Zyban and Steroids
Zyban is known as a quit-smoking aid, but it is also used as an antidepressant that can lower seizure threshold. As you know most of steroids lower seizure threshold as well, that is why Zyban and steroids should not be taken together.
The trade names of steroids that should not be combined with Zyban include Prednisone and Medrol (methylprednisolone).
Prednisone is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid).It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.
Medrol (methylprednisolone) is similar to a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It is often used to replace this chemical when your body does not make enough of it. It relieves inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, and pain) and is used to treat certain forms of arthritis; skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestinal disorders; severe allergies; and asthma. Methylprednisolone is also used to treat certain types of cancer.
If you do not have another way but take Zyban and any of these steroids simultaneously, then the concurrent use of Zyban and systemic steroids should be undertaken only with extreme caution and with a low initial Zyban dose and small gradual dosage increases, otherwise it may result in additive effects on the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures. Zyban should be discontinued and not restarted in patients who experience a seizure during treatment.
Other side effects of using Zyban and Prednisone or Medrol may include anxiety, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, depression, easy bruising, irregular or absent menstrual periods, skin rash, swollen face, lower legs or ankles, vision problems, cold or infection that lasts a long time. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before taking Zyban, especially together with steroids such as Prednisone and Medrol. He/she should know your medical history well, as the risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure, central nervous system (CNS) tumor, severe hepatic cirrhosis, excessive use of alcohol or sedatives, addiction to opiates or cocaine.