How safe is Zyban

By Merill Haseen

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Is Zyban really dangerous
...asks JohnJo, after reports last week that 18 people on the drug had died.

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�What is Zyban
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is an anti-smoking drug. It inhibits the craving for cigarettes by regulating the brain chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline, which are believed to be linked to cigarette addiction. And, unlike other smoking cures, it contains no nicotine.�
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How long has it been around
It has been taken by 15 million people worldwide and became available on prescription in the UK in June last year.

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Was Zyban the cause of the 18 deaths
Of the 18 who died, four had heart attacks, two committed suicide, four succumbed to brain disorders and one suffered an asthma attack. GlaxoSmithKline, which makes the drug, said there was 'no evidence of an increased risk of death associated with Zyban.' The Department of Health added that some people taking the drug may already be seriously ill with cigarette-related ailments.

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Why the headlines
Zyban is being closely monitored by the Medicines Control Agency, and GPs have been reporting any kind of side-effect experienced by anyone taking the drug.

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Such as
Of the 270,000 smokers in the UK who have been given courses of Zyban, there have been reports of 3,457 patients complaining of adverse reactions, mostly insomnia, rashes, nausea, headaches, a dry mouth, depression, anxiety and chest pain. Plus, there have been 73 reports of people suffering seizures.

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Aren't some of these normal when giving up smoking
Yes, most people will experience a dry mouth and insomnia - and extreme irritability!

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Isn't smoking more likely to kill you
At present, about 120,000 people in this country die of smoking-related diseases each year. Zyban is a key part of Government plans to help Britain's 12 million smokers quit, and cut the annual �1.7 billion cost of treating smoking-related illnesses.

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Can anyone take Zyban
People with a history of epilepsy and related illnesses are advised to avoid the drug.