The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that using Zyban SR is safe or appropriate for you.

Brand Names: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban SR

Generic Name: bupropion

What is Zyban used for? Bupropion is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class that is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor or other antidepressants. Wellbutrin is used to treat depression while Zyban SR is used as a smoking cessation aid.

FDA Warnings for bupropion: The FDA issued a public health alert in March 2004 warning that bupropion can lead to deeper depression and suicide. The FDA recommends that health care providers warn patients, their families and their caregivers to be alert for agitation, irritability, suicide and worsening depression while using bupropion. The FDA also recommends that health care providers closely monitor adult and children treated with bupropion for worsening of depression or suicidal tendencies, especially at the beginning of therapy or when the dose either increases or decreases.

General Zyban Precautions:
_ Zyban can be habit forming.
_ Talk to your doctor about alcohol use before starting treatment with Zyban SR. Alcohol may increase the risk of having a seizure while taking bupropion. Avoid alcohol or drink it only in moderation while taking Zyban.
_ Never take more Zyban than is directed by your doctor. Higher doses of bupropion may increase the risk of a seizure.
_ Zyban SR may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
_ Rise slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness or possible falls.
_ Do not take Zyban SR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if bupropion is combined with MAO inhibitors.
_ It is not known whether Zyban will harm an unborn or nursing baby. Do not take Zyban if you are pregnant or could become pregnant without first talking to your doctor.
_ Tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Zyban if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
_ Zyban SR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients using bupropion should exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
_ If you skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Zyban. Overdose is possible.
_ Too much bupropion can increase the risk of a seizure. Do not be taking more than one product containing bupropion at a time (Wellbutrin and Zyban SR).
_ Zyban SR and a nicotine replacement product together may raise blood pressure. Nicotine replacement products can be used during treatment with Zyban SR under the supervision of a doctor.
_ Do not smoke at any time if using a nicotine product with Zyban SR.

Zyban can cause serious side effects. Only you can decide if Zyban is best for you. It is important for people currently taking Zyban to discuss side effect concerns with their physician.

Zyban Side Effects:
_ Seizures.
_ Rapid or irregular heartbeats.
_ Chest pain.
_ Shortness of breath.
_ Headache.
_ Insomnia or sleeplessness.
_ Nightmares.
_ Change in sex drive or ability.
_ Impotence.
_ Loss of libido.
_ Difficulty urinating or frequent urination.
_ Dry mouth.
_ Drowsiness.
_ Weakness.
_ Anxiety.
_ Agitation.
_ Tremors.
_ Restlessness.
_ Dizziness.
_ Weight gain or weight loss.
_ Excessive sweating.
_ Skin rash.
_ Itching.
_ Hives.
_ Ringing in the ears.
_ Flu-like symptoms such as aching muscles, fatigue, and discomfort.
_ Fever.
_ Constipation.
_ Blurred vision.
_ Loss of coordination.
_ Muscle or joint pain.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives). Stop taking Zyban and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment if you also experience a fast or irregular heartbeat or seizures. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Symptoms of overdose may include: Symptoms of a Zyban overdose include seizures, loss of consciousness, weakness, hallucinations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heart attack, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, fainting, confusion and blurred vision.

Before taking Zyban, tell your doctor if you have or ever had:
_ Seizures or epilepsy.
_ Head injury or brain or spinal column tumor.
_ Diabetes.
_ Liver disease.
_ Kidney disease.
_ Heart disease.
_ High blood pressure.
_ History of heart attack.
_ Suicidal thoughts.
_ Anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders.
_ Drink alcohol.
_ Use street drugs or take a prescription benzodiazepine such as Xanax, Valium or Restoril.
_ Glaucoma.
_ Enlarged prostate.
_ Difficulty urinating.
_ An overactive thyroid gland.

What should I avoid while taking Zyban?
_ Alcohol may increase the risk of having a seizure while taking Zyban. Avoid alcohol or drink it only in moderation while taking Zyban.
_ Never take more Zyban than is directed by your doctor. Higher doses of bupropion may increase the risk of a seizure.

What other drugs will affect bupropion? Zyban can increase the effects of many other drugs, leading to serious side effects. If taking Zyban, talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Do not take bupropion with the following medicines without your doctor’s approval:
_ Other bupropion products.
_ Carbamazepine
_ Cimetidine.
_ Insulin.
_ Levodopa.
_ Lithium.
_ MAO inhibitors.
_ Other antidepressants.
_ Methylphenidate.
_ Ritonavir.
_ Theophylline.

Zyban can also interfere with anticoagulants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, diet pills, medication for high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, colds, or allergies; oral anti-diabetic medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, thyroid medications, tranquilizers, and vitamins. Drugs other than the above listed may also interact with Zyban. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription, over-the-counter medicines or natural supplements.

People should carefully evaluate Zyban information and side effects before deciding to take Zyban. Consult your healthcare professional before using Zyban.

*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse Zyban, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse side effects of Zyban. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not be construed to indicate that Zyban is safe, effective or appropriate.

Do not stop taking Zyban without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping Zyban completely. Suddenly stopping bupropion may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects.

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