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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This medication is employed as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program, which may include participation in a support group or counseling. Its purpose is to aid in your efforts to quit smoking by alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms and reducing your urge to smoke. Bupropion falls under the category of antidepressant medications. The precise mechanism by which bupropion diminishes the urge to smoke is not fully understood, but it may involve rebalancing certain natural brain chemicals.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, following your doctor’s instructions, usually twice a day. In case of stomach upset, take it with a meal. To minimize the risk of a seizure, make sure to space your doses at least 8 hours apart as directed by your doctor. Avoid taking your evening dose too close to bedtime if you experience difficulty sleeping.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew them. Chewing or crushing the tablets can cause the entire dose to be released at once, which may increase the likelihood of side effects.
The appropriate dosage is determined based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose to minimize side effects. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or alter the dosing frequency without your doctor’s guidance. Taking more than the recommended amount of bupropion could raise the risk of having a seizure.
It is advisable not to attempt quitting smoking until you’ve been taking bupropion for at least one week to allow the medication to reach an effective level in your bloodstream. Choose a quit date and stop smoking during the second week of using the drug.
If needed, your doctor may combine this medication with nicotine patches or gum to assist you in quitting smoking. Keep in mind that this combination might elevate your blood pressure, requiring careful monitoring by your doctor.
Refrain from smoking while using nicotine products in conjunction with this drug, as excessive nicotine intake can lead to severe side effects.
To maximize the benefits of this medication, use it consistently at the same times each day.
Inform your doctor if you are unable to quit smoking after 7 to 12 weeks of using this medication.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- drowsiness
- anxiety
- excitement
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- constipation
- excessive sweating
- ringing in the ears
- changes in your sense of taste
- frequent urination
- sore throat
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hallucinating
- irrational fears
- muscle or joint pain
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- fever
- rash or blisters
- itching
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- chest pain
Caution
Prior to taking bupropion, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, including allergies to this medication or other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product could potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before initiating this medication, discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of seizures or conditions that heighten the risk of seizures, such as head injuries, brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, or eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Disclose any history of alcohol or drug dependence, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver issues like cirrhosis, mental or mood disorders, or personal or family history of glaucoma.
This medication should not be used if you are abruptly discontinuing regular use of sedatives, drugs used for managing seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may heighten your risk of experiencing seizures.
This drug may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Consuming alcohol or marijuana may intensify these effects. Refrain from activities that require alertness or clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until you can do so safely.
Older adults may exhibit increased sensitivity to the side effects of this medication, particularly dizziness and memory impairment, which could elevate the risk of falls.
If you are pregnant, this medication should only be used when it is clearly necessary. For pregnant women seeking to quit smoking, behavioral therapy and smoking cessation education are preferred approaches. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor for guidance and potential alternatives.
Form and Strength
Zyban is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Zyban tablet:
- 150mg
FAQ
Can you drink alcohol on Zyban?
A person should not take Zyban and alcohol together. This is because alcohol can intensify the possible side effects associated with bupropion. It can also increase the risk of seizures, and the consequences can sometimes be fatal.
When should I start taking Zyban?
You should start taking Zyban a week before your smoking quit date. It takes about a week for this medication to start working.
Resources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bupropion-and-alcohol#summary
- https://www.goodrx.com/zyban/what-is#faqs
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/zyban
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1609/zyban-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html#:~:text=Bupropion%20(Zyban)%20is%20used%20to,of%20activity%20in%20the%20brain
- https://www.drugs.com/zyban.html
