Feedback on Zyban Side Effects and Usage – Page 8
About Zyban
If you’ve used Zyban, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.
Subj: Zyban story
9/3/2005
I started smoking when I was 16. I am 29 now (so 13 years smoking) I smoked approx. 25 cigs a day for the past 5 years (increased when graduated school and started working full time). I have tried quitting several times over the past 5 years. Everything from the patch (used once, had severe nightmares and quit taking it), nicorette (which I was either way on, it continues supplying the body with nicotine which is part of what you are trying to give up) and cold turkey. Now of these worked effectively for me. I always started back.
I started taking Zyban on August 10th, 2005. I was off work for 8 weeks due to an injury (car accident)… I decided that it was a good time to quit as I was under no stress from regular work duties. I smoked for 1 week while taking Zyban and had my final cigarette at noon on August 17th. I started back to work 2 days ago (September 1st, 2005). I knew that the most “testing” period would be when I was starting back to work. I had been a “non smoker” for 2 weeks and I think the major part of the cravings are occurring and should subside shortly.
So far, (in day 17) I have experienced most of the side effects that are mentioned on the site. Itchiness (on front of legs, included was sore spots that became pretty big) that lasted from day 3 to around day 11 and have now disappeared. I have a hard time “catching” my breath and feel a bit disorientated throughout most of the day. I have not experienced any problems sleeping or waking up as some have mentioned on the site.
Zyban has taken away the pleasure I would get from smoking a cigarette. I still have cravings but the cravings would not be “fixed” with smoking. When the cravings occur, I simply inhale deeply, hold it and release slowly. The cravings NEVER last more than 3 to 5 minutes and are occurring less often as time goes on. I have been drinking a lot of water and green tea to try and speed up the “detoxification” process. Recently (since I started back to work), I am finding that I need to trick my mind into thinking “I will get satisfaction from a chocolate bar” to stop thinking about smoking. The good part is that I know even if I buy a pack it WON’T fix the craving (I am pretty sure anyways and hey, it helps as I don’t think that buying a pack is the answer)
As soon as I started taking the pills I noticed an increase in the amount of energy I had (great!) and was fixated on cleaning up my environment (which was in sync with quitting… cleaner air, organized, freshly painted… all clothes washed… etc).
I am planning on getting the 2nd month dose in a week’s time (they are paid for by my benefits at work, but only for a month at a time). When I start in on the 2nd prescription, I am hoping to cut down to 1 Zyban a day. I will increase immediately if I think it is too soon (I have come too far to risk forfeiting!).. I am hoping that I will not need to get the final prescription (3rd month).
I hope this helps anyone that is considering quitting. I have to say, it is the best decision I have made and it has empowered me in other areas of my life. I feel more in control of things and that I can accomplish more. Yes, the satisfaction I got from cigarettes is “missed” but this is only temporary and definitely does not outweigh all the benefits I am receiving from not smoking.
I plan on visiting the site again in 4 weeks time to give an update. If anyone has any questions or comments feel free to contact me at (email address removed for your protection).
Mark
Please note that in some situations there are health concerns with using Green Tea.
Subj: First week of Wellbutrin XL
Date: 9/7/2005
I’ve been taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg for 6 days now. Due to increase to 300 mg a day in two days. I’ve experienced a few side effects — increased energy on day 1, insomnia and dry mouth but nothing I can’t handle. But I am still smoking and my desire has not ceased in any way. When does this kick in? I’m concerned about the side effects of going up to 300 mg but if it will help me quit, I’ll endure.
AJ
AskDocWeb: The insomnia can be helped by taking the Zyban first thing in the morning.
Subj: Zyban
Date: 9/7/2005
I am on day 6 (day 3 of 2X) and I feel fine. I do find that cigarettes definitely taste different! I am not sure I have cut back yet however. I find that I am not craving them nearly as much. So far, the only side effect s I am experiencing is sleeping difficulties, sore neck and butt (yes…LOL, it’s true, muscle) shakiness, tiredness (probably from lack of sleep LOL), did experience a little diarrhea and a feeling of somewhat “out of body” on occasion. My husband is also on it and he is getting what looks to be like a rash and a hive. Is it ok that he continues?
Susan
AskDocWeb: No, a rash or hives indicates an adverse reaction that will become worse with continued use.
Subj: Zyban problem
Date: 9/8/2005
I just wanted to update on my feedback that I sent in yesterday. I can barely urinate with this medication! I don’t know if this is normal or if it will be alright…but it is concerning.
Susan
AskDocWeb: If you are unable to completely empty your bladder, immediately stop the zyban and go to your physician now!
