Hey Margo

(or anybody that knows..)

Isn't there a medication availible (pill) thats supposed to help with quitting?

Have any of you quitters tried it? Thoughts on it?

Probably depends on how bad one wants to stop right?

[Dan]

You must be thinking about Zyban.

I know one lady who used this.
She's still off the cigs a year later.

http://quitsmoking.about.com/b/a/124536.htm

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/zyban/zyban.htm

[Ann]

Just a word of caution, Zyban and Wellbutrin are the same drug, and for anyone who has had trouble with Wellbutrin (like I did), then Zyban may not be a good idea.

Many have no problems, but I thought I should clarify that they are one and the same, just different brand names.

Good luck to all my friends who are quitters.

Hugs
Ann

[Dan]

Goes without saying that any form of assisted quit should include your physician's advice and opinion. Even nicotine patches are contraindicated in some cases.

[margo]

Hi Dougie! Yep, Zyban (Wellbutrin) is the one you are thinking of. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that was also found in clinical trials to help smokers quit. The mechanism is not understood other than it affects the part of the brain that involves cravings. The two drugs are identical, but manufactured under different names for different purposes. It should be available by prescription only. Zyban is started about six or so weeks before a chosen quit date to allow it to start working its effects. Anyone who is already taking an antidepressant of the same class as Wellbutrin should not take Zyban as well.

Other new products on the market are the nicotine lozenge and the nicotine nasal spray. I think they both need prescriptions too and are taken on an as-needed basis only. The patch and nicotine gum are available over the counter.

Like Dan said, it's always good to talk with your doctor first, even about over the counter products.

Probably depends on how bad one wants to stop right?

Sure that can be true, Doug. Hell, if we want anything badly enough we do what we can to make it happen. It sure is nice to have things that can help with the desire and effort, though.

So, are you thinking you like the smell better in here?

Originally Posted by margo

Sure that can be true, Doug. Hell, if we want anything badly enough we do what we can to make it happen. It sure is nice to have things that can help with the desire and effort, though.

So, are you thinking you like the smell better in here?

I agree with that, I guess my point was more, "is it any more useful if a person is on the fence about quitting, than a patch, or gum, etc."

Once when I tired to quit, I tried the patch. The warning says not to smoke while patching. Me and my infinite wisdom found my own loop-hole. Take the patch off, smoke, put the patch back on. Repeat as desired.

I was smoking and patching alot. And the rash I got from constant patching and unpatching was huge, and painful.

What I thought the patch would do, wasn't anything I could really feel or relate too, then I realized I just wasn't really willing to quit.

And sure it smell better in here, makes me think about having a smoke.

I'm still not there yet...

[margo]

Originally Posted by Doug

Once when I tired to quit, I tried the patch. The warning says not to smoke while patching. Me and my infinite wisdom found my own loop-hole. Take the patch off, smoke, put the patch back on. Repeat as desired.

I've not tried Zyban, Doug (well actually, I tried Wellbutrin as an antidepressant, but that's another story ). I guess it can be more helpful than nicotine substitutes alone in that it helps to suppress the cravings before they start. Hopefully someone who's actually tried it for any length of time will post their thoughts.

It's always good to see you down here - don't be a stranger!

[Gabe]

Originally Posted by Doug

Me and my infinite wisdom found my own loop-hole. Take the patch off, smoke, put the patch back on. Repeat as desired.

Oh my God, I can just see myself doing that very same thing.