Drug Name

Zyban (Bupropion)

Drug Uses

Zyban is used for helping certain patients to stop smoking cigarettes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Zyban as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Zyban by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Zyban whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking Zyban without checking with your doctor.
• Take your doses at the same times each day at least 8 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with Zyban.
• It takes about 1 week for Zyban to work. You should begin taking while you are still smoking. However, you and your doctor should decide on a date that you will stop smoking during the 2nd week of taking Zyban.
• If you have not made progress towards stopping smoking by the 12th week, contact your doctor.
• If you are not able to stop smoking while using Zyban, talk to your doctor to determine why you were not successful. After the reasons have been reduced or eliminated, you should try to stop smoking again.
• Continue to take Zyban even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zyban is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At least one brand of Zyban is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zyban, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Zyban at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zyban out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Zyban if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyban;
• you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion;
• you have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy);
• you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) after long-term use;
• Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
  
  Some medical conditions may interact with Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
  • if you have diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack
  • if you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems (eg, cirrhosis)
  
  
  Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), other antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine because they may increase the risk of Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets's side effects
  • Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets's effectiveness
  • Antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• anxiety; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; trouble sleeping.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; concentration problems, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated sense of well-being, inability to sit still, or other unusual or severe mental or mood changes; confusion; changes in sexual desire or ability; delusions; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; hallucinations; hearing problems or ringing in the ears; joint or muscle pain; menstrual changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor.

More Information

Zyban is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.