The following information is a summary about Zyban. It is not
intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(BUPROPION sustained release - ORAL)
USES
Zyban is used to help
you quit smoking.
DIRECTIONS
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.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking
Zyban 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 it. Zyban is excreted into breast milk. Because of the
potential risk to the infant, BREAST-FEEDING WHILE USING THIS DRUG IS NOT
RECOMMENDED. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS
This
medication is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased sweating,
constipation, anxiety and fatigue may occur. If these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor.
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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before
taking Zyban 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.
NOTES
Do not allow anyone
else to take Zyban.
STORAGE
Store at room
temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. KEEP ZYBAN AND ALL
MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
For more information on Zyban, you can visit http://www.zyban.com.
