Zyban Frequently Asked Questions

How should I take ZYBAN?

ZYBAN should be taken as directed by your doctor. The usual recommended dosing 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.

How long should I take ZYBAN?

Most people should take ZYBAN for 7 to 12 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

How long does ZYBAN take to work?

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.

What if I miss a Dose?

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 your doctor prescribed. It is important to swallow ZYBAN Tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets.
IMPORTANT WARNING: There is a chance that approximately 1 out of every 1,000 people taking bupropion hydrochloride, the active ingredient in ZYBAN, will have a seizure. The chance of this happening increases if you:

What if I have 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; or take other medicines with the same active ingredient that is in ZYBAN, such as WELLBUTRIN¨ (bupropion hydrochloride) Tablets and WELLBUTRIN¨ SR (bupropion hydrochloride) Sustained-Release Tablets. (Both of these medicines are used to treat depression.)
You can reduce the chance of experiencing a seizure by following your doctor's directions on how to take ZYBAN. You should also discuss with your doctor whether ZYBAN is right for you.

You should not take ZYBAN if you:
Have a seizure disorder (for example, epilepsy). are already taking WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, or any other medicines that contain bupropion hydrochloride.
Have or have had an eating disorder (for example, bulimia or anorexia nervosa).
If you are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
If you are allergic to bupropion.

Can I smoke?

Smoking & ZYBAN It is not considered 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.

What about Nicotine Patches?

ZYBAN & Nicotine Patches While not recommended, ZYBAN and nicotine patches can be used at the same time. If you plan to do so it should only be done under the supervision of your doctor. Using ZYBAN 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.

It is strongly advised that you DO NOT SMOKE AT ANY TIME if you are using a nicotine patch or any other nicotine product along with ZYBAN. It is possible to get too much nicotine and have serious side effects.

Can I drink and take Zyban?

Alcohol & ZYBAN It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol, or if you do that you consume small amounts while taking this medication. If you are accustomed to drinking large amounts of alcohol and suddenly stop, 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.
Don't Let Others Use Your ZYBAN If you are planning on using ZYBAN to help aid you in cigarette detraction it should be used by you and you only. Do not let anyone else use your ZYBAN.
ZYBAN & Women? 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.

What are the side effects of taking Zyban?

Side effects of ZYBAN The side effects associated with ZYAN are generally mild and often disappear after a few weeks. The most common side effects are dry mouth and difficulty sleeping.

If you have difficulty sleeping, avoid taking your medicine too close to bedtime. The most common side effects that caused people to stop taking ZYBAN during clinical studies were shakiness and skin rash.

Contact your doctor or health care professional if you have a rash or other troublesome side effects. Use caution before driving a car or operating complex, hazardous machinery until you know if ZYBAN affects your ability to perform these tasks.

It is important that your doctor knows about all medicines -- prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking or plan to take while taking ZYBAN. ZYBAN may affect other medicines you're taking. It is important not to take medicines that may increase the chance for you to have a seizure.

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