Zyban

[sspahn49]

Well it has been almost 2 weeks quit and hanging in. I am using Zyban this time and was wondering if anyone out there had used it and if so what side effects they had. I am really anxious, restless and noticed some hair loss. Not sure it is worth taking this stuff!!! Thanks for your help. Hard to tell what is withdrawl and what the drug might be causing.

[SarahP]

I tried Zyban several years ago and had to stop taking it. Agitation, jumpiness, couldn't hold a thought in my head. It was like I was on 100x doses of caffeine. I'm sure other people have had positive experiences; it's an anti-depressant so it's going to affect different people in very different ways.

If you're not happy with how it makes you feel, talk to your doc and maybe consider trying something else.  There are a lot of other tools out there. This time I just used the nicotine losenges to get through the first couple of weeks, then weaned off of those. I've been smoke free for 47 days and nicotine free for something like 30 days.

Good luck,

Sarah

[bryan8]

I tried it along time ago and it worked to help curb the initial urges.  As far as side effects I felt just blah all the time when I was taking it.  No emotions, I just didn't care.  I couldn't stand it so I quit taking it. 

[Strudel]

I tool Welbutirn (same thing, I think). You are right - it is difficult to tell the difference in side effects vs. withdrawal. I had some sleep and digestion issues and switched to half dose after 3 weeks - after talking to my doctor. I then continued to take it (without side effects) for another 7 - 8 weeks. I quit 10 months ago - after smoking for 40 years! So - I was happy with it. I still think that attitude is the most important thing....but, the meds certainly didn't hurt my efforts!! Talk to your doctor. Take care!

[keptpromise]

Zyban is the trade name for Wellbutrin.  It is an antidepressant, and is also used for smoking cessation.  It affects different brain chemicals than the SSRI antidepressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)..... (such as Prozac, Celexa, Paxil and Zoloft).   I tried Wellbutrin for smoking cessation, and it really does help with the smoking, but I found myself unusually aggitated by things that normally would not bother me.  I had to quit taking it, as I did not like the way it made me feel (easily angered, which I usually am not).  I know it works well for some people, but I also know it can have negative effects on certain people, also.