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Are there any interactions with Zyban?

Zyban (generic name >bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription drug that can help people stop smoking. It is chemically identical to >Wellbutrin SR and >Wellbutrin, antidepressants. Never take Zyban and Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin at the same time.

The manufacturer recommends that Zyban should not be prescribed for certain people. If you are taking antidepressant drugs or have a history of epilepsy or eating disorders, you should not use Zyban. Don’t take Zyban if you have taken a MAO inhibitor antidepressant (such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate) within the past two weeks. Combining Zyban with MAO inhibitor drugs can lead to life threatening high blood pressure. Monitoring of blood pressure is recommended for patients who use nicotine replacement products.

Using Zyban with some drugs can increase your risk of side effects, including seizures. These include Sinemet, SSRI antidepressants (such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft), beta-blockers (such as Tenormin, Inderal, or Toprol XL), or tricyclic antidepressants (such as Norpramin or Pamelor). Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.

Alcohol can increase the risk of seizures from Zyban. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking Zyban.

Sources:
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Zyban Product Information. GlaxoSmithKline, 2006.

This answer prepared 7/18/01.
This information updated 1/23/2007.