Zyban is a drug that is given to people to quit smoking. It is also a drug prescribed for people who have depression.
Zyban works by enhancing the levels of several chemical messengers in the brain. Once the levels of these chemicals are increased, you will not have an urge to nicotine.
The recommended starting dose is one 150 mg tablet in the mornings for first three days. Then the same dosage has to be taken in the mornings and evenings but care should be taken that there is a gap of 8 hours between the two doses. Normally the doctors prescribe the drug for seven to 12 weeks. But if needed your doctor may increase the periods.
When taking Zyban, you have to strictly follow the doctor's prescription. Zyban should only be swallowed and not broken or crushed or chewed as the drug has to be absorbed into the body slowly. Always be punctual in the dosages. Suppose you miss a dose, take the drug when you remember it. But you should never go for the missed dose if it is time for your regular doses. Never go for two doses as it can only do more harm.
In case you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor without delay. Some of the overdose symptoms of Zyban are blurred vision, confusion, light-headedness, jitteriness, sluggishness, nausea, seizure and visual problems. Well, the drug should also be not stopped without your doctor's direction. If Zyban is stopped in the middle of a course, you are liable to face unpleasant side effects.
It is better to tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, history of heart attack and seizures. If you have these conditions, you doctor may not prescribe the drug or he may go for a dosage adjustment.
It is not known if Zyban causes harm to the fetus. But it would be better if pregnant women and those who hope to get pregnant take Zyban after talking to the doctor. Breast-feeding women should use the drug only after telling the doctor. The drug is not prescribed for children below 18 years.
When you are on Zyban medication, avoid alcohol as it can cause seizures. The drug should not be taken if you have an eating disorder and seizures. The doctors may not prescribe Zyban if you are using a second form of bupropion or if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
As like other drugs, Zyban also comes with many side effects. Contact your doctor if you come across allergic reactions like swelling (face, lips, mouth), breathing difficulty and hives.
You should never delay in calling the doctor if you experience mood change, anxiety, trouble sleeping or if have thoughts about suicide. The other serious side effects that come with Zyban are seizure, fever, severe blistering, swollen glands, rashes and joint pain. Some of the lesser-known side effects that come with Zyban are headache, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, weight loss or gain and loss of interest in sex.