Zyban
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zyban
Zyban is an anti-depressant medicine. It is used for treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At is also used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
Therapeutic Uses of Zyban
Zyban is used for treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder Zyban is used for helping certain patients to stop smoking cigarettes. It may also be used for other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Zyban
Zyban should be used as per direction of your doctor. Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions or use Zyban as given below:
- Zyban is taken by mouth with food or on empty stomach.
- Swallow Zyban pill as a whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing it before swallowing.
- It may take several weeks before you can see some symptomatic improvement. If you do not get any result in few weeks you should not stop taking Zyban without checking with your doctor.
- Take your doses of Zyban at the same times each day and generally at least 8 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with Zyban.
- It takes about 1 week for Zyban to start working. You should begin taking while you are still smoking. However, you and your doctor should decide on a date that you will stop smoking during the 2nd week onwards of taking Zyban.
- If you have not made any progress towards stopping smoking by 3 months, you should consult your doctor.
- If you are not able to stop smoking by use of Zyban, discuss with your doctor to determine why you were not able to stop smoking. After you find the reason you should try to stop smoking again by eliminating the reason.
- Continue to take Zyban till you are sure that you will not start smoking again without missing a dose of it.
If You Miss a Dose of Zyban
If you miss a dose of Zyban, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once for missing a dose of it.
How to Store Zyban
Zyban should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) can be done without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a light resistant container. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep Zyban out of the reach of children.
More Information About Zyban
Zyban is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If you have any question about Zyban, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zyban
Do not use Zyban if you are suffering from any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor as soon as possible:
- If you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyban.
- If you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion (Zyban) or similar drugs.
- If you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (benzodiazepines) after using it for ling time.
- If you have history of any eating disorder like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa or if you have seizures (epilepsy).
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyban. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions that may interact with Zyban, especially any of the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine or nonprescription medicine also known as over the counter (OTC) medicine, any herbal preparation, or any dietary supplement.
- If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or any other substance.
- If you or one of your family member have a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), any other mental or mood problems like depression, suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts, or alcohol or any drug abuse.
- If you are suffering from diabetes, kidney problem, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems like congestive heart failure (CCF), or a recent heart attack.
- If you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumors in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems like cirrhosis of liver.
Some medicines may interact with Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets, especially any of the following:
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin etc. because they may decrease effectiveness of Zyban (Sustained Release Tablets).
- Amantadine, antipsychotics (haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (prednisolone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (mono amine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine), nicotine patches (used for quitting smoking), oral hypoglycemics (used in diabetes treatment e.g. glipizide), other antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (pseudoephedrine), theophylline, because they may increase the risk of side effects of Zyban Sustained-Release Tablets.
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs (propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol), phenothiazines (thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline), or tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline) etc. because the risk side effects of these drugs may be increased by Zyban.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zyban
- Nausea, nervousness, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth; loss of appetite, stomach pain; stuffy nose; trouble sleeping etc. are the minor and common side effects of Zyban. If any of these common and minor side effects become bothersome and/or persistent, you should consult your doctor.
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the severe side effects of Zyban occurs. The severe side effects of Zyban are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurring of vision or any other vision change, hearing problems or ringing in the ears; chest pain; exaggerated sense of well-being, concentration problems, panic attacks, confusion, aggressiveness, hallucinations, delusions, impulsiveness, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts irritability, hostility, inability to sit still, or other unusual or severe mental or mood changes, changes in sexual ability, changes in sexual desire, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever or chills, joint or muscle pain, menstrual changes; red, swollen, blistering, or peeling of skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; shortness of breath, tremor.