ZYBAN DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement 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.
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