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Smokefree Action Plan Login

Bupropion (zyban) overview

Bupropion (brand name zyban) is a medicine originally used to treat depression, but it has since been found to help people quit smoking.

It's not clear exactly how it works, but it's thought to have an effect on the parts of the brain involved in addictive behaviour.

 

Where to get it and how to use it

Bupropion is only available on prescription, so you'll usually need to see your GP.

When to start and how much to take

• Start taking Zyban while you are still smoking

• Set a target stop smoking day ideally during the second week you’re taking it

Week 1

Ideally keep smoking

while taking Zyban

Days 1 to 6

Take one tablet (150 mg), once a day

Day 7

Increase your dose to one tablet, twice a

day, at least 8 hours apart, and not near to

bedtime

Week 2

Carry on taking one tablet, twice a day.

Stop smoking this week, on your target stop smoking day.

Weeks 3 to 9

Carry on taking one tablet, twice a day for up to 9 weeks.

If you have not been able to stop smoking after 7 weeks, your

doctor will advise you to stop taking Zyban.

You may be advised to stop taking Zyban gradually, after 7 - 9

weeks

 

How to take your Zyban

  • Take your Zyban tablets at least 8 hours apart. Don’t take Zyban near to bedtime - it may cause difficulty in sleeping.
  • You can take Zyban with or without food.
  • Swallow your Zyban tablets whole. Don’t chew them, crush them or split them - if you do, the medicine will be released into your body too quickly. This will make you more likely to have side effects, including fits.

Who can use it

Bupropion is safe for most people to take, although there are some situations when it's not recommended.

For example, it's not suitable for:

Possible side effects 

Side effects of bupropion can include:

  • dry mouth
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • headaches
  • feeling and being sick
  • constipation
  • difficulty concentrating
  • dizziness

Speak to your GP if you experience any troublesome side effects.

Some people need to take a lower does as they may be more likley to get side effects.

  •  If you are aged over 65
  •  If you have liver or kidney disease
  •  If you have a higher risk of fits

The maximum recommended dose for you is one 150 mg tablet once a day.

For further information speak with your YSF advisor

 

Arrange a call with one of our advisors

Call 0800 612 0011 (free from a landline) or 0330 660 1166 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm and Saturdays between 9am until 4.30pm

telephone

Please let us know when will be most convenient for us to call and we will try and accommodate you. Please note we can only call back within our opening hours and we can only try calling 3 times. So if you don't hear from us within a week please either call us or complete this form again.

© 2024 South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust