[Crazy Hitch]

I'm really wanting to quit. But I don't want to do it during the next 2 weeks whilst I'm still at work because I'm already feeling under scrutiny and I'm worried the withdrawal symtoms May mimicking irritability and get everyone suspicious.

I'm hoping quitting won't bring on a mood episode either way because right now I feel flat or my pdoc would say stable.

Anyone quit successfully and not had a mood episode? I've got a 2 week holiday coming up and wanting to do it then. Someone suggested hypnotherapy but I'm thinking patches.

[Side2Side]

You tried the e-cig? I found they work well, you can even get nicotine free ones.

[Crazy Hitch]

I tried the ecigaretts way back when. It's a good idea. Thanks

[Trippin2.0]

I haven't tried to quit no, I don't want to. But I have just proved that I don't have an addictive personality... its day 3 without a smoke, and that's just because I don't have the money for them.

No side effects here.

[Raindropvampire]

I quit cold turkey. I was a raving irritable let's say witch for about 3 weeks then I was fine. I still can't be around others smoking or the craving for one is unbearable. I've lost track of how long it's been but it's been months since I smoked.

[angelicgoldfish05]

Been almost 2 yrs smoke-free now. When I was hospitalized, I couldn't smoke, then when I got out I decided it was a good time to stay quit (I'd tried to before several times). So I called the quit line and they sent more patches - two months worth free of cost. I also found an online support group (smokefreewomen.gov) and that helped too.

I miss it at times. Ok a lot of times. But I also know how much it would hurt to start up and the ashtray smell usually keeps me away. Not the smell of a lit cig, I actually liked that for awhile and would go out with others on their smoke breaks to get my "second hand" That also helped a little cause of the social aspect.

And finally - all things oral fixation: gum, suckers, toothpicks, pens, sunflower seeds... Anything to keep your mouth busy. Ice chips.. Candy...

Be prepared to gain weight (this was a huge deterrent for me ever quitting and I still haven't lost *all* of it that I gained, but then again, I don't really exercise. Cigs were a way to stay thinner even without exercising for some reason and I really miss that too. But not enought to go back).

I agree with Side2Side, about the e-cig. I would have done that if they weren't so expensive. I support you in whatever you choose to do. The mood thing- most people are more understanding if they are smokers, or have been smokers, if you explain to them that you are quitting. Probably more understanding of that then say, bipolar or depressive moods. Good luck!

[Curiosity77]

I quit using the e-cig and Chantix. I quit twice with Chantix - quit once for a year, then relapsed for a year, then quit again. The first time I took it I had crazy, lucid nightmares. These were very frightening and abnormal dreams, like nothing I have eve experienced. I think of it almost like psychosis in my sleep. And it got to the point that I couldn't tell if I was awake or asleep, so I had to stop it after a few weeks. But it worked for making me not want to smoke. The second time I had one nightmare, but it was nothing nearly as bad as the first time. I think the difference is the second time I took it I was also on an antipsychotic (seroquel). I took it for a couple of months, and used the e cig for about 6 months. I quit about 18 months ago, and it's going well - definitely feel healthier.

Originally I quit smoking 13 years ago, and stayed quit for 8 years. That time I took Zyban, which is just wellbutrin. It helped somewhat, but the withdrawal was pretty terrible. But no nightmares.

Chantix can cause mood episodes, so discuss it with your pdoc, but quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, so for me, it was worth the risk.

[hamster-bamster]

My dad quit with e-cig, after many decades of chain smoking.

Wishing you luck.

[thickntired]

Originally Posted by Side2Side

You tried the e-cig? I found they work well, you can even get nicotine free ones.

I don't want to step on any toes, but I think with the e-cig's a person inhales a lot of chemicals. Also, it's trading one addiction to another. I have friends who used them to quit, and now have no desire to quit the e-cig.

[thickntired]

I quit cigs 2 years ago with wellbutrin/ nicotine gum, and brushing my teeth all the time, chewing a ton of cocktail straws, gum, and eating hard candy. But I only chewed the nicotine gum for a month. I have friends in AA who have chewed the gum for almost 2 years - this is a bad thing as I believe it can cause mouth cancer. Chantix is a great drug, but after I was diagnosed Bipolar no Dr. would write me a script. I did gain weight as was mention above, but quiting smoking is the health equivelance of loosing 100lbs!! I think the majority of people suffering from mental illness smoke. But when I quit I gained the ability to walk without being out of breath, getting that monkey off my back, saving a ton of money with a pack @ seven bucks, not having that nasty smell, and I'm not antsy to leave places or people to get a smoke. Smoking can also affect your employment as it contibutes to sick days and is a drain on health insurance. Just about every where you go it's smoke free these days. I'm glad I don't still get those judgmental stares when I'm outside smoking, and I don't have to stand in the rain or freezing cold to get my nic fix. I quit after I spent 2 weeks in Northern Cali because everyone really looked down on smoking (unless it was pot ha ha).

This website really helped a lot; watch the videos where smokers tell their stories. A lot of these people are young -in their 40's. The graphic stories are very scary. Smoking Kills!

