Zyban/Bupropion

About Zyban

Zyban is a nicotine-free prescription medication used as an aid in the process of quitting smoking. It is an antidepressant, and as such, is also used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions. Zyban works by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) whose imbalance is believed to be a cause of depression. Generic Viagra

Zyban Side Effects

Some possible side effects of Zyban are drowsiness, weakness or tiredness, excitement or anxiety, dry mouth, insomnia, nightmares, change in appetite or weight. If any of these symptoms persist or are bothersome, consult a doctor. If you experience any of the following more serious side effects, consult a doctor: frequent urination or difficulty urinating, constipation, blurred vision, change in sex drive or ability, excessive sweating, headaches. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact a doctor immediately: seizures or tremors, loss of coordination, fever, severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, irregular heartbeat.

Zyban Proper Usage

Take Zyban exactly as directed. The tablet should be taken by mouth one to three times a day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. When you start taking Zyban, set a date to stop smoking during the second week of Zyban use. You will probably need to continue taking Zyban after that, for a total of at least 7 to 12 weeks. Do not suddenly quit using Zyban without first consulting your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a while. Your doctor will probably advise you to take lower doses gradually.

Zyban Proper Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Zyban Missed Dosage

If you take several doses per day, and you miss one, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and take the rest of the doses for that day in evenly spaced intervals. However, you should avoid taking a double dose: if by the time you remember the missed dose it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the regularly scheduled one. If you take Zyban once a day (at bedtime) and forget to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose and continue following your dosing schedule as usual.

Zyban Warnings

The safety of this medication has been established for most cases. However, in large doses, Zyban may cause seizures. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, brain tumors, head injuries, or an eating disorder. Also tell if you are taking anti-psychotics, tranquilizers, or other antidepressants. In addition, inform your doctor about history of glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver, kidney, or heart disease. Inform your doctor if you are, might be, or planning to be, pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are beast-feeding or plan to start breast-feeding. If you become pregnant during your Zyban treatment, contact your doctor immediately for directions. Before any medical procedure, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Zyban. Zyban may make you drowsy. Do not engage in potentially dangerous activities that require alertness (such as driving a car or operating machinery) until you know how you react to Zyban. Also, keep in mind that alcohol adds to the drowsiness, and limit your alcohol consumption appropriately.

Drug Interactions with Zyban

Some interactions between medications can be more severe than others. Tell your doctor and/or pharmacist of all the drugs you may be using, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal/natural products. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Bupropion or any other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); ritonavir (Norvir); sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins.