We now know that cigarettes are addictive, and that nicotine is the drug in
tobacco that causes addiction. Smokers are compelled to smoke by this addiction
to nicotine, but it is the over 4000 other chemicals in cigarette smoke that
cause the most harm. This combination makes cigarettes deadly.
May also be referred to as: Bupropion, Wellbutrin.
Zyban is the first nicotine-free pill that, as part of a comprehensive program
from your health care professional, can help you stop smoking. It's prescription
medicine available only from your health care professional for smokers 18 and
older.
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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.
