ZYBAN (Generic)

ZYBAN (Bupropion) is used in treatment of mental depression. ZYBAN is also is a smoking cessation aid used to help you stop smoking. Hence, it is used as part of program to help patients to give up smoking. You may consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

ZYBAN is sold under different brand names for different uses. This medicine is available only with a doctors prescription. ZYBAN is available in form of Oral Extended-release tablets (U.S.), Sustained-release tablets (U.S. and Canada) and oral prompt-release Tablets (U.S.). ZYBAN may be taken with food to avoid stomach upset, unless your doctor has directed otherwise. Use Bupropion only as directed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or do not use it more often then recommended. Also, do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. The chance of side effects may increase in this case. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the label.

Adults may take 150 mg once a day to stop smoking. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose should not be more than 150 mg twice a day. Your doctor must determine use and dose for children.

For patients taking ZYBAN for mental depression, the dose of Bupropion will be different for different patients. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses and the time of treatment depend on the medical problem for which you are taking ZYBAN.

Patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine can take doses at least 24 hours apart to decrease the chance of seizures. The tablet needs to be swallowed intact. They should not be crushed, divided or chewed. Adults may take 150 mg once a day to stop smoking. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose should not be more than 450 mg once a day. Your doctor must determine use and dose for children.

Patients taking the sustained-release tablet form of this medicine can take doses at least 8 hours apart to decrease the chance of seizures. The tablet needs to be swallowed intact. They should not be crushed, divided or chewed. Adults may take 150 mg once a day to stop smoking. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose should not be more than 200 mg twice a day. Your doctor must determine use and dose for children.

Patients taking the prompt-release tablet form of this medicine can take doses at least 4 hours apart to decrease the chance of seizures. Adults may take 100 mg twice a day to stop smoking. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose should not be more than 150 mg thrice a day. Your doctor must determine use and dose for children.

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. For patients taking ZYBAN (Bupropion) for mental depression Usually Bupropion must be taken for several weeks before you feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. You will probably need to keep taking ZYBAN (Bupropion) for at least 6 months to help prevent the return of the depression.

Consult your doctor about the possible side effects of using ZYBAN for your condition. Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully for side effects and alter the doses if necessary.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you are taking the extended-release or the prompt-release form of ZYBAN and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses. In case of overdose, the victim may show symptoms like blurred vision, lightheadedness, hallucinations, seizures and loss of consciousness.

ZYBAN (Bupropion) should be stored in the container it came in. Make sure that the container remains tightly closed and out of reach of children when not in use. ZYBAN should be stored at room temperature and away from places like bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other places where it could experience excess heat, light and moisture. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down When the medicine is not in use or outdated, it should be discarded. Take help of your pharmacist in disposing this medicine properly.

It is very important that you receive only one prescription for Bupropion at a time.
If you are already taking ZYBAN for mental depression or to help you stop smoking then inform this to your doctor before taking another prescription for Bupropion.