Zyban Information for Smoking Cessation
The following Zyban frequently asked question
section is for informational purposes only. The information has
been compiled from a variety of resources in order to give the
reader an overview of the use and various effects of the Zyban
to help individuals stop smoking.
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What is Zyban?
Zyban is the first non-nicotine, oral medication (a pill) for smoking cessation. Zyban has proven
to be twice as effective as the nicotine patch in keeping patients
smoke free in the long term. It also has the potential to minimize
the weight gain associated with smoking cessation. Your chances
of quitting with Zyban greatly depend on your commitment to quitting.
In both short-term and long-term clinical studies, Zyban was significantly
more effective than sugar pills in helping patients stop smoking.
It is important to participate in the behavioral program, counseling,
or other support program that your healthcare professional recommends.
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How does Zyban Work?
Initially developed and marketed as an antidepressant,
Wellbutrin, the medication was found to help individuals decrease
their cravings for nicotine and stop smoking. While it remains
unknown exactly how Zyban works it is thought to act on the part
of the brain that is addicted to the ingredients (primarily nicotine)
found in cigarettes. ZYBAN decrease your cravings and withdrawal
symptoms, hence, your desire to smoke.
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Why is Zyban sometimes referred to as bupropion hydrochloride?
Bupropion hydrochloride is the generic name
for Zyban. The generic name represents the medications nonproprietary
or chemical name, whereas, the brand name is the name a pharmaceutical
give to a medication for marketing purposes.
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How is Zyban different from other smoking cessation products?
Zyban is unique from other smoking cessation
aides because there is no nicotine - unlike the Nicotine patches
or gum that just provide an alternate source for nicotine Zyban
works at the neurological level, reducing the actual craving for
nicotine. Zyban has helped many smokers, even those who have smoked
10 years or more, put down their cigarettes for good. When you
smoke, nicotine enters the bloodstream through the lungs. It quickly
reaches the brain, where it affects certain chemicals that change
the way you feel. Eventually, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine
to control these chemicals that make you feel "normal."
Zyban helps to alleviate this dependency.
ZYBAN is the most prescribed prescription product
for smoking cessation . Nicotine free Zyban is the most prescribed
prescription product for smoking cessation, based on a recent
national market research survey reported for prescription drug
sales.
ZYBAN is priced lower than smoking and some
other smoking cessation therapies - although your health insurance
company may cover smoking cessation therapy, many don't. The graph
below shows the approximate price of ZYBAN for 7 weeks of therapy.
Additionally, assuming a pack of cigarettes costs $3.00, a year's
worth of smoking one pack a day costs $1,095.00 ... 2 packs a
day cost $2,190.00. ZYBAN costs less than cigarettes and is a
far better investment in your future than smoking.
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What were the results of clinical studies associated with
Zyban?
Research has shown that people who use Zyban
are twice as likely to be smoke-free one year after quitting compared
to those taking placebo (sugar pills).
The best way to use Zyban is to first establish
a "quit date" and stick to it. Once the quit date has
been chosen, Zyban should be started one to two weeks before the
projected quit date. This is because it takes almost one week
for Zyban to start working.
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What is the appropriate dosing of Zyban?
Individuals should take Zyban as directed by
your physician. The usual recommended dosage 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.
The safety and efficacy of Zyban have not been established in
children under 18 years of age.
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When is Zyban Contraindicated?
Zyban may trigger seizure activity particularly
in individuals with a prior history of eating disorder i.e. bulimia
or anorexia. If you suffer from one of these problems, you should
not take Zyban. Individuals who are taking a medication classified
as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
should not take Zyban. If you are taking these medication please
consult with your physicians and allow at least 14 days to pass
between taking one of these drugs and starting your Zyban therapy.
If bupropion or any other ingredient in Zyban has ever given you
an allergic reaction, the drug is not for you.
Additional Warnings:
The chance of a seizure from Zyban rises with
the amount in your system, therefore, individuals should not take
more than one 150-milligram tablet at a time, and limit your total
daily intake to 2 doses (300 milligrams).
A variety of conditions can also predispose you to seizures, including:
- Prior head injuries
- Prior seizures
- Central nervous system tumors
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Too much alcohol
- Abrupt withdrawal from alcohol, tranquilizers,
or sedatives
- Addiction to narcotics or cocaine
- Use of over-the-counter stimulants or diet
pills
- Use of diabetes medications
- Use of antidepressants, major tranquilizers,
steroids, or theophylline
Stop taking Zyban and call your doctor immediately
if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing; notice swelling
in your face, lips, tongue, or throat; develop swollen arms and
legs; or break out with itchy eruptions. These are warning signs
of a potentially severe allergic reaction.
If you have a liver or kidney condition, make
sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may need to be reduced.
(If you have severe cirrhosis of the liver, your dosage must be
reduced.) Also make certain the physician knows about any heart
condition you may have.
Zyban can also interfere with your driving ability.
