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Stop Smoking
Zyban Information What is Zyban?
Zyban (bupropion) is a prescription antidepressant in an extended-release form that reduces symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This drug affects chemicals in the brain that are related to nicotine craving. Zyban can be used alone or together with nicotine replacement. This medication should not be taken if you have a history of seizures, anorexia, heavy alcohol use, or head trauma.
Uses
This medication is used to help you quit smoking. 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. |
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Zyban
How to take this medication
Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew tablets 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. 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.
Precautions
Before taking Zyban (bupropion), infrom 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 Zyban
(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 this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Before taking Zyban (bupropion), inform 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. Certain products used to help quit smoking contain
bupropion. Do not take these products while using this one.
Notes
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
Missed Dosage
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 and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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