Zyban to Quit Smoking

Some people are using this. It’s an anti-depressant. It is a pill taken orally, and only available by prescription.

Let’s take a look at how it works and if it’s a suitable method for people to use.

How Does Zyban Work?

Millions of people have issues with depression, and this may be something they are prescribed.

You begin taking it orally just as directed, and you continue to smoke as normal. Zyban does not contain any nicotine at all, so there are no worries of overdosing when taking it, unlike the patch and the gum which do contain nicotine.

So you keep taking it for about two weeks and then you should start to crave cigarettes less. You’ll begin to not want to smoke at all, or so they say.

Since you’re taking an anti-depressant, I can understand why you’ll start to hate the idea of smoking constantly.

You’ll feel good, so why do something you hate?

I’m sure using it helps with the negative thoughts that arise when you put that last cigarette out for good. It helps with the physical cravings. It makes them more manageable.

What Are the Side Effects?

As with any anti-depressants, there are a few side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, and dry mouth. But it also has one side effect that I think is crucial, and that’s nightmares.

This is a common side effect that is also shared with the patch and Chantix.

Since you take this orally, there is no going back, and you are stuck with nightmares until you choose to stop taking it. Not saying everyone will experience them, but a good chunk will.

Read the fine print.

I can’t really imagine taking it for two or more weeks and having horrible sleep every night. I used the patch and my dreams were scary enough for me to want to rip the patch right off!

I would imagine this would do the same. Maybe you will get lucky, though, and not experience the bad dreams.

Is it worth the risk? It’s not worth it to me.

Another factor to remember is the cost. You need a prescription, so that means going to a doctor and having insurance.

Not everyone has insurance, so it will be really expensive without it. Plus you need to keep taking it past the two week mark.

It won’t be cheap, and it certainly won’t be quick and easy.

I’d say the side effects outweigh the costs, which are sure to eliminate some people. Just because you want to quit, that doesn’t mean you have the money to try all these fancy methods.

Some people have no money at all. What are they to do? Are they screwed? Does everyone need a doctor to quit smoking? Absolutely not!

I think if you’re taking an anti-depressant drug to feel better about yourself and fight the cravings, you are creating a fake sense of self.

You really don’t need anything.

Yes, it’s hard, but if you cover up those feelings with something to make you feel better, what happens when you stop taking it? Will you go back to feeling bad? Will you go back to cigarettes?

I believe it has its benefits. It makes you feel better and reduces the cravings for cigarettes after a two week period. That is the good news.

But that comes with a price.

You have to deal with the side effects, the cost, and the risk of knowing it may not work. It’s not for everyone.

I still think for the serious, hardcore smoker, things are a little different. I smoked for every occasion possible, and although I believe Zyban might make me not like cigarettes as much, it’s still isn’t going to be 100% guaranteed.

I think there are many things to consider, and you may even have to combine this with other methods. I’m sure the success rate is greater.

But that means more money, more time spent doing those things, worrying if they will work or not, and obsessing over them, and dealing with more side effects.

Is that going to be better?

Just quit cold turkey or switch to vaping.