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Zyban 150 mg (bupropion) – not marketed in Serbia: smoking cessation medicine information and alternatives
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- Stock: Zabrana online prodaje
- Brand: GSK
- Model: BR-6051627697003
This medicine is currently not marketed in Serbia
- Zyban currently has no valid marketing authorisation in Serbia (ALIMS) and cannot be obtained in Serbian pharmacies, including ApotekaOnline.
- The authorisation (GlaxoSmithKline, 515-01-03006-16-001 of 8 May 2017, prescription-only) was terminated by an ALIMS decision of 14 May 2021.
- For help with stopping smoking, ask a doctor or pharmacist – other authorised medicines are available in Serbia. Do not take bupropion obtained from unverified sources.
- This page is for information only and is not an offer to sell the medicine.
Zyban is a prolonged-release tablet containing 150 mg of bupropion hydrochloride. Bupropion is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake, and under the name Zyban it is authorised as an aid to stopping smoking.
In EU countries where it is still authorised, for example Sweden (marketing authorisation holder GlaxoSmithKline AB), Zyban is indicated according to the official Summary of Product Characteristics (revised July 2026) for smoking cessation in nicotine-dependent people, together with motivational support. The same indication was approved in Serbia until 2021.
What is Zyban, how did it help people stop smoking and what is available in Serbia today?
Key facts about the medicine
| Medicine name | Zyban®, 150 mg, prolonged-release tablet |
|---|---|
| Active substance | bupropion (as bupropion hydrochloride) |
| Strength | 150 mg |
| Pharmaceutical form | prolonged-release film-coated tablet |
| Therapeutic group | drugs used in nicotine dependence (N06AX12) |
| Pack (formerly in Serbia) | 60 tablets (6 blisters of 10) |
| Marketing authorisation holder | in Sweden: GlaxoSmithKline AB; formerly in Serbia: GlaxoSmithKline Export Limited Representative Office, Belgrade |
| Status in Serbia | authorisation terminated 14 May 2021 – not marketed (formerly prescription-only) |
What is Zyban used for in countries where it is authorised?
Zyban is intended as an aid to stopping smoking in nicotine-dependent people, in combination with motivational support. It is not intended for people under 18.
How is it used?
According to the official documents, treatment starts while the person is still smoking, and a "target stop date" is set within the first two weeks, preferably in the second week. For the first six days 150 mg is taken once daily, then from day seven 150 mg twice daily at least 8 hours apart; the maximum daily dose is 300 mg. Treatment lasts 7 to 9 weeks and is stopped if there is no effect by week seven. Tablets are swallowed whole, not split or chewed; 150 mg once daily is recommended for elderly people and those with mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment.
This describes the official leaflet and is not individual advice – dosing is decided by a doctor according to the official instructions.
When must Zyban not be used?
- hypersensitivity to bupropion or any of the excipients
- epilepsy or any previous seizure
- a tumour of the central nervous system
- abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or medicines such as benzodiazepines (risk of seizures)
- current or previous bulimia or anorexia nervosa
- severe liver cirrhosis
- concomitant MAO inhibitors (and within 14 days after irreversible MAO inhibitors)
- history of bipolar disorder
- concomitant use of another medicine containing bupropion
Important safety information from the official documents
- Seizures are dose-related and occur in about 1 in 1,000 people at 300 mg; after a seizure the medicine is stopped permanently.
- Changes in mood and behaviour are possible – depression, anxiety, psychotic symptoms and, rarely, suicidal thoughts; any change should be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Bupropion can raise blood pressure, especially combined with a nicotine patch – blood pressure should be measured at the start and regularly during treatment.
- Interactions: bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can raise levels of some antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics; it reduces the efficacy of tamoxifen; caution with levodopa, amantadine, medicines that lower the seizure threshold and serotonergic medicines. Alcohol should be minimised or avoided.
- Pregnancy: not to be used in pregnancy – pregnant women are advised to stop smoking without medicines. Breastfeeding: bupropion passes into milk; the doctor decides.
- Driving: dizziness and effects on judgement are possible – do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.
