Zyban is the brand name for the drug bupropion, which is a nicotinic receptor antagonist and an antidepressant medication. As of 2018, Zyban is not available as an over-the-counter medication or as a nonprescription supplement, so you cannot buy zyban without a prescription from your doctor.
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved bupropion for over-the-counter sales because of concerns about its safety in certain populations.
You can only get zyban with a prescription from your doctor because it’s an FDA-approved drug with a potential risk of serious side effects, including seizures, if you take it incorrectly or combine it with other drugs that increase its risk of side effects.
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What is Zyban?
Zyban is the brand name for the drug bupropion, which is a nicotinic receptor antagonist and an antidepressant medication. The FDA approved bupropion as a prescription drug to help people with major depressive disorder (MDD) reduce symptoms of depression.
Doctors can prescribe Zyban for both short-term and long-term treatment to help relieve symptoms of depression, including low mood, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, loss of interest in activities, sleeping too much or too little, and changes in appetite.
Bupropion works by affecting chemical reactions in the brain related to mood and emotions. The drug blocks the effects of nicotine, which reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people trying to quit smoking. It is not indicated for use as a smoking cessation aid.
How does Zyban work?
Bupropion works by affecting chemical reactions in the brain related to mood and emotions. The drug blocks the effects of nicotine, which reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people trying to quit smoking.
It is not indicated for use as a smoking cessation aid. Bupropion, an antidepressant drug, is chemically unrelated to other antidepressants. It is believed to block the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Zyban is an antidepressant that acts as a nicotinic receptor antagonist. Nicotinic receptors are a type of neurotransmitter receptor found in the brain and other areas of the body.
Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Zyban blocks the action of nicotine to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people trying to quit smoking. It is not indicated for use as a smoking cessation aid.
Possible Side Effects of Zyban
As with any medication, some people experience side effects from taking Zyban. Side effects related to taking Zyban include:
If you experience any of these symptoms or others, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe you lower doses or a different antidepressant. If you experience any serious side effects while taking any antidepressants, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
Zyban is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions. People who have certain heart conditions, current or past substance use disorders, or seizures should not take Zyban.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor before taking Zyban.
Warnings for People with certain Conditions
Not everyone can take Zyban. People with certain medical conditions should not take the drug, including people with current or past substance use disorders, certain heart conditions, or seizures. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor before taking Zyban.
If you take Zyban, you should be careful not to take too much. This can happen when you take other drugs that increase the risk of side effects from Zyban. Always talk with your doctor before taking any new medications.
Zyban is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions. People who have certain heart conditions, current or past substance use disorders, or seizures should not take Zyban.
Alternatives to Zyban
If you’re not a good candidate for Zyban or would prefer another treatment, talk with your doctor about other potential antidepressants. The American Psychiatric Association has a list of approved medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder, including antidepressants.
The Society of Biological Psychiatry has a list of antidepressants by class. Cytotec is a brand name for misoprostol. This drug is usually used to prevent gastric ulcers in people who take certain types of antidepressants, such as SSRIs.
Final Words: Should you buy zyban over the counter?
Zyban is not available as an over-the-counter medication or as a nonprescription supplement. It’s an FDA-approved drug with a potential risk of serious side effects, especially in certain populations, so it’s best to stick to the doctor’s orders.
If you’re diagnosed with major depressive disorder and your doctor recommends Zyban, make sure you understand the risks and benefits of taking it. You can also talk with your doctor about other potential antidepressants that might work better for you.
