Have You Tried Zyban To Quit Smoking?

Yes.....I smoke. Been trying to stop for several years now. I've done the patch,been hypnotised tried cold turkey. even put a date on the calendar telling myself I had to stop on that date. NOTHING WORKS!

So my doctor gave me a prescription for Zyban.I dont know anyone personally who has tried it. I've heard about friend of a friend who has tried....Some said this stuff makes you woozy...others. nothing.some have stopped smoking while they took it but when they went off it went back to smoking (you're only supposed to take it for 3 months-its actually used as an anti-depressant).

Has anyone tried it and has been successful? Anyone have some info on it-or know of some other means to stop smoking? I really got to stop!

 

I never saw the point of replacing one expensive habit with another. I just did it cold turkey. But that's just me.....

The key for me was willpower and determination. There's no point someone telling you to give it up...you really have to want it for yourself in order to suceed. And it sounds like you might be there, so take a deep (non-nicotine loaded) breath and just take each day at a time. Set yourself small goals and celebrate them (not with a beer and ciggie!). Make the big picture smaller and therefore possible.

Rooting for ya!

 

Hi there! I'm new here and stopping in to say Hi! My hubby is currently using the Zyban and Nicotrol (which is like a fake little cig). He is doing real well with it! He stopped in January and hasn't smoked since...so apparently it does work. He has smoked since he was like 14 and that was 41 years ago....the reason he quit (and it is a shame it took him this long) is that he developed throat cancer and had to have surgery then Chemo and radiation. That was like 5 years ago....then someone offered him a cig and he took it and got hooked again for over a year......so now he is determined to stay off of them! So if you can quit........do it asap, because your life depends on it! Love your body and it will take care of you for a very long time. *gets off soapbox.

 

They say you have to want to when you get hypnotized...guess I didnt really want it back then. I want it now...I've tried cold turkey Lev...I really had. My biggest mistake was when I was in the hospital for 3 weeks, funny enough I didnt miss it. First thing I did when I got home...You guessed it! I lit up. Stupidist thingI ever did. I dont even enjoy it! thats even better, right? Fortunately, I'm not a drinker.My boyfriend stopped for over a year and stupidly he started up again-because he was drinking and he always smoked while he drank. I wish I could go back 20 years!

I'm debating....take these pills or not.....

 

Hmmm, Nicitrol and Zyban together? That I've never heard of...I guess Zyban alone doesnt do it? I have to look into that! thanks!

I'll keep you all 'posted' (couldnt resist lol )

 

I had a friend who tried that thing with the needles to quit.

 

Acupuncture?? I've had that for other reasons and it was very successful. Even if it doesn't help you quit smoking it will certainly relax and de-stress you...side effects of giving up smoking.

Just be careful of which practitioner you use...see if you can find a friend or co-worker to recommend someone good

 

no, but I have used their cymbals

I joined the army and quit smoking
but alas I began again

 

Acupuncture? Gee, I dont know....I dont know of anyone who tried that for smoking. I know of people who went for aches and pains....some say it works while some say acupuncture is a joke.

I've also heard of people who had a staple put in their ear that when they get the urge they pull it or something which supposedly stops the urge to smoke..YIKES!

I'm told that tho some people that have stopped smoking for a lot of years the urge never goes away....since you stopped Lev...do you still get the urge and if so...how do you overcome it?

I know this is more mind over matter...willpower as you say and I know you are right! Some say its easy to quit its just to 'stay quit' that's hard......

 

I gave up for 5 years...and fell off the bandwagon. It's an addiction, like alcohol and it's true...it never goes away completely. I avoided the situation when I wanted to smoke most...like in bars with a drink. My other weakness is after a big savoury meal. After returning to smoking for 8 months my kids begged me to stop. Their tears gave me the strength to do it right. As I said before, it has to be from within you because it is only sheer determination that will make you suceed.

Sorry I can't give you that StarBow1er.......keep searchng for what gives you the strength to do so...it IS there somewhere

 

I wish that I could go back 20 years....and know then what I know now!
I really only enjoy a ciggie when I first get up and after a big meal. I'm so smoked out by the time I go to bed that I dont enjoy that last one for the night. I've cut down to less then 15 a day, its rare I finish the whole ciggie, went from 100s to regular size, I guess every little bit helps but thats not enough.

