Using Wellbutrin to Stop Smoking
Every year, thousands of Americans die of lung cancer. Since people are aware of the risks, some have chosen to give up the habit.
It is very difficult to stop smoking. Some who have tried after a few months have failed and returned to the old habit. There are now many products in the market. One of those that are prescribed by doctors is known as Wellbutrin.
Wellbutrin is used to treat nicotine addiction. The FDA first approved this as an anti-depressant drug in 1997. Years later, studies have shown that this can also be used to help people quit smoking.
Scientists have shown that Wellbutrin doesn’t work for everyone. This is because the withdrawal symptoms that some people endure are beyond the control of the prescription.
People who decide to try this should first consult the doctor. People who have the following concerns are automatically eliminated from being prescribed this drug. These include the following;
1. Those who experience seizures
2. Have a eating disorder
3. Are below the age of 18.
4. Presently taking any medication that contains buproprion HCI or is allergic to it.
5. Those who have been recently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).
6. Been taking alcohol and sedatives from time to time.
7. Pregnant or nursing.
Should the patient qualify for the drug, the doctor must explain the side effects to make the person aware of what lies ahead. These include dry mouth, insomnia and dizziness. In rare cases, the individual may even experience seizures in the course of the treatment.
Wellbutrin works by altering the brain’s chemistry. This will make the person lose interest in lighting a cigarette and thus quit smoking.
In most cases, the doctors recommend a dosage of one 150mg pill for the first three days. This will later increase to two times a day which should be eight hours apart from each other.
The person should plan the best time to take this since some people have difficulty sleeping in the evening.
Should the person forget to take the pill in the morning, doctors advise not to take this with the other one at the scheduled time. Given that the time has passed, the patient should still stick with the dosage at the appropriate time.
Treatment using this pill will usually take three to four months to complete. The person patient should visit the doctor weekly to be able to monitor the progress of the patient.
People are using nicotine replacement therapy such as the use of gum, inhaler and patches can continue to use when using the drug. Some scientists believe that combining the different forms of treatment have successful made patients quit the habit.
There are risks in taking Wellbutrin. Both the doctor and the patient have to observe the blood pressure this could be have effects on it.
There are two types of drugs used in the market to date to treat nicotine addiction. The other one is known as Zyban which does the same thing for the patient. This is also not purchased over the counter and must be prescribed by the doctor.
Deciding to give up smoking is the first step that any smoker must take. The best that friends and family can do is encouraging the person not to give up in this very challenging task.
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