How Do I Use Zyban to Quit Smoking?

Watch this video first - it will make you want to quit smoking immediately

If you are beginning your journey on the road from being a smoker to becoming a non-smoker, you may be learning about products that may help you quit smoking.

One of the products you may have come across is a prescription stop smoking drug called Zyban.  Naturally you may be thinking to yourself, "how do I use Zyban to quit smoking?" or for quitting tobacco use in general.

First of all realize that Zyban, along with Chantix are the two most widely prescribed drugs to assist smokers in their quit smoking endeavor.

The active ingredient in Zyban is called bupropion.  It is the same active ingredient as found in the antidepressant drug called Wellbutrin.

Actually Wellbutrin was used to treat depression but smokers taking this antidepressant reported that their desire for a cigarette was reduced.

The manufacturer of Wellbutrin, GlaxoSmithKline, instead of having smokers use Wellbutrin to quit smoking, repackaged bupropion and marketed it as a stop smoking aid under the name Zyban.

How does Zyban Work and How Do I Use Zyban to Quit Smoking?

Zyban works as an antidepressant drug and interacts with the receptors in your brain which results in a release of dopamine, a chemical in your brain responsible for feelings of well-being.

This is thought to be similar to the mechanism and the effect that is produced by the nicotine in cigarettes you smoke. But this effect is produced by Zyban without putting any nicotine into your body.

Zyban helps to lessen the effects of the physical withdrawal symptoms most people experience when they quit smoking: anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, frustration, anger, irritability, and depressed moods.

Okay but you still may be wondering, "how do I use Zyban to quit smoking?"

Zyban is available only with a prescription from your doctor or health care provider.  It is a pill that is taken orally. Your doctor will probably have you begin taking Zyban one week before the target date on which you decide to quit smoking.

Since Zyban is a time release medication, you do not want to chew or crush the tablet.  Zyban is most commonly prescribed in stages.  As an example, you may be instructed to take only one tablet for the first three day period.  From there you will be instructed to slowly increase the dosage.  Most folks take Zyban for a period of 7 to 12 weeks.

Keep in mind that there are side effects associated with all drugs and Zyban as well.  One particular side effect you might want to be aware of is the fact that the FDA requires manufacturers of antidepressants, Zyban (bupropion) included, to carry a warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in those 25 years of age and younger, although thought to be rare. See GlaxoSmithKline

Hopefully that helped to answer your "How Do I Use Zyban to Quit Smoking" question. And here's something you may want to remember. Studies have shown that unless you are firm in your commitment to give up tobacco and become a tobacco non-user, Zyban will be no more helpful than a placebo in helping you to quit smoking cigarettes.

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