Posted by Leonardo on October 27, 2000, at 11:23:39
In reply to WELLBUTRIN and my husbands now a JERK!! HELP!!, posted by tearful tiffany on October 27, 2000, at 8:31:31
Hi Tiffany
I have recently been taking Wellbutrin and did not get these irritability effects, though many others do. I did get them on another medication (reboxetine), so everyone is different.
One thing you might want to know is that in the UK, when they prescribe Zyban (Wellbutrin) for smoking cessation, you only get 2 months supply, ie they reckon that if you haven't stopped smoking in 2 months on Zyban, it isn't going to work. Seems from what you say that your husband is not going to be successful with Zyban, as he's 5 weeks in already and hasn't reduced the smoking much. Obviously he should check with his doc, but I reckon if he hasn't stopped smoking at the end of 8 weeks there's little point continuing with the Wellbutrin/Zyban.
I think it is well known that Zyban doesn't work for everyone. I recall a key requirement in making it work was that the person has a strong commitment to giving up (ie the Zyban doesn't do it all for you). Also I think you are supposed to stop smoking completely after the first week on Zyban, or it doesn't work either.
As others have said, he should be able to reduce the insomnia and irritability by reducing the dose eg one tab a day not two, and taking it early in the morning top reduce the insomnia side effects.
Good luck
Leonardo> My husband was prescribed wellbutrin about 5 weeks ago to stop smoking. He smokes a pack in about 2-3 days. He has slowed down a bit, BUT he is so agitated. Last night he told me to f** off. WHAT is this? I'm walking on egg shells with him, trying to be extra understanding, and it doesn't seem to matter. He's coming home and going directly to bed sometimes, and then sometimes he's up half the night. Sometimes he looks at me like he wants to rip my head off. This is causing lots of problems. I've got my own depression issues, and this does not help. Being a user of several different antidepressants over periods of my life, I know that there are mood changes that you've got to go through until you stabilize. But, I'm wondering is there anyone out there who had these side effects which were relieved after some time? If this is the way he is going to be, I might tolerate his smoking rather than going through this. Next month is our 5th anniversary, and if he keeps this up, I don't know how we'll make it!
> e-mail me at caballero4@prodigy.net if you have any helpful info~
poster:Leonardo
thread:47500
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47509.html