Zyban

Zyban is a prescription medication drug. GlaxoSmithKline "repackaged" Wellbutrin and marketed it as the smoking-cessation drug Zyban. It has been used, very successfully, to treat nicotine addiction directly.

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.

More than a third of the people who take Zyban while participating in a support program are able to quit smoking for at least 1 month. Zyban can also prove helpful when people with conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema decide it's time to quit.

Safety Information

People who use Zyban need to know if they have any of these conditions:

• Frequently drink alcoholic beverages.
• An eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia and bipolar disorder or psychosis.
• Diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication.
• Heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat.
• Head injury or brain tumor.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney disease, liver disease, seizures (convulsions).
• Breast-feeding.
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Zyban Side Effects

You should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible if you experience these side effects:

• Blurred vision and difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) and increased blood pressure.
• Hallucinations.
• Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Agitation, anxiety, or restlessness, especially in the first week of treatment or when doses are changed.
• Seizures skin rash, itching, hives and vomiting.

Some other side effects may also occur like:

• Loss of appetite and loss of sexual drive.
• Change in taste and constipation.
• Difficulty in sleeping and dizziness.
• Dry mouth and headache.
• Increased sweating.
• Nausea and tremor and,
• Weight loss.

Stop taking Zyban and consult with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these side effects.

If you have a liver or kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may need to be reduced. Also 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 the drug's effect on you.

Warning

Zyban has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Because Zyban contains the same ingredient as the antidepressant Wellbutrin, anyone considering the use of Zyban or any other antidepressant must balance this risk with the clinical need.

Individuals being treated with Zyban and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior- and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional well before your scheduled surgery that you are taking Zyban (bupropion).

Do not use nicotine patches or chewing gum without the advice of your prescriber while on Zyban (bupropion). You may need to have your blood pressure taken regularly if your prescriber recommends that you use both nicotine and bupropion together.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Also do not take any herbal or non-prescription medicines for weight loss without your doctor's advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

NOTE: This is for information purpose only. Consult your pharmacist, healthcare professional or other healthcare professional before taking the product.