Wellbutrin to stop smoking as a viable option to quitting the habit
January 8th, 2008They say New Year’s resolutions are made to be broken. One such resolution that is often unable to make it past the month of January is stop smoking resolution. The blame for this goes to the smoker but it must be realized that giving up smoking is a very tough job that tests the patience of a smoker. It is important that those smokers who are unable to quit smoking on their own look for some help that is easily available these days. It has been reported that three quarters of the smokers take the cold turkey route to quit smoking while the rest look to nicotine replacement therapies or prescription drugs to help them out.
One stop smoking drug is Wellbutrin, which is also manufactured under the trade name Zyban and comes in several dosages. Wellbutrin is also used as an antidepressant medication and works to adjust the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These hormones are not completely understood by the medical community but are believed to be responsible for feelings of happiness and calmness.
In some countries, Wellbutrin is only approved for use as a stop smoking aid and is not used as an antidepressant. In 2006, the FDA also approved Wellbutrin for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder in addition to treating depression and nicotine addiction.
How it works:
When Wellbutrin is used as a stop smoking aid, the therapy usually lasts seven to twelve weeks with the patient quitting all cigarette smoking after day ten of the therapy. Wellbutrin acts as a nicotine antagonist and patients may experience an adversity to nicotine even in the form of second hand smoke while taking the medication.
Side effects and complications:
Wellbutrin should not be taken by anyone with a history of seizure disorder as it has been shown to lower the seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in patients with anorexia, bulimia, and anyone concurrently taking amphetamines or ephedrine. Wellbutrin should also be monitored closely in any patient with known suicidal tendencies or psychoses as it could intensify suicidal thoughts or hallucinations.
Since there are several minor and major side effects of Wellbutrin to stop smoking it is imperative that you consult your doctor to ascertain its suitability to you. The side effects of using Wellbutrin to stop smoking can range from minor problems like, insomnia, headaches, nausea and weight gain to certain significant ones like abnormal functioning of the liver, seizures and on the other side, even an improvement in sexual functions. It is crucial that you procure from the pharmacist a list of possible side effects and complications occurring as a result of using Wellbutrin. Before you start Wellbutrin to stop smoking, make sure to thoroughly understand the facts and information provided with the drug so that you are able to eliminate yourself as a possible risky case as well as take required steps to face any unexpected complications.
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