Subj: Zyban story
Date: 9/14/2005
I started taking zyban a week ago and felt fine, then when I went on to 2 a day, I began to get really bad tempered and would snap at my boyfriend for the littlest thing, I felt drowsy and like I wasn’t on the planet. I had to ask my boyfriend to move out for a few days because I couldn’t control my temper. Have now stopped smoking and am thinking of coming off the pills, they had done what they were meant to, and I want to get back to normal!!
Donna
Subj: Zyban
Date: 9/22/2005
I have been on Zyban for 3 weeks now and stopped smoking 6 days ago. I am using the pills along with the patch. My cravings were not as strong at the beginning and now they are very rare. However some of the side effects are hard to deal with. I sleep about 3 hours a night and wake up every hour of those 3. In the past week I don’t think I have had more then a total of 12 hours sleep. I feel somewhat euphoric but I think that is due to sleep deprivation. If the insomnia continues I will go back down to 150mgs a day instead of the prescribed 300 I am taking now. However, at the end of the day, I had rather have a few sleepless weeks then lung or throat cancer or emphysema. Good luck to all of you.
Daniel
Subj: Zyban with cannabis?
Date: 9/30/2005
Is there any information about Zyban taken in conjunction with recreational drugs such as cannabis?
Kym
AskDocWeb: There is very little information about the use of cannabis with any other drugs. We found none for Zyban.
Subj: New stop smoking program
Date: 10/13/2004
I was wondering if the company who makes “Zyban” would be interested in a “Non-drug” “stop smoking program” that will allow a person “smoker” to break the habit in 3 Days, I would like to sell the program. It is the best way to stop for people who do not like to take drugs or use patches…some feed back would be well appreciated.
L
AskDocWeb: Zyban is made by Glaxo-Smith Kline, one of the big drug companies. Since they are in the business of selling drugs they are not likely to be interested marketing your program. You would be offering something that would compete with one of their best moneymakers.
Subj: So far, so good
Date: 10/14/2004
Started taking Zyban five days ago. No side effects what so ever so far. Still smoking- but they’re starting to not taste quite as good. Hope it works and I continue not having any side effects.
Jamie
Subj: Zyban seizures
Date: 10/24/2004
My husband Gary had taken Zyban in 1998 for three months. No one knew it not even me but he was having silent seizures. He finally started to run into walls, walk with a hop and his blood pressure was erractic. His Dr. was puzzled and didn’t do anything till he passed out. He recovered in the hospital after he stopped taking Zyban. But the Drs. diagnosed him with NPH and put a shunt in his head and nearly killed him. He had a stroke and is now in a wheel chair just because he wanted to quit smoking. Thanks for letting me vent.
Joan
Subj: Happy ex smoker
Date: 10/27/2004
I have been on Zyban for seventeen days now, stopped smoking after 10. I will actually make it now, no side effects what so ever. Great, love it.
Jamie
AskDocWeb: Congratulations.
Subj: Stop smoking story
Date: 11/4/2005
I tried zyban 2 years ago and once (again) started the two tablets a day – did have anger bouts and irritability and waking at 4am but then back to sleep. Shouted at people I didn’t know = no patience with children, lost it a few times over tiny things. Am now on day 4 taking one tablet a day and am thinking of alternating when I should take two tablets a day, alternating two on one day and one tablet the next, to lessen the severity of anger. Like I say on day 4 at the moment, don’t have urge to smoke, and when I do it’s not satisfying me, so put it out. Also can’t taste food, so not eating as much (which is a good thing to me as last time I put on 7lbs) but even with the weight gain I ran up a steep hill with ease and wasn’t in the least bit breathless – which was great. Also when I stopped last time enjoyed the feeling that my airways were really opened and could breath big breaths, can’t wait for that feeling again.
Steph
Subj: A little irritable
Date: 11/9/2005
I’ve been on Zyban for 4 days, now. I’ve noticed I’ve been a little bit irritable. I’m normally a very calm person and my co-workers describe me as “very patient”… but I’ve noticed in the last few days, I’m so easily irritated! Other than that, my cigarettes no longer give me the relief that they used to. And that is a fabulous thing! I just increased my dosage today (to two a day as the doc said) so I’ll keep you updated.
Jane
Subj: Heart palpitations
Date: 11/18/2005
I have been taking Zyban for 12 days now. I am smoking less but I have had heart palpitations ever since I started taking the pills. Is this something I should be concerned with?
Nicole
AskDocWeb: Heart palpitations are not one of the reported side effects of zyban. Anxiety is a side effect. Sounds like something you should have your doctor check. Read more feedback. Zyban Report – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – Page 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – Last Page 25
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