Zyban vs. Wellbutrin

Main Difference

The main difference between Zyban and Wellbutrin is that Zyban is used for smoking cessation and Wellbutrin is an antidepressant drug, although both contain the same active therapeutic moiety.

Difference Between Zyban and Wellbutrin

Comparison Chart

Zyban vs. Wellbutrin

Zyban contains bupropion HCL and used alone or in combination with other drugs for the cessation of smoking. On the other hand, Wellbutrin contains bupropion HCL and is used alone for the treatment of depression. Zyban is available as sustained-release tablets while Wellbutrin is available as film-coated tablets, sustained release, and extended-release tablets. Zyban is available in the strength of 150mg while Wellbutrin is available in the strength of 75, 100 and 150mg.

What is Zyban?

Zyban contains bupropion HCL, and the FDA approved the drug for the cessation of smoking. Bupropion HCL in Zyban belongs to the antidepressant class. Zyban inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin in the CNS, although the exact mechanism of action to use Zyban in quitting smoking is not known. Zyban prescription can be refilled. Zyban is taken through the mouth. Zyban is taken two times a day and can be taken with or without food, but if Zyban use in the empty stomach causes problems like upset stomach, then Zyban should be taken with food in next doses. Patients should use Zyban at least for one week before quitting the smoking. Zyban is sometimes prescribed in combination with the nicotine patches to quit smoking, but this combination leads to an increase in blood pressure. When Zyban is used with nicotine patches, then it is strictly recommended that do not smoke as too much nicotine in blood would lead to serious side effects. Zyban works best when it is used regularly. Zyban if fails to work after 7-12 weeks then mention it to your doctor. Zyban shows side effects like dryness of mouth, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, tiredness, excessive sweating and several other side effects but in spite of several side effects, Zyban is prescribed because of its benefits that are more valuable. Zyban can worsen the allergies and even Zyban cause allergies because of its excipients. Zyban should not be used in patients who suffer from seizures. Zyban should not be used in pregnancy although it is used in pregnancy when there is noticeably a need. Zyban can pass to a nursing child through breast milk. Zyban 150mg prolonged release tablets are prescribed, and tablet should not be crushed in the mouth as it will release drug all at once.

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is a brand containing bupropion HCL a unicyclic aminoketones and used as an antidepressant. Wellbutrin is recommended for the treatment of both major depressions and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin prescription can be refilled if needed. Bupropion HCL in Wellbutrin is 75 or 100 mg, and in Wellbutrin, SR is 100,150 and 200mg. Wellbutrin is initially prescribed as 100mg per oral two times daily or 75mg 3 times daily, if no response occurs then 100mg 3 times daily is taken, and dose can be increased to 150mg 3 times in case of no response at the dose of 100mg t.i.d.Bupropion HCL in Wellbutrin is metabolized in the liver, and its metabolite hydoxybupropion is as effective as bupropion itself. Wellbutrin SR is taken two times a day, and Wellbutrin XR is taken once daily. Wellbutrin shows drug interactions with the drugs which enzyme inhibitors as they increase the concentration of bupropion and decrease the concentration of hydroxybupropion in blood and example of such drugs are orphenadrine, paroxetine, etc. Wellbutrin also shows drug interactions with the drugs which induce enzymes in the liver, so they decrease the concentration of the bupropion and increase the concentration of hydroxybupripion in blood and example of such drugs are carbamazepine, clotrimazole, etc. Wellbutrin overdose causes the abnormal heartbeats, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, some patients die because of overdose, and some recover after treatment of overdose. Bupropion in Wellbutrin achieves peak plasma concentration after 3hrs of administration.

Conclusion

Conclusion of the above discussion is that both Zyban and Wellbutrin contain bupropion HCL as an active ingredient, but Zyban is important as it helps to quit smoking and Wellbutrin is important for its use as an antidepressant.