I will start the zyban on saturday ( I think). I didnt want to start on a workday for fear of a bad reaction, but with this, you still smoke for a week ( To get it into your system) then you stop like cold turkey.So I guess I"ll see how it goes. I'm trying mentally to prepare for this...

Thanks for the advice Lev, I appreciate it!

 

Oh..one more tip...you may already do this. Make smoking inconvenient for yourself. Don't allow yourself to smoke in the house/car etc. I found if I had to get up and go out (especially if it was cold/wet) I smoked less anyway...it helps the reduction program

 

I stopped smoking in the house a couple of years ago as I hated the smell gets into everything, and just the windows are dirtier dusty etc. That is a good idea to make it inconvienant tho, if I go for a drive or something,,,dont bring them with me...or if I go out to dinner...great idea! Thanks!

 

http://www.swedish-snus.com/ much cheaper than any prescription

 

Thanks! I'll take a look when I get a chance later!

I have to say I have a good prescription plan tho....The Zyban cost me $5.00 (without plan $110.00) And...my brother in law is a pharmacist! It helps! lol

 

snus is about 30$ for a ten pack ... but you only use about 2-4 packets a day and there are about 20 or so per jar ... only thing is you will still be addicted to nicotine just not smoking .. the main benefit is it doesn't cause cancer

 

Do you yourself use it? I havent had a chance to look at the site but I gather from what you are telling me that when you want a cigarette you pop one of these pills? Takes the craving away? Sounds interesting......

 

well .. it's actually tobacco and you use it similar to skoal(you put a poach between your lip and gum), but it's not skoal I have used both and they are completely different. They do have flavored ones but I have not tried it. I have used it but only limited because it's hard to get as you can only import it from sweden, if I could buy it at my local convienience store I would use it primarily. And it does take your cravings away, because it contains the same thing you are ingesting when smoking: nicotine, it's just you won;t be smoking nor getting the harmful effects thereof. I suppose it's not for everyone.

 

I quit smoking about 18 years ago, after smoking for 12 years - up to 2 packs a day.
The craving does go away, in that I rarely even think about smoking anymore, but certain situations can induce mild cravings - usually social situations with other smokers. I used the nicotine gum for a while.

I know of a number of people who have had great success with Zyban, and very few who have failed. ( I'm a pharmacist ). I think it is worth a try.
You are supposed to continue smoking the first 2 weeks you are on the medication - and then suddenly you realize you are not getting the "reward" from the nicotine, and the cravings rapidly disappear.

 

I tried Zyban for one week in February of 2004 and ..... long long story short..... it put me in the emergency room a total of 6 times and I still have health problems to this day because of it.

The not so long story is that my body was very allergic to Zyban and it took a week for the medication to irritate my body to the point where I decided to see a doctor. I saw my family doctor when I was having a severe allergic reaction to the medication and she told me that I may be developing a condition called "stevens johnson syndrome" which is fatal in 30% of the people who develop it. Thankfully, I didn't have that problem, but I still ended up in the ER several times over the next few weeks with HUGE hives on my body, shortness of breath, heartrate through the roof.

Unfortunately that story doesn't stop there. Since my allergy to Zyban first started, I have developed for the first time allergic reactions to any over the counter pain reliever that is made. That includes aspirin, ibuprofin, acetominophen, tylenol. So, pretty much if I get a headache or sick at all, I'm forced to suffer. Never had a medication allergy in my life prior to taking Zyban. I have really itchy nasty hives on my body 7 days a week after taking it well over a year ago! That stuff sucks!

Anywho... I'm sorry. I had to go on a little rant, because that crap wrecked my body. My only point was to alert people who may be thinking about taking it to be careful.

 

My father has started taking Zyban (generic form of it), and his cravings have increased. He used to go through a carton every 4 days, now it's down to 2-3 days for a new carton. He's been on it for a week and a half though, so maybe he'll stop and/or slowdown next week. But he's upset cause his insurance won't cover it for quitting smoking, just depression, so he has to dole out the full cost for the perscription and for his increased cravings.

