Zyban: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Zyban belongs to the group of antidepressants but is effective in alleviating symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, thereby reducing the urge to smoke. Zyban is often prescribed in a smoking cessation support program.

Zyban (Bupropion Hcl) is often used in combination with a smoking cessation plan (eg, with a support group, counseling) to help you quit smoking.
Zyban belongs to the class of antidepressants, which are used to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms (eg, irritability, anxiety, restlessness) and the urge to smoke. It is not clear how this drug works to reduce the urge to smoke, but it may work by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Quitting smoking is a healthy action that should be encouraged and promoted. If you can quit smoking or limit smoking, you can reduce your risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer.

Zyban is usually taken orally, twice a day with or without food. If you have an upset stomach, take the medicine with food. It is important that you take your doses at least 8 hours apart or as directed by your doctor to reduce the risk of seizures. When starting to take the drug, the user may have trouble sleeping. To avoid insomnia, do not take the evening dose too close to bedtime. To prevent the drug from exerting its full potency at once, do not crush or chew the tablet while taking it. This can also increase the risk of side effects, including seizures. It is best to swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing it. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. You can increase the dose slowly to limit side effects. Do not take more or less medicine than prescribed by your doctor. Specifically: do not take more than 150 milligrams per drink and do not take more than 300 milligrams per day. Taking more Zyban than recommended can increase your risk of having a seizure. Health professionals recommend waiting at least a week after taking the drug before trying to quit. The goal is for the amount of Bupropion to reach a sufficiently high level in the blood. You can set a quit date (or stop smoking) on ​​the 2nd week of taking the pill. If needed, Zyban can be taken with a nicotine patch or gum to help you quit smoking. The combination of nicotine and Bupropion can increase your blood pressure. If you are using any product containing nicotine with this medicine, you should not smoke. Ingesting too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Use Zyban exactly as prescribed to maximize the effectiveness of smoking cessation. If after 7 to 12 weeks of taking the drug, you still don't get better, let your doctor know.

Similar to many other drugs, Zyban can also bring some side effects such as: Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, constipation, blurred vision, increased sweating bad breath, increased blood pressure, strange taste in the mouth, stomach pain. Tell your doctor if you have any serious reactions such as: Chest pain, fainting, fast heartbeat, pounding, irregular heartbeat, mood changes (e.g. Anxiety, agitation, confusion) confusion, memory loss), muscle pain, ringing in the ears, severe headache, uncontrolled movements (tremors), unusual weight loss or gain. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these reactions: Swollen eyes, dilated pupils, changes in vision (e.g. seeing rainbows around lights at night). In rare cases, Zyban may cause seizures. Get medical help right away if you have a seizure. If you have a seizure while taking Bupropion, you should not take this medicine again. In some cases, the empty capsule may not have been digested and show up in your stool. No need to worry as this is harmless.

Before taking Zyban, be aware of the following:
If you are allergic to Bupropion or any other condition, tell your doctor right away; Talk to your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have ever had epilepsy or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain (head) injuries, tumors in the brain, motor abnormalities heart disease, eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia), alcoholism or drug dependence, diabetes, heart disease (eg, congestive heart failure, recent heart attacks), blood pressure high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), mood disorders (eg, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of hypertension intraocular pressure (angle-closure type). Zyban should not be used if you have just stopped taking a sedative (including a benzodiazepine such as Lorazepam), an anticonvulsant, or alcohol... as this may increase your risk of convulsions. Do not take Zyban with any other product containing bupropion (e.g. Antidepressants) because absorbing large doses of bupropion is more likely to cause seizures. Zyban can cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, so patients should not use it with stimulants and alcoholic beverages. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness or concentration while this medicine is working; Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Zyban, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness may increase the risk of falls in the elderly. For pregnant women, Zyban should only be used when absolutely necessary. Behavioral therapy and smoking cessation education should be a priority for pregnant women who wish to quit smoking. Ask for advice and seek medical advice. For women who are breastfeeding, Zyban can pass into breast milk and cause unwanted effects on young children, please consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Some drugs that may react with Zyban include: Codeine, Pimozide, Tamoxifen. MAO inhibitors (such as Linezolid, Phenelzine, Safinamide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Isocarboxazid, Moclobemide, Procarbazine, Tranylcypromine ...) if used together with Zyban can cause serious drug interactions, even death. Do not take MAO inhibitors 2 weeks before and after smoking cessation with Zyban. Zyban may affect the results of certain tests (such as urine amphetamines, brain scans for signs of Parkinson's disease). Tell your doctor and laboratory staff that you are taking this medicine.

Overdose: If you overdose on Zyban and you experience symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Other possible signs of overdose are: Convulsions, severe confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness, severe drowsiness. In addition, people who want to quit smoking are encouraged to carry out regular medical tests such as blood pressure monitoring, liver function tests... to prevent and check for side effects. Missed dose: If 1 dose is missed, skip the missed dose and take the medicine as usual. Do not try to catch up by taking a double dose. Storage: Store Zyban at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Bupropion tablets may have a strange smell, this is normal and the medicine is still safe to take. Keep medication out of reach of children and range of pets.

Reference source: Webmd