Zyban®, a non-nicotine alternative to help people stop smoking,
was approved in 1996 by the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). Offered to smokers who want to quit, Zyban (Bupropion
HCI), in pill form, has been shown to alter mood transmitters in
the brain that are linked to addiction. Zyban must be prescribed
by a physician and may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult
your physician for more information. There is another new
smoking cessation medication approved by the FDA called Chantix®
(varenicline) that has been available in the US as of 2006. This
medication works differently than any of the other nicotine
replacement products or Zyban. Chantix affects the nicotine
receptors in the brain, decreasing nicotine cravings and
withdrawal symptoms, and making smoking less pleasurable. It is
available only by prescription. In early studies, Chantix
appears to be even more effective than Zyban in helping people
stay smoke-free. Talk to your physician for more information.
Healthy Woman - Smoking and Respi