Good luck on the whole quitting thing. Most of my family has tried and went back to smoking a few years later. My uncle is the only one that hasn't, but that's because of a medical condition he has, cigarettes and alcohol agrovate it and it makes him suffer, so he decided they weren't worth the pain.

 

Zyban is bupropion. So is Wellbutrin. Originally developed as an antidepressant then they discovered it worked as a smoking cessation aid. Too bad there's a list of side effects a mile long. Of course the side effects of smoking like a chimney are pretty scary, too.

 

Hmmm! Don't you mean Zildjian???

 

yes
that is what they are

 

That is the trick to quitting.

I smoked 14 years. Started when I joined the Marines. I quit in May of 96, when I told my wife that I would quit if she bought me a computer. I didn't think she would. Quit cold turkey.
Didn't actually have cravings. The main reason, I believe, is that I didn't smoke in the house or at work. I was down to half a pack a day when I quit.
I hear people saying that it's a physical addiction. I can't believe that. It is purely a psychological one. Which means that anybody can quit if they really want to. The human mind is what controls our body, it's not the other way around. Heck I can still have a cigarette, or even a stinking pack now and not start up again. I've done it. Just don't care to start again. I'll probably have a smoke next week just as a reminder of how awful it is. Maybe have to wait longer as I'm not around smokers much any more. It's been about a month or so since I've had one.

 

Could someone tell me what Zildjian is? never heard of it!

 

I dont know if thats the right thing for me...I took my first pill today, dont feel any different so far......if this doesnt work I could look into that! Thanks!

 

that cant cause cancer of the mouth?

 

I hope you are right tho, the pamphlet says after a week you stop smoking....I'm kinda getting the idea that you keep smoking and eventually your cravings die down and hopefully disappear.
I've also been told that once you go off Zyban, you have the urge again-I hope not!

 

Wow! I guess you are one of that small percentage that gets a VERY bad reaction! I feel bad for you and I will pay attention to anything that seems to feel different within myself.
I hate to ask and I'm not trying to be a wiseguy but, afterall that did you stop smoking?

 

You Sound like what they call a social smoker (around here anyway). I know of people who only smoke when they're around other smokers or just at parties or whatnot, and when they get up the next day they dont smoke nor have the desire to... just social situations. It's beyond me how they can do that!

 

There's no one cause of smoking, and no one smoking type, and as a consequence the method(s) to stop, if that is in fact desirous, is many.

Okay, so I'm not a Doctor, but I am an ex-Industrial Chemist, and ex-nurse.

First to address a few comments here whether smoking is 'addictive' or not depends on the individuals' genetic tendencies, biochemical make-up and psychological tendencies. Some people will be addicted to nicotine, some alcohol, some various illegal substances, and some people to nothing.

Whereas psychology definitely plays a major part, it is in no way the whole picture. There definite biochemical reactions that these substances cause in the human body, which in turn may affect behavior. The prime effect is biochemical, and many of these substances, in fact occur natural to some extent in the human body. (Most of the analgesic, anti-depressant, sleep inducing and 'recreational' type compounds are already present in us, which is why the have an effect in the firsts place). So smoking is partly 'in the head', but mainly it is chemical/physical.

The main reasons why smoking, along with coffee drinking and similar habits are popular is for there anti-stress/stimulant properties. So one might be wise to look at boredom/stress factors, as well as peer-pressure when trying to "quit".

Also, keep in mind that, reducing intake of cigs may not be quitting, but it is an improvement. And that just because you've had a 'relapse', that's not an excuse to go back to square one, so to speak.

Just do whatever method fits into your lifestyle and is effective, and avoid the self-conflict and self-struggle mode of thinking at all costs, as stressing out over quitting can cause more harm that the habit itself. Much like chronic dieters that are constantly torturing and punishing themselves. Address the problem, and avoid the conflict.

Apart from smoking, other methods of tobacco consumption are available, as has been touched on here. Unfortunately most of them are not very appealing, snuff, chewing tobacco, patches etc.

At the end of the day it is up to the individuals' personal resolve, as was said.

 

Quoted from Phantom : First to address a few comments here whether smoking is 'addictive' or not depends on the individuals' genetic tendencies, biochemical make-up and psychological tendencies. Some people will be addicted to nicotine, some alcohol, some various illegal substances, and some people to nothing.

