Possible
uses of this medication
Zyban is used to help you quit smoking.
How
to take this medication
Swallow this medication 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 as directed,
usually twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Do not take more or less
medication than prescribed. Since this drug 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 this drug,
until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not smoke if
using any nicotine products with this drug. Too much nicotine
can cause serious side effects.
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.
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 this
drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
before taking this drug. This drug 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
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
this drug. 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 this one.
Missed
Dose
Take any missed dose 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.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep
this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
