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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.
BUPROPION SUSTAINED RELEASE
- ORAL (SMOKING DETERRENT) (byou-PRO-pee-on)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zyban
USES: This medication
is used to help you quit smoking.
HOW TO USE: Swallow
this medication whole. Do not crush or chew them or
the sustained activity of the drug will be destroyed
and the chances of side effects occurring may be increased.
Take as directed, usually twice daily for 7 to 12
weeks. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed.
Since this drug can cause sleeplessness at first,
it is best not to take near bedtime. Taking more than
the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your
risk of having a seizure. It is advised to continue
smoking for the first week after starting this drug,
until it reaches higher levels in your blood. Do not
smoke if using any nicotine products with this drug.
Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects.
Do not stop taking this medication without notifying
your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: This
medication is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth,
headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation,
anxiety, fatigue and blurred vision may occur. If
these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Report promptly: unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations,
agitation, trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly:
tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed
movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive,
drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures,
mental problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of
the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an
allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention
immediately. Symptoms may include trouble breathing,
rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell
your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizures,
head injury, brain tumor, heart disease, liver problems,
kidney problems, eating disorder, any mental conditions,
diabetes, alcohol dependence, any allergies. Because
of the possibility this drug will make you dizzy and
affect coordination, do not drive or operate machinery
until you get used to the drug's effects. Limit or
avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol
can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol
users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while
taking bupropion may increase the risk of having seizures.
Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam,
chlordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing
so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly
patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this
drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant before taking this drug. This drug
passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this
drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before taking bupropion tell your doctor of all nonprescription
and prescription medications you may use especially:
MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa,
ritonavir, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives,
adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products
containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report
use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease
seizure threshold) such as: phenothiazines (e.g.,
chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.,
amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), theophylline. Excess
caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures
with this drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription
drug labels for caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
A certain product used to help quit smoking contains
bupropion. Do not take that product while using this
one. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include blurred vision, lightheadedness, confusion,
nausea, and seizures.
NOTES: Do not allow
anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: Take
any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it
is within 8 hours of the next dose. If it is time
for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume
your regular schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom. |
