|
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is manufactured by
Glaxo-Wellcome and has been used to treat nicotine
addiction. It is licensed in the United States, but not in
the UK. Zyban is a nicotine-free prescription medication
that contains the same active ingredient as the
antidepressant, Wellbutrin. Zyban is different from nicotine
patches or gum which are non-prescription anti-smoking
agents in that is does not contain nicotine. Zyban works by
reducing the craving for nicotine on a neurological level by
boosting chemical levels in the brain. The active
ingredient, bupropion, is a weak inhibitor of the uptake of
dopamine, serotonin and norephinephrine. As a result, there
is reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and less of an
urge to smoke.
Treatment with Zyban begins while the patient is still
smoking and takes about a week to reach effective levels. As
a result, the patient should not attempt to quit until the
second week of treatment. Zyban should continue to be taken
for seven to twelve weeks. If the patient has not reduced
smoking levels or quit by the seventh week, it is unlikely
that they will quit in the long term.
Chentix is the most recent anti-smoking medication having
been approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration in
May 2006. While both Chantix and Zyban reduce the craving
for nicotine, the mechanism of Chantix is different from
Zyban. Chantix partially activates the nicotine receptors in
the brain thereby reducing the craving for nicotine and
withdrawal symptoms. If smoking is resumed, the effects of
nicotine on the brain are diminished reducing the craving
for nicotine. Zyban boosts chemical levels in the brain to
create less of urge to smoke; Chantix works on nicotine
receptors in the brain to create less of an urge to smoke.
In clinical trials sponsored by Pfizer, maker of Chantix,
Chantix treated patients were more successful in quitting
smoking than those treated with Zyban.
|
|
