I have the same reaction. When I quit smoking several years ago, my doctor told me that the reason that I had been previously unable to quit smoking was that I had a mild anxiety disorder of genetic origin and that nicotine was a form of self-medication for me. He suggested that I use Zyban (an SSRI antidepressant) to help with the nicotine withdrawal, and he suggested that I keep taking the drug even after I quit smoking, because SSRI’s are also anti-anxiety medications. Well, my reaction to Zyban was just the opposite! I was about ready to jump out of my skin the entire time I was taking it. I was constantly nervous, irritable, and antisocial. It also made me confused as hell. One time I almost walked into the women’s bathroom in Wal-Mart because I couldn’t concentrate on anything—it was like my mind was in a constant frenzy. And the insomnia was unbelievable! So I guess the SSRI’s are just not for me. After I got over the nicotine withdrawal, I stopped taking it and threw the rest in the trash. I still haven’t smoked in several years (knock on wood) but I think the fact that I’m now married to a respiratory therapist has a lot to do with my continued success.
