- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Zyban
GENERIC NAME(S): BUPROPION HCL
Uses: This medication is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may be used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or to help people quit smoking by decreasing cravings and nicotine withdrawal effects. It may also be used to treat bipolar disorder (depressive phase) or to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs each year at the same time (for example, during winter). It may also be used to treat anxiety in people with depression.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
BUPROPION SUSTAINED-RELEASE (ANTIDEPRESSANT)
GENERIC NAME(S): BUPROPION HCL
Uses
This medication is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may be used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or to help people quit smoking by decreasing cravings and nicotine withdrawal effects. It may also be used to treat bipolar disorder (depressive phase) or to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs each year at the same time (for example, during winter). It may also be used to treat anxiety in people with depression.
How to use Zyban
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. If you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Take the first dose as soon as you wake up in the morning and the second dose at least 8 hours later, or take as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, headache, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, unusual behavior/thinking, memory loss), unusual weight loss or gain.
Stop taking bupropion and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), painful sores in the mouth/around the eyes, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
ZYBAN Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with Zyban:
Common side effects of Zyban:
Feeling Restless Severe
Abnormal Dreams Less Severe
Anxious Less Severe
Cannot Focus Thoughts Less Severe
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Zyban:
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe
Confused Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Hives Severe
Infection Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Bronchitis Less Severe
Chest Pain Less Severe
Cough Less Severe
Difficulty Swallowing Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Skin Less Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
Fever Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Hearing Problem Less Severe
Increased Hunger Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Itching Less Severe
Joint Pain Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Migraine Headache Less Severe
Muscle Pain Less Severe
Myoclonus Less Severe
Neck Pain Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Nosebleed Less Severe
Painful, Red or Swollen Mouth Less Severe
Problem with Periods Less Severe
Rash Less Severe
Ringing in the Ears Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
Throat Irritation Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Uncoordinated Less Severe
Rare side effects of Zyban:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Allergic Reaction caused by a Drug Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Delusions Severe
Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Heart Attack Severe
Hepatitis Severe
Hepatitis caused by Drugs Severe
Increased Pressure in the Eye Severe
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
Mental Disorder with Loss of Normal Personality & Reality Severe
Muscle Problems that cause Abnormal Movement Severe
Pancreatitis Severe
Paranoia Severe
Seizures Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Suicidal Severe
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
Thoughts of Hurting or Killing Others Severe
Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe
Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period Less Severe
Dilated Pupil Less Severe
False Sense of Well-Being Less Severe
Feeling Anger Toward Something Less Severe
Feeling Faint Less Severe
Panic Disorder Less Severe
Problem Behavior Less Severe
Puffy Face from Water Retention Less Severe
Sun-Sensitive Skin Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Trouble Breathing Less Severe
Urination During the Night Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, seizures or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain/head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders such as bulimia/anorexia nervosa), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam), drugs used to treat seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase your risk of dizziness or seizures.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
See also Precautions section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: pimozide, tamoxifen.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease, urine screening for amphetamines), possibly causing false results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, liver function) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. You may notice an odor from the tablets; this is normal and does not affect how they work. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.