Bupropion (Zyban) is a drug which has been licensed for use as an aid to quitting smoking.

It is taken as a two month course of treatment, beginning one week before stopping smoking cigarettes. Bupropion can cause side-effects, such as insomnia, dry mouth, headache and fits. It also has antidepressant activity.

Bupropion interacts with anti-HIV drugs, namely with protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), possibly requiring a dose alteration. It should not be taken with ritonavir (Norvir), although it is unclear whether this also applies when a small dose is used to boost another protease inhibitor. Because bupropion can cause fits, it should not be prescribed to anyone at risk of fitting.