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ZYBAN
(bupropion hydrochloride) 150mg tablets PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE What are Zyban Tablets used for?
Zyban is a prescription medicine to help you stop smoking. Studies have shown that a significant number of people managed to remain smoke-free for at least 6 months while taking Zyban. For many patients, Zyban reduces withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. This medicine is only one part of a general plan to help you manage your smoking habit. How does Zyban work?
Zyban reduces the craving for smoking and so helps you to stop smoking. Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed that it interacts with chemicals in the brain called noradrenaline and dopamine, which are associated with craving and withdrawal. Your doctor may have prescribed Zyban for another reason. If you have any questions about why Zyban tablets have been prescribed for you, ask your doctor.
Before you take Zyban
If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Have you been told that - you are allergic to Zyban, bupropion, or any of the other ingredients in Zyban tablets?
- Have you had any seizures in the past or currently have a seizure disorder?
- Have you had a head injury or brain tumour?
- Are you pregnant, or likely to become pregnant soon?
- Are you breastfeeding?
- Do you have or have had an eating disorder (for example, bulimia or anorexia nervosa)?
- Are you taking stimulants or medicines to control your weight?
- Are you currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?
- Are you taking any other medicine containing bupropion?
- Do you have liver or kidney problems?
- Are you a heavy drinker or do you want to drink alcohol whilst taking Zyban?
- Do you have diabetes?
Zyban may affect other medicines you may be taking. Some medicines increase the effect of others, and others counteract each other. It is important not to take medicines that may increase your chance of having a seizure. If your doctor knows exactly what other medicines you are taking, he/she can take these into account. Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines or herbal remedies you are taking, including those that you have bought yourself from a pharmacy or supermarket. This also includes nicotine patches.
How to take Zyban tablets
Take your medicine as your doctor has told you. The usual recommended dose is one 150 mg tablet each day for the first 3 days. On the fourth day, begin taking one 150 mg tablet twice daily. Doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart.
It takes about 1 week for Zyban to reach the right levels in your body to be effective. So, to maximize your chance of stopping, 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.
Most people should take Zyban for at least 7 weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
The label on your medicine will usually tell you how much to take and how often. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist. Zyban and nicotine patches should only be used together under the supervision of your doctor. Swallow Zyban Tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets.
What to do if you take too much? (overdose)
It is important to keep to the dose on the label of your medicine.
Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed. If you accidentally take too many tablets even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning, such as drowsiness, hallucinations and loss of consciousness ask your doctor what to do or contact your nearest hospital emergency department or poisons centre (03 479 1200) for advice. Keep telephone numbers for these places handy. If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
What if you miss a dose?
You must take your Zyban tablets every day as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget to take a dose, do not take a tablet to “catch up” for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the usual time.
Side Effects
Most people taking this medicine find that it causes no problems. As with all medicines, a few people may find that it causes side effects. There is a chance that approximately 1 out of every 1000 people taking bupropion hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Zyban, will have a seizure. The chance of this happening increases if you: - have or have had a seizure disorder (for example, epilepsy);
- have or have had an eating disorder (for example, bulimia or anorexia nervosa);
- take more than the recommended amount of Zyban
- you suddenly stop taking sedatives/tranquillisers after long-term use
- are taking any other medicine containing bupropion.
You can reduce the chance of experiencing a seizure by giving your doctor the information he needs and following carefully your doctor’s directions on how to take Zyban.
The most common side effects that may occur are:
Headache, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, upset stomach (example nausea, vomiting and constipation)
The following side effects have also been reported:
Fever, tiredness, chest pain, accelerated heart beat, fall or increase in blood pressure, flushing, shakiness, dizziness, depression, confusion, seizures, inability to sleep, agitation, loss of concentration, anxiety, lack of appetite, ringing in the ears, impaired vision, taste disorder. In addition, itching, sweating and skin rash have been reported, alone or in association with joint pains and muscle pains.
Some people can be allergic to medicines. If you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, hives or difficulty in breathing stop taking the tablets immediately and contact your doctor. Discuss any troublesome side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know if Zyban affects your ability to perform these tasks.
If you have any other symptoms that you do not understand or you feel unwell in any other way, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Remember
This medicine is for you. Never give it to someone else. It may not be suitable for them. Do not stop using Zyban or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.
Further information
It is not 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 your smoking habit.
Using Zyban Tablets and nicotine patches together may raise your blood pressure. Your doctor will probably want to check your blood pressure regularly to make sure that it stays within acceptable levels.
Zyban is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Zyban.
It is best not to drink alcohol at all or to drink very little while taking Zyban. If you drink a large quantity of alcohol or suddenly stop drinking after long periods of regular intake, you may increase your chance of having a seizure. Therefore, it is important to discuss your use of alcohol with your doctor before you begin taking Zyban.
Zyban Tablets may have a characteristic odour. If present, this odour is normal.
Zyban is a trademark of the Glaxo Wellcome Group of Companies.
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