Zyban Treatment – Is It Right For You

The drug Zyban has become a well known treatment for quitting smoking. It has been available as a smoking treatment since 1998. Buproprion hydrochloride is the generic term for Zyban. It also goes under the names Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR. It was originally used as an antidepressant and it had been found that individuals taking the drug had lost interest in smoking cigarettes. They eventually gave up the habit quite easily.

The effects of Zyban are not clearly known. It has been successful as an antidepressant drug in that it can affect brain chemistry. This has been known to give patients a greater sense of well-being, as well as provide them with more energy. It has been found to be equally useful in helping non-depressed and depressed patients quit smoking.

When using Zyban, many patients have reported experiencing minimal symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. A patient usually will start taking Zyban while they are still smoking and will set a stop smoking date for 7 days later. The drug is then continued for another 7-10 weeks after that. Rates of success have been shown to be almost double that of any placebo effect.

Manufacturers have reported that it is safe to used Zyban for long periods of time. If there are no significant changes in ones smoking habits by the end of 10 weeks, then it is unlikely that this drug will be helpful. They key to being successful with Zyban is the will to want to stop smoking. Many people who really don’t want to stop smoking will always find a way to continue.

Common side effects that may occur while taking Zyban include: dry mouth and insomnia. If you suffer from a history of eating disorders, seizures or cirrhosis of the liver, then it is advised to not take this drug.

Zyban And Other Replacement Therapies

Nicotine substitutes, such as nicotine patches or gum, work a little differently then Zyban. These substitutes provide nicotine to the bloodstream throughout the day. Medication such as Zyban works by providing a feeling of well-being to allow a smoker to give up their habit. It also is effective for behavioural modifications.

Many individuals who use a patch may still experience the desire to smoke in certain situations. This is due to a developed habitual association with smoking. Some people feel the need to smoke when going to bars. This is a major habit that must be overcome to be successful. Zyban can be very beneficial in overcoming nicotine dependence, but once treatment stops the desire to smoke in various situations may still be there.