Zyban Oral

Zyban Oral Uses

This medication is used in combination with a stop-smoking program (e.g., support group, counseling) to help you quit smoking. Bupropion can decrease your nicotine withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, restlessness) and your urge to smoke. Quitting smoking decreases your risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer.

This medication belongs to a class of medications known as antidepressants. It is not known exactly how bupropion works to reduce smoking urges. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

How To Use Zyban Oral

Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start taking bupropion and each time you get a refill. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food. It is important to take your doses at least 8 hours apart or as directed by your doctor to decrease your risk of seizure.

You may have trouble sleeping when you start taking this drug. Do not take your evening dose too close to bedtime.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can destroy the slow release of the drug and may increase your risk of side effects, including seizures.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your dose may be slowly increased to limit side effects. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Do not take more than 150 milligrams in a single dose. Do not take more than 300 milligrams per day. Taking more than the recommended dose of this medication may increase your risk of having a seizure.

It is recommended that you do not try to quit smoking until you have been taking bupropion for 1 week so that the drug can reach a high enough level in your blood. Set a date for quitting, and stop smoking sometime in the second week of taking the drug.