ZYBAN (BUPROPION SUSTAINED RELEASE)

Zyban Description

You’ve read about it, seen and heard the advertisements, and your family and friends are trying to talk you into it-please quit smoking! When you decide that the time has come to think about your health and the health of those close to you, visit your doctor and ask about Zyban. The active ingredient in Zyban is Bupropion Sustained Release. This oral medication is taken twice a day, at least 8 hours apart.

Bupropion was actually developed for the treatment of depression but was found to be useful as a smoking cessation drug. Tobacco addiction is estimated to cause over 480,000 deaths per year, including deaths caused by second hand smoke. Smoking related illnesses include lung or oral cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke.

You Can DoThis and Zyban Has Your Back

Start by getting to know who and where your support systems are; the internet is great for helping you find sites and toll-free numbers when you need a little reassurance that you can do this. Now visit your doctor and ask any questions you have about Zyban and how it works. Once you begin taking Zyban, set a date about 2 weeks down the road as this allows for Bupropion to build-up in your system.

Zyban is categorized as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It works by blocking these neurotransmitters from being transported and leads to an increased amount of them remaining in your brain. By effectively balancing your neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, your withdrawal symptoms are reduced and you have a better chance of quitting.

How Nicotine Acts in Your Body

When you inhale from a cigarette, it takes as few as seven seconds for the nicotine to make it from your lungs to the blood and then your brain. Nicotine causes your brain to increase dopamine production to a higher level, which in turn makes the brain create more dopamine receptors. When you are finished with your cigarette, the effects of nicotine diminish within minutes. As time goes on, your desire for that ‘good feeling’ encourages you to have another cigarette, and dopamine levels increase as do the number of receptors. When you start taking Zyban and begin finding other things to do besides smoke, the dopamine levels will become normal and the receptors disappear as they are not needed anymore. Zyban will not work without your help and an earnest desire to quit.

Before Starting Zyban

Ask your doctor about any risks with taking Zyban while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. To determine if Zyban is safe for you to take, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any current OTC or Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Zyban Precautions

Zyban is not to be taken by anyone under the age of 18 years old. Do not start any new medications without first talking with your doctor as it could increase your risk of side effects. Until you know how Zyban will affect you, avoid driving, operating machinery, or attempting any task that may be risky if you are unsteady.

Possible Side Effects of Zyban

• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Dizziness