Generic Zyban

Zyban, which is generically prescribed as bupropion, is commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorders as well as major depressive disorders. Zyban is also used as a smoking secession medication by reducing the agitation and craving desire that patients experience when quitting smoking.

Zyban is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes seizure disorders, eating disorders, an abrupt interruption of the use of alcohol or sedatives, heart disease, high blood pressure, head injury, brain tumor, spinal cord tumor, kidney disease, liver disease, bipolar disorder, insulin, oral diabetes medication, the use of steroids, the use of theophylline, or the use of illegal street drugs may not be able to take Zyban or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Zyban as a pregnancy risk category C. Zyban has been proven to cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. This medication passes into the mother’s breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to women who are pregnant, nursing, or who have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant. There is a risk of side effects associated with Zyban, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with side effects such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical attention include symptoms such as seizures, uneven heart rate, or heightened heart rate..

Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, migraines, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, dizziness, agitation, tremors, changes in appetite, changes in weight, mild itching, mild skin rash, increased sweating, or sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Zyban.

Zyban should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as muscle stiffness, fast heart rate, uneven heart rate, seizures, hallucinations, shallow breathing, heart failure, coma, or death.

There is a potential risk of negative drug interactions associated with Zyban. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with a known negative drug interactions with Zyban include MAO inhibitors. Patients must wait a minimum of 14 days before taking Zyban after stopping the use of an MAO inhibitor. Death may occur if there is not an adequate waiting period between taking Zyban and an MAOI inhibitor.