Information About Zyban

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

BUPROPION SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL (SMOKING DETERRENT) (byou-PRO-pee-on)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zyban

USES: This medication is used to help you quit smoking.

HOW TO USE: Swallow this medication 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 as directed, usually twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Since this drug can cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. It is advised to continue smoking for the first week after starting this drug, until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not smoke if using any nicotine products with this drug. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medication without notifying your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue and blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation, trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly: tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive, drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizures, head injury, brain tumor, heart disease, liver problems, kidney problems, eating disorder, any mental conditions, diabetes, alcohol dependence, any allergies. Because of the possibility this drug will make you dizzy and affect coordination, do not drive or operate machinery until you get used to the drug's effects. 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 this drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this drug. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug 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, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa, ritonavir, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives, adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) such as: phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), theophylline. Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with this drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription drug labels for caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. A certain product used to help quit smoking contains bupropion. Do not take that product while using this one. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision, lightheadedness, confusion, nausea, and seizures.

NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose 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.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.