![Suzy-Cohen-1 Suzy-Cohen-1](https://dearpharmacist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Suzy-Cohen-133-150x111.jpg)
My pharmacist told me that my antidepressant, Wellbutrin, is the same medicine that my husband takes to stop smoking. Is this true?
M.M., Jacksonville, Florida
Answer: Yes. It’s a surprise to most people when they hear this. But there are a many drugs that are cleverly marketed to different populations and sold under different trade names. This is done because a particular substance could have various beneficial effects on the body. In your case, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin is the same compound in Zyban, a popular prescription remedy used to stop smoking. Dosing is similar with these two drugs and pricing is too…about $120 per month. Interestingly, insurance companies don’t mind paying for Wellbutrin, but don’t hold your breath with Zyban. Almost all insurance companies make you pay for that yourself.
print
![Antidepressant Drug Quenches Craving For A Smoke 4 suzy cohen white coat](https://suzycohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/suzy-cohen-white-coat.jpg)
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.