Zyban

Common uses

This medicine is a smoking cessation aid used to help you stop smoking.

Before using

Warning: this medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents who have severe depression or certain other mental or mood disorders. Children and adolescents who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not use this medicine if you are already taking bupropion to treat depression, taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or thioridazine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, certain high blood pressure medicines (e.g., "beta-blockers"), certain heart medicines (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), warfarin, decongestants, diabetes medicine, diet pills, levodopa, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), seizure medicines, tranquilizers, tramadol, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine), other products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum).

Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, head injury, tumors (e.g., brain or spinal cord), history of drug or alcohol addiction, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Do not use this medicine if you have a history of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia). Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of seizures, or muscle or nerve conditions. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a medication guide and a patient information leaflet. Read them carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. If you are taking more than 1 dose each day, allow at least 8 hours between doses.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

It takes 1 week for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. During the first week of taking this medicine you should continue to smoke. You should plan to stop smoking during the second week of taking this medicine.

Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or feelings of depression, contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your treatment with this medicine should be re-evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms daily. Contact the doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information.

This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Do not exceed the recommended dose of bupropion; doing so will increase your risk of having a seizure. 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 this medicine may increase the risk of having seizures. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Caution is advised when using this medicine in children or adolescent patients because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include restlessness, agitation, dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, change in weight, or tremor. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience palpitations. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe nervousness, anxiety, or agitation; panic attacks; difficulty sleeping; feelings of irritability or hostility; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; severe restlessness; feelings of depression; thoughts of hurting yourself; any mental or mood changes; or seizures. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision, lightheadedness, hallucinations, seizures, loss of conciousness.

Additional information

It is normal for this medicine to have an odor. It is harmless. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.