Zyban

Zyban, originally intended for use as an anti-depressant, was found to be useful in helping people stop smoking, regardless of whether depressed or not.

However...

The canadian Medical Association Journal that a widely prescribed anti-depressant and anti-smoking drug has potentially deadly side effects.

Zyban, also marketed as Wellbutrin, is manufactured by the Drug Company GlaxoSmithKline. It has been prescribed to about 2 million people since 1998, and there have been problems associated with the drug, including 19 deaths in Canada.

Last July, GlaxoSmithKline issued a warning to the doctors about potentially serious side effects associated with the drugs, including seizures and convulsions. Health Canada re-issued the warning in September. People on the medication ZYBAN need to have their risk profile assessed before it's prescribed and they need to be monitored.

Contra-indications

Epilepsy
History of seizures
Eating disorders
manic depression
pregnancy
Breast feeding
CNS tumor
Alcohol

Side effects

difficulty in concentration
dizziness
insomnia
dry mouth
increased blood pressure
Fast heart beat
postural hypotension
reddened skin
tremor
headache
dizziness
depression
confusion
anxiety
restless
fever
chest pain
weakness
reduced appetite
stomach upset
rash
itch
sweating
tinnitus
altered taste
visual disturbances

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