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Zyban and Alcohol Do Not Mix
by Christine, Mar 05, 2001 12:00AM
I started taking zyban about 3 weeks ago. On the eigth day, I went out with friends to the pub and drank what i would normally consume on an average friday night. Usually I would end up pretty drunk, going home, falling asleep and waking up with a bad head.
This time though I cannot remember what happened after about 10pm. I woke up the following morning knowing something terrible had happened but could not remember. Apparently I went back to my boyfriends house and suddenly turned on him and attacked him, punching him in the face and then storming out of the house. I have never, had such a blackout before in my life and there have been occasions where I have drank lots more.
I have read two accounts on the medicine forum regarding zyban and alcohol. Both were similar to mine in that the people involved blacked out like never before. I think that there is possibly a reaction in some people between the two. I dont think it should be dismissed as lightly.
The thing is, niether the assessment centre or doctor warned against drinking, and I have hardly seen any information regading zyban warning not to drink when taking it.
This time though I cannot remember what happened after about 10pm. I woke up the following morning knowing something terrible had happened but could not remember. Apparently I went back to my boyfriends house and suddenly turned on him and attacked him, punching him in the face and then storming out of the house. I have never, had such a blackout before in my life and there have been occasions where I have drank lots more.
I have read two accounts on the medicine forum regarding zyban and alcohol. Both were similar to mine in that the people involved blacked out like never before. I think that there is possibly a reaction in some people between the two. I dont think it should be dismissed as lightly.
The thing is, niether the assessment centre or doctor warned against drinking, and I have hardly seen any information regading zyban warning not to drink when taking it.
Post Comment
Mostly all brain/mood altering drugs are not good to mix with alcohol. It sounds to me from your speech and the words you use, you are from England. Now I don't know about over there but over here they put on almost every bottle of pills I get "Alcohol Intensifies Effect" or DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES." Just be careful ok? Try not to drink any longer while on medication. Take Care and God Bless
Chadb
In vitro studies indicate that bupropion is metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 2B6 enzyme. Therefore, there is potential for a drug interaction between Zyban and drugs that effect CYP2B6 such as orphenadrine and cyclophosphamide. Certain drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbitol, and phenytoin may induce the metabolism of bupropion while others such as cimetidine may inhibit its metabolism". <<<<<<<
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Spooky Comments:
It is actually structurally related to the Phenylethylamines(Amphetamines),insomnia occurs in 40% of people taking it.Originally it was marketed as an antidepressant.Their is nothing MUCH to suggest a significant interaction with alcohol as far as current knowledge of Pharmacology and Neurology goes,but some individuals do show idiosyncrasities and or hyper sensitivity.
I suggest you report the event to your Doctor for formal inclusion into data base of interactions.do not drink while on it and most importantly,think about what you did to your boyfriend,was everything alright in your relationship before this happened?,as it does indicate repressed anger,that you should address.
My boyfriend has also been taking zyban, and has also had a similar blackout. When I went for my 1 month assessment, I asked the doctor about alcohol plus Zyban, and she said it shouldnt have been a problem.
I have been experiencing other side effects - a lot of lightheadedness and confusion, lot of insomnia, and a little dry mouth. I did report these to my doctor and she said they were not too serious to warrant stopping taking zyban. She reluctantly wrote these effects on a 'yellow card' to give to the medical ethics review board.
Okay so the side effects wernt crazy, but surely with a newish drug (9 month i think its been available here in england) should have every last side effect reported, severe or not, and so what if it takes the doctor an extra 5 minutes to write these cards out (but I suppose thats the state of our National Health Service these days - and thats another story!!)
I still will keep checking back for more posts!
There is a small note on the box, but like I say - my doctor told me it shouldnt have been a problem. I know for next time (and i hope i never need proper antidepressants), and for anyone else i suppose.
The good news is - afetr six weeks, quit smoking and also quit zyban, and if i never injest either again - it will be too soon!
The new drug of choice to help stopping smoking, and now being evaluated as an aid to stop cravings for alcohol, is ' Varenicline' ('Chantix' or 'Champix').
It has a much better success rate with less side effects.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varenicline
P.S. Zyban helped for what it is intended to do. I have been successful in quitting smoking!