Posted: 11/30/2008 10:12:37 PM EDT
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For all those that have chosen to quit smoking, what methods have you used and what were your results? I'm starting this week and have purchased the lozenges and the patch. So far the lozenges are making me nauseous (kind of like when you swallow smoke by accident your first time smoking and turn green) so I'm pretty sure I am abandoning that option for the patch. Anyone have success with the patch and if so how long were you on it? Side effects?
People have suggested chantix or other drugs but the weird side effects have put me off those. |
| Chantix worked for me, my work was making it mandatory for everyone by jan 1st so I got a jump on it and they paid for it. It really wasn't all that hard with the chantix, don't even crave them anymore. Granted, i'm 26 and only smoked for 9 years so i wasn't as addicted as some people who've smoked 30+ years. |
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Chantix worked for me, my work was making it mandatory for everyone by jan 1st so I got a jump on it and they paid for it. It really wasn't all that hard with the chantix, don't even crave them anymore. Granted, i'm 26 and only smoked for 9 years so i wasn't as addicted as some people who've smoked 30+ years. [>:/] |
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Chantix worked for me, my work was making it mandatory for everyone by jan 1st so I got a jump on it and they paid for it. It really wasn't all that hard with the chantix, don't even crave them anymore. Granted, i'm 26 and only smoked for 9 years so i wasn't as addicted as some people who've smoked 30+ years. Damn near the same story here. Chantix worked like a charm for me but I heard it made some people crazy and shit. -X |
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Very lame, but I was kind of glad, I wanted a reason to quit. They didn't say we had to quit, but they banned smoking on the property, as well as possesion of tobacco products on the property meaning you can't even have cigarettes in your car. Well I guess, their company, their rules. I'm sort of in the same boat except its a girl, not a company. I've been trying to quit for over a year now but failing and she knew it. We sorta hit it off 4? weeks ago. She's lost 3 family members to cancer and her grandma is suffering from cancer right now... all were smokers. She told me that she hates smoking and knows I've been trying hard to quit so she'd date me so long as I quit smoking. I haven't smoked in 5 days but I do break down and have one or two now and then when I'm with certain friends. |
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My girlfriend and I got on Chantix. We both stopped smoking almost immediately. We both also started having screwed up dreams, and fought constantly. I hated everyone, and she said she had a dream about tearing out my heart and eating it. We're smoking again. Best post evar! 
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I used the patch. Two weeks each on 21mg., 14mg., and finally 7mg. The thing is
though, if your not 100% ready to quit, it's not happening. It took me two tries to quit cigarettes. One side effect was having strange dreams, especially if you wear the patch 24/7. edit- The reason it took two times. 1st time - wife wanted me to quit. 2nd time - wife became pregnant with our first child. 14 years without cigs, but I do have an occasional cigar once and awhile. |
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I quit 8.5 years ago using Zyban. I was smoking a pack a day and had smoked for almost 20 years. I had tried patches and nicotine gum with no success. I never thought I'd be able to quit - but the Zyban made it EASY to quit. The first day or two were the toughest. After that, it got easier every day. After about 6 weeks I stopped taking the Zyban and I haven't smoked a single cigarette since.
You can't drink while taking Zyban, as drinking can cause seizures. I didn't experience any side effects worth mentioning. I don't know anything about Chantix, but please don't give up on drugs as a method of quitting. Not everyone gets all or even some of the side effects. Giving up smoking is well worth it. Good luck. |
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I made the mistake of sleeping with it on one night. I didn't even consider the fact that I didn't smoke in my sleep so this was unnatural. What horrible fucked up dreams I had. I failed miserably with the patch.
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I used the patch. Two weeks each on 21mg., 14mg., and finally 7mg. The thing is though, if your not 100% ready to quit, it's not happening. It took me two tries to quit cigarettes. One side effect was having strange dreams, especially if you wear the patch 24/7. |
I don't dream so that actually sounds kinda cool. 