Definitely true. As with all things, the tendancy to become addicted follows a bell curve, with some having no trouble quitting, and others feeling like they are being turned inside out. Physical addiction to nicotine is difinitely real, but varies greatly from person to person, and there is no " one size fits all" method to quit. Being unable to quit is not always a failure of willpower, and it should not be assumed that the person is "weak" because of it. Heroin addicts have stated that it is easier to quit heroin than nicotine. Nothing wrong with getting some help.

 

My parents were smokers, then my brother started in his mid teens, his friends that came over smoked so I started. He's been trying to quit for years, has tried everything including Zyban....to no avail. I know what may work for some dont work for others, The times I quit I would get such bad insomnia that I would go back to smoking just for a good nites sleep. Sleeping pills dont help, I wouild have to take 5 Benadryl pills to knock me out and thats not a good thing to do. Unfortunately I'm one of those who have high tolerance of pain and other kinds of medicine that I have to take more than the average person.
When my boyfriend quit (he went back to it recently) he had stomach problems So the body does get addicted to nicotine, and I would think that most people do suffer withdrawal symptoms for a bit. I'm told you can suffer for up to a year after quitting!
They say if you stop smoking for a year that it's unlikely you would start up again, From what I've seen around, I dont think that that is true! I guess it will be a constant battle to fight off the urges. I just hope I can do it! Today is my 3rd day taking it but tomorrow I double the dosage so maybe I will feel a difference, as of right now there's no change.....

 

Yes I did stop smoking actually. Probably a combination of the drug and it's side effects LOL.

 

It's too bad you had to go thru all that to stop smoking,But I guess it would have been even worse if you didnt stop!

 

i've avoided this thread... because i'm in deep denial. i know i have to quit smoking. i have had open heart surgery and multiple heart caths.. and spent more time in the back of an ambulance and icu's these past 3 years. my doctor and cardiologist read me the riot act everytime. smoking is killing me. i quit while i stay in the hospital... (they don't let you out of their sight when you are in ICU).
so, thank you for being here and being the good angel on my shoulder. for those who have quit. do not start again. you do not want to have to go thru what i face daily... 12 different pills to keep me ticking a day. i'm not writing this for sympathy... cuz i can find it in the dictionary between sh1t and sphyllus. i just want you to know.. i'm going to start trying..er.. um.. to quit.

i think this is a good place to start... http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/

 

this look promising....

 

Wow! You've had it rough! It's strange that us smokers can see the problems other smokers have had (my step-grandmother smoked till the day she died of lung cancer) and we still smoke.you would think that it would scare the hell out of us that we would stop! It's a powerful addiction and when you are hooked it doesnt seem to scare us enough seeing those with serious problems or dying because of smoking. I think a small few may stop when they see someone they love getting deathly ill from it, but it is very hard as you know.

I know when I was in the hospital several times in a few years span (non related problems) It didnt bother me that I couldnt smoke but the day I knew I was going home I was 'dying' for a cigarette, So I know that your mind plays a big part. unfortunately I did suffer terrible insomnia from the withdrawal, I knew it was the nicotine cause when I started up again I had no problem sleeping!

My mother smoked for 40 years and she stopped cause the doctor threatened to put her in the hospital since he was afraid her Bronchitis was going to turn into Pnuemonia (cant spell that=sorry), She wasnt breathing well and she stopped cold turkey. It scared her enough I guess. A few years later she ended up having some kind of Corroted artery (Pardon my spelling) surgery on her neck...Did you think that scared me enough? Nope!

It's very hard and I appreciate your input and that site I will look into. How many years have you been smoking? I really wish you the best of luck when you decide to attempt it again! You seem like a kind and funny person....I wish you well!
I know...I know.....I type too much!

 

ive been smoking almost 30 years... i'm 45. (((star))) my info is in my profile. i'm smoking a cig right now. i worked as medical escort for the veterans home.. saw first hand all the nastiness of smoking... thinking i'm immune.. knowing i should quit.. just can't quite do it... on disablity now.
and star you do not write too much! you just express yourself very well verbally!! **wink**

 

Oh, you are so nice! You also seem too young to have all these problems!I'm 43, probably started smoking when I was 16. I was never a chain smoker. I think on rare occassions that I ever went over a pack a day but these last few years I've cut down. At one point I was under 10 a day. I dont know why I've increased, nerves I guess. Times are hard for me right now.for the most part I rarely smoke the whole cigarette its just that first few drags I need then I'm sick of it and chuck it out.

