ZYBAN (bupropion hydrochloride) is not indicated for use in children under 18 years of age. Bupropion may cause seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions or when using certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and the drugs you use before receiving a presciption for Zyban.

Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment

The recommended and maximum dose of ZYBAN (bupropion hydrochloride) is 300 mg/day, given as 150 mg twice daily. Dosing should begin at 150 mg once daily for the first 3 days, followed by a dose increase to the recommended usual dose of 300 mg/day as necessary. There should be an interval of at least 8 hours between successive doses. In order to minimize the risk of seizures, single doses of ZYBAN must not exceed 150 mg and doses above 300 mg/day must not be used.

Treatment with ZYBAN should be initiated while the patient is still smoking, since approximately 1 week of treatment is required to achieve steady state blood levels of bupropion. Patients should set a “target quit date” within the first 2 weeks of treatment with ZYBAN, generally in the second week. Patients should be advised to swallow ZYBAN tablets whole with fluids, and NOT to chew, divide, crush or otherwise tamper with the tablets in any way that might affect the release rate of bupropion.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment with ZYBAN should be continued for 7 to 12 weeks; duration of treatment should be based on the relative benefits and risks for individual patients. If a patient has not made significant progress towards abstinence by the seventh week of therapy with ZYBAN, it is unlikely that he or she will quit during that attempt, and treatment should probably be discontinued. Whether to continue treatment with ZYBAN for periods longer than 12 weeks must be determined for individual patients.

Dose Tapering

Dose tapering of ZYBAN is not required when discontinuing treatment. It is important that patients continue to receive counseling and support throughout treatment with ZYBAN, and for a period of time thereafter.

Common Side Effects

• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Increased Appetite

Talk to your doctor to see if Zyban may be a good option for you.

 

References: Zyban Drug Monograph