Zyban

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zyban. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zyban:

• Take as directed by your physician. The use of nicotine patches or chewing gum can be possible with the recommendation of your care team.
• Zyban may interfere with certain medical/lab tests (such as brain scan for Parkinson's disease, and urine screening for amphetamines), possibly causing false test results.

The most common possible side effects of Zyban seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Tremors.
• Trouble sleeping or strange dreams.
• Anxiety.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zyban. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling, chest pain.
• Increase in blood pressure (hypertension).
• Increase in heart rate.
• Mood and behavior changes - anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood.
• Seizures or loss of consciousness.

These are not all of the possible adverse events for Zyban. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zyban, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia).
• Bipolar disorder or psychosis.
• Seizure disorder.
• Diabetes.
• Glaucoma.
• Head injury.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Seizures.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Tourette's syndrome.
• Weight loss.
• Allergic reaction to Zyban.
• Pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.

Boxed Warning

• Increased risk of or worsening of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants such as bupropion.

• Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion (Zyban) or sudden discontinuation of alcohol, sedatives (benzodiazepines), barbiturates, and antiepileptic medications may increase the risk of seizures.
• Seizures.
• Currently have or have had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
• Are taking or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days
• Zyban can raise blood pressure, especially when used in combination with nicotine replacement.

It takes about a week for Zyban to begin working. It is recommended to organize a smoking quit date during the second week of treatment.

When Zyban is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used in the past 14 days.
• Wellbutrin.
• Alcohol.
• Anxiety or sleep medications.
• Blood pressure medications (metoprolol, propranolol).
• Depression medications.
• HIV or AIDS medications (efavirenz, ritonavir).
• Irregular heartbeat medications (propafenone, flecainide).
• Parkinson's disease medications (amantadine, levodopa).
• Seizure medications (carbamazepine, phenytoin).
• Clopidogrel.
• Steroid medications (prednisone, cortisone).
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders or weight loss.
• Theophylline.
• Ticlopidine.

It is available in the following:

• Zyban 150 mg sustained-release tablets.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

GlaxoSmithKline is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Zyban.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand name Zyban.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without consulting your doctor first.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Zyban should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Zyban is known to pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.