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Smoking
Nicotine
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Zyban
Zyban
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is not a nicotine replacement
product. Approved in 1997, zyban is a pill that reduces
nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. It cuts
down on cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability,
frustration, anxiety, restlessness and depression. Buproprion
was first approved as a prescription antidepressant. When used
for smoking cessation, Zyban appears to affect brain chemicals
linked with nicotine addiction. Antidepressants work for
depressed people by helping them to feel normal; however, they
do not make non depressed people feel happier. Therefore,
those using Zyban for smoking cessation do not feel extra
happy as a result of the drug. Zyban works
with the chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine)
that are linked to nicotine addiction, cravings and withdrawal
symptoms.
More on Zyban
Zyban is usually taken as one 150-mg tablet in the morning for
the first three days. From the fourth day on, one tablet is
taken in the morning and another tablet in the evening. Zyban
is usually taken for 7 to 12 weeks, or as indicated by a
doctor.
Side Effects of Zyban
Common side effects include dry mouth, problems sleeping,
shakiness and skin rashes. These side effects usually
disappear after a few weeks. Approximately 3 in 1000 people
taking Zyban have an allergic reaction severe enough to
require medical attention.
Risks of Zyban
Seizures may occur in approximately 1 out of every 1000 people
taking Zyban. Those with preexisting seizure conditions, such
as epilepsy or anorexia nervosa should not take Zyban. Those
taking other medications that contain bupropion hydrochloride
should not take Zyban. Women who are pregnant or breast
feeding should not take Zyban.
Those who have taken or are currently taking a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) should not take Zyban.
Zyban can be used in conjunction with other nicotine
replacement products; however, a doctor's supervision is
required to ensure that no rise in blood pressure occurs.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention offer excellent information about
smoking, tobacco
use and smoking cessation resources. Quitnet is an
excellent online aid for all aspects of
quitting
smoking. |