- The most common side effect is insomnia (very common); dry mouth, headache, nausea, taste disturbance, tremor, anxiety and rash are also common.
What is available in Serbia?
No bupropion medicine for smoking cessation is currently authorised in Serbia. Wellbutrin® XR contains bupropion but is authorised as an antidepressant, for a different indication, and is not a substitute for Zyban without a doctor’s decision. Medicines with other active substances are authorised in Serbia for smoking cessation.
| Option | What it is | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tabex® 1.5 mg film-coated tablets | cytisine – a medicine for smoking cessation in adults (non-prescription, Sopharma) | different active substance and dosing schedule; read the leaflet |
| Nicotine replacement therapy | nicorette® medicated chewing gum (2 mg, 4 mg) and transdermal patches (non-prescription) | replaces part of the nicotine from cigarettes; choose form and strength with a pharmacist |
| Smoking cessation counselling | professional support from doctors and psychologists | motivational support improves the success of any treatment |
The choice of treatment is decided by a doctor. A pharmacist can help you choose and correctly use non-prescription smoking cessation medicines.
When to seek medical help immediately?
- a seizure or loss of consciousness
- thoughts of self-harm or suicide, severe agitation, hallucinations
- swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, rash with blisters or peeling skin
- very high blood pressure with severe headache or chest pain
Pharmacist's advice
Stopping smoking is easiest with a plan: set a date, tell the people close to you and prepare in advance for situations in which you used to smoke. Smoking cessation medicines work best together with motivational support.
If you previously used Zyban, do not try to obtain it from abroad without a doctor – bupropion has serious contraindications (epilepsy, eating disorders, bipolar disorder). A pharmacist can explain how to use nicotine gum, patches or cytisine correctly.
Availability and price
Zyban is currently not marketed in Serbia and cannot be bought in pharmacies, including ApotekaOnline. No price is available because the medicine has no valid authorisation.
This page is for information only. For treatment, consult a doctor; for the availability of smoking cessation medicines, contact a pharmacy.
Composition, packaging and manufacturer
- Active substance: bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg per prolonged-release tablet.
- Excipients (according to the Swedish SmPC): microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate, magnesium stearate; coating: macrogol 400, titanium dioxide (E171), carnauba wax, black iron oxide (E172).
- Appearance: white round film-coated tablets marked "GX CH7".
- Pack formerly in Serbia: 6 blisters of 10 tablets.
- Manufacturer for Serbia (formerly): GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals S.A., Poland.
Storage
- Store below 25 °C in the original package.
- Shelf life: 2 years.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Can Zyban be bought in Serbia?
No. The authorisation for Zyban in Serbia was terminated on 14 May 2021 and the medicine is not marketed. Other authorised medicines are available to help you stop smoking.
Is Wellbutrin the same as Zyban?
Both contain bupropion, but in Serbia Wellbutrin XR is authorised as an antidepressant with different indications and dosing. It must not be used as a substitute for Zyban without a doctor’s decision, and two bupropion medicines must never be combined.
Which smoking cessation medicines are available in Serbia?
According to the ALIMS list of non-prescription medicines (1/2026), Tabex® (cytisine) and nicotine replacement therapy (nicorette® gum and patches) are authorised. The choice depends on smoking habits and health – ask a pharmacist or doctor.
How long did Zyban treatment last?
According to the official SmPC, treatment lasts 7 to 9 weeks, with a stop date in the second week. If there is no effect by week seven, treatment is stopped.
Related information
For additional care and support with quitting addictive substances, see also the Quitting smoking and alcohol category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.
Sources
- Swedish Medical Products Agency – Summary of Product Characteristics, Zyban 150 mg prolonged-release tablets (revised 23 July 2026)
- ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Zyban® 150 mg (authorisation 515-01-03006-16-001 of 8 May 2017)
- ALIMS – List of medicines whose authorisation was terminated, 1 May – 30 June 2021 (Zyban®)
- ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Tabex® 1.5 mg (cytisine)
- ALIMS – List of non-prescription medicines 1/2026
Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.
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