What is Zyban/Bupropion used for?

This medicine is used as an aid to quit smoking.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Zyban/Bupropion be stored?

Store between 68 and 77 degrees F. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Protect from light.

General drug information:

When should Zyban/Bupropion not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have seizures you are taking any other medication containing bupropion you have or have a history of an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia you are currently t

What precautions should I follow when taking Zyban/Bupropion?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a history of seizures if you have a history of head trauma if you have a brain tumor if you have severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis if you have impaired kidney function if you consume large amounts of alcohol or have a history of substance abuse if you have diabetes if you are using nicotine patches if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Zyban/Bupropion?

Never exceed the recommended dosage of this medicine as doing so increases the possibility of seizures.

What are the side effects of Zyban/Bupropion?

Most severe:  Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the lips and tongue); behavior changes; anxiety.

Most common:  Dry mouth; rash; shakiness; joint pain; sleeplessness; itching; stomach pain; nausea; constipation; diarrhea; mouth sores; abnormal dreams; disturbed concentration; dizziness; nervousness; runny nose; increased cough; sore throat.

Other:  Hot flashes; loss of appetite; abnormal thinking; chest pain; thirst; restlessness; ringing in the ears; dry skin; neck pain; increased appetite; muscle aches; tremor; drowsiness; bronchitis; changes in taste; pounding in the chest; sinus inflammation; nosebleed.

How should I take Zyban/Bupropion?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Swallow Tablet whole. Do not crush, divide, or chew. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider, usually for 7 to 12 weeks. Take this medicine with food if stomach upset occurs. Because of the risk of seizures, do not use this medicine in combination with any other medication containing bupropion. Wellbutrin SR and Zyban are not interchangeable. Do not substitute one form of this medicine for another. To maximize your chance of quitting smoking, you should not stop smoking until you have been taking this medicine for 1 week. You should set a date to stop smoking during the second week you are taking this medicine. It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use this medicine at the same time. However, continuing to smoke after the date you set to stop smoking will seriously reduce your chances of breaking your smoking habit. Using this medicine and nicotine patches (eg, Nicoderm CQ ) at the same time can raise your blood pressure. Use both only under your doctor's supervision. Do not smoke if you are using nicotine patches. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Counseling and support are important components of smoking cessation. Avoid taking this medicine close to bedtime if you are having difficulty sleeping. This medicine may have an odor. If present, the odor is normal. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking this medicine. Stop taking MAO inhibitors at least 14 days before taking this medicine. If you are uncertain whether your other medications contain an MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.