting smoking. Compared with placebo, Zyban approximately doubles the chances of achieving 6–12 month abstinence. Real-world outcomes vary based on factors such as adherence, behavioral support, and nicotine dependence level.
Zyban and generic bupropion SR are widely available. Generic versions are typically more affordable, and prices can be as low as the amount highlighted above depending on pharmacy, region, and quantity. Insurance often covers prescription smoking cessation therapies, and many clinicians can help identify savings programs or patient assistance options.
When comparing prices, confirm you are receiving bupropion sustained-release 150 mg labeled for twice-daily use, rather than the immediate-release or once-daily extended-release formulations used for other indications. Consistency in manufacturer and formulation can help maintain predictable response and side-effect profiles.
In the United States, Zyban (bupropion SR) is a prescription-only medication. Federal and state laws require authorization by a licensed clinician before it can be dispensed. There are several legitimate pathways to access Zyban:
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Zyban without a formal external prescription: patients undergo a standardized clinical evaluation and, when appropriate, receive authorization under clinician-directed protocols. This ensures compliance with U.S. law while streamlining access for adults seeking to quit smoking. Availability of such services can vary by state and is subject to applicable regulations; verification of eligibility and completion of required screening are necessary before dispensing.
Regardless of how you access Zyban, it should only be used under licensed clinical oversight. This protects your safety, allows for interaction screening, and supports a comprehensive quit plan that maximizes your chances of long-term success.
Zyban is the brand name for bupropion sustained-release, a prescription medicine that helps people quit smoking. It reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms by affecting norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, making it easier to stop smoking when combined with behavioral support.
Bupropion modulates the brain’s reward and stress circuits by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. This dampens the reinforcing effects of nicotine and lessens withdrawal symptoms like irritability, low mood, and difficulty concentrating.
Adults who smoke and want to quit, especially those who prefer a non-nicotine option or who have had little success with nicotine replacement therapy, may be good candidates. It can be especially helpful if you’re concerned about post-quit weight gain or low mood during withdrawal.
Avoid Zyban if you have a seizure disorder, current or past bulimia or anorexia nervosa, are taking or recently took an MAOI, or are undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates. Discuss risks carefully if you have significant liver disease, bipolar disorder, or uncontrolled hypertension.
Typical dosing is 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily at least 8 hours apart. Swallow tablets whole, avoid bedtime doses to reduce insomnia, and do not exceed 300 mg per day unless directed by your clinician.
Start Zyban 1–2 weeks before your target quit date. Most people set the quit date during the second week of treatment as cravings begin to ease.
A standard course is 7–12 weeks, with some people continuing up to 6 months to prevent relapse. Your clinician will tailor the duration based on your response and side effects.
Common effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, tremor, and sweating. Taking the first dose in the morning and avoiding late-day dosing can help minimize sleep disturbance.
Seek urgent care for seizures, severe allergic reactions, severe rash, hallucinations, pronounced mood changes, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Report agitation, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts promptly, especially when starting or changing dose.
Yes. Zyban inhibits CYP2D6 and can raise levels of certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and antiarrhythmics; it can reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen. It also interacts with MAOIs and medications that lower seizure threshold (for example, tramadol, theophylline, systemic steroids, and some antibiotics), so review all meds with your clinician.
Yes, combining Zyban with a nicotine patch can improve quit rates, though blood pressure should be monitored. You can still use short-acting nicotine (gum, lozenge) for breakthrough cravings unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Zyban may reduce post-quit weight gain in the short term by modestly suppressing appetite and curbing cravings. Healthy nutrition, activity, and ongoing support are still important for long-term weight management.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time—do not double up. Keep doses at least 8 hours apart to minimize seizure risk.
Many people notice reduced cravings within the first week, with greater benefits by week two. Behavioral strategies and support further strengthen results.
Both contain bupropion but are approved for different purposes; Zyban is indicated for smoking cessation and Wellbutrin for depression. Do not take them together, and follow the specific product and dosing your clinician prescribes.
