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Zyban
is a sustained-release medication that is nicotine-free and
is used to help one stop smoking. Zyban has helped smokers to
stop, even those who have smoked 20 years or more. Zyban is
the first nicotine-free pill that, as part of a comprehensive
program from your healthcare professional, can help you stop
smoking. Zyban is prescription medicine available for smokers
18 and older
Directions Swallow
Zyban 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 Zyban as directed,
usually twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Do not take more
or less Zyban than prescribed. Since Zyban 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 Zyban,
until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not smoke
if using any nicotine products with Zyban. 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 Zyban. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant before taking Zyban. Zyban 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 Zyban. 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 Zyban.
Missed Dose
Take any missed dose of Zyban 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
of Zyban.
Notes
Do not allow anyone else to take Zyban.
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