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I made the mistake of sleeping with it on one night. I didn't even consider the fact that I didn't smoke in my sleep so this was unnatural. What horrible fucked up dreams I had. I failed miserably with the patch. Quoted:
I used the patch. Two weeks each on 21mg., 14mg., and finally 7mg. The thing is though, if your not 100% ready to quit, it's not happening. It took me two tries to quit cigarettes. One side effect was having strange dreams, especially if you wear the patch 24/7. |
| I gradually got off cigs. Went from 2 packs a day to one pack. Then to 5-10 cigs a day to 1-3 a day, did that for a year. LOL took me a long time to quit, close to 2 years. Helps if you hang out with other people who don't smoke. It's been 7 years now with no crave. |
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Stopping smoking with any nicotine replacement method is tricky, as you are still getting the nicotine, and you must follow the recommendations of those manufacturers. Basically it is weaning you off nicotine, a highly additive substance. You are, in essence, self medicating. For those who are quite serious about quitting, these methods work well as they tend to follow the instructions and wean themselves off nicotine.
Other methods work but are a tad more expensive and some require a trip to your doctors office for a script. Wellbutrin was developed for anxiety and depression, but in addition, patients who smoked were reporting a dramatic decrease in craving. So, like all good mistakes the FDA runs across, they approved "Bupropion" as an aid in stopping smoking - trade names are Wellbutrin, Zyban, Buteprion, Voxra, to name a few. Zyban is the one the FDA approved for help in the cessation of smoking. It is also available in generic form. Talk to your doctor, this has worked very well for those who have had trouble stopping with other methods. Good luck. |
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You just don't remember your dreams. If you weren't dreaming, you'd have problems.
These weren't dreams so much as horrific fucking nightmares with unmatched realism. Quoted:
I don't dream so that actually sounds kinda cool.
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I made the mistake of sleeping with it on one night. I didn't even consider the fact that I didn't smoke in my sleep so this was unnatural. What horrible fucked up dreams I had. I failed miserably with the patch. Quoted:
I used the patch. Two weeks each on 21mg., 14mg., and finally 7mg. The thing is though, if your not 100% ready to quit, it's not happening. It took me two tries to quit cigarettes. One side effect was having strange dreams, especially if you wear the patch 24/7. |
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http://www.mothernature.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/82189/S/10000
I used these. They are cheap and worked great. I had previously tried the patch, gum and cold turkey with no luck Prescriptions today have too many fucked up side effects so I steered clear of them. |
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Been smoking on and off for about 5 years. Started at 17, got a job with 100% smoking population, in one of the smokingest cities in the country. Every once in a while, I will quit for 4 months to a year. Never really experienced any kind of significant withdrawal. Currently, I am in the smoking category. I usually start because all of my friends smoke, and for some reason second hand smoke bothers me when I haven't been smoking lately but not when I have been.
ETA: When I do stop, it's always cold turkey. |
The patch worked well for me. The downside is that I could never seem to "step down." I was on the 21's for 4 months. 
If you want to quit, wake up and slap one on. I wore mine on my upper arm, and would tear it up with exercise if I started craving. Sweat + a patch gives a really good nic buzz! 
Change your habits, and avoid things places where you used to smoke. Sunflower seeds worked for me, carrots worked for a friend when craving. You'll need something to keep your mouth busy, and your mind off smoking. Buddying up and doing this with someone else also works. I was NOT going to lose!!!
Best of luck, its hard at first. |
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I made the mistake of sleeping with it on one night. I didn't even consider the fact that I didn't smoke in my sleep so this was unnatural. What horrible fucked up dreams I had. I failed miserably with the patch. Quoted:
I used the patch. Two weeks each on 21mg., 14mg., and finally 7mg. The thing is though, if your not 100% ready to quit, it's not happening. It took me two tries to quit cigarettes. One side effect was having strange dreams, especially if you wear the patch 24/7. Yeah, the dreams are Ridley Scott worthy. Not necessarily bad, but very vivid. I wore the Patch 24/7 so I wouldn't wake up wanting one. |
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I smoked for 30+ yrs and smoked my last cigarette June 2nd of last year. I used Chantix for the recommended three months and had very little problem with the side effects. I had a few really weird dreams, a bit of nausea if I didn't eat something with it. You do need to drink extra water also but not an extreme amount. Like a lot of drugs many of the worst side effects are low percentage. I know someone else that had some mood swings but have not come across anyone who was suicidal.
