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.
