Is Zyban® or Champix® more effective?

Studies show that Champix® (Vareniclin) is somewhat more effective than Zyban® (Bupropion). However, both are significantly more effective than placebo. The choice depends on compatibility, pre-disorders and personal preference.

Can Zyban® trigger seizures?

Yes, in rare cases (about 1 of 1000 patients). The risk increases in overdose, existing epilepsy, alcohol abuse or simultaneous use of medications that lower the cramping threshold. Keep the maximum dose of 300 mg/day absolutely.

Does Zyban® help to increase weight after smoking?

Bupropion can limit the typical weight increase after the smoke stop. This is an advantage over nicotine substitute products. However, the effect is temporary and does not replace healthy diet and exercise.

Why can't I chew Zyban®?

Zyban® is a retard tablet which releases the active ingredient slowly for hours. When chewing, the entire dose would be released at once, which significantly increases the risk of side effects (especially seizures).

Cyban

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What is Cyban?

Zyban® contains the active ingredient Bupropion and is a nicotine-free, prescription-only drug to support smoker deconciliation. Bupropion was originally developed as an antidepressant, discovering that it helps smokers to stop significantly.

In contrast to Champix® (Vareniclin), Bupropion does not act directly on nicotine receptors, but influences the messengers dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and the desire for cigarettes.

Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action

Active ingredient: Bupropion

Active mechanism:

Inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain
This means that these "welcome cores" remain effective for longer
Reduces withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine withdrawal
Reduces smoke demand

Additional effects:

weak antagonist in nicotine receptors
Can limit weight gain after smoking stop
Antidepressive effect can help with mood depths during pampering

Initiation of action: The full effect builds up over 1–2 weeks. Therefore, the intake is started before the smoking stop day.

Who is it suitable for?

Zyban® is suitable for:

Adult smokers (aged 18) who want to stop smoking
Patients who cannot or cannot take Champix®
Smokers who fear weight gain

Not suitable:

Persons with seizures (currently or in prehistory)
Eating disorders (Bulimie, Anorexie)
Heavy liver insufficiency
Simultaneous intake of MAO inhibitors
Patients in alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal
CNS tumors
Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Available Dosages

Dosing scheme:

Day 1–6: 150 mg once a day (morgens)
From day 7: 150 mg twice a day (morning + afternoon, at least 8 hours distance)

Stop day:

Set in the second treatment week
At least 7 days after the start of therapy

Language:

7–9 weeks (can be extended to 12 weeks)

Available starches:

150 mg of retard tablets

Dosis adjustment:

Renal insufficiency or liver failure: max. 150 mg daily
Older patients: 150 mg once a day can be enough

How to Take

Intake:

swallow whole retard tablets (not chew, share or crush)
Take with water
Independent meals
At least 8 hours distance between cans
Last daily dose not too late in the evening (sleep disorders!)

Therapy plan: 1. Start with Zyban® while you still smoke Two. Set a smoke stop day in the 2nd week 3. Do not smoke anymore 4. Continue therapy for 7-9 weeks

Important notes:

Never take more than 150 mg at once
Maximum dose: 300 mg per day
Do not repeat forgotten dose → next dose at normal time

Contraindications

**Zyban® must not be accepted at:* *

seizures (currently or in prehistory)
Eating disorders (Bulimie, Anorexia nervosa)
CNS tumors
alcohol or benzodiazepine removal (acute)
Heavy liver cirrhosis
Simultaneous intake of MAO inhibitors (14 days distance!)
Bipolar disturbance
hypersensitivity to Bupropion

Preview at:

Factors that lower the threshold:
Alcohol abuse
Diabetes with insulin or oral antidiabetics
Head injuries in history
Accompanying medication (antipsychotics, antidepressants, malaria agents)
Kidney or liver failure
Older patients
Psychiatric predisorders

Possible Side Effects

**Very common (> 10 %):* *

Sleep disorders (insomnia) – most common side effect

Family (1–10 %):

Mouth dryness
nausea, vomiting
Headaches
Squeeze
Taste disorders
Lost appetite
Blocking
Concentration disorders
Skin rash, itching
Sweating

Selten, but seriously:

seizures (risk about 1:1000 at 300 mg/day)
Heavy allergic reactions (angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Blood pressure increase

** The risk of seizures increases when the recommended dose is exceeded. The maximum dose of 300 mg per day shall not be exceeded.

Interactions

Contracted:

MAO inhibitor (at least 14 days distance)

Increased seizure risk at:

Antipsychotics, Antidepressants
Tramadol
Theophylline
Systemic steroids
malaria (Mefloquin, Chloroquin)
Chinolone

**Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6: * *

Increased mirrors of Metoprolol, Flecainid, Propafenon
Increased mirrors of desipramine, imipramine
SSRI mirrors can rise

Important: Mirrors of CYP1A2 substrates (Theophyllin, Clozapin, Olanzapine) change due to the smoke stop itself. Needed dose adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Medications

Champix

Is Cyban right for you?

A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.

Start therapy

Important Notice

This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.