Zyban

About Zyban Tablets 

Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription-only stop smoking tablet designed to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you quit. Unlike nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the treatment does not involve the use of nicotine. It instead works on the brain’s chemical pathways to make quitting more manageable. This makes Zyban a popular treatment for people wanting to overcome nicotine addiction.

Like most smoking cessation treatments, Zyban tablets work best when used alongside a structured quit plan. They are particularly useful during the first few weeks when cravings are at their peak. You’ll typically start taking Zyban while you’re still smoking and continue with it for between 7 to 9 weeks.

You can buy Zyban 150 mg tablets online from Prescription Doctor following a brief online consultation to assess if the medication is suitable for your circumstances. Orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are eligible for next-day delivery. 
 

How Much Does Zyban Cost?

You can buy Zyban smoking cessation tablets online from Prescription Doctor at the following prices: 

We also have a range of alternative stop-smoking treatments available, such as Champix, Varenicline, and Cytisine. 

What Is Zyban?

Zyban is a smoking cessation treatment from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It contains 150 mg of bupropion hydrochloride, a medicine originally developed as an antidepressant but later found to help people quit smoking. Unlike nicotine replacement therapies, the medication doesn’t supply your body with nicotine. Instead, it works on brain chemicals which play a role in addiction and reward.

By influencing these pathways, Zyban helps to curb the urge to smoke and ease common withdrawal effects such as irritability, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. It’s usually taken for 7–9 weeks, with treatment starting before your quit date, so it’s effective from day one of being smoke-free.

While highly effective, Zyban stop smoking tablets work best when taken alongside a dedicated support network, such as a ‘quit smoking’ programme. You will also need to be motivated to kick the habit for good. 

How Does Zyban Work?

Zyban’s active ingredient targets the brain’s noradrenaline and dopamine pathways, the same “reward” systems that nicotine affects. When you smoke, nicotine triggers a release of these brain chemicals, creating a pleasant sensation and reinforcing the habit.

By partially mimicking this effect, Zyban helps:

• Reduce the intensity of cravings 
• Ease mood swings and irritability 
• Improve focus and motivation during your quit attempt

It’s thought that by partially mimicking some of nicotine’s effects on brain chemistry, Zyban reduces the “reward” feeling you get from smoking, making cigarettes less satisfying over time.

Unlike NRT, it contains no nicotine itself. This means it tackles the psychological and chemical aspects of addiction from a different angle. When combined with behavioural support, Zyban can significantly improve your chances of staying smoke-free in the long term.

How Effective Are Zyban Stop Smoking Tablets?

In clinical research, Zyban has been shown to roughly double the success rate of quitting smoking compared with a placebo. Many people report feeling a noticeable drop in cravings within the first 1-2 weeks, making it easier to stick to their quit date. Evidence also suggests that pairing Zyban with behavioural support or counselling can lead to even better long-term quit rates.

These findings are backed by large, well-designed studies. In a landmark trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), over 800 smokers participated. At the one-year mark, 30% of participants using Zyban were still smoke-free, compared with only 16% using a nicotine patch and 15% taking a placebo. Another NEJM trial found that the recommended 300 mg/day dose resulted in a one-year quit rate of 23%, compared with 12% for the placebo. 

How Long Does Zyban Take to Work?

Zyban doesn’t work instantly; it needs time to build up in your system. That’s why you’ll usually start taking the tablets while you’re still smoking, usually for 1 week before your quit date. This approach gives the medication time to reach steady levels in your body so it can properly kick in once you smoke your last cigarette.

Most people notice a gradual shift:

• Days 3–5: Cravings often start to feel less intense; you may find you’re not reaching for cigarettes as automatically 
• Week 1–2: A growing sense of control sets in, making it easier to manage common triggers like stress, social situations, or coffee breaks 
• After the quit date: Withdrawal symptoms are noticeably reduced

Some people feel changes sooner, while others take a little longer. Everyone’s quit journey is different, but starting Zyban ahead of time gives you the best chance of being smoke-free. It’s also important to note that factors such as lifestyle choices and concurrent therapies can impact the outcome of Zyban treatment.  

Who Can Take Zyban Tablets?

Zyban is for adults over 18 who want to stop smoking. It’s often recommended if:

• You’ve tried quitting before but relapsed 
• You’ve had limited success with nicotine replacement therapies 
• You prefer a non-nicotine approach to quitting

It’s not suitable for everyone, particularly those with a history of seizures, severe liver problems or certain psychiatric conditions. Before prescribing, our clinicians will carefully review your medical history to ensure it’s a safe choice for you. More information about using Zyban tablets to quit smoking can be found in this study. 

