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Compare Zyban vs. Chantix

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zyban (bupropion) and Chantix (varenicline) are both prescription medications used to help you quit smoking, but they have some key differences. Zyban is an atypical antidepressant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain to help with mood and withdrawal symptoms. Chantix, on the other hand, is a partial nicotine receptor agonist that works in the same part of your brain as nicotine to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Zyban is typically taken twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Chantix, on the other hand, follows a specific dosing schedule and is usually taken for 12 weeks, with the possibility of an additional 12 weeks. Zyban can cause mood changes, seizures, and high blood pressure, while Chantix can cause nausea, vivid dreams, and mental health changes. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

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  • Bupropion (Zyban)
    Varenicline (Chantix)
  • Bupropion (Zyban)
    Varenicline (Chantix)

  • Summary of Zyban vs. Chantix

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion extended-release (SR), brand name Zyban, is an atypical antidepressant. It's taken by adults for smoking cessation (quitting smoking) only. It works by easing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and lowering your cravings for nicotine. Bupropion (Zyban) isn't interchangeable with other forms of bupropion that are prescribed for mental health conditions. It comes as 150-mg tablets that are taken by mouth, typically twice per day. Side effects include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and dizziness. This medication is only available as a generic; brand name Zyban has been discontinued.

    Summary for Partial nicotine agonist
    Prescription only

    Varenicline (Chantix) is a medication that's used to help you quit smoking. The dosage is based on a timeline, so make sure to follow the directions carefully. Varenicline (Chantix) doesn't contain nicotine like some other medications that help you quit smoking, but it can cause side effects, including nausea and trouble sleeping. In 2021, the manufacturer Pfizer recalled and stopped making the brand-name version (called Chantix) because of potentially cancer-causing chemicals found in the medication during production. There are still generic versions available because the benefits of this medication are thought to be greater than the potential risks.

  • Indications of Zyban vs. Chantix

    Indications for
    •Smoking cessation (quitting smoking) in adults
    Indications for
    •Smoking cessation (quitting smoking)

  • Pros and Cons of Zyban vs. Chantix

    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can take with or without food
    •Can be combined with nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) for better results
    Cons
    •Taken twice per day
    •Drinking alcohol at the same time can raise the risk of seizures and mood changes
    •Commonly causes trouble sleeping
    Pros and Const for Partial nicotine agonist
    Pros
    •Generic version is a safe option that works just as well as the brand-name version did.
    •Helps to control cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms
    •Can quit smoking gradually while taking the medication
    •Safe to use if you have liver problems
    Cons
    •Can cause nausea
    •Can make your dreams vivid or unusual
    •Can cause you to feel the effects of alcohol more intensely
    •Need to take for 3 months (or even longer for some people)

  • Common Side Effects of Zyban vs. Chantix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (40%)
    •Runny nose (12%)
    •Dry mouth (11%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Trouble concentrating (9%)
    •Anxiety (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Joint pain (5%)
    •Strange dreams (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (30%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Headache (15%)
    •Unusual, vivid, or strange dreams (13%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Tiredness (7%)
    •Stomach pain (7%)
    •Gas (6%)
    •Dry mouth (6%)
    •Vomiting (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Change in taste (5%)

  • Warnings of Zyban vs. Chantix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and mood changes
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Glaucoma
    •Severe allergic reaction and skin reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health changes and risk of suicide
    •Heart attacks and strokes
    •Seizures
    •Sleepwalking
    •Accidental injuries
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyban vs. Chantix

    Learn more about Bupropion
    Learn more about Varenicline

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