I guess we all think we are invincible until something happens to us with smoking and other things. Sometimes then it's too late.

I know a few people (older than you ) who have had open heart surgery and as soon as they are out the door they're smoking. I know people who smoke most their lives and still around in their 80s to talk about it and the only problem they have is that wheeze sound when they breathe,I guess the start of emphasema (Pardon my spelling) but no surgeries-nothing! Guess it affects people differently. I always had the fear of getting throat cancer (I think) where they open your throat up so you have that hole there and you have to learn how to speak a different way....that scares me terribly.

Have you tried any other means (besides cold turkey) to stop smoking? I would imagine you being on disability that you have more time on your hands so you probably smoke more? If I'm getting too nosy tell me to shut up!
I have to laugh,I'm sure all who read this must think I talk a lot!I really just talk a lot on here! I hardly talk on the phone at all, REALLY! (You should see my cell phone bills! I go over my text limit all the time and I get 2500 a month lol)

I didnt look at your profile yet...but....are you a cat person like I am? (asking because of your name lol) MEOW!

 

Thanks for listing that site...I will look into it!

I checked out your profile...You are very funny! I'm glad to see that with all your troubles you still have a great sense of humor and that is important!A lot of people who have had serious problems lack that and I think thats when they really start going downhill.
I still dont know if you are a cat person tho...lol!

 

i have way to many cats... very much a cat person!!! they are my babies.

 

3 years ago I had 7 cats,just 2 years ago one died of cancer.6 months later I had to put one down due to a cancerous tumor. Now back in October I had to put 2 down within 2 weeks of each other,the first one had bone cancer (his name was mew-mew) the second one was unexpected she had kidney failure and possibly diabetes, We put her down on the spot since the vet felt her chances were slim. God I was so heartbroken....still not over it 6 months later. Now I have 3 left, when they are all gone I dont know if I would get anymore.,.....I just cant go thru the heartache again!My oldest is 14 and the 2 sisters are 10, they're at the age where their health can start to fail.... It stinks to get old...too bad theres no magic pill to take!

 

my oldest is 8 and the youngest is 8 months old.. baby is the biggest... he likes to help me surf the net... and gives me love bites.. which is okay most of the time... but sitting here in shorts and he walks up and gives me a nip on my upper thigh! yikes LOL surprise momma, i wuv you!!!

 

I cant smoke, my body rejects it and I puke. It also tasts like crap and gives me a headache. If only there was a pill or a shot you could get to make everyone do that when they smoke.

 

It does that to most people when they first start...trouble is we keep going until that phase passes...then all we have to worry about is addiction

 

Amen to that advise, that's the same way I walked away from a three pack a day habit!
This was back when a pack was .75 cents? I shudder to think what they cost now, and besides I was able to use the money on more exciting things: movies, games, a dinner, and night out on the town...

 

I recently attended "smoking cessation" classes at work. The nurses that ran the classes told us that Zyban was a mood altering drug and though they would happily prescribe it they really scared the hell out of me and put me off trying it so I'm interested in the experiences other people have had using this method. I've given up twice. First when I discovered I was pregnant. The day after the baby was born I started again. Doh! Next time I did it for 4 years with the occasional lapse when I had a drink or two! then I'd smoke the damn thing and feel disgusted but still do it!!!
Now years later, after all the classes etc I still can't do it. Know I should (I too have heart problems) but every time I get ready to do it my nerve goes.
Guess it's like Lev says you just got to do it when you're ready and take it one small step at a time. I just hope that one day I can do it again.

By the way congrats Mrs Lev! How did the big day go? Have you posted pictures yet? apologies if I've missed the thread but haven't caught up with everything yet.

 

Actually here on the Island a pack costs about $4.75. I used to buy by the carton (At The Indian Places-theyre cheaper!) but that made me smoke more. I buy about 5 packs a week.