TOP lawyers say there are still doubts over a controversial anti-smoking drug which is being widely prescribed in the region.

Zyban, which is seen as an important weapon in the war against tobacco, is playing an increasingly significant role in the North-East.

Hundreds of smokers in the region have been prescribed the drug, also known as bupropion, as part of an organised quit-smoking course.

The drug is part of the armoury of Smoking Cessation teams in Newcastle and North Tyneside which have the third best success rate in the country when it comes to persuading people to give up smoking.

Teams of Smoking Cessation workers in Teesside and County Durham and Darlington also rely on the drug to help people quit.

However, lawyers Alexander Harris, which is handling potential claims from more than 30 Zyban users who say they suffered serious side- effects, said there are still question marks over the safety of the drug.

A spokeswoman for Alexander Harris confirmed that they were pursuing the potential claim by their clients and stressed that while Zyban had been out of the headlines recently, it was still very much an issue.

Amanda Sinclair, 25, from Wheatley Hill, County Durham, approached Alexander Harris after suffering regular epileptic-type fits when she was prescribed Zyban.

After collapsing in the street she was put on anti-seizure drugs and has been advised not to be on her own.

Manufacturers GlaxoSmith Kline maintains that the drug is a safe and effective way of helping smokers to quit.

The Department of Health is monitoring adverse reactions.