Zyban is a sustained-release medication that is nicotine-free and is used to help one stop smoking. It has already helped many smokers, even those who have smoked 20 years or more, stop smoking.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Zyban (bupropion) is a round purple film coated
tablet with the engraving of “Zyban 150” on its surface. It is a sustained
released tablet manufactured in only a single strength (150 milligrams).
AM I ADDICTED TO CIGARETTES?
You may be addicted to cigarettes if you experience one or more
of the following signs:
- You continue to smoke despite the desire to quit.
- You have made a serious, but unsuccessful, attempt to stop using
tobacco or permanently reduce the amount you use.
- Your attempts to stop smoking have led to physical withdrawal
symptoms, including a craving for tobacco, anxiety, irritability, restlessness,
difficulty concentrating, headaches, drowsiness, and stomach upset.
- You develop a "tolerance" for tobacco. Smoking the
same number of cigarettes produces less effect over time, making it necessary
to increase the number of cigarettes you smoke to achieve the desired sensation.
- You have continued to use tobacco even when you have a serious
physical problem (such as heart or lung disease) that you know is worsened by
tobacco.
WITHDRAWL:
When smokers who are addicted to cigarettes quit smoking, they
may suffer from symptoms that can be psychological, emotional, or physical in
nature. This is called withdrawal. They may experience irritability, anxiety,
difficulty concentrating, restlessness, or depression.
HOW DOES Zyban WORK?
The mechanism by which Zyban enhances the ability of patients
to abstain from smoking is not totally known. It is presumed that it inhibits
specific chemical receptors in the brain that mediate the craving for smoking.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS Zyban?
Clinical studies have shown that Zyban reduces the craving
for cigarettes as well as withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation
to a significant degree when compared with placebo. Reductions in the following
withdrawal symptoms were most pronounced: irritability, frustration or anger,
anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and depressed mood. In clinical
studies it has been demonstrated that Zyban achieves the best results in
diminishing the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine, significant reduction in craving
for cigarettes and an elevated abstinence rate in the long term. In addition,
your chances of quitting with Zyban greatly depend on your commitment to
quitting.
CAN I DO ANYTHING TO MAKE Zyban MORE EFFECTIVE?
Yes, Zyban while effective medication may work best if
you are enrolled in a smoking cessation program or behavioral support program.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE Zyban?
- The usual recommended dosage is to take one 150-mg tablet in
the morning for the first 3 days. 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. If you
forget to take a dose, do not take an extra tablet to "catch up" for
the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not
take more tablets than prescribed. This is important so you do not increase your
chance of having a seizure.
- It is important to swallow Zyban tablets whole. Do not
chew, divide, or crush tablets. You may take Zyban with or without food.
HOW LONG DO I REMAIN ON Zyban?
For most patients, it is recommend that you stay on Zyban
for at least 7 to 12 weeks to help support long-term success. It may be necessary
to stay on Zyban for a longer period, depending upon the rapidity with
which you withdraw from nicotine. You've probably been smoking for some time,
and your body has become accustomed to it. Zyban helps reduce withdrawal
symptoms as you remove cigarettes from your life. It's important to remain on
Zyban for at least 7 to 12 weeks but it may require up to 6 months of therapy
if your dependence on nicotine is great.
WHEN SHOULD I STOP SMOKING?
It takes about 1 week for Zyban to reach the right levels
in your body to be effective. So, to maximize your chance of quitting, you should
not stop smoking until you have been taking Zyban for 1 week. You should
set a date to stop smoking during the second week you're taking Zyban.
CAN I DRINK OR SMOKE WHILE TAKING Zyban?
It is best not to drink alcohol at all, or to drink very little,
while taking Zyban. People who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly
stop drinking, may increase their risk of developing a seizure.
It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use Zyban at
the same time. However, continuing to smoke after the date you set to stop smoking
will seriously reduce your chance of breaking the smoking habit.
CAN I TAKE Zyban IF I HAVE MILD-TO-MODERATE CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
AND/OR EMPHYSEMA?
Yes, Zyban combined with a behavior modification program
has been shown to help people with COPD quit smoking. It is important to participate
in the behavior program, counseling, or other support program that is offered
in your community.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONCERS FOR WOMEN?
Zyban is not recommended for women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding. Women should probably not begin a smoking cessation program with
Zyban if they are breast-feeding or intend to become pregnant.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONCERS FOR PATIENTS WITH LIVER OR KIDNEY
PROBLEMS?
If you have liver or kidney problems, let us know on your medical
history/personal profile before taking Zyban. Depending on the severity
of your condition, the dosage of the drug my need to be adjusted.
CAN Zyban BE USED AT THE SAME TIME AS NICOTENE PATCHES?
Yes, Zyban and nicotine patches can be used at the same
time but should only be used together under the supervision of your healthcare
professional. Using Zyban and nicotine patches together may raise your
blood pressure. Your healthcare professional will probably want to check your
blood pressure regularly to make sure that it stays within acceptable levels.
Do Not Smoke At Any Time if you are using the nicotine patch or any other nicotine
product along with Zyban. It is possible to get too much nicotine and experience
serious side effects.
CAN I SMOKE WHILE USING Zyban?
It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use Zyban at
he same time. However, continuing to smoke after the date you set to stop smoking
will seriously reduce your chances of breaking the smoking habit.
Zyban AND SLEEPING:
If you have trouble sleeping, try not to take your medication
too close to bedtime. If you're taking two tablets each day, take one early in
the day and the second one in the late afternoon or very early evening. Be sure
that you take them at least 8 hours apart. Also, try to avoid drinking any beverages
that contain caffeine in the late afternoon or evening. This includes coffee,
tea, and many sodas.
Zyban AND SEIZURES:
There is an increased risk of developing a seizure when taking
Zyban, although this risk is quite small. Nonetheless, it is important
to let us know on your medical history/personal profile about any other prescription
or over-the-counter medications that you are taking.
SIDE EFFECTS OF Zyban:
The most common side effects from Zyban are dry mouth and
some difficulty sleeping. If you experience dry mouth while you're taking Zyban,
you may be more comfortable if you drink plenty of water. Also, some people find
that sucking on lozenges or chewing sugarless gum helps keep your mouth moist.
The most common side effects that caused people to stop taking
Zyban during clinical studies were shakiness and skin rash. Stop taking
Zyban if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, hives,
or difficulty in breathing.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE Zyban:
You should not take Zyban if you:
- are taking WELLBUTRIN (bupropion HCl) Tablets or WELLBUTRIN
SR (bupropion HCl) Sustained-Release Tablets.
- are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion HCl.
- have or have had a seizure disorder (for example, epilepsy).
- have or have had an eating disorder.
- are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI).
