Zyban Medication
There are not many choices if you’re looking for a medication to help you
to quit smoking. In fact, the best place to start is with a visit to your
doctor, who can explain your options and recommend what he believes
will work best for you.
Having said that, currently the most popular medication for helping
smokers kick their habit is Zyban (Bupropion hydrochloride). Zyban
does not contain nicotine, so you can continue to smoke when you first
begin to take it and as you wean yourself off cigarettes altogether. While
it doesn’t contain nicotine, Zyban does give your body the impression
that it does, so you won’t experience the intensity of the usual symptoms
associated with quitting smoking.
According to clinical trials, “treatment with Zyban reduced withdrawal
symptoms compared to placebo. Reductions on the following withdrawal
symptoms were most pronounced: irritability, frustration, or anger;
anxiety; difficulty concentrating; restlessness; and depressed mood or
negative effect. Depending on the study and the measure used,
treatment with Zyban showed evidence of reduction in craving for
cigarettes or urge to smoke compared to placebo.”
Zyban is recommended for those who cannot use nicotine medications
and for those who’ve tried other products unsuccessfully. It’s also highly
recommended for those concerned with weight gain, as it prevents this.
You will, of course, require a prescription from your doctor to use Zyban.
In fact, for those with a severe smoking addiction, your doctor may
prescribe a combination of Zyban and a nicotine patch or a gum for best
results.
Zyban’s success rates have ranged as high as 58%, though most studies
resulted in a success rate between 15%-25%.
The most common side effects experienced with Zyban include dry
mouth and difficulty sleeping. There are also other risks associated with
its use, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional to see
whether Zyban is right for you.