Zyban

Generic Name: Bupropion

Disclaimer: The following information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for more information about this medication.

Most Common Medical Uses:

Zyban is primarily used to help people quit smoking by reducing withdrawal effects. However, it may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take This Medication:

Take this medication exactly as directed, usually twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release tablets, as they are designed to release slowly in your body. Single doses of Zyban should not exceed 150 mg, and doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart, with a maximum daily dose of 300 mg. Since this drug can cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take it near bedtime. It is advised to continue smoking during the first week after starting this drug, until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not smoke while using any nicotine products with this drug, as too much nicotine can cause serious side effects.

Possible Side Effects:

Possible side effects of Zyban include dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, constipation, anxiety, and fatigue. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or particularly bothersome.

Precautions:

Before taking Zyban, inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor, heart, liver, or kidney disease, an eating disorder or any mental conditions, diabetes, or if you have any allergies. Do not take Zyban if you have epilepsy or another type of seizure disorder, or if you have ever been diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia. Alcohol can increase your risk of seizures, so it's best to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop drinking while taking Zyban may increase their risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) is also 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. Do not take Zyban without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drug Interactions:

Do not take Zyban if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Many drugs can interact with Zyban, resulting in side effects and/or decreased effectiveness of the medication. Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage:

Store this medicine at room temperature, 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Notes:

Do not share Zyban with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

Bupropion, sold under the brand name Zyban, is not only prescribed as a medication to help people stop smoking, but it also has potential uses as an antidepressant and for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

As a smoking cessation aid, Zyban has been found to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, irritability, and restlessness. It is typically prescribed for a course of 7 to 12 weeks, during which time the patient gradually decreases their smoking until they quit altogether.

In addition to smoking cessation, Zyban has been found to be effective in the treatment of depression, particularly in individuals who do not respond well to traditional antidepressants. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine.

Furthermore, studies have shown that bupropion may be effective in treating ADHD, particularly in adults. It has been found to improve attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

When selling Zyban or any medication, it is important to emphasize the potential benefits and risks associated with the drug, as well as to encourage patients to speak with their healthcare provider about any concerns or questions they may have. It is also important to adhere to all regulations regarding the sale and distribution of prescription medications, as failure to do so can result in legal consequences.