Zyban Overdose: An Introduction
Zyban® (
bupropion SR) is a prescription medicine used for smoking cessation (or to help people quit smoking). As with all medicines, it is possible for a person to take too much Zyban. The effects of a Zyban overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much Zyban is taken and whether it is taken with any other medicines.
Symptoms of a Zyban Overdose
If a person overdoses on Zyban, the symptoms can vary. Following are some of the most common Zyban overdose symptoms:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Fainting
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- A fever
- Muscle tension, pain, and damage
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Breathing problems
- Coma
- Loss of life.
About one-third of all Zyban overdoses cause
seizures. Loss of life is more likely to occur if Zyban is taken in very large doses.
Treatment for a Zyban Overdose
The treatment for a Zyban overdose will also vary. If the overdose was recent, the healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Treatment may also involve supportive care. This type of care consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for a Zyban overdose may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
- Medicines to control an irregular heart rhythm or control seizures
- Closely monitoring the heart and lungs
- A breathing tube to help with breathing
- Other treatments based on complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Zyban.
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