ZYBAN

Who is Zyban for ?

Bupropion SR (Wellbutrin SR), an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. Bupropion SR(Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Bupropion regulates certain brain chemicals--dopamine and norepinephrine--to elevate mood. It is believed that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Controlling these chemical imbalances will help improve depressive symptoms.

When should I be careful taking Zyban ?

Bupropion may cause seizures when taken in large doses. Take bupropion in divided doses three or four times daily to minimize the risk of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, brain tumors, head injuries, or an eating disorder or are taking anti-psychotics, tranquilizers or other antidepressants.

Before taking bupropion,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bupropion or any other drugs.
• in addition to the drugs listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; antipsychotics; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); diet pills; insulin; levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); oral antidiabetic medications; other antidepressants; ritonavir (Norvir); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur, others), thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins. You should not take Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin SR and Zyban together. Also tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol or are addicted to cocaine, opiates or other drugs so that you can properly taper and end their use. Abrupt withdrawal increases seizure risk.
• in addition to the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, an over active thyroid gland, or liver, or kidney or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bupropion, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking bupropion.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Side Effects

Side effects from bupropion are common:

• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• nightmares
• change in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• frequent urination
• difficulty urinating
• constipation
• blurred vision
• change in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating
• headaches

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures or tremors
• loss of coordination
• fever
• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• muscle or joint pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• dizziness
• fainting
• shakiness
• sweating
• confusion
• blurred vision
• seizure
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
• loss of consciousness
• rapid or pounding hearbeat
• blurred vision
• lightheadedness
• confusion
• lack of energy
• upset stomach
• jitteriness