Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride ER Tablet) is a prescription medication that helps to quit smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects such as bad moods, cravings, difficulty concentrating, or just feeling awful, which may occur when people stop smoking. The active ingredient in Zyban is Bupropion Hydrochloride ER. Bupropion Hydrochloride ER belongs to the class of medication called antidepressants. It is not clear exactly how it works, but it's thought to affect the parts of the brain involved in addictive behavior. It is believed to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which can help with mood and withdrawal symptoms from the lack of nicotine when you stop smoking.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Zyban from Canada manufactured by Bausch Health and New Zealand by GSK. The generic Bupropion Hydrochloride ER comes from Canada by a different manufacturer.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Zyban. The most common side effects of Zyban may include:
• Diarrhea;
• Dry mouth;
• Insomnia;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Stomach pain;
• Strange taste in the mouth;
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• A fast or irregular heartbeat;
• Blurry vision or a change in your sight;
• Confusion, unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• Seizure or convulsion;
• Unintended weight loss
Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. Do not use Zyban if you have used an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid) in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. Zyban is a tablet that should be taken orally with a cup of water. Your doctor may advise you to continue smoking for about 1 week after you start taking the Zyban tablet. It would be best to set a date to quit smoking during the second week of treatment. Your doctor may start you on one tablet (150 mg) daily for six days. Then, increase to one tablet twice daily, at least eight hours apart. Do not take more than one tablet at any one time or more than two tablets daily. Follow your prescription label carefully, and do not increase your dosage without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble quitting after you have used Zyban for at least 7 weeks. It would be best to know that MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly.
Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia;
• Have eye problems such as narrow-angle glaucoma;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease;
• Have seizure disorders
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or nursing a child. During pregnancy, Zyban should be used only when needed. Behavioral therapy and stop-smoking education are preferred for pregnant women who desire to stop smoking. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Zyban and other medications, such as MAO inhibitors such as rasagiline, isocarboxazid, and linezolid. Zyban should not be used for children below the age of 18 years. Keep your medication in a safe place and away from the reach of children.