Zyban

Zyban is a sustained-release medication that is nicotine-free and is used to help one stop smoking. Zyban has helped smokers to stop, even those who have smoked 20 years or more. Zyban is the first nicotine-free pill that, as part of a comprehensive program from your healthcare professional, can help you stop smoking. Zyban is prescription medicine available for smokers 18 and older.

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Please consult your healthcare professional before using this or any other prescription or non-prescription medication.

Zyban Directions

Swallow Zyban whole. Do not crush or chew them or the sustained activity of the drug will be destroyed and the chances of side effects occurring may be increased. Take Zyban as directed, usually twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Do not take more or less Zyban than prescribed. Since Zyban can cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. It is advised to continue smoking for the first week after starting Zyban, until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not smoke if using any nicotine products with Zyban. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects.

Zyban Side Effects

Zyban is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, constipation, anxiety and fatigue may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Zyban Precautions

Before taking bupropion tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor; heart, liver or kidney disease, an eating disorder or any mental conditions, diabetes or if you have any allergies. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking bupropion may increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Zyban. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking Zyban. Zyban is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Zyban is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions with Zyban

Before taking bupropion tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medications you may use especially MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, selegiline, furazolidone), levodopa, theophylline, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), seizure medications, sedatives, ritonavir, tranquilizers/psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), other antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), salicylates (e.g., aspirin, salsalate), isoniazid, chlolinesterase inhibitors (e.g., tacrine, donepezil), morphine, and adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine). Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with Zyban. Check all nonprescription/prescription drug labels for caffeine. Consult doctor or pharmacist. A certain product used to help quit smoking contains bupropion. Do not take that product while using Zyban.

Missed Dose of Zyban

Take any missed dose of Zyban as soon as possible but not if it is within 8 hours of the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double up" the dose of Zyban.

Zyban Notes

Do not allow anyone else to take Zyban.