If you need to try it and see or yourself. If you have problems you can't handle you just quit taking it. It worked great for me and I think it is worth trying. Good Luck. ETA: I see someone above mentioned changing your habits. That is a part of quitting that is hard. Having smoked for so long I found myself on the way home from work after a bad day 6 months after quitting reaching in my shirt pocket for a cig that wasn't there. Didn't really need it or want it. It was just a habit when stressed. |
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I have been smoking since I was about 12 or 13, full time since I was 14, I am 35 now. I quit once for 4 years, just out of the blue, cold turkey, no helpers. I started up again and smoked again for another 9 years or so with multiple, sometimes for a month or two attempts at quitting, but always failed. Each of those times I tried to quit I did the "quit date" had gun or whatever handy, or tried Zyban or whatever it was they used to use that was basically repackaged welbutrin, and I failed each time then I remembered back to the one time I was really successful. I did not set a date, but I did tell myself for a while before that "I gotta quit". Anyhow I did not set a date and I did not keep track, because these things were reminders of smoking. When I get the urge I tell myself that I am not a smoker. Taking a few deep breaths was actually a 1000 times more effective than any patch or gum I tried, and playing to the oral fixation just keeps you in the mode. I quit sometime in May or June. There was not an event that I can really equate to my quitting, I did it while working a shift, and I have not smoked since and I am certain that I will not be starting up. Basically that is it..a few deep breaths and remind myself that I am not a smoker. This is what works for me. I wish you the best in this endeavor. |
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My girlfriend and I got on Chantix. We both stopped smoking almost immediately. We both also started having screwed up dreams, and fought constantly. I hated everyone, and she said she had a dream about tearing out my heart and eating it. We're smoking again.  You are fucking AWESOME! Thanks for posting that. Damn, that's some funny shit right there!
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Congrats to you and the best of luck 
I'm in the process of quitting again. This time, doc gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin and the patch. So far so good. Putting pictures of people that I care about, and things that are my goals in my wallet have also helped me maintain focus. |
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Smoked for 25 years. Quit pretty much cold turkey 5 years ago. I think I chewed 5 pieces of nicotine gum.
The secret? There is none, you just gotta want to quit more than you want to smoke. You may find you don't have to resort to living with deleterious side effects to quit, but when you no longer give a fuck if your head explodes, you're there. This is the side effect you're willing to endure to keep smoking, and you have to be willing to endure it's equal to stop: 
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If you have a true desire to quit, here is all you need to know.
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I used maybe 5 or 6 pieces of Nicorette gum, then just stopped.
Don't let the gum/patches/drugs become a crutch...you have to WANT to quit and put your heart into it. It's tough, but you can do it. Knock off the "triggers" that make you want to smoke. Give up coffee and alcohol while you're trying to quit. Stay the hell away from anyone who is smoking. Don't make a big deal out of telling everyone you are trying to quit...they'll rag on ya and try to coax you into having a smoke with them. I smoked for 32 years and am now a little over two years smoke free. |
Just gradually weaned myself off of them. I haven't been off of them for long, two weeks, but before that I was down to about 2 cig.s a day. I don't think an occasional cigar should count though. Wellbutrin gave me the most insane nightmares I'd ever had. Chantrix drove my neighbor into a stark raving looney tune. Tried patch, lozengs, hypnosis, etc. with no lasting results. 
I started weaning myself off by not taking smoke breaks at work and then just picked different times of my day to eliminate them. The ride to and from work is still kind of a killer. I just turn on the news and it gives me something to yell at other than the people around me. 
