Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
of East Texas
Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P.
Catherine M. Martinez, M.D.
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Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P. |
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COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zyban
USES: This medication is used to help you quit smoking. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: 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. 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 unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation or trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive or drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction to this drug occurs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rash and itching. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking bupropion tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor; heart, liver or kidney disease, an eating disorder or any mental conditions, diabetes or if you have 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 is excreted 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 are taking especially isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, selegiline, furazolidone, theophylline, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), levodopa, seizure medications, sedatives, ritonavir, tranquilizers or other antidepressants. A certain product used for depression contains bupropion. Do not take that product while using this one. 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. |
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