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Zyban |
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What is Zyban and why is it prescribed? Zyban is a nicotine-free quit-smoking aid. Instead of nicotine, it contains the same active ingredient as the antidepressant medication Wellbutrin. It works by boosting the levels of several chemical messengers in the brain. With more of these chemicals at work, you experience a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a weakening of the urge to smoke. Zyban can also prove helpful when people with conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema decide it's time to quit. About 1 person in 1,000 suffers a seizure while taking Zyban. For this reason, people with epilepsy and certain other disorders should never take the drug. Don't share Zyban with friends. How should you take Zyban? Follow your doctors directions for taking Zyban. Treatment with Zyban begins while you are still smoking. Zyban needs about a week to reach an effective level in your body. To improve your chance of success, you should not attempt to quit until the second week of treatment. Set a firm date for quitting. If you are still smoking after that date, your odds of breaking the habit will be worse. You should keep taking Zyban for 7 to 12 weeks. You can use nicotine patches along with Zyban. However, combining the two treatments can raise your blood pressure, so it's important to tell your doctor if you plan to use both. Do not smoke while using a patch, because too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Swallow Zyban tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush them. If you miss a dose do not take an extra tablet to "catch up" for the missed dose. Skip the dose and take your next tablet at the regularly scheduled time. Store Zyban at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep out of direct sunlight. Are there any Zyban side effects? Zyban side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. The most common Zyban side effects are dry mouth and sleeplessness. These are generally mild and usually disappear after a few weeks. If you have difficulty sleeping, avoid taking Zyban close to bedtime and ask your doctor about reducing your dosage. More common Zyban side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, disturbed concentration, dizziness, joint pain, increased cough, itching, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, rash, and sore throat. Less common Zyban side effects may include abnormal thinking, allergic reaction, bronchitis, changes in taste, difficulty breathing, dry skin, fever, hives, hot flashes, increased appetite or loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, migraine, mouth ulcers, muscle pain, neck pain, nosebleed, ringing in the ears, shakiness, sinus inflammation, sleepiness, and throbbing heartbeat. Rare Zyban side effects may include chest pain, feeling of unhappiness, thirst, and swelling of the face. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Zyban? If Zyban is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zyban with Alcohol, Amantadine (Symmetrel), Antidepressants (such as Norpramin, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft), Beta blockers (such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Heart-stabilizing drugs (such as Rythmol and Tambocor), Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol, Risperdal and Thorazine), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Orphenadrine (Norflex), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Steroids (such as prednisone and hydrocortisone), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair). Are there any special warnings about Zyban? Because the chance of a seizure from Zyban rises with the amount in your system, never take more than one 150-milligram tablet at a time, and limit your total daily intake to 2 doses (300 milligrams). A variety of conditions can predispose you to seizures, including prior head injuries, prior seizures, central nervous system tumors, cirrhosis of the liver, too much alcohol, abrupt withdrawal from alcohol, tranquilizers, or sedatives, addiction to narcotics or cocaine, use of over-the-counter stimulants or diet pills, use of diabetes medications, or use of antidepressants, major tranquilizers, steroids, or theophylline. If any of these apply to you, use Zyban with care. If you do have a seizure while taking Zyban, stop taking the drug and never take it again. Stop taking Zyban and call your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing; notice swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat; develop swollen arms and legs; or break out with itchy eruptions. These are warning signs of a potentially severe allergic reaction. If you have a liver or kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may need to be reduced. Make certain the doctor knows about any heart condition you may have. Zyban can interfere with your driving ability. Don't drive or operate dangerous machinery until you are certain of Zyban's effect on you. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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