Zyban or Chantix: Which One is Right for You?

If you are serious about quitting smoking, it's important to talk with your health care provider about the right options to help you meet your goal.

If you smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day, your provider will probably recommend using a prescription medication as well as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The two prescription medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for quitting smoking are bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix). If you are wondering which one might be best for you, here is the information you need to compare the two, including effectiveness and side effects.

Who are Zyban and Chantix recommended for?

Both Zyban and Chantix are recommended for adult men and women. Professional guidelines recommend prescription medications for anyone who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day or people who have tried to quit smoking before without success.

What considerations does your health care provider use before prescribing Zyban and Chantix?

Zyban and Chantix have contraindications and your provider has to consider many factors before prescribing these medications. The following lists most considerations, but be sure to bring your own questions to your provider:

• Being pregnant or breastfeeding. While using these medications in pregnancy or while breastfeeding is concerning, so is smoking while pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss the kind of help you need with your provider.
• Having a hypersensitivity (allergy) to the medication.
• Being of advanced age or having a history of renal (kidney) or liver impairment, seizures or other chronic illnesses. You may not be allowed to take these medications or you may need a lower dose.
• Having a history of mental health issues, including depression, bulimia or alcohol abuse.
• Taking certain medications, especially taking (or abruptly stopping) monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), (medications used to treat depression or Parkinson's disease, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa), linezolid, intravenous methylene blue, antiepileptic drugs or Wellbutrin.
• Taking in or abruptly stopping the use of alcohol, barbiturates or benzodiazepines.

How should I take Zyban or Chantix?

Both Zyban and Chantix are typically taken over the course of 12 weeks. You can take Zyban or Chantix with or without food.

You should start taking Zyban one week prior to your planned quit date to build up a sufficient amount of the medication in your blood stream. Zyban is taken as a once-daily dose (150 mg tablet) for the first three days, then twice-daily at least eight hours apart until treatment is completed in 7-12 weeks. You should not take Zyban right before bed so that it does not interrupt your sleep.

You should also start taking Chantix before your planned quit date and plan to quit between days 8-35 of treatment. Chantix is taken as a once-daily dose (0.5 mg tablet) for the first three days, and then twice daily for the next four days. Finally, you'll take a 1-mg tablet twice-daily until treatment is completed for a total of 12 weeks. If you are not sure you can quit, you can take a gradual approach with Chantix by cutting the number of cigarettes you smoke per day in half the first four weeks, and then cut that in half again for the next four weeks and so on until you can go smoke-free at 12 weeks. An additional 12 weeks of treatment is recommended for successful quitters to increase likelihood of long-term abstinence.

What are some physical side effects of Zyban and Chantix?

Zyban side effects can include dry mouth, insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep), vivid dreams, dizziness and seizures. Chantix side effects can include nausea, insomnia, vivid dreams and sleep walking. Both medications can change the way you react to alcohol, including increased drunkenness, unusual or aggressive behavior or lapses in memory. Until you know how these affect your ability to tolerate alcohol, decrease the amount of alcohol you drink. Since these medications can interfere with your sleep, this can lead to sleepiness when driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how you respond to these medications.

Are there any behavioral side effects of Zyban or Chantix?

People have experienced changes in behavior when taking Zyban or Chantix. These changes can include nervousness, difficulty concentrating, hostility, agitation, depressed mood and suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or those around you notice new or increased changes in your behavior, stop taking the medication and call your provider immediately.

Can you use Zyban or Chantix in combination with NRT?

Both Zyban and Chantix can be used with NRT, such as the patch, gum or lozenges. In fact, you likely will be more successful if you take either of these medications in combination with NRT.

If you or someone you care about wants to quit smoking, Walgreens health care providers at the Healthcare Clinics and MDLive are on hand to support you in your plans to be tobacco-free from cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. There are additional educational materials available in the Walgreens Answer Centers on walgreens.com to support you as well.

Updated on September 9, 2019

Sources:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Medication Guide-ZYBAN^® (bupropion hydrochloride) (accessed 9/3/2019)

Chantix. Prescribing information. https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=557 Retrieved 6/14/2019

Zyban. Prescribing Information. https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/dam/GlaxoSmithKline/US/en/Prescribing_Information/Zyban/pdf/ZYBAN-PI-MG.PDF Retrieved 6/14/2019