Zyban: anti-smoking trialled and tested
May 4th, 2008 | By quitsmoking-review | Category: Medication
Zyban (generic: Bupropion) was initially created as an anti-depressant, and researches found that depressed cigarette smokers taking it spontaneously stopped smoking, leading to it becoming a stop smoking drug.
How does it work?
This quit smoking drug Zyban works by not allowing the brain to take up pleasure signals (dopamine or noradrenaline).
This quit smoking drug Zyban works by not allowing the brain to take up pleasure signals (dopamine or noradrenaline).
What is the success rate?
A number of studies (Fiore, June 2000) have shown that Zyban increases the chance of stopping smoking by 2.1 times and that 7.5 cigarette smokers need to use Zyban for 1 to quit somking. A study (Hurt 1997) also showed that Zyban produced better smoking cessation rates than nicotine patches alone. Zyban is the only quit smoking pill subsidised by the government of Australia. and general practitioners report successes up to 38% at 10 weeks. (Zwar MJA 2002). US and Canada citizens can get free supply of another stop smoking aid
A number of studies (Fiore, June 2000) have shown that Zyban increases the chance of stopping smoking by 2.1 times and that 7.5 cigarette smokers need to use Zyban for 1 to quit somking. A study (Hurt 1997) also showed that Zyban produced better smoking cessation rates than nicotine patches alone. Zyban is the only quit smoking pill subsidised by the government of Australia. and general practitioners report successes up to 38% at 10 weeks. (Zwar MJA 2002). US and Canada citizens can get free supply of another stop smoking aid
How do you take it?
Zyban is taken once a day (150mg) initially for 3 days, then increased to twice daily with effects seen after 7 days of starting it. In Australia, it is subsidized for use up to 9 weeks, but in order to stop smoking, smokers are recommended to take it between 8-12 weeks, with a population mean of about 5 weeks. (Zwar MJA 2002). People taking Zyban for up to a year can help to maintain abstinence, but smoking rates are similar 1 year later and there is high level evidence that although it is unlikely to harm, there is no clear benefit.
Zyban is taken once a day (150mg) initially for 3 days, then increased to twice daily with effects seen after 7 days of starting it. In Australia, it is subsidized for use up to 9 weeks, but in order to stop smoking, smokers are recommended to take it between 8-12 weeks, with a population mean of about 5 weeks. (Zwar MJA 2002). People taking Zyban for up to a year can help to maintain abstinence, but smoking rates are similar 1 year later and there is high level evidence that although it is unlikely to harm, there is no clear benefit.
What are the side effects?
Roughly 68% of people experience some form of side effect. (Zwar MJA 2002). Headache, nausea (vomiting), insomnia (inability to sleep) and dry mouth are common side effects. If insomnia is prominent, this quit smoking drug can be taken 4 hours before bed. There was also a reported seizure rate of 1 in 1000 in the active ingredient (bupropion), but the slow release Zyban has a lower rate, but people with known epilepsy must not take it. Ask you doctor before starting Zyban. Some people have also complained of facial swelling.
Roughly 68% of people experience some form of side effect. (Zwar MJA 2002). Headache, nausea (vomiting), insomnia (inability to sleep) and dry mouth are common side effects. If insomnia is prominent, this quit smoking drug can be taken 4 hours before bed. There was also a reported seizure rate of 1 in 1000 in the active ingredient (bupropion), but the slow release Zyban has a lower rate, but people with known epilepsy must not take it. Ask you doctor before starting Zyban. Some people have also complained of facial swelling.
Benefits
Zyban is better because it does not contain nicotine and does not expose smokers to cigarette gases. Some people also feel alert, vigorous, elated and energetic, due to the stimulating properties of bupropion, but without the addicting properties like in amphetamines. The US authority has also said it is non-abusable. It is also the only subsided quit smoking drug in Australia.
Zyban is better because it does not contain nicotine and does not expose smokers to cigarette gases. Some people also feel alert, vigorous, elated and energetic, due to the stimulating properties of bupropion, but without the addicting properties like in amphetamines. The US authority has also said it is non-abusable. It is also the only subsided quit smoking drug in Australia.
Conclusion
Zyban has been shown to help people cease smoking, and has been long established. Zyban can help people feel alert and energetic and the fact that Australia even subsidizes it means it is an efficacious product.
Zyban has been shown to help people cease smoking, and has been long established. Zyban can help people feel alert and energetic and the fact that Australia even subsidizes it means it is an efficacious product.
