| In
the Spotlight
 Zyban
(Bupropian HCI) - a Nicotine Free Medication to Stop Smoking
by
Michael Woo-Ming, M.D. MPH
PersonalMD.Com Medical Contributor
A
pill to help stop smoking? Millions of Americans have turned to
a tablet to end their nicotine craving, and appear to be doing it
successfully. The medication is known as Zyban (Bupropion HCl)
and is a significant breakthrough for smoking cessation.
There
were few alternatives before for quitting smoking. Many were told
to go "cold turkey" and immediately quit, by doctors not realizing
the withdrawal effects of nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarette
smoke. Recently, nicotine patches, gums and sprays have been welcome
additions to the smoking cessation arsenal that can help with the
cravings. In 1996, Zyban was the first non-nicotine containing smoking
cessation product passed by the FDA.
Zyban
is now the most commonly prescribed medication for smoking cessation.
It has actually been around for many years as an antidepressant
known as Wellbutrin for which it is still being utilized, with Zyban
being a sustained release form of Wellbutrin.
Although
researchers are unclear on the mechanism of how Zyban can ameliorate
nicotine craving, it is thought that smokers suffer from a "biochemical
addiction" to nicotine, and that Zyban can alter the mood transmitters
that are associated with the addiction.
It
has also been theorized that many people who smoke may also have
a history of depression, and that bupropion works because of its
function as an antidepressant.
|
Possible
Benefits of Not Smoking
|
-decrease
your chances of getting cancer
|
-decrease
your chances of having a heart attack
|
-have
fewer colds or flu each year.
|
-better
smelling clothes, hair, breath, home, and car.
|
-climb
stairs and walk without losing your breath so easily
|
-have
more money to spend on other things
|
-have
fewer wrinkles.
|
-decreased
morning cough
|
The
most talked about side effect of bupropion is seizures. It is contraindicated
in people with a history of seizures because it is thought it might
lower the threshold in starting a seizure. It also should not be
taken by people who suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or
who are pregnant or breastfeeding. More common side effects are
dry mouth and insomnia.
One
thing I personally like about Zyban is that the patient can start
the medication and set a quit date to be totally free from cigarettes,
while still being able to smoke. This allows for a gentle tapering
off smoking as opposed to just quitting completely. Zyban should
be taken for about seven to twelve weeks once initiated.
No
pill or patch can completely prevent someone from smoking, unless
the smoker makes a complete effort in wanting to quit. Talking
with your doctor your intention of committing to quit is the first
step.
http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/zyban.pdf
|
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