Zyban

Overview : Zyban is the first nicotine-free pill that can help you stop smoking. It is prescription medicine available only for smokers 18 and older.

Patient information:
This medicine contains the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride, which is a medicine used to help people who are dependant on nicotine to give up smoking. Bupropion affects neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. Bupropion prevents two neurotransmitters, noradrenaline and dopamine, from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells. Noradrenaline and dopamine are responsible for moderating mood and various other processes in the brain. It is thought that bupropion helps people to quit smoking by increasing the amount of noradrenaline and dopamine free to act in the brain.

Direction :
You should take ZYBAN as directed by your doctor. The usual recommended dosage is to take one 150-mg tablet in the morning for the first 3 days with or without food. On the fourth day, begin taking one 150-mg tablet in the morning and one 150-mg tablet in the early evening. Doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart. Never take an "extra" dose of ZYBAN. It is important to swallow ZYBAN tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets. You may take ZYBAN.

Side Effects:
The most common side effects experienced with Zyban include dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. Other side effects include Depression, Sweating, Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain,Visual disturbances, Fever (pyrexia), Dizziness, Seizures, Chest pain,Anxiety and agitation, Increased heart rate (tachycardia), Hypersensitivity reactions such as narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock, Rash or itching and Concentration disturbance.

Precautions:
It is important that the doctor has your complete medical history. 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; if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver, kidney, or heart disease; if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Zyban. 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. This medication is not to be used in women or children. Consult with your doctor if you have liver impairment, prostate cancer, kidney disease or obstructive uropathy.

Drug interactions :
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Bupropion or any other drugs.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; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); ritonavir (Norvir); sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.