Tobacco.org

ABC News' Dr. Tim Answers Questions About Smoking 

Answer: As you might know, Zyban is the same chemical compound as the antidepressant, Wellbutrin -- both are bupropion. Patients have taken Wellbutrin for years at a time without long-term side effects. I recommend my patients to continue taking Zyban indefinitely in situations such as yours. The benefits far outweigh the risks. You can do this more cheaply by using generic bupropion, which, like Zyban, is available in 150 mg tablets taken twice a day. . . .

Question: Is there any other drugs besides Zyban that can help in smoking cessation? My insurance will not pay for Zyban. -- Gary Vornheder, Chicago, IL

Answer: There are a number of other medications. Of course, easiest to obtain are the nicotine patch and the nicotine gum, both of which are over-the-counter. Your doctor can also prescribe the nicotine inhaler or nicotine nose spray, but these are somewhat expensive, and -- if your insurance does not pay for Zyban -- I doubt your insurance will pay for these.

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