When Is It Prescribed?

Zyban (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication and is uded to help people stop smoking, because it reduces withdrawal effects.

This medication may also be prescribed for purposes other than what’s listed above.

When Will It Start to Work?

It may be 4 weeks or more to feel the full effects. Do not stop taking this medication without the approval of your prescribing doctor or therapist.

Many patients experience a period of increased restlessness, especially when first taking the drug. This may take the form of agitation, insomnia, and anxiety.

Are There Any Drug Interactions?

Always follow your doctor's or therapist's recommendations on how to take this medication and let them know if you are taking any other prescription medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Issues

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your prescribing doctor or therapist.

Other Important Information and Precautions

Do not take Wellbutrin (bupropion) if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), or Parnate (tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days.

Do not take Wellbutrin (bupropion) if you have epilepsy or another type of seizure disorder, or if you have ever been diagnosed with anorexia or builimia. This medication may increase your risk of having a seizure if you have any of these conditions.

If you have any other medical conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney disease, you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy with this medication.

In addition to the information listed above, there may be other important issues or precautions related to this medication. For further information, you can ask your prescribing doctor or therapist.

Side-Effect Information

Along with the many positive effects of Zyban, you may also experience some side-effects. Side-effects are unintended or undesirable reactions to medications. Most of the side-effects can be lessened with additional medications, dosage changes, or changes in your daily habits. Or, they may simply fade as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience any side-effects, contact your doctor or therapist right away.

It is also important to be aware of the risks of antidepressant medications. Although the risks occur very rarely, it is important to know what to look for, just in case. If you think you are experiencing one of the risks, contact your doctor or therapist or go to the emergency room right immediately!

Most Common Side-Effects

Dry Mouth

Some people taking Zyban (bupropion) experience dry mouth. Although dry mouth may not go away completely, it usually gets better with time. Dry mouth may be relieved by sucking on hard candy or crushed ice, drinking plenty of fluids, or eating frozen grapes.

Insomnia

Insomnia can mean difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. If you develop insomnia, talk to your doctor about it. S/he may suggest that you take your medication in the morning to reduce the effects or s/he may prescribe an additional medication to help you sleep.

Occasional Side-Effects

Agitation

When you begin taking Zyban (bupropion), you may notice that you feel more irritable than usual, that the littlest things annoy you. Your doctor or therapist can help you determine if your increased agitation is a result of the medication. If it is they may modify your dose to see if that helps the symptoms of agitation subside.

Constipation

Zyban (bupropion) can sometimes cause constipation. This side-effect usually does not go away, but you can learn how to control it by increasing the amount of high fiber foods in your diet, such as breads, fruits, and vegetables, and bran. It also helps to exercise regularly and drink plenty of fluids. If constipation persists, your doctor or therapist may recommend a laxative or fiber product, or may prescribe an additional medication to reduce this side-effect.

Weight Loss

You may experience decreased appetite, and as a result, may lose weight even if you are not trying to. Try eating smaller, but more frequent meals to take in more calories. Your doctor or therapist can help you monitor your weight and suggest a high calorie (but healthy) diet for you if weight loss is a concern.

Headache

Zyban (bupropion) can cause headaches, which often fade as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience headaches and they're disruptive, talk to your prescribing doctor or therapist before you take any pain medications. S/he can let you know which medications are safe to take with Zyban.

Nausea

Most people who experience this side-effect notice that it usually disappears in a few weeks. To reduce or eliminate nausea, eat several small meals per day instead of three big ones, or try snacking on dry toast or crackers.

Skin Problems

Some people taking Zyban (bupropion) may develop an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, hives or itchiness.

Increased sensitivity to the sun is another skin problem that some people notice. If you develop increased sensitivity to the sun, you will risk sunburn more quickly than you normally would. You should always use sunscreen when you go out, wear a hat with a wide brim, and avoid staying out in the sun for long periods of time.

Tremors

Zyban (bupropion) may cause you to have tremors in your hands, arms or legs. You may notice a slight trembling of your hands as you extend your arms in front of you. This side effect may disappear if your doctor decreases your dose, and it often becomes less noticeable over time.

Risks

Hypomania

Zyban (bupropion) may cause an increase in mood called hypomania. Symptoms of hypomania include euphoria, racing thoughts, pressured speech, and excessive energy. If you notice any of these changes, contact your doctor right away. S/he can help you determine if your change in mood seems unusual.

Seizures

There is a very rare risk of having a seizure as a result of taking this medication, around a .1% likelihood. A seizure is the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. An individual suffering from a seizure may experience involuntary body movements and/or a loss of consciousness. You will probably not be aware if you are having a seizure; someone will tell you when you regain consciousness. If you have had a seizure, have someone take you to the emergency room immediately.

Side-effects and risks other than those listed above may also occur. Talk to your prescribing doctor or therapist about any potential or existing side-effects that you’re concerned about.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by 4therapy.com is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is made to that effect.

4therapy.com’s medication information is a reference resource designed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge, and judgment of healthcare practitioners in patient care. 4therapy.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information 4therapy.com provides.