Re: Why not use Welbutrin instaed of Zyban?

Posted By HVM M.D.-SA on December 14, 1998 at 21:53:43:

In Reply to: Why not use Welbutrin instaed of Zyban? posted by David on December 14, 1998 at 16:24:34:






I have heard that Zyban is several times more expensive than the identical antidepresant drug Welbutrin.  Why would someone prefer the more expensive version of  this drug, also called by it's generic name Bupropion?






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Although the price differential is not as great as you describe, Zyban is indeed more expensive than Wellbutrin.  There is only one form of Zyban, which is the sustained or slow-release preparation of bupropion.  There are 2 types of Wellbutrin:  Regular Wellbutrin, which is not sustained or slow-release, and Wellbutrin SR, the sustained/slow release type.  Zyban and Wellbutrin SR are the same drug with different names.  The research regarding bupropion and smoking cessation is all based on studies which involve the SR variety.  So anyone using Wellbutrin instead of Zyban should use Wellbutrin SR - not plain old Wellbutrin, which is released immediately.  The incidence of grand mal seizures on the immediate release form of bupropion may be as high as 1/250, whereas it drops to 1/1000 for the sustained release form of the drug.  So there is no justification to use immediate release bupropion for smoking cessation.  If you are interested in more information about the use of medication for smoking cessation, take a look at the SMOKING section of Ask DrSteve:  The Real Story About Smoking, Drinking & Getting High ( http://www.headdocs.com ), directly hyperlinked below.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Steve Adelman, M.D. (a.k.a. DrSteve)
Keywords:  smoking, smoking cessation, Zyban, bupropion


Ask DrSteve:  The Real Story About Smoking, Drinking & Getting High