Zyban is a smoking cessation aid used to help you stop smoking

Common uses

This medicine is a smoking cessation aid used to help you stop smoking.

Before using

Warning: this medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents who have severe depression or certain other mental or mood disorders. Children and adolescents who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not use this medicine if you are already taking bupropion to treat depression, taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or thioridazine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, certain high blood pressure medicines (e.g., "beta-blockers"), certain heart medicines (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), warfarin, decongestants, diabetes medicine, diet pills, levodopa, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), seizure medicines, tranquilizers, tramadol, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine), other products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum).

Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, head injury, tumors (e.g., brain or spinal cord), history of drug or alcohol addiction, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Do not use this medicine if you have a history of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia). Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of seizures, or muscle or nerve conditions. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a medication guide and a patient information leaflet. Read them carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. If you are taking more than 1 dose each day, allow at least 8 hours between doses.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.