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. |
