Little Helpers
My brain’s functioning at the pace of those monster California slugs that used to creep out of the ice plant at night and ooze themselves across the concrete next to the pool.
It’s the mangy old Black Dog depression. Only a week ago, I told someone that I was doing pretty well. I should have found some wood to knock on.
When this happens, I move from blah to negative to weepy and I fall into a to-heck-with-it approach to things I find frustrating or challenging. Obviously, I’m going to have to be very careful with thoughts about smoking right now.
Chantix and Zyban
Last summer, the FDA approved a new drug, Chantix, for smoking cessation. Chantix eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces the pleasure of smoking if we fall off the wagon.
Zyban has been used to help people quit smoking for a number of years. It reduces withdrawal symptoms when you kick the habit. Zyban is also prescribed as an antidepressant, under the name Wellbutrin. Chantix, on the other hand, is not an antidepressant. Neither contain nicotine.
I was prescribed Wellbutrin several years ago to treat my depression. As I was leaving my doctor’s office, prescription in hand, she mentioned in an offhand manner that the drug might also help me quit smoking.
I didn’t think much about it until the next day when, at work, I realized I hadn’t gone outside for a couple of cigarettes that were routine.
Studies show both medications can be effective. Chantix may work better for some people–but most Chantix studies were sponsored by Pfizer–the drug’s manufacturer.
We all can use a little help at times.
