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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Alcohol Intake Be Avoided While On Zyban?

I started taking Zyban today to cease smoking and am a heavy drinker often consuming 5-6 glasses of wine a night (often more, rarely less) The literature on Zyban states not to drink whilst on this medication or risk possible seizure however then goes on to say not to cease drinking if your a heavy drinker or risk the same. My GP advised me not to drink Im confused as to what I should be doing. I don t want to put myself at risk
Mon, 7 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
ZYBAN contains bupropion hydrochloride, which is a non-nicotine compound, which aids for smoking cessation.
Using it with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, mood and behavioral changes, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and panic attacks.
On the other hand, sudden withdrawal from alcohol following regular or chronic use can also increase your risk of seizures during treatment with the drug.
Hence, Since you are a heavy drinker, it is advisable that you should limit the use of alcohol in terms of quantity and frequency while being treated with this drug. Gradually you can stop alcohol consumption completely. Kindly take proper advise from your treating doctor regarding the same.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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Should Alcohol Intake Be Avoided While On Zyban?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. ZYBAN contains bupropion hydrochloride, which is a non-nicotine compound, which aids for smoking cessation. Using it with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, mood and behavioral changes, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and panic attacks. On the other hand, sudden withdrawal from alcohol following regular or chronic use can also increase your risk of seizures during treatment with the drug. Hence, Since you are a heavy drinker, it is advisable that you should limit the use of alcohol in terms of quantity and frequency while being treated with this drug. Gradually you can stop alcohol consumption completely. Kindly take proper advise from your treating doctor regarding the same. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.