About Zyban

Zyban is a medication which has a primary use of aiding people who want to quit smoking to give up the habit easily, by reducing the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with cessation.

Uses or Indications

Zyban is primarily used as an aid during smoking cessation, by relieving the symptoms experienced with the procedure, and reducing the cravings associated with a relatively abrupt decline in nicotine intake.

How to use Zyban

Zyban comes in tablet form, for oral ingestion. Take the drug under strict observance of the directions of a physician. Zyban can be taken with or without prior food intake. If the drug is used as an aid to quit smoking, the user may still smoke for a week after the first intake; smoking may be scheduled to be totally disrupted on the second week of intake, since there is enough of the drug in the bloodstream to effectively aid in the quitting effort. Users who continue having difficulties in quitting after the seventh week should consult with a doctor.

Side effects

Patients who experience an allergic reaction, dramatic changes in mood or behavior, convulsions, or rapid and irregular heartbeat should discontinue intake and contact a doctor immediately. Slight and more common adverse effects include a decreased sex drive, headaches, changes in appetite, skin rashes and itching, nausea and vomiting, weight changes, and tremors.

Drug Precautions

People who should not use Zyban include those who have the following health conditions: eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia; seizure disorders; if they are currently taking another form of bupropion; if an abrupt cessation of alcohol or sedative intake is made. Notify the doctor if these conditions are currently experienced: liver and kidney illness, heart disease and high blood pressure; manic-depressive disorder; head injuries, and tumor of the spinal cord and the brain; suicidal thoughts, which may increase after the first few weeks of intake, or whenever the dosage is adjusted. Pregnant and nursing women may risk the unborn or nursing child if Zyban is taken without initial medical consultations.

Drug interactions

Patients who have taken MAO inhibitors like tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, rasagiline, selegiline, and phenelzine within the last two weeks should not take Zyban. Other drugs which may interact with Zyban include those used as treatment for depression and mental illness, steroids like theophylline, sedatives, narcotic medications for pain, and street drugs like `speed` and cocaine. Patients should notify their doctor of all current prescriptions or over-the-counter medications which they are currently taking, including dietary supplements, herbal products, and medications prescribed by other physicians.

Missed Dose

Taking extra doses in order to make up for a missed dose of Zyban can increase the chances of a seizure. If a missed dose is made, skip it and take the next one on the prescribed hour.

Overdose

Signs of an overdose may include weakness, a rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures, unconsciousness, and cardiac arrest. In the presence of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Storage

Store the medication within room temperature, away from excessive heat.