Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zyban (Bupropion).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Zyban (Bupropion) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Zyban (Bupropion) affects you.
Glaucoma: Zyban (Bupropion) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Zyban (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyban (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Zyban (Bupropion).
Heart disease: It is not known whether Zyban (Bupropion) is safe for use by people with a recent history of Heart Attack or unstable heart disease. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Zyban (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyban (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Zyban (Bupropion) can cause increased blood pressure, making some heart conditions worse. If you have high blood pressure, or are taking medication for high blood pressure, make sure your doctor is aware.
Identical medications: Wellbutrin®, Zyban®, and several other medications contain the same active ingredient (Zyban (Bupropion)). If you are taking one of these medications, do not take any other product containing Zyban (Bupropion), as the risk of seizures increases with an increased dosage. To reduce the risk of seizures, the total daily dose of Zyban (Bupropion) should not be greater than 300 mg.
Kidney function: Zyban (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the kidneys. Decreased kidney function can cause Zyban (Bupropion) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Zyban (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyban (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Zyban (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the liver. Decreased liver function can cause Zyban (Bupropion) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Zyban (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyban (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Zyban (Bupropion) may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Mental health: Zyban (Bupropion) may cause behavior and thought disturbances to worsen for people who have psychotic conditions. It may also cause symptoms of psychosis and mania to develop for people who have not had these symptoms before. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually over-excited or uninhibited), or delusional thinking, or notice them in a family member who is taking Zyban (Bupropion), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Seizure risk: Zyban (Bupropion) may increase the risk of seizures. If you are at risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Zyban (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zyban (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Things which increase the risk of seizures include:
- addiction to cocaine, stimulants, or opiates (such as Morphine)
- Diabetes treated with oral medications or insulin
- excessive alcohol use
- history of head trauma or seizures (including Epilepsy)
- severe liver problems
- tumours of the brain or spinal cord
- use of other medications that make seizures more likely (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, lithium, Theophylline, steroids)
- use of over-the-counter stimulants or appetite suppressants
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Zyban (Bupropion) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors – other medications used to treat Depression. Similar effects occur when too much Zyban (Bupropion) is taken or is allowed to build up in the body. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. These reactions should be treated as a medical emergency and immediate medical treatment should be obtained as coma and death are possible.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour, or other behaviour changes: Adults and children taking Zyban (Bupropion) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after people start taking Zyban (Bupropion). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Zyban (Bupropion), contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you for emotional and behavioural changes while you are taking Zyban (Bupropion).
Pregnancy: The safety of Zyban (Bupropion) during pregnancy has not been established. It has been reported that babies born to pregnant women who have taken medications of this kind during the last trimester of pregnancy may be adversely affected. Physicians and pregnant women should carefully consider the benefits and the risks of all treatment options. If you become pregnant while taking Zyban (Bupropion), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Zyban (Bupropion) passes into breast milk. Because Zyban (Bupropion) presents risks to breast-feeding infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue Zyban (Bupropion), taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Zyban (Bupropion) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years old. The use of Zyban (Bupropion) in children below the age of 18 may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Seniors: Because Zyban (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the kidney and liver, seniors may be at an increased risk of side effects, including seizures, if they use Zyban (Bupropion). If you are over 65, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.
