Drug Name

Zyban (Bupropion)

Drug Uses

Zyban is an antidepressant and indicated as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.

How Taken

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.
  
  Important:
  • Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
  • Do not take decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), stimulants, or diet pills while you are taking Zyban without first checking with your doctor. They may increase your risk of seizures.
  • If you have trouble sleeping, you may be taking your dose too close to bedtime. Talk with your doctor about changing your dosing schedule.
  • It is important to follow the program that your doctor has prescribed, including behavioral changes, counseling, or support services, in order to stop smoking.
  • Zyban can be used together with the nicotine skin patches only under the supervision of your doctor. Using these medicines together may raise your blood pressure. If you are already using a nicotine skin patch, your blood pressure should be checked regularly.
  • Do not smoke if you are using Zyban along with the nicotine skin patch or any nicotine product.
  • Stopping smoking may change the amount of certain medicines (e.g., theophylline, warfarin) in your blood. Be sure your doctor knows all the medicines that you are taking.
  • Zyban contains the same ingredients as Wellbutrin, an antidepressant. Do not take Zyban if you are also taking Wellbutrin or other brands of bupropion. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
  • Use Zyban with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyban while you are pregnant. Zyban is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zyban.

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.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• 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.