IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (byou-PRO-pee-on)
Zyban Oral Warning
Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, other mental/mood disorders, and smoking cessation. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. If you are using bupropion to quit smoking, stop taking bupropion and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed above or if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment.
Zyban Oral Side Effects
Dry mouth and trouble sleeping may occur as your body gets used to the drug. Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, constipation, blurred vision, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, or stomach pain may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- chest pain
- fainting
- fast/pounding heartbeat
- irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, agitation, confusion)
- muscle aches
- ringing in the ears
- severe headache
- uncontrolled movements (tremor)
- unusual weight loss or gain
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
- muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- change in the amount of urine
This drug may rarely cause seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a seizure. If you have a seizure while taking bupropion, you should not take this drug again.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Zyban Oral Precautions
See also the How to Use and Warnings section.
Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had:
- seizures
- eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa)
This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines such as lorazepam) or alcohol, which may increase your risk of seizures.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- alcohol/drug dependence
- brain tumor
- diabetes
- head injury
- heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, recent heart attack)
- high blood pressure
- kidney problems
- liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis)
- mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, thoughts of suicide)
This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase your risk of dizziness or seizures.
Do not take this medicine with any other product that contains bupropion (e.g., antidepressants) since large doses of bupropion are more likely to cause seizures.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to this drug and to side effects.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Behavioral therapy and stop-smoking education is preferred for pregnant women who desire to stop smoking. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infrequently, newborns whose mothers have used certain newer antidepressants during the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop symptoms including persistent feeding or breathing difficulties, jitteriness, seizures or constant crying. Promptly report any such symptoms to the doctor. However, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor directs you to do so.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.
