zyban & quitting

[loriz]

Hi everybody!
Can any of you help me? My husband & I are
trying to quit...he is quitting for me because of my IC and for his own good as well. We have tried twice now and only lasted a day...he has had luck with the gum but it makes me sick to my stomach. neither of us want to use the patch...I don't like the idea of keeping nicotine going into my system. I want it out completely...but I can't seem to stop smoking. Have any of you used Zyban? Can you take it if you are on elmiron which I am on...Please, if any of you have any knowledge of Zyban please tell me...I have to quit and soon...
thanks and congrats to all of you that have kicked the habit..
Lori

[ICNDonna]

I understand your desire to rid your system of the nicotine. However, nicotine can be an extremely powerful addiction --- which is why the patches and gum are so successful. If you use as directed, you are more gradually weaned from the nicotine --- which actually means that people who were totally unable to quit are now able to do it.

I tried for years to quit, but didn't actually make it until Nicorette gum became available. I have now been smoke free for something like 17 or 18 years. The patches or gum only last a little while and the rewards are great.

Warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[mavis]

Hi, I tried the Zyban but had to give it up due to nasty side effects. I became unbearable to live with, and was tense all the time. I found that a better alternative which was suggested by my Doctor was zoloft, and of course the patch. I did manage to quit once for 3 months. On that attempt I started the on the patch, a week later went to a hypontherapist (sp) then threw the patch away 3 days after that appoinment with no discomfort. Unfortunately a trip back home to Canada where everyone smokes quickly drew me back into the habit. I have to try again, but..... well you know the buts. Right now I am trying to deal with the IC just found out 2 weeks ago, hubby losing his job a week ago, and the stress of my clients and work. All excuses. Maybe with the help here I can think about quitting once again. Take care


Mavis

[lady pilot]

Hi and please remember all of us are different. I am currently on zyban and have no side effects and have not smoked in over a month and a half. I take elmiron plus a barage of other meds and it does not cause any interactions for me. Like you I could not do the patch and cold turkey I knew I would not succeed. With zyban I have not felt those nasty physical withdrawl symptoms. However the addcition is there and I fight that as I want a cig and I fear that will not go away. Hope this helps and I pray whatever choice you make you will succeed. God Bless

[loriz]

Thank you all...you are so helpful and I appreciate it so much...yes, everyone is different but where there's a will, there's a way right? Just another thing and I welcome all comments from those of you who have been there...I have valium from my uro (haven't taken it yet)...how do you think a combination of valium and nicorette gum might be? Perhaps that is the way to go...don't zyban & valium do the same thing? calm you etc....just thinking through my keyboard and interested in any comments...I think I can manage the gum if I try it again..it's not that bad...
Lori

[ICNDonna]

Your pharmacist can tell you if Nicorette and valium are okay together.

Warm encouraging hugs,
Donna