Don't drive or operate dangerous machinery until you are certain
of the drug's effect on you.
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Are there any medication or food interactions associated
with Zyban?
If Zyban is used with certain other drugs,
the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Zyban with the following:
- Alcohol
- Antidepressants such as Norpramin, Pamelor,
Paxil, Prozac,
- Tofranil, and Zoloft
- Beta-blockers (heart and blood pressure medications)
such as
- Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Heart-stabilizing drugs such as Rythmol and
Tambocor
- Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet)
- Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Risperdal
and Thorazine
- MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants
Nardil and Parnate
- Orphenadrine (Norflex)
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Steroids such as prednisone and hydrocortisone
- Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair)
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How long should individuals remain on Zyban?
For most patients, healthcare professionals
will recommend staying on Zyban for at least 7 to 12 weeks to
help support long-term success .It may be necessary to stay on
Zyban for a longer period, depending on your healthcare professional's
recommendation. You've probably been smoking for some time, and
your body has become accustomed to it. Zyban helps reduce withdrawal
symptoms as you remove cigarettes from your life. It's important
to remain on Zyban for at least 7 to 12 weeks and possibly up
to 6 months depending on your healthcare professional's instructions.
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What about missed doses?
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 healthcare professional prescribed. This
is important so you do not increase your chance of having a seizure.
It is important to swallow Zyban tablets whole. Do not chew, divide,
or crush tablets. You may take Zyban with or without food.
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What if an overdose of Zyban occurs?
Information on Zyban overdose is limited. However,
any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Zyban overdose may include: blurred vision, confusion,
grogginess, jitteriness, light-headedness, nausea, seizure, sluggishness,
visual hallucinations.
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What are the most common side effects associate with taking
Zyban?
The most common side effects that caused people
to stop taking Zyban during clinical studies were shakiness and
skin rash. Individuals should stop taking Zyban and contact your
healthcare professional if you have signs of an allergic reaction
such as a rash, hives, or difficulty in breathing. Discuss any
troublesome side effects with your physician.
If you have trouble sleeping, try not to take
your medication too close to bedtime. If you're taking two tablets
each day, take one early in the day and the second one in the
late afternoon or very early evening. Be sure that you take them
at least 8 hours apart. Also, try to avoid drinking any beverages
that contain caffeine in the late afternoon or evening. This includes
coffee, tea, and many sodas. If you are still troubled by difficulty
sleeping, speak with your healthcare professional.
Keep in mind your reasons for quitting smoking.
Consider the effects years of smoking cigarettes have on your
body; then weigh this against any short-term discomfort you might
experience while quitting. Remember to reward yourself for each
day you're smoke free!
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Can Zyban be used at the same time as nicotine patches?
Yes, Zyban and nicotine patches can be used
at the same time but should only be used together under the supervision
of your healthcare professional. Using Zyban and nicotine patches
together may raise your blood pressure. Your healthcare professional
will probably want to check your blood pressure regularly to make
sure that it stays within acceptable levels. DO NOT SMOKE AT ANY
TIME if you are using the nicotine patch or any other nicotine
product in combination with Zyban. It is possible to get too much
nicotine and experience serious side effects.
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Can individuals drink alcohol or smoke while taking Zyban?
Individuals should not to drink alcohol at
all, or to drink very little, while taking Zyban. People who drink
a lot of alcohol and then suddenly stop drinking, may increase
their risk of seizure. Be sure to discuss this matter with your
healthcare professional before you begin taking Zyban .Alcohol
also decreases your inhibitions which may result in a return to
smoking, especially if you commonly smoke while drinking.
It is not physically 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 the smoking habit.
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Can I get Zyban over the counter?
No, Zyban should only be taken by prescription
from a licensed physician. Regulations do not permit Zyban to
be taken without prescription. Secondary to the advent of the
internet individuals may now order Zyban online simply by completing
an online medical questionnaire. Subsequently, a licensed physician
will review your medical history and patient profile. If approved
for a Zyban prescription, your order shipped discreetly to your
home or office in 1-2 business days. (order Zyban online now).
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Can individuals take Zyban if they have
mild-to-moderate chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema (also called
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD)?
Yes, Zyban combined with a behavior modification
program has been shown to help people with COPD quit smoking.
It is important to participate in the behavior program, counseling,
or other support program that your healthcare professional recommends.
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Are there any concerns for patients with liver or kidney
problems?
If you have liver or kidney problems, tell
your doctor before taking Zyban. Depending on the severity of
your condition, your physician may need to adjust your dosage.
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Should Zyban be taken if you are pregnant
or breast-feeding?
Zyban has not been tested in pregnant
women. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, do your
best to quit smoking with the aid of counseling and support before
turning to drug therapy. For the sake of the baby, you should
avoid smoking or taking nicotine in any other form while pregnant.
Zyban appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
Ask your doctor whether it will be better to discontinue the medication
or to stop breastfeeding.
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