How Can Zyban Help Conquer Nicotine Addiction
Zyban prescription medication helps reduce your urge to smoke and can make quitting bearable. You may continue to smoke after you begin to take Zyban prescription medication. Then you and your healthcare professional will set a quit date, usually 8 to 14 days after your first dose of Zyban prescription medication. When your quit date arrives, you stop smoking and continue taking Zyban prescription medication.
Zyban prescription medication is a non-nicotine, prescription-strength medication to help you quit smoking. While it's unclear exactly how Zyban prescription medication works, Zyban prescription medication is thought to work on chemicals in the brain. It helps reduce the urge to smoke and lessens symptoms of withdrawal.
Your chances of quitting with Zyban prescription medication greatly depend on your commitment to quitting. In both short-term and long-term clinical studies, Zyban prescription medication was significantly more effective than sugar pills in helping patients stop smoking. It is important to participate in the behavioral program, counseling, or other support program that your healthcare professional recommends.
How Long Do I Remain on Zyban prescription medication?
For most patients, healthcare professionals will recommend staying on Zyban prescription medication for at least 7 to 12 weeks to help support long-term success. It may be necessary to stay on Zyban prescription medication for a longer period, depending on your healthcare professional's recommendation. You've probably been smoking for some time, and your body has become accustomed to it. Zyban prescription medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms as you remove cigarettes from your life. It's important to remain on Zyban prescription medication for at least 7 to 12 weeks and possibly up to 6 months depending on your healthcare professional's instructions.
You should not take Zyban prescription medication if you:
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are taking WELLBUTRIN® (bupropion HCl) Tablets or WELLBUTRIN SR® (bupropion HCl) Sustained-Release Tablets
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are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion HCl
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have or have had a seizure disorder (for example, epilepsy)
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have or have had an eating disorder
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are abruptly discontinuing use of alcohol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines)
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are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
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are allergic to bupropion HCl
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If you have any concern about your medical history, be sure to ask your healthcare professional whether Zyban prescription medication is right for you.
What Other Safety Information Should I Know About Zyban prescription medication?
Zyban prescription medication, like all medications, is not right for everyone. There is a risk of seizure associated with Zyban prescription medication, which is increased in certain patients. (See Warnings section in accompanying Product Information.) It is important to let your healthcare professional know about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Zyban prescription medication is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
When used with a nicotine patch or alone, there is a risk of increased blood pressure, sometimes severe. Also, to reduce the risk of serious side effects, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems.
The most common side effects from Zyban prescription medication are dry mouth and some difficulty sleeping. If you experience dry mouth while you're taking Zyban prescription medication, you may be more comfortable if you drink plenty of water. Also, some people find that sucking on lozenges or chewing sugarless gum helps keep your mouth moist.
The most common side effects that caused people to stop taking Zyban prescription medication during clinical studies were shakiness and skin rash. STOP taking Zyban prescription medication and contact your healthcare professional if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, hives, or difficulty in breathing. Discuss any troublesome side effects with your doctor.
If you have trouble sleeping, try not to take your medication too close to bedtime. If you're taking two tablets each day, take one early in the day and the second one in the late afternoon or very early evening. Be sure that you take them at least 8 hours apart. Also, try to avoid drinking any beverages that contain caffeine in the late afternoon or evening. This includes coffee, tea, and many sodas. If you are still troubled by difficulty sleeping, speak with your healthcare professional.
Keep in mind your reasons for quitting smoking. Consider the effects years of smoking cigarettes have on your body; then weigh this against any short-term discomfort you might experience while quitting. Remember to reward yourself for each day you're smoke free!
Can Zyban prescription medication Be Used at the Same Time as Nicotine Patches?
Yes, Zyban prescription medication and nicotine patches can be used at the same time but should only be used together under the supervision of your healthcare professional. Using Zyban prescription medication and nicotine patches together may raise your blood pressure. Your healthcare professional will probably want to check your blood pressure regularly to make sure that it stays within acceptable levels. DO NOT SMOKE AT ANY TIME if you are using the nicotine patch or any other nicotine product along with Zyban prescription medication. It is possible to get too much nicotine and experience serious side effects.
How Should I Take Zyban prescription medication?
You should take Zyban prescription medication as directed by your doctor. The usual recommended dosage is to take one 150-mg tablet in the morning for the first 3 days. On the fourth day, begin taking one 150-mg tablet in the morning and one 150-mg tablet in the early evening. Doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart.
Never take an "extra" dose of Zyban prescription medication. If you forget to take a dose, do not take an extra tablet to "catch up" for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take more tablets than your healthcare professional prescribed. This is important so you do not increase your chance of having a seizure.
It is important to swallow Zyban prescription medication tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets. You may take Zyban prescription medication with or without food.
Are There Special Concerns for Women?
Zyban prescription medication is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Women should notify their healthcare professional if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Zyban prescription medication.
When Should I Stop Smoking?
It takes about 1 week for Zyban prescription medication to reach the right levels in your body to be effective. So, to maximize your chance of quitting, you should not stop smoking until you have been taking Zyban prescription medication for 1 week. You should set a date to stop smoking during the second week you're taking Zyban prescription medication.
Does My Medical Insurance Cover Zyban prescription medication?
Although your health insurance company may cover smoking cessation therapy, many do not. Ask your employee benefits manager if Zyban prescription medication is covered. Remember, a day of therapy with Zyban prescription medication is priced about the same as the cost of a pack of cigarettes.
Can I Drink Alcohol or Smoke While Taking Zyban prescription medication?
It is best not to drink alcohol at all, or to drink very little, while taking Zyban prescription medication. People who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly stop drinking may increase their risk of seizure. Some people have reported lower alcohol tolerance during treatment with Zyban prescription medication. Be sure to discuss this matter with your healthcare professional before you begin taking Zyban prescription medication.
It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use Zyban prescription medication at the same time. However, continuing to smoke after the date you set to stop smoking will seriously reduce your chance of breaking the smoking habit.
Can I Take Zyban prescription medication If I Have Mild-to-Moderate Chronic Bronchitis and/or Emphysema (Also Called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD)?
Yes, Zyban prescription medication combined with a behavior modification program has been shown to help people with COPD quit smoking. It is important to participate in the behavior program, counseling, or other support program that your healthcare professional recommends.
Are There Any Concerns for Patients with Liver or Kidney Problems?
If you have liver or kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking Zyban prescription medication. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.