Zyban (Bupropion)

Zyban is primarily used to treat depressions and major seasonal affective disorders. Among other medical conditions, Zyban can be successfully used upon your doctor's decision to help you to quit smoking by reducing unpleasant side effects associated with it.

To reach desired results, a patient should strictly follow doctor's recommendations and take Zyban according to instructions provided on the medicine label.
Zyban should be taken by mouth before, during, or after meals every day at the same hours, every 8 hours, or as directed by your doctor. In case you accidentally miss your dose, do not take 2 doses during your next medicine intake. Stay with your dosing schedule. The medicine is required to be taken in whole, without being chewed or crushed.

The treatment with Zyban starts while you still keep smoking at least 1 week before you plan to quit smoking altogether. You and your doctor should decide on the exact day you stop smoking cigarettes during the second week of treatment. Regular intake of the recommended doses will minimize risks of possible seizures. It may take several weeks before you feel any significant improvements. If you can't stop smoking by the 12th week of treatment, immediately contact your doctor. Do not stop taking or miss any doses of Zyban without first consulting a doctor, even if you feel very well. If there is no progress in treatment, your doctor will have to re-evaluate the treatment plan. After that you may repeat the treatment.

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.

Optimal storage temperature condition for Zyban is 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) but the temperature range between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is acceptable. The medicine should be stored in a dry, dark place, away from heat, and out of reach of children and pets.

Some medical conditions and medicines can affect Zyban efficiency. Do not use Zyban in the following circumstances:

• allergies to any medicine components;
• if you take any medicine containing bupropion;
• if you are using or have used phenelzine or any other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within the past two weeks;
• immediately after long-term use of alcohol and sedatives.

• pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• breastfeeding;
• taking any other medicine, prescription of over-the-counter, herbs, and dietary supplements;
• allergies of any kind;
• mental problems and disorders, including but not limited to bipolar disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, mood problems, and substance abuse;
• kidney problems, diabetes, cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure, heart attack, etc.), and liver problems;
• head injuries, tumors, and seizures.

• Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline).

Contact you doctor in case you develop any of the following common side affects that tend to persist or become too 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); tremor; shortness of breath; blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; joint or muscle pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; concentration problems, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, suicidal thoughts or attempts; 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; hallucinations; hearing problems or ringing in the ears; menstrual problems; red, swollen, blistering, or peeling skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or trouble sleeping.

Only patients for whom Zyban was prescribed must use the medicine. Sharing the medicine with other people is prohibited.