ZYBAN is a prescription medication primarily used as an aid to help people stop smoking. Its active ingredient is bupropion hydrochloride, which is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder under different brand names. Unlike nicotine replacement therapies, ZYBAN works within the brain to reduce the severity of nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is thought to do this by influencing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in mood and addiction. ZYBAN is typically taken in pill form and is started before the individual quits smoking, with a target quit date usually set within the first two weeks of treatment. It is important for users to follow their healthcare provider's instructions closely when taking ZYBAN, including regarding dosage and duration of use, to maximize the chance of quitting smoking successfully and to minimize potential side effects.