Good Luck!

tnt

CDC - Smoking & Tobacco Use

[Curiosity77]

I think there are a lot less chemicals in the ecig than regular cigs, and no tar. It's trading one addiction for another in the same way as using the patch or the gum. It's lower levels of nicotine, and it's transitional to quitting. Nicotine on it's own is not that bad for you, it's the chemicals in it and the actual inhaling of smoke that causes the damage. It is definitely better to quit totally than smoke ecigs, but ecigs are harm reduction, which is better than doing nothing and continuing to smoke. IMO anything that makes it easier is worthwhile.

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[ginaaa22]

i used chantix and i didnt have to pay for it either...just tell your pcp that youve tried nicorete gum, patches, welbutrin and nothing has worked

[outlaw sammy]

WANNA TRIP? I quit on 12/09/13 after smoking for FORTY-ONE YEARS! I've tried everything, nic gum and patches, Z-ban (Wellbutrin) before they knew that I am BP1, heavy exercise, cold showers, fruit juices, hypnosis, quit smoking classes and support groups, aversion therapy, but I didn't try Chantix (because it's dangerous to BP's) or e-cigarettes (because they are not a smoking cessation method and they are also very toxic to your liver: I have a masters in chemistry so I should know). So, how did I finally do it? I prayed to God to give me a miracle - and He did. It took Him three bloody days to get around to it however!

[Mickey4333]

Very good thread and wonderful and informative replies.

I quit about 4 years ago. I was a heavy (1-11/2 packs/day) smoker for over 35 yrs. Tried unsuccessfully many times to quit. Then I suffered through a very severe (1st) COPD episode and I put it in my mind that I didn't want to die that way. I quit by progressively lowering doses of patches and gum. It took 3 mo to comfortably go without all/any nicotine. I do however, think about them and how enjoyable it would be to have one but nope, so far, my will power has been strong!

By the way, I know for a fact that there is a big change in my lungs. The Xray of my lungs showed my lungs black ("smokers lung") but a year later there was no blackness - nice and clear. I am using an inhaler every AM for my COPD but I have not had any more episodes (except for the somewhat SOB that I get when exercising, cleaning, etc).

Downfall: I have gained 100lbs in these 4 yrs.

So please, any non-smoker, please don't start and any smoker, please quit!

[Crazy Hitch]

Thanks so much for all the messages of encouragement. I'm feeling more optimistic now. Think I might try a combo of ecigaretts and patches. Don't think I will be prescribed Champix but I can ask. Tried it a few years back and it bought on a massive episode of mania so I reckon any doctor would be cautious.

[thickntired]

Originally Posted by outlaw sammy

WANNA TRIP? I quit on 12/09/13 after smoking for FORTY-ONE YEARS! I've tried everything, nic gum and patches, Z-ban (Wellbutrin) before they knew that I am BP1, heavy exercise, cold showers, fruit juices, hypnosis, quit smoking classes and support groups, aversion therapy, but I didn't try Chantix (because it's dangerous to BP's) or e-cigarettes (because they are not a smoking cessation method and they are also very toxic to your liver: I have a masters in chemistry so I should know). So, how did I finally do it? I prayed to God to give me a miracle - and He did. It took Him three bloody days to get around to it however!

Hahaha I remember Z-ban. I think it was wellbutrin packaged under a different name. Gotta love big pharma! Congratulations on quitting.

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[justbeingme80]

I tried e-cigs but I don't know if it was the wrong amount of nicotine in them, but I had serious problems. I quit for a while when I worked because I was so busy I couldn't stop to smoke. I took it up again once I quit. Right now I'm using the patches, but it's taking me longer than the directions on the box.

The main reason I quit? I got diagnosed with asthma and after spending two days in the hospital for breathing difficulties I had to quit. Doesn't mean I don't want one, I just know I literally can't smoke. (And I know it's not COPD. They checked my lungs for that and for blood clots from BCPs.)

[Hong Kong Fluey]

For Christ's sake go and buy the Allen Carr book NOW!!!!!

This book changed my mind completely on this. Read it carefully, slowly and drawn it in like cigarette smoke. He is completely right about cigarettes and his methodology is simple yet brilliant.

And it has nothing to do with mind over matter, seriously, get a second hand copy from ebay or amazon or something, you will NOT regret it.

Good luck and think of all the extra cash you will have!

I'm a former 3 pack-a-day'er.

I did the patch and have been smoke free since 10/11/1993.

Good luck and best wishes in your endeavor to be a healthier you!

[PsychSurvey]

You can do whatever you put your mind to!

I quit smoking and 3/4 years back. Sometimes I miss it (especially when inpatient) but otherwise cigarettes put me right off now. I quit cold turkey. Just decided I didnt want them anymore because they wernt good for me and it was a waste of money. I didnt find it that difficult at all, but I did avoid social situations (like going to the pub or drinking with friends) for a few weeks to make it easier. It wasnt nearly as hard as I thought and was pretty much just straight out willpower. No withdrawl symptoms (like meds have) just a slight craving every now and then, but I did other things to distract myself and I was fine. I had been a smoker for 10 years previously. I can breathe clearer now but still have lung pains from time to time, not sure if its just anxiety or permanent damage.