Generic Zyban

Common use

Zyban is an antidepressant medicine which used for helping certain patients to stop smoking cigarettes. Zyban booststhe levels of several chemical messengers in the brain, so you experience a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a weakening of the urge to smoke.



Dosage and direction

If you take Zyban to help you stop smoking, you may continue to smoke for about seven days after you start to use Zyban.

The medication can be taken discreetly, so no one but your doctor needs to know you are using it. Take it oral with or without food. Swallow this medication whole.

Common prescribed dosing for Zyban is 300 mg/day, given as 150 mg, twice daily. There should be an interval of at least 8 hours between successive Zyban doses.

Also you may use nicotine patches or gum to help support your smoking cessation treatment.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.



Precautions

Do not use it if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyban. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use it if you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion. Do not smoke if you are using this medication along with the nicotine skin patch or any nicotine product. Also note that using Zyban and nicotine patches together may raise your blood pressure.



Contraindications

Tell your doctor about prescription medication you take including: MAO inhibitors, levodopa, theophylline, corticosteroids, seizure medications, sedatives, antivirals, tranquilizers/psychiatric drugs, other antidepressants, benzodiazepines , salicylates, isoniazid, chlolinesterase inhibitors, morphine, and adrenaline-like drugs, opiates, cocaine, or stimulants, diabetes medications, etc. Note that caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with this drug.



Possible side effects

The most usual side effects are dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. Inform your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.



Drug interactions

Do not take Zyban if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid , or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. There are also many medications that may interact with Zyban, including but not limited to: Amantadine, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, Insulin, Levodopa, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Antiarrhythmics, Beta-blockers and other antidepressants. Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.



Missed dose

If you have forgotten to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of a Zyban overdose include seizures, loss of consciousness, weakness, hallucinations, a fast heartbeat, and heart attack. Immediately call your doctor if you experience on of them.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)