About Zyban
Zyban (Bupropion) is a medicated treatment which makes it easier for smokers to give up their habit. It combats and reduces the often unbearable cravings experienced by smokers when they give up smoking. Zyban was initially developed to treat the symptoms of depression, but during the early clinical trial stage of the drug it was found to be able to help smokers to quit smoking. At present, the medical community is not entirely certain just how Zyban works, however it is widely thought to alter the levels of certain chemicals found within a patient’s brain. These chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, are thought to help regulate cravings and help to reduce those suffered by smokers when they attempt to give up their habit.
How does Zyban work?
Exactly how Zyban works is not perfectly understood by the medical community. It is believed to interact with the parts of the brain which control addiction and cravings by increasing the levels of certain chemical neurotransmitters which are free to act within these sections of the brain. By increasing these chemicals, noradrenaline and dopamine, Zyban is able to control and reduce your cravings for nicotine when you try to quit smoking.
How effective is Zyban?
Taking Zyban doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be successful in your attempt to quit nicotine. However, it can significantly increase your chances when compared to willpower alone. During clinical testing, Zyban was found to consistently demonstrate a success rate of around 29% within patients after 8 weeks of using the treatment.
How do I take Zyban?
You start a course of Zyban by taking a single 150mg dose each day for the first six days of treatment. After this period has passed you will need to increase your dose to two pills each day. Do not take two tablets at the same time; it’s best to take one in the morning and one in the evening to allow enough time between doses. You should pick a date for smoking cessation, usually around day 8 of your treatment, as this allows the active ingredient Bupropion time to build up an adequate stock within your body. You will then need to continue with this treatment for a further 7 weeks.
Are there any side-effects with Zyban?
The overwhelming majority of people who take Zyban do so without any adverse reactions or side effects, however there are a number of possible reactions which you should be aware of before starting your course of treatment. The most common side effects are dry mouth and insomnia. Rarer side effects experienced by some patients whilst taking Zyban can include drowsiness, hypertension and even a fit or convulsion, although these occur in less than 1 in 1000 patients.
