ZYBAN

Drug Name: ZYBAN

ZYBAN DESCRIPTION:
BUPROPION SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL (SMOKING DETERRENT) (byou-PRO-pee-on)

COMMON ZYBAN BRAND NAME(S):
Zyban

ZYBAN SIDE EFFECTS:
ZYBAN 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 unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation or trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive or drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction to this drug occurs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rash and itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ZYBAN:
ZYBAN: Swallow ZYBAN 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 ZYBAN can cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. It is advised to continue smoking for the first week after starting ZYBAN, until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not smoke if using any nicotine products with ZYBAN. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking ZYBAN without notifying your doctor.

ZYBAN USES:
ZYBAN is used to help you quit smoking.

ZYBAN PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking bupropion tell 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. Because of the possibility ZYBAN 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 ZYBAN. ZYBAN is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using ZYBAN is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ZYBAN 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, furazolidone), levodopa, theophylline, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), seizure medications, sedatives, ritonavir, tranquilizers/psychiatric drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine), other antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), salicylates (e.g., aspirin, salsalate), isoniazid, chlolinesterase inhibitors (e.g., tacrine, donepezil), morphine, adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine) and narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with ZYBAN. Check all nonprescription/prescription drug labels for caffeine. Consult doctor or pharmacist. A certain product used for depression contains bupropion. Do not take that product while using this one. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ZYBAN 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.

ZYBAN NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to take ZYBAN.

MISSED ZYBAN 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.

ZYBAN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.