How to Take Zyban 150mg Tablets

Zyban comes in tablet form containing 150 mg of bupropion. You should start taking the pills while you are still smoking and choose a target quit date during the second week of treatment.

Here are some tips regarding how to take Zyban:

• Always take Zyban with or just after food to help reduce the chance of stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablets whole with water; don’t crush, chew, or split them. Since they are prolonged-release tablets, breaking them can affect how the medicine is absorbed and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Take your doses at the same time each day to keep levels steady.
• Avoid taking it near bedtime, as it may make it harder to fall asleep.

Zyban Dosage for Smoking Cessation 

It’s important to take Zyban tablets exactly as instructed by your clinician, as your unique circumstances may dictate how and when to use the pills. In most cases, the standard dosage schedule will be as follows: 

Your quit date is usually set for around day 8-14, when the medication has reached effective levels in your system. This timing gives you the best chance of managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms from the moment you stop smoking.

How Long Do You Take Zyban For?

Most Zyban treatment courses last around 7 to 9 weeks, but your clinician may adjust the length depending on your progress and how well you tolerate the medication. If you haven’t managed to quit by the end of week 7, your prescriber may advise stopping Zyban and trying a different approach.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s stop-smoking journey is different. Some people may stop earlier if they have achieved their quit goal, while others may need the full course for best results.

What if I Miss a Dose of Zyban?

If you forget to take a dose, skip it and continue with your next scheduled tablet. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed. This can increase the risk of side effects, particularly seizures. Keeping Zyban in a visible place, setting alarm reminders or using a pill organiser can help you stay on track.

What if I Take More Zyban Than I Should?

If you accidentally take more Zyban than you should, you should seek immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor or go to your nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you, so that doctors treating you know exactly what and how much you took.

Zyban Side Effects

Like all medicines, Zyban can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them. Some potential Zyban side effects are:

If you experience any serious symptoms such as seizures, severe mood changes, or allergic reactions, stop Zyban and seek medical help immediately.

Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list of potential Zyban side effects. More information can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet. 

Zyban Side Effects: How Long Do They Last?

Most Zyban side effects are mild and temporary, often settling within the first couple of weeks as your body adjusts to the medicine. Common effects like dry mouth, trouble sleeping or mild headaches typically improve without treatment. If you’ve just quit smoking, it can be hard to tell whether certain symptoms are from the medicine or nicotine withdrawal.

If side effects persist beyond three to four weeks, worsen over time, or start to interfere with your daily activities, speak to your clinician. In rare cases, dose adjustments or switching to a different stop-smoking treatment may be recommended.

How to Deal with the Common Side Effects of Zyban

• Insomnia: Take the second dose in the afternoon, not evening (but ensure an 8-hour interval between doses) 
• Dry mouth: Keep water nearby and chew sugar-free gum 
• Nausea: Take tablets with food 
• Headaches: Stay hydrated and use over-the-counter pain relief if suitable

Most Zyban side effects are mild and settle after the first week or two. Your clinician can adjust your dose if needed.

Where Can I Buy Zyban?

Zyban tablets are classified as prescription-only medication, meaning they can only be obtained following a consultation to determine their suitability. You can buy Zyban from a pharmacy or via a respected online service such as Prescription Doctor. Using the latter lets you avoid long waiting times and complete the consultation from your own home at a time that suits you. 

Can I Buy Zyban Online?

Yes, you can buy Zyban online from a respected provider like Prescription Doctor. Simply answer some medical questions, and a clinician will assess your information to determine whether the tablets are suitable for your circumstances and lifestyle. An alternative treatment may be recommended if Zyban is not right for you.

Provided your order is approved by 3pm on a weekday, our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered dispensing pharmacy can dispatch your medication for next-day delivery. All medications are issued in plain packaging for your discretion. 

Can I Buy Zyban Over the Counter?

No, it’s not possible to buy Zyban over the counter. You must first of all obtain a prescription from a clinician or other healthcare professional, so they can assess whether the medication is safe and suitable for you to use. 

Can I Get Zyban on the NHS?

Yes, it may be possible for you to get Zyban on the NHS; however, you would first need to make an appointment with a GP or registered stop-smoking clinic to find out if it is available and a suitable option for you. This may incur long waiting times for an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zyban