But what is this drug that wears two hats each one claiming to
tackle different problems in quite different ways? So, there is this
drug called bupropion; under the trade name Wellbutrin it is used to
treat depression and under the trade name Zyban it is used to help
people to stop smoking.
WHAT DOES IT DO - THE THEORY
As an antidepressant, bupropion works by increasing certain types of
activities in the brain. How does it work as a smoking cessation
treatment? Well, no-one is too clear on that. It has some effect on the
noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms in the brain.
The theory is
that its ability to help people quit smoking has nothing really to do
with its antidepressant action. And yet...
WHAT DOES IT DO - IN PRACTICE
Zyban helps reduce withdrawal symptoms like irritability, frustration,
anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and the
depression that is associated with the challenge of giving up smoking.
In the words of a smoker: "It somehow fills the void left by the smoking so there is no need for the nicotine".
WHO CAN TAKE ZYBAN
Not everyone can take this medication. The prescription drug is
approved for use in people who smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day and
are over 18 years of age.
The product is appealing to those who have attempted other nicotine
replacement products and found them to be ineffective or inconvenient.
Taking a tablet is far easier than wearing a patch or remembering to
sniff the nasal spray or chew your nicotine gum.
DON'T TAKE ZYBAN IF YOU:
* Are taking an antidepressant that contains bupropion like Wellbutrin.
* Have ever had a seizure. There is a slight chance that bupropion may induce seizures in those that are prone to them.
* Are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
* Have an alcohol problem
* Have an eating disorder.
HOW TO TAKE ZYBAN
Begin taking Zyban one to two weeks before your designated quit day.
The sustained-release tablet is usually taken twice a day at eight-hour
intervals. It is important to establish a routine so that you wont
forget to take the medication. Try to take it at regular times in the
day.
Your doctor may recommend starting you on a low dose and slowly
increasing it. Treatment with Zyban should continue for up to 7 to 12
weeks after your quit date. In certain cases treatment can be continued
over 6 months to a year.
REMEMBER
Medication provides only part of the solution, motivation must provide
the other. Studies show that Zyban performs best when it is part of a
formalized program that includes a set quit date and plans for how to
deal with smoking triggers. Support is an important part of a
successful smoking cessation program. Those who surrounded themselves
with other non-smokers had a higher rate of success than those who
remained within environments that had previously triggered smoking.
PRECAUTIONS
Let your doctor know what other medications you may currently be taking
and be sure to establish if you are allergic to bupropion. Do not take
Zyban with an MAO inhibitor like Nardil or Parnate even if you
terminated the treatment within the last two weeks.
Let your doctor know if you or any member of your family has ever
suffered from depression, bipolar disorder or mania. It is important
for your doctor to know if there are any suicidal tendencies, alcohol
or drug addictions or abuse within the family. Your doctor should also
ask if there is any history of eating disorders, head injury, brain
tumor, high blood pressure, liver, kidney or heart disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Bupropion may make you drowsy so do not drive a car or operate heavy
machinery until you have some experience with how your body deals with
the drug.
Minimize or avoid drinking alcohol while taking bupropion as the alcohol may exacerbate side effects.
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