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In this Article

• What is bupropion (Zyban)?
• What are the possible side effects of bupropion?
• What is the most important information I should know about bupropion?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bupropion?
• How should I take bupropion?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking bupropion?
• What other drugs will affect bupropion?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include seizures, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fainting, fast or uneven heartbeat, or shallow breathing.

What should I avoid while taking bupropion?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking bupropion. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking bupropion. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Bupropion can cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication.

Avoid using bupropion to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Too much of this medicine can increase your risk of a seizure.

Bupropion can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect bupropion?

Many drugs can interact with bupropion. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• cancer medicine such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) or thiotepa (Thioplex);
• heart rhythm medication such as flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), and others; or
• heart or blood pressure medication such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal), and others.

This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with bupropion. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

You may have a higher risk of seizures if you use certain medications together with bupropion. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• any other antidepressant, or a medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;
• antihistamines that make you sleepy;
• asthma medications or bronchodilators;
• birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens;
• bladder or urinary medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Urotrol);
• certain antibiotics such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cephalexin (Keflex), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), penicillin, and others;
• diet pills, a stimulant, or ADHD medication such as Adderall or Ritalin;
• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
• medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness;
• medications to treat or prevent malaria;
• medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma);
• medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
• narcotic pain medication;
• a sedative such as diazepam (Valium), and others;
• a steroid such as prednisone, and others;
• street drugs such as "speed" or cocaine;
• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, Bronkodyl Theolair, Respbid); or
• ulcer or irritable bowel medications.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about bupropion.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

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