Using Zyban to Quit Smoking

Zyban was originally marketed as an anti-depressant drug formally known as bupropion hydrochloride. It is available by prescription only. Its value as a quit smoking aid came as a surprise when smokers using it to treat depression also began to become disinterested in smoking cigarettes.

How Zyban Works to Help You Quit Smoking

Using Zyban to quit smoking helps ease the pain and anxiety associated with nicotine withdrawal. This may be an option that could work for you if you have already tried other quit smoking aids such as nicotine replacement treatments (NRTs), which include nicotine gum, the transdermal patch, nicotine nasal spray and an inhaler.

Using Zyban to quit smoking, when accompanied with other NRT's, such as the nicotine patch or nicotine gum, has been shown to increase the chances for long term success with smoking cessation and treatment for nicotine addiction.

The Side Effects of Using Zyban to Quit Smoking

Zyban does have side effects and these include dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, change of appetite, agitation and headaches. More serious side effects such as seizures can occur but it is a rarity.

Using Zyban to quit smoking is not recommended if:

• You are taking Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin SR (both are bupropion HCl)
• You are taking any other medicine containing bupropion HCl
• You have or have had a seizure disorder
• You have or have had an eating disorder
• You are abruptly discontinuing use of alcohol or sedatives(including benzodiazepines)
• You are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAOI)
• You are allergic to bupropion HCl
• You are pregnant or nursing.

Alternatives to Using Zyban to Quit Smoking

Another option, if you would prefer to quit naturally but not cold turkey, is the use of herbal smoking cessation products. These are all-natural alternatives to the traditional quit smoking programs. They combine a number of herbs to help ease the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine addiction.

There are many quit smoking programs that you can take advantage of to treat your nicotine addiction. Once you start doing your research you will discover the quit smoking benefits and will probably decide on a course of action that is best for you. Using Zyban to quit smoking is just one of many alternatives.