Zyban/Wellbutrin Dissolving in Stomach

[zadok]

Hi,

I have been on Zyban for depression for about a year now. For the first 8 months it worked great. Then I had some stomach problems from taking too much ibuprofen. Doctor (not my psych) prescribed pariet (ppi which stops acid production in stomach), which I took for a while, but it made the pain worse, so I stopped that.

Anyway, ever since the stomach problem started, the Zyban, which is supposed to be extended release and pass though my stomach and into my intestines, is dissolving in my stomach. I can feel it everytime I take it, as there is a sharp burning pain in my stomach, folllowed by a gnawing pain for a few hours. This is followed by the usual heartburn symptoms. The stomach pain is one thing, but the worst is that the Zyban is no longer working properly, instead of getting an extended release dose, It all dissolves within half hour or so. Needless to say I feel pretty crap. I cannot stop taking it though, as to stop is a disaster, I cannot function without it. I have seen a few gastro doctors about the problem and have had an endoscope of my stomach. Nothing but a bit of gastritis. They have tried ppi’s for acid and motilium to move the Zyban though my stomach faster – nothing has worked.

Question is, why is the Zyban dissolving in my stomach, is it because my stomach is too acidic and it is locked in a cycle of producing too much acid, everytime it is hit by the Zyban? I thought Zyban was enterically coated, so that it would not dissolve in an acidic environment at all?

I have been to numerous doctors about this problem and none can fix it, it is getting extemely frustrating. Any thoughts? I have so far not had any ph testing on my stomach.

Zadok

[Hairfixer777]

It might be the opposite and you might not be producing enough acid. Some people suppliment with Hydocloric Acid about 1/2 hour before meals. Start out with a small amount and see how you feel. If you have no problems from the HC acid, increase just a bit. Also, are you taking Wellbutrin with meals? I have done a lot of research on this and some people think they have acid reflux when the opposite is true.

Maybe if you do a bit of research, you might find what I am taking about.

[shan_e_wilson]

Just curious..have you ever tried digestive enzymes? I use to have the same issue with certain pills I took or even food I ate, and this helped me a lot. I went to many gastro docs and none of them told me about the digestive enzymes.

I also have heard that if you drink 2-4 ounces of organic, stabilized, aloe vera juice every day, it can help balance out your digestive juices in your stomach. I have not tried this though.

I know and understand how it can be frustrating, because I have been there. If you could just find out whether you are for sure creating too much acid or not enough..that would answer a lot.

[Hairfixer777]

Unless you want to invest the time and money into having tests preformed to measure the acid level in your stomach, you can give some of these over the counter natural suppliments a try and see if it helps. Hydrochloride tablets can be found in any healthfood store or the Vitamin Shoppe. They advice to start out slowly.

To test for sufficient hydrocloride in the stomach –

http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C42561.html#G613

You need betaine hydrochloride tablets plus enzymes – they are available from health food shops.

Take half a tablet before the last mouthful of a main meal. Burning or indigestion means you have plenty of hydrochloric acid. Don’t take any more tablets. Use antacid or teaspoonful of bicarbonate to relieve discomfort.

If no burning or indigestion, next day take 1 tablet in the same way. If still no burning or indigestion, next day take 2 tablets in the same way. If still no burning or indigestion, then you need more acid.

There are other tests for stomach PH but they’re all invasive.

So if you need more acid, then you take 2 betaine hydrochloric acid tablets with main meals and 1 tablet with small meals. Swedish bitters can also help, as can wine with meals and eating calmly and enjoying food.

Aloe Vera Juice is very helpful on the digestive track. I use a ounce or two mixed with water once or twice a day and you can work up from there.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-aloe-vera.html

I hope this information will help you.

[Author]

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