Wellbutrin vs. Zyban?

JnJTyson · Jul 21, 2003

Wellbutrin and Zyban are the same thing. The generic name is BUPROPION. So if Zyban didn't work, I don't think Wellbutrin would be much for you.

I'm not sure if there is anything added to Zyban or whatever to make it different...but I'm pretty sure its just the trade name that is different! =0)

Jules

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Jul 21, 2003

Would love to hear feedback also on this.....I am also trying to quit...not doing bad...but not doing great!!

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 21, 2003

One of my best friends had GREAT success with wellbutrin and smoking cessation. She has been smoke-free for 3 years now and feels AWESOME about quitting after nearly 30years as a smoker (she started in her young teens). I would ask about it! Good luck!

RENAISSANCE RN · Jul 21, 2003

Wellbutrin and Zyban are the samething... sometimes insurance carriers will not cover the zyban, so the docs write it out as wellbutrin ( common antidepressant ) so that it is covered.

Wellbutrin is a good antidepressant. It can make you jumpy and anxious... I did find on wellbutrin, I had a lot of energy. I did not crave junk food. I did not want coffee ( maybe I was too anxious already). I also stopped smoking.... I was not on wellbutrin for smoking, but it did curb the cravings.

On the downside - 1. It can make you stay up all night until you get used to it. 2. You can feel itchy 3. You can be irritable. 4. Tintinitus, Vertigo.

Good luck with it.

nursenoelle · Jul 21, 2003

Same drug. The only difference is that some insurance co-pays will not go for the zyban. Wellbutrin is cheaper.

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2003

I used the nicorette gum with great success. I used it exactly as the package said. The big thing with the gum is people put it in their mouth and try to chew it like gum. What you do is chew it till it takes like cracked pepper (not bad at all) and then park it between your cheek and gum. Worked well for me. Generic was just as good.

renerian

passing thru · Jul 21, 2003

Angi, here is what I am hearing and observing in patients.

The doc prescribes the Welbutrin/Zyban....yeah, the same thing....

for something like 2-3 weeks prior to you setting the date to quit. then you quit and take it 3 more weeks.

EVERYONE I have talked to who had success said this is not long enough.

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO QUIT, here is what the successful patients/family/friends have told me:

(Several tried the Zyban cure several times before they got it "right.")

They said, " you have to take the Zyban for TWO MONTHS prior to the stop smoking day. THEN, you MUST continue taking it THREE MORE MONTHS.!!"

The reason most people fail is..... they say the Zyban is "too expensive" and they don't want to buy it and take it for the recommended length of time. Some even try to quit on one 30 day prescription.

It will work for you. But the nicotine addiction is sooooooooooo

strong, and the smoking habit is soooooooooooooo strong,

that you must give it five months to kick it.

If you've acquired a smoking habit and nicotine addiction and have had both FOR YEARS, then,

you cannot kick it in a month or two.

This is what I am hearing over and over and over again.

Try it. It will work for you.

Shamrock, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2003

I recall reading in some journal, (can't remember name and no, it wasn't the Ladies Home!!), that it was much more successful if taken for 6 month minimum and 12 months had a better rate for successful quitting and staying that way. Have had people tell me that they loved it and no longer smoke and some that say it did not help a bit.

My hunch would be that a persons desire and determination to stop are a big factor. I know, it's an addiction.

KaylaRN2005 · Jul 21, 2003

My dad just quit smoking, and he used a combination of Wellbutrin and The Nicotrol Inhaler, he said that it all tasted so bad he wanted nothing to do with cigs anymore. He quit in 2 weeks after smoking for over 30 years :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 21, 2003

interesting post, passing thru. never thought of some of those things.

Just Angi · Jul 21, 2003

Thanks everyone.

Passing Thru- I believe your way just might work. I've been on it for almost a month, so hopefully the bad taste will start kicking in. I have noticed that I don't smoke as much. That something atleast.