Help Please - Zyban Side Effects

[Madeline]

I have just started taking Zyban, yesterday in fact.

I am fully prepared for and informed of the side effects of Zyban and am willing to take the risk if it means I can stop smoking.

However, I was wondering how long it is going to be until those side effects start to kick in...a few days, a week? I must admit, I already feel a bit strange.

If you can give me an idea of when to expect things I would really be grateful...forewarned is forearmed after all!

Thanks all!

[richardthelionhearted]

Madeline, my side effects began within a couple days after I began taking the full dose. One of the side effects was paranoia about certain health issues. I don't want to tell you what, because I'm afraid it will cause you to have a phsycosomatic (sp?) side effects. The closest I could come to a reference for this in the product literature was that it sometimes caused "strange thoughts".

The second side effect I experienced was that I didn't stress out very much about various life issues (unrelated to smoking). I think this is due to the anti-depressant nature of the drug. I probably have very mild depression that was relieved by the zyban.

The third side effect was extremely strange and quite pleasant. I don't have any idea how to describe it, but music was MUCH more enjoyable for me while taking zyban. All music in general, but particularly heavy bass druggie kind of early 70's acid rock kind of music. It was like there was switch in my head that was turned on that allowed me to hear the rythm of the music in a totally different way.

I'm sure that WANTING to quit was the most important part of my quitting, but it seemed that zyban helped a lot. GOOD LUCK!

[Madeline]

Thank you for replying so quickly Lionheart.

Guess insomnia is one of the side effects...mind you, I'm like that anyway.

Thanks for warning me. Strangely enough, I said to a friend on the phone a little while ago that I was starting to feel a bit strange and paranoid!! Woo hoo...here we go!!

Hmm...the music one made me smile! Can't see me getting into that scene but you never know huh? I live over a pub so maybe the racket they make will be a little more appealing, or is that just wishful thinking?! *grin*

I have a history, right up to the present, of severe depression and anxiety so I know all about it and the effects of it. Some people think I am crazy to risk the side effects of Zyban, but I know what the warning signs are and how to deal with it! Besides...side effects do pass.

I just want to quit and am damn well determined I am going to do it this time, regardless of what I have to go through. A few weeks of hell is well worth it if I can kick this habit...like I said, side effects go away but lung cancer wont.

I may end up crying out again on here if the pills do take a hold...but I wont give up giving up!!

Your reply and communication is much appreciated.

[richardthelionhearted]

Your very welcome. I have been smoke free for 18 months and nicotine free for over a year. I rarely even think about it anymore. Once you get through the first few weeks you'll be fine.

[niki2]

Hi M...
Well I am now on my 8th week and going OK. NOW.. I did have a hell of a time initially, and wondered if I would ever return to the planet earth. SIDE-EFFECTS they are not to be taken lightly, if you get them bad then go on to 1 a day, I did this and did not find it
a problem. I had every side-effect on the leaflet, and I couldn't go about my every day
activities, I couldnt drive, I felt like ****
and basically if wasnt worth the 2nd tablet.
So if you have any doubts about reducing the side effects... don't. It will be hard for a couple of days... but hey... its better than putting up with those BLOODY SIDE EFFECTS
Good Luck...