It’s best to limit or avoid alcohol because it can increase the risk of seizures and mood changes when combined with bupropion. Do not abruptly stop heavy drinking while on Zyban; discuss a safe plan with your clinician.
Behavioral support is first-line for smoking cessation in pregnancy. Zyban may be considered if the expected benefits outweigh potential risks; decisions should be individualized with your obstetric clinician.
Small amounts of bupropion pass into breast milk. It’s generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but discuss risks and benefits with your clinician and monitor the infant for irritability, poor feeding, or sleep changes.
Many patients continue bupropion through the day of surgery, but practice varies. Inform your surgical and anesthesia team well in advance so they can advise you based on your procedure, other medications, and seizure risk.
Yes, it can cause or worsen anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, especially early on or with late-day dosing. If symptoms are severe or you experience mood swings or suicidal thoughts, contact your clinician promptly.
Zyban can raise blood pressure in some people, particularly when combined with nicotine patches. If you have hypertension or cardiovascular disease, your clinician may recommend more frequent blood pressure checks and adjust therapy as needed.
Zyban is not routinely recommended for people under 18 for smoking cessation. In young adults, monitor for mood and behavior changes; use only under clinician supervision.
Do not use Zyban if you have current or past bulimia, anorexia nervosa, or a seizure disorder because the seizure risk is elevated. Your clinician can suggest safer alternatives.
Varenicline generally yields higher quit rates than Zyban in head-to-head studies. Zyban may be preferred if you want an antidepressant effect, are concerned about weight gain, or cannot tolerate varenicline; the choice depends on medical history and side-effect profiles.
Both are effective; the patch provides steady nicotine and is simple to use, while Zyban is a non-nicotine option that also helps with mood and weight concerns. Many people do best with combination therapy or whichever they are most likely to use consistently.
Gum and lozenges offer rapid, on-demand relief for breakthrough cravings. Zyban reduces overall withdrawal and craving intensity; some patients combine Zyban with short-acting nicotine for better control.
Combination NRT often outperforms single-form NRT and can rival or exceed Zyban for many smokers. If you prefer to avoid a prescription or have contraindications to bupropion, combination NRT is a strong option.
Yes, evidence supports higher quit rates with Zyban plus a nicotine patch compared to either alone. Monitor blood pressure and sleep, and use additional short-acting nicotine for breakthrough cravings if needed.
Cytisine (cytisinicline) is a plant-derived partial agonist at nicotinic receptors with good efficacy in several countries but is not FDA-approved in the U.S. Zyban is widely available and well-studied; choice may hinge on availability, tolerability, and clinician guidance.
Both are effective non-nicotine options; nortriptyline is used off-label and can cause anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation) and cardiac conduction issues. Zyban lacks anticholinergic effects but carries seizure risk; clinical history helps determine the better fit.
Most smoking-cessation studies used bupropion SR 150 mg twice daily. Some clinicians use bupropion XL once daily for convenience, but dosing and evidence are strongest for the SR regimen; follow your clinician’s recommendation.
E-cigarettes can help some adults quit, especially with counseling, but they are not FDA-approved medications and long-term safety is still being studied. Zyban has established dosing, safety monitoring, and can be combined with NRT; discuss pros and cons and avoid dual use with continued smoking.
Both can be used in stable mood disorders with monitoring. Zyban may provide an antidepressant benefit, whereas varenicline often delivers higher quit rates; the best choice depends on prior response, side effects, and clinician input.
Nasal spray and inhaler deliver rapid nicotine for acute cravings and are useful for highly dependent smokers. Zyban provides background control of cravings; pairing Zyban with a fast-acting NRT can be an effective strategy.
Going cold turkey works for some, but medications like Zyban roughly double the odds of long-term abstinence compared with no pharmacotherapy. Medications reduce withdrawal and cravings, making it easier to stick with your quit plan.