Smoking continues to remain one of the major medical and social problems of a modern society, representing a serious hazard to the health of the population, promoting development of a lot of chronic noninfectuous diseases: cardiovascular, obstructive diseases of lungs, malignant new tumours and others.

The level of disease and death rate is directly connected with a wide circulation of behavioural risk factors.

The pharmacological means play an important role in simplification of symptoms of nicotinic dependence. Use of pharmacotherapy is the key moment of the multicomponent aid to the patients at treatment of nicotinic dependence. There are two directions in pharmacotherapy: use of preparation Zyban (bupropeon of hydrochloride) of the company "GlaxoSmithKlyne" which influences thin biochemical mechanisms of formation of nicotinic dependence in the certain structures of a brain, and nicotine-substitutive therapy supporting certain basal concentration of nicotine in an organism. The efficiency of treatment of nicotine dependence by Zyban is shown in clinical researches in which 7 thousand patients have participated.

Zyban is an energizer, essentially new preparation in treatment of smoking. It is the first medical product which does not contain nicotine, operating directly on the mechanism of formation of the nicotinic dependence, influencing on dopaminergic and/or noradrenergic ways participating in formation of dependence from nicotine and a syndrome of a cancelling. The therapeutic influence of a preparation begins before the patient stops to smoke. At its reception the desire to smoke considerably decreases. Zyban also constrains the addition of weight of a body at patients after the termination of smoking.

The patients accepting Zyban, have noticed formation of confidence and positive installations for the termination of smoking, significant decrease or even absence of displays of a syndrome of a cancelling, good bearableness of a preparation. At the majority of them the increase of weight of a body after the termination of smoking did not occur.

Application of preparation Zyban has allowed to overcome successfully the difficulties connected with refusal from smoking, almost at 70 % of malicious smokers, the partial positive effect was marked at 21,7 % surveyed. The received results testify the high efficiency of Zyban at people with the expressed nicotinic dependence, wishing to stop to smoke.

Zyban allows to render the qualified help to patients with complicated nicotinic dependence, to reduce risk of development of serious complications, to improve quality of life.

Recommendations at purpose of Zyban:

• to define the day of the termination of smoking with the patient;
• therapy needs to be begun 7-14 days prior to the chosen date of the termination of smoking;
• initial dosage - 150 mg a day (1 tablet) within the first 3-4 days (in the morning);
• since the 4th-5th day the dosage increases up to 300 mg a day (2 tablets in the morning, in the afternoon) with an interval not less than 8 hours;
• duration of the course of therapy - 7-12 weeks.

The favorable structure of safety and bearableness of Zyban is promoted by the specific form of release of a preparation - tablets of the slowed down liberation.

Zyban does not influence cardiac conductivity and does not cause the phenomenon of an orthostatic hypotension. Possible by-effects: dryness in a mouth, a sleeplessness, allergic reactions.

Zyban is in the world pharmaceutical market for already about 15 years and has proved to be a rather effective and safe medical product. Significant experience of its clinical application in treatment of patients with nicotinic dependence, and also at some depressions in the USA, Canada, the Great Britain proves it. It used by about 28 million people (20 million - with various forms of depression and 8 million - with nicotinic dependence).

Extra care needs to be applied at presence of craniocereberal trauma, convulsive attacks in the anamnesis, tumours of the central nervous system at patients and at simultaneous prescription of other preparations reducing a convulsive threshold.

Zyban is a preparation of the first choice in complex therapy of smoking, it is essentially different from the means of nicotine-replacement therapies, interferes with desire to smoke, reduces expressiveness of symptoms of cancelling: irritability, irascibility, sensation of alarm, difficulty in concentration of attention, feeling of anxiety and the suppressed mood. Zyban is designated for treatment nicotinic dependence at patients above 18 years, who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day.

It is necessary to note, that refusal of smoking is often accompanied by the symptoms of nicotinic abstinence, some of them are similar to by-effects of Zyban. Thus, the nicotinic dependence is a chronic disease which is necessary to cure. Experience of many countries which have achieved the significant success in decrease of diseases and death rate from chronic noninfectious, has proved, to exactly the reduction of prevalence of smoking renders statistically authentic positive influence on parameters of a state of health.

It is impossible to force the patient to quit smoking. It is possible to generate personal motivation to refusal from smoking only by persuasion. In cases of the generated nicotinic dependence and occurrence of an abstinent syndrome it is necessary to recommend individual differentiated and, hence, effective therapy.

Now there are effective ways and means of the pharmacological therapy, allowing to overcome this dependence until the complete refusal from smoking. At absence of contra-indications there is a real opportunity to help those who wish to quit smoking, even at the generated strong dependence, and you mustn’t miss it.

Wellbutrin is used for:

Treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant. It works in the brain to treat depression. Exactly how it works is not known.

Do NOT use Wellbutrin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Wellbutrin
• you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion
• you have a history of an eating disorder (eg, anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (eg, epilepsy)
• you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (eg, benzodiazepines) after long-term use
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Wellbutrin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack
• if you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems (eg, cirrhosis)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Wellbutrin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), other antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine because they may increase the risk of Wellbutrin 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Wellbutrin 's effectiveness
• Antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Wellbutrin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Wellbutrin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Wellbutrin :

Use Wellbutrin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Wellbutrin comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Wellbutrin refilled.
• Take Wellbutrin by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without checking with your doctor.
• Take your doses at the same times each day at least 6 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with Wellbutrin.
• Continue to take Wellbutrin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin , skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Wellbutrin.

Important safety information:

• Wellbutrin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Wellbutrin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are taking Wellbutrin ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Wellbutrin may increase your risk of seizures. Your risk may be greater if you also have certain medical conditions, use certain medicines, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk to your doctor to see if you may have a greater risk of seizures while taking Wellbutrin.
• If you already drink alcohol or use sedatives, do not suddenly stop them without first checking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping them may increase your seizure risk.
• Do not take decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), stimulants, or diet pills while you are taking Wellbutrin without first checking with your doctor. They may increase your risk of seizures.
• The risk of seizures may be greater if you take Wellbutrin in high doses or for a long time. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Wellbutrin for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Children and teenagers who take Wellbutrin may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Wellbutrin closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• If you have trouble sleeping, you may be taking your dose too close to bedtime. Talk with your doctor about changing your dosing schedule.
• Wellbutrin contains the same ingredients as Zyban, a medicine used to help stop smoking. Do not take Wellbutrin if you are also taking Zyban. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Use Wellbutrin with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Wellbutrin should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Wellbutrin while you are pregnant. Wellbutrin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Wellbutrin.

Possible side effects of Wellbutrin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Agitation; anxiety; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; taste changes; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight changes.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; confusion; changes in sexual desire or ability; delusions; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; hallucinations; hearing problems; joint or muscle pain; menstrual changes; new or worsening concentration problems, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated sense of well-being, inability to sit still, or other unusual or severe mental or mood changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual swelling; worsening depression.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.