Zyban is a prescription drug which is used in smoking cessation. Zyban is the brand name for bupropion, an antidepressant. Bupropion was also found to help in smoking cessation, hence it is now widely used as a quit smoking aid. Zyban helps in smoking cessation by reducing the cravings towards smoking and controlling the withdrawal symptoms.
How Does Zyban Work?
After a person quits smoking, he may experience nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. Zyban works by reducing your cravings towards smoking. It also controls the withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
About Zyban Treatment:
Zyban treatment lasts from 7 to 12 weeks. Unlike other quit smoking aids, Zyban does not contain nicotine. Hence, initially, quitting smoking is not necessary. In nicotine replacement therapy, you are required to quit smoking, as the patches and smoking together can cause an overdose of nicotine.
After starting the Zyban treatment, you can continue to smoke for 1 to 2 weeks. After this you are required to quit smoking. Zyban treatment reduces the cravings towards cigarette and thus you would be able to successfully stop smoking.
People, who use Zyban for 7 to 9 weeks have twice the likelihood of quitting smoking. Hence, Zyban as a quit smoking aid is effective similar to nicotine replacement therapy.
Zyban Side-effects:
People who take Zyban as a quit smoking aid may experience side-effects such as dry mouth and insomnia. In rare cases, Zyban causes allergy. Hence, always consult your doctor before starting on Zyban treatment.
Who Should not take Zyban Treatment?
People who are already taking bupropion for other treatments such as depression should not take Zyban (For people with depression, bupropion is available under the brand name Wellbutrin). Also people with seizure disorder, eating disorders, and those who are on an antidepressant known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor should not take Zyban treatment.
Zyban as a quit smoking aid can be used up to six months for smoking cessation. It is also easy to use as it is a pill. Hence, if you are interested in quitting smoking through a prescription medicine, Zyban may be a good choice.
