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 HOW
DOES ZYBAN WORK?
The mechanism by which ZYBAN enhances the ability of
patients to abstain from smoking is not totally known.
It is presumed that it inhibits specific chemical receptors
in the brain that mediate the craving for smoking.
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HOW
EFFECTIVE IS ZYBAN?
Clinical studies have shown that ZYBAN reduces the craving
for cigarettes as well as withdrawal symptoms associated
with smoking cessation to a significant degree when
compared with placebo. Reductions in the following withdrawal
symptoms were most pronounced: irritability, frustration
or anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness
and depressed mood. In clinical studies it has been
demonstrated that ZYBAN achieves the best results in
diminishing the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine, significant
reduction in craving for cigarettes and an elevated
abstinence rate in the long term. In addition, your
chances of quitting with ZYBAN greatly depend on your
commitment to quitting.
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CAN
I DO ANYTHING TO MAKE ZYBAN MORE EFFECTIVE?
Yes, ZYBAN while effective medication may work best
if you are enrolled in a smoking cessation program or
behavioral support program.
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HOW
SHOULD I TAKE ZYBAN?
- 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. 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 prescribed. This is important
so you do not increase your chance of having a seizure.
- It is important to swallow ZYBAN tablets whole. Do
not chew, divide, or crush tablets. You may take ZYBAN
with or without food.
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HOW
LONG DO I REMAIN ON ZYBAN?
For most patients, it is recommend that you stay on
ZYBAN for at least 7 to 12 weeks to help support long-term
success. It may be necessary to stay on ZYBAN for a
longer period, depending upon the rapidity with which
you withdraw from nicotine. You've probably been smoking
for some time, and your body has become accustomed to
it. ZYBAN helps reduce withdrawal symptoms as you remove
cigarettes from your life. It's important to remain
on ZYBAN for at least 7 to 12 weeks but it may require
up to 6 months of therapy if your dependence on nicotine
is great.
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AM
I ADDICTED TO CIGARETTES?
You may be addicted to cigarettes if you experience
one or more of the following signs:
- You continue to smoke despite the desire to quit.
- You have made a serious, but unsuccessful, attempt
to stop using tobacco or permanently reduce the amount
you use.
- Your attempts to stop smoking have led to physical
withdrawal symptoms, including a craving for tobacco,
anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating,
headaches, drowsiness, and stomach upset.
- You develop a "tolerance" for tobacco. Smoking
the same number of cigarettes produces less effect over
time, making it necessary to increase the number of
cigarettes you smoke to achieve the desired sensation.
- You have continued to use tobacco even when you have
a serious physical problem (such as heart or lung disease)
that you know is worsened by tobacco.
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WITHDRAWL:
When smokers who are addicted to cigarettes quit smoking,
they may suffer from symptoms that can be psychological,
emotional, or physical in nature. This is called withdrawal.
They may experience irritability, anxiety, difficulty
concentrating, restlessness, or depression.
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WHEN
SHOULD I STOP SMOKING?
It takes about 1 week for ZYBAN 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 for 1 week. You should set a date
to stop smoking during the second week you're taking
ZYBAN.
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CAN
I DRINK OR SMOKE WHILE TAKING ZYBAN?
It is best not to drink alcohol at all, or to drink
very little, while taking ZYBAN. People who drink a
lot of alcohol and then suddenly stop drinking, may
increase their risk of developing a seizure.
It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use ZYBAN
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.
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CAN
I TAKE ZYBAN IF I HAVE MILD-TO-MODERATE CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
AND/OR EMPHYSEMA?
Yes, ZYBAN 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 is offered
in your community.
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ARE
THERE ANY SPECIAL CONCERS FOR WOMEN?
ZYBAN is not recommended for women who are pregnant
or breast-feeding. Women should probably not begin a
smoking cessation program with ZYBAN if they are breast-feeding
or intend to become pregnant.
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ARE
THERE ANY SPECIAL CONCERS FOR PATIENTS WITH LIVER OR
KIDNEY PROBLEMS?
If you have liver or kidney problems, let us know on
your medical history/personal profile before taking
ZYBAN. Depending on the severity of your condition,
the dosage of the drug my need to be adjusted.
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CAN
ZYBAN BE USED AT THE SAME TIME AS NICOTENE PATCHES?
Yes, ZYBAN 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 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. It is possible to get too
much nicotine and experience serious side effects.
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CAN
I SMOKE WHILE USING ZYBAN?
It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use ZYBAN
at he same time. However, continuing to smoke after
the date you set to stop smoking will seriously reduce
your chances of breaking the smoking habit.
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ZYBAN
AND SLEEPING:
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.
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ZYBAN
AND SEIZURES:
There is an increased risk of developing a seizure when
taking ZYBAN, although this risk is quite small. Nonetheless,
it is important to let us know on your medical history/personal
profile about any other prescription or over-the-counter
medications that you are taking.
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SIDE
EFFECTS OF ZYBAN:
The most common side effects from ZYBAN are dry mouth
and some difficulty sleeping. If you experience dry
mouth while you're taking ZYBAN, 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 during clinical studies were shakiness
and skin rash. Stop taking ZYBAN if you have signs of
an allergic reaction such as a rash, hives, or difficulty
in breathing.
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WHO
SHOULD NOT TAKE ZYBAN:
You should not take ZYBAN if you:
- are taking WELLBUTRIN (bupropion HCl) Tablets or WELLBUTRIN
SR (bupropion HCl) Sustained-Release Tablets.
- are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion
HCl.
- have or have had a seizure disorder (for example,
epilepsy).
- have or have had an eating disorder.
- are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
- are allergic to bupropion HCl.
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NOW!
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