Like kicking any other addiction it's all about mindset. Good luck and try not to let it drive you nuts! 
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I used maybe 5 or 6 pieces of Nicorette gum, then just stopped. Don't let the gum/patches/drugs become a crutch...you have to WANT to quit and put your heart into it. It's tough, but you can do it. Knock off the "triggers" that make you want to smoke. Give up coffee and alcohol while you're trying to quit. Stay the hell away from anyone who is smoking. Don't make a big deal out of telling everyone you are trying to quit...they'll rag on ya and try to coax you into having a smoke with them. I smoked for 32 years and am now a little over two years smoke free. I agree with you on most everything except staying away from smokers. Now I did use Chantix so this may not work so well for those doing it cold turkey or other mehods. Anyway I left all the ashtrays dirty in the house for the stench and I sat with the smokers at work or at the bar, just wherever. Why? So that the smell of smoke would not draw me back to smoking. Like I said above I have been tobacco free for 1 1/2 yrs. now and I can sit in the middle of several smokers and not want one. I smell it and it is beginning to smell worse to me as time goes on but that isn't a bad thing. Just means I am farther away from ever going back. Good luck to all those trying to quit. It is worth it. I feel so much better. |
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My girlfriend and I got on Chantix. We both stopped smoking almost immediately. We both also started having screwed up dreams, and fought constantly. I hated everyone, and she said she had a dream about tearing out my heart and eating it. We're smoking again. Seriously? 
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My dad smokes a pack or two a day (15~30 minute interval at most) and drinks 4 wine glass everyday. His dad (my grandfather) died of cancer due to smoking. My mom and I have been asking him to quit smoking and he walks around in house with cigarette fume all over the place. My mom is now to the point that she wears a cough mask but he doesn't give a damn. Obviously I do not live in their house anymore so its ok for me but whenever he comes over to my place I can't stand this because it hurts my throat.
What is the best way to stop him / coerce him / encourage him / whatever to quit him smoking? |
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The story of Brian Lee Curtis from that page is what got me to quit. I smoked for 15 years and used the patch to quit 2 years ago. One of the tricks I used was, on the first day I woke up about two hours before I normally do and put on a patch and went back to bed. This helped reduce that first craving in the morning. I did this for the first few days. After that I put the patch on first thing in the morning. I couldn't sleep with it on, the dreams were too much. During my breaks at work when I would normally smoke I walked. I would spend my whole break walking around my work place. I also ate a ton of Life Savors and Certs. The worst part for me was how moody I was for several months. I had no patience and was very quick to anger. That eventually went away. |
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American Lung Association's :
Free Stop Smoking Program A great 21 day 'step-down' type program that works!!! I used the patch for 2 days and tons of gums and mints. screw chantix and that shit don't be a pussy, and just don't smoke. The cravings pass in 5 minutes and no one ever died from a nicotine craving. Healthy New Year all!!!
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I smoked a pack or more a day for over 20 years. I decided to quit because of hacking in the morning and losing my breath too easily, so I sat down and got drunk and smoked a shitload of cigs one night. They always taste bad the next day after doing this. I haven't smoked a cig since and it's been a year and a half or so.
The best thing to do is to try and get out of your normal routine. You have to change things up so you're not always thinking of the cig at the same time, like your first break or right after dinner, whenever your normal smokes were, you have to change that. Don't get me wrong, when I see someone smoking, it looks damn good, but they don't smell good anymore. Also, don't reward yourself on not smoking by bumming "just one" from a buddy or the guy on the barstool next to you. That does not work, all it does it make it easier to bum another or buy a pack. Quit, you'll feel better, probably live longer, and think of all the extra guns and ammo you can buy with the extra money . Depending on where you live, that could be quite a bit. Here in Iowa, the last I looked it was something like $4.50 a pack or more, so it'll add up quick. Besides without smoking, your blood flows better which can have other benefits, if you know what I mean.
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