WARNING

While Zyban (bupropion) is generally considered safe and effective for smoking cessation and other approved uses, it does come with certain risks and potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting the medication. Some key risks associated with taking Zyban include:

• Seizures: There is an increased risk of seizures, especially at higher doses. Individuals with a history of seizures or conditions that may increase the risk should use Zyban with caution.
• Mental Health Effects: Zyban may cause changes in mood or behavior, including the possibility of depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual behaviors. Individuals with a history of mental health conditions should be closely monitored.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to Zyban, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is required if any signs of an allergic reaction occur.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Zyban can interact with other medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
• Insomnia and Other Side Effects: Common side effects of Zyban include insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. These side effects are generally mild and may improve over time.
• Alcohol Interaction: Excessive alcohol use should be avoided while taking Zyban, as it can increase the risk of seizures and may diminish the effectiveness of the medication.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The use of Zyban during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be carefully considered, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks. It’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Zyban may cause dizziness or blurred vision in some individuals, so caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery.

It’s crucial to take Zyban under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can assess your individual health status, consider potential risks, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely and attend regular check-ups during the course of treatment.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Zyban is a prescription medication primarily used to help people quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Its active ingredient is bupropion, which is thought to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in nicotine dependence.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Zyban is typically used:

• Starting Treatment: It is recommended to start Zyban treatment 1 to 2 weeks before the quit date. This allows the medication to reach a steady level in your body.
• Dosage: The usual recommended dose is one 150 mg tablet once a day for the first 3 days. After the initial 3 days, the dose is increased to one 150 mg tablet twice daily. The total daily dose should not exceed 300 mg.
• Duration of Use: Treatment with Zyban is often continued for 7 to 12 weeks. If you have successfully quit smoking by the end of this period, your healthcare provider may recommend continuing treatment for an additional 3 to 6 months to help reduce the risk of smoking relapse.
• Quitting Smoking: It is important to set a quit date while taking Zyban, usually during the second week of treatment. The medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and may adjust the treatment plan if needed.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and not to exceed the recommended dosage. Additionally, if you experience any unusual or severe side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Keep in mind that Zyban may interact with other medications, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.

As individual circumstances may vary, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Zyban or any other medication.

Other uses for this medicine

Some other uses of Zyban may include:

• Treatment of Depression: Bupropion, the active ingredient in Zyban, is also used as an antidepressant. It works by affecting the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bupropion may be prescribed to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter when sunlight exposure is reduced.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Bupropion is sometimes used off-label to treat ADHD, often in combination with other medications.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for precautions, here are some important considerations:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of seizures, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or any other mental health conditions.
• Allergies: Let your healthcare provider know if you are allergic to bupropion or any other medications.
• Seizure Risk: Bupropion may lower the seizure threshold, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures or conditions that may increase the risk of seizures.
• Mental Health: Monitor your mental health closely, and contact your healthcare provider if you experience changes in mood, behavior, or have suicidal thoughts.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, as Zyban may interact with certain drugs.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Zyban with your healthcare provider.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend regular check-ups during the course of treatment. If you experience any side effects or have concerns about the medication, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

As for special dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Zyban. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Zyban, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Zyban (bupropion) can cause various side effects, and it’s important to be aware of them and promptly notify your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe symptoms. Common side effects of Zyban include:

• Insomnia (Difficulty Sleeping): Zyban may cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Taking the medication earlier in the day can sometimes help mitigate this side effect.
• Dry Mouth: Some people may experience dry mouth while taking Zyban. Staying hydrated and chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy may help alleviate this symptom.
• Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect, but it often improves over time. Taking Zyban with food may help reduce nausea.
• Dizziness: Zyban can cause dizziness. Avoid driving or engaging in activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
• Agitation or Restlessness: Some individuals may experience increased agitation or restlessness, especially at the beginning of treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if this persists.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect. Staying hydrated and using over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your healthcare provider, may help.
• Weight Loss: Some people may experience weight loss while taking Zyban.
• Tremor (Shaking): Tremors, especially in the hands, have been reported as a side effect.
• Increased Sweating: Zyban may lead to increased sweating.
• Blurred Vision: Some individuals may experience blurred vision. If this occurs, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know.
• Changes in Appetite: Changes in appetite, including decreased or increased appetite, have been reported.

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. These may include:

• Seizures: The risk of seizures is increased with higher doses of Zyban. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures or conditions that may increase the risk.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention.
• Mood Changes: Some people may experience mood changes, including depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual behaviors. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any significant changes in mood or behavior.

It’s important to take Zyban under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor for side effects and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Zyban:

• Storage: Store Zyban (bupropion) at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: If you have unused or expired Zyban, it’s important to dispose of it properly. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for guidance on safe medication disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or emergency, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, and severe confusion.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Healthcare Provider’s Instructions: Take Zyban exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Quit Date: Choose a quit date within the second week of Zyban treatment. This is the date you plan to stop smoking.
• Smoking Cessation Support: Zyban is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program that includes behavioral support. Consider joining a smoking cessation program or seeking counseling to improve your chances of success.
• Monitoring Mental Health: Pay attention to your mental health while taking Zyban. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience changes in mood, behavior, or have suicidal thoughts.
• Regular Check-ups: Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns or side effects.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption while taking Zyban, as excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of seizures.
• Driving and Machinery: Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, especially when starting Zyban treatment. It can cause dizziness or blurred vision in some individuals.
• Inform Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Zyban with your healthcare provider.
• Regular Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support your overall well-being during the smoking cessation process.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance based on your individual health status and needs.