I myself experienced a dystonic reaction and subsequent neurological movement disorder after exposing myself to the immediate-release Wellbutrin nearly two years ago for only 3.5 days. I have been dependent on anti-convulsants ever since and experience dykinetic (uncontrollable, disordered body movements and contortions) at unpredictable times to this day. Mentally, my memory and ability to process information is severely changed in relation to my pre-Wellbutrin exposure and is a real challenge. Physically, I can function at a fraction of my previous level.

My particular disorder is noted as having been reported to occur frequently by the manufacturer, in at least 1 in 100 people, albeit disclaimed as being definitely associated with the drug. The stats are described very neatly and deeply within the product information insert as being obtained from "open and uncontrolled" clinical trials and reports. Disclaimer nirvana most comfortably affords the manufacturer protection from accountability for the adverse effects of its magic bullet offering, simply by listing many of the drug's side effects, while making sure they are buried so deep within the 2 page product insert that they are generally overlooked by the prescribing physician and consumer.

According to the manufacturer, Zyban is chemically the same drug as the Wellbutrin SR offering, i.e., sustained-release. Specifically, it does not appear to pack such an immediate punch as Wellbutrin immediate-release. The drug has been reported by victims to be associated with both short and long term serious side effects, including but not limited to hives, arthritis, myaligia, tremors, memory disturbances, severe panic attacks, emotional problems, hypertension, sleeplessness, confusion, and other adverse symptomology.

Full information concerning the admitted side effects can be accessed at http://www.rxlist.com. One need only access the site and type in Zyban or Wellbutrin to get the information. It is especially important to take a close look at the Adverse Events section. The FDA has numerous reports, accessed via the Freedom of Information Act, which show many, many serious adverse events listing Zyban and Wellbutrin as the primary suspect drug (they are both bupropion) in only a one year period alone.

The drug is admitted to "lower the seizure threshold" (neat way around "cause" in my opinion), and was pulled early in its distribution back in the 80's and fast tracked back onto the market with a warning shortly thereafter. It is admitted to aggravate, or make manifest (supposedly "unmask" if you will, as opposed to "cause") supposed seriously debilitating underlying manic problems in some. The drug works via the dopamine receptors in the brain, ergo, is capable of affecting both the emotional and physical systems within the body.

Though many say it has been helpful to them and not all individuals experience significant adverse effects from the drug, most doctors appear to reveal little nor know much about what is tucked neatly within its enormous product insert information, which lists a myriad of serious, though disclaimed, side effects within its "Other Events" section. Ergo, the average patient/consumer is not afforded the luxury of truly informed consent.

If anyone is interested in viewing for themselves the many side effects, both serious and short term, others have reported with usage of the drug, one can also visit the aboutwomen.com site, under the addictions category. It is an eye opening experience to say the least. I myself, along with two other long term victims, have been working hard to get the real truth out about this drug in an effort to spare those who may be harmed by it and to assure those who believe they are losing their minds post exposure that they are not alone when they have been inadvertently plunged into the uninvited world of Zyban/Wellbutrin induced hell.

I had been thinking it was me, but today I thought maybe it was the drugs. So, I got on the web and found this site. I am glad I did. Perhaps I will stop the medicine today (after calling the doctor). I hope I start to feel better, as I was almost ready to have myself committed someplace. I cant live like this. What a horrible feeling. I didn't think I was depressed when I went to the doctor, but now I know I am and I hate it. Thanks for the info.