What Is It Used For
Zyban is a prescription medicine developed to assist those who want to quit smoking easily than without using drugs. Since it doesn’t contain nicotine, the content drug bupropion hydrochloride is said to be more effective than nicotine patches and gums. Bupropion got its reputation as a smoking cessation drug after this originally antidepressant was reported to have seriously reduced smoking urges in those who were using it for depression treatment. The absence of nicotine is also observed to relieve the withdrawal symptoms like irritability, lack of concentration, craving, restlessness, headaches, anxiety etc.

Contraindications and Cautions to Take
Zyban is contraindicated in people with aversion to bupropion or any excipient and current or a history of seizures disorder. Patients with brain tumor or those undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or any medicines known for causing seizures on withdrawal, in particular benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like agents are advised to discuss this issue with their doctors. The drug is also contraindicated in those with a present or past case of anorexia nervosa or bulimia and those suffering severe hepatic cirrhosis. Also, Zyban and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) don’t go hand in hand, so at least a couple of weeks must pass after discontinuing of irreversible MAOIs and beginning Zyban. On the other hand, for reversible MAOIs, a day’s time is sufficient.

Zyban is also contraindicated for those with bipolar disorders for the fear of it triggering a manic occurrence through the depressed phase of sickness. Last, but not the least, Zyban is not be administered to those who are already taking other medicinal products containing bupropion as the occurrence of seizures is dose dependent.

Side Effects of Zyban
The common side effects of Zyban are sleeping difficulty, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, headache, reduced appetite, giddiness, nausea, sweating, irregular heart beat, anxiety etc. Other side effects include difficult but frequent urination, constipation, change in sexual urge, blurred vision, profuse sweating. If you have any of these prior to starting Zyban or even in the aftermath, consult your doctor at once. Sometimes it can manifest into loss of coordination, seizures or tremors, severe skin rash, itching, hives, fever, chest pain, joint or muscle pain, yellowing of eyes or skin. However the side effects are likely to reduce over time and the medication tolerable.

Drug Interactions
Bupropion interacts with other drugs which can eventually lead to serious seizures. Notify your doctor about all medicines you might be taking for whatever reason and from whichever source, particularly if you are taking the following medicines.
Anti-malarial medicines, Antihistamines, Medicines for mental illness or depression, anti-asthmatic medicines like Theophylline, steroids - taken in whichever form and antibiotics are some of them. You should also be talking to your doctor if you are taking Tramadol, which is a strong painkiller. Other medicines with which Zyban can react include anti obesity and other stimulant medicines.

Consulting your doctor about them is essential for your safety and your doctor can jidge your Zyban dosage requirements based on your history.