ZYBAN: smokers' holy grail? (Zyban)

Member Name: mohan

Product:	Zyban
Date:	17/07/00 (689 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A NEW HOPE, available on NHS

Disadvantages: only works if you're committed, better with Nicotine replacement.

Did you know that nicotine is as addictive ( if not more) than heroin?

It's here! ZYBAN is being marketed as the smoker's holy grail, the panacea for all those who puff away their life. But is it any good? Let's see.

ZYBAN ( Bupropion Hydrochloride) has been in the US market for a few years.The results have been good if not spectacular. It is technically an anti-depressant that works through the dopaminergic/noradrenergic pathways in the brain. If this is Greek&Latin to you lemme explain:

(i)lack of dopamine in the brain in an area called the mesolimbic system can cause a dependant personality leading to addictive habits. ZYBAN increases dopamine so can theoretically reduce nicotine addiction.

(ii) Nicotine withdrawal can be fought by its noradrenergic effects on the brain.

What does this mean to a smoker?

In a study of 800 smokers, 60.2% on ZYBAN alone abstained from ciggies at 4 weeks, 48% on nictoine patches and 66.5% on both compared with 34% on placebo. There is hope after all.

Over a longer period, say 52 weeks the rates drop by 33% for those on ZYBAN. It's still a good number. That means you have over a 3rd chance of quitting cigs if you take ZYBAN! ( the previous reviewer said 94% that is to say the least, exaggerated)


This means ZYBAN is by no means a magic remedy but more of an useful adjunct to pre-existing therapies like nicotine replacement and sheer willpower.

The current availability on NHS is good but make no mistake there are some rules to follow. You have to attend a smoking cesation group and demonstrate a commitment before your Doctor can prescribe them to you.

It has been shown that in those who are determined to stop, using ZYBAN along with a suitable Nicotine replacement works a lot better than ZYBAN alone. It also works better if you set a 'Target Stop Date' and aim towards it.

Dosage: 150 mg daily for 3 days,
increase to 150 mg twice daily atleast for 7-9 weeks.

Cost to the NHS:( and if you get in on a private prescription): £42.85 for 60 tablets


Side effects: Insomnia, headache, dry mouth, fever, Gastric upset, taste disorders.

Interactions: with other anti-depressants, anti-epileptics, theophylline, amphetamines.


Verdict: For the first time there is a drug specifically aimed at nicotine addiction, the prospects look good, but only if you are committed, supported and willing to quit. Works better with nicotine gum, patches or inhalator.


ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, DO NOT BUY IT OFF SOME BLOKE DOWN THE PUB ( OR OVER THE NET FOR AS IT HAPPENS!)

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