I'm a heavy smoker, has anyone tried the new medication does it work i done just about everything else. the

Question

patch, gum, wellbutrin cold turkey. help thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Pl. try following methods

At this time the most effective methods for quitting is a combination of nicotine replacement products and the antidepressant drug bupropion bolstered by counselling. After a year only about 4% of smokers who quit without any outside help succeed. The primary obstacle in trying to quit alone is making the behavioural changes necessary to eliminate the habits associated with smoking. Excellent books, tapes, and manuals are available and are strongly recommended to help people who want to quit without other assistance.

1. Nicotine replacement

Nicotine replacement products provide low doses of nicotine that do not contain the contaminants found in smoke. They are proving to be twice as helpful as other standard quitting methods. Replacement products include nicotine patches, gums, nasal sprays, and inhalers. Side effects of any nicotine replacement product may include headaches, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems. People often experience sleeplessness in the first few days, particularly with the patch, but the insomnia usually passes. Patients using very high doses are more likely to experience symptoms, and reducing the dose can prevent them. Certain individuals like people with heart disease, pregnant women, small children may need to avoid nicotine replacement products.

Nicotine patches: Nicotine patches, or transdermal nicotine, can be an effective way to quit smoking. The quit rate for patch users is around 20% after six months. Nicotine patches are available over the counter, but it is best to consult a doctor before using them, particularly people with any medical problems.

Nicotine gum: Nicotine gum (Nicorette), available over the counter, has also been effective for a number of people. Some prefer it to the patch because they can control the nicotine dosage and chewing satisfies the oral urge. Long-term dependence may be a problem with this method.

Nicotine inhaler: The nicotine inhaler resembles a plastic cigarette holder. It comes with a number of nicotine cartridges which are inserted into the inhaler. It has some specific advantages over other slower nicotine replacement products:

Nicotine nasal spray: The nasal spray satisfies immediate cravings by providing doses of nicotine rapidly, and thus may play a useful role in conjunction with slower acting nicotine replacement therapies.

Nicotine tablet: A nicotine tablet that is held under the tongue is also very useful.

2. Alternative and ther Methods for Quitting

Scheduled reduction: One study showed that people who used a systematic withdrawal schedule were twice as likely to quit as those who went cold turkey. The procedure involves the following steps:


Divide the number of minutes per day awake by the number of daily cigarettes; the result is the minute-long wait between smokes.

Set up a schedule with time intervals based on this result and using a timer, smoke only at those intervals; if the "cigarette appointment" is missed by more than five minutes, the smoker must skip that cigarette.

The following week, one-third fewer cigarettes are used and the smoking time is recalculated based on the lower number.

During the third week the count is again reduced by a third, and the smoker quits in the fourth week.
Change daily habits:


Change the daily schedule as much as possible. Eat at different times or eat many small meals instead of three large ones, sit in a different chair, rearrange the furniture.

Find other ways to close a meal. Play a tape or CD, eat a piece of fruit, get up and make a phone call, or take a walk (a good distraction that burns calories as well).

Substitute oral habits (eat celery, chew sugarless gum, suck on a cinnamon stick.) Go to public places and restaurants where smoking is prohibited or restricted.

Set short-term quitting goals and reward yourself when they are met, or every day put the money normally spent on cigarettes in a jar and buy something pleasurable at the end of a predetermined period of time.

Find activities that focus the hands and mind but are not taxing or fattening: computer games, solitaire, knitting, sewing, whittling, crossword puzzles.

Avoid heavy drinking of alcohol, caffeine, or other stimulants or mood altering substances.

Enjoy Life

Dr.Mojo

Answer 2

You must mean Chantix, yes I have used it. The first time I tried, I did well for about two months, then slowly I returned to my normal smoking habit. I returned to the doc and asked for another refill, he gave me extra since I have been a smoker for 35yrs, he said I would need more than usual. I did the program again, again I failed, but I don't think it's the meds, I think it is because I live with a chain smoker, and although it totally disgusts me, and I hate the odor, when I wake up and the first thing I smell is nicotine, the craving is intense. I do plan on trying again soon, Chantix definately is worth trying. It is expensive, $294.00 at Rite Aid in Oregon, I have insurace so mine was only $5.00. I have tried the items you listed, and nothing helped, the Chantix was a turning point for me, with a bit more encouragement, I think I will be able to quit. It is very calming when you first begin the process, and you smoke for the first week, if you choose to. Give it a try, I hope you succeed. Good luck.

Answer 3

I quit a 5 pack a day habit after 55 years of smoking

I cut down a little every week, when I got down to a 1/2 pack a day a Dr gave me some Ativan, this was only $10 w/o insurance. I made it

Answer 4

Try smokers anonymous or Nicotine anonymous. (www.nicotine-anonymous.org ) You can find it in your local telephone book. Many people can quit smoking for a day....just do it one day at a time. The physical withdrawl is not that long. The psychological part is what you can conquer with smokers anonymous. Believe for sure that your smoking habit will shorten your life.

Answer 5

Try chantix , its new medicine that came out in may , it numbs the nicotine sensors in your brain. you take 2 pills a day for 3 months , i;ve been onit for 2 months and smokeless for the last month

Answer 6

HEAVY SMOKER- ME
3 PACKS A DAY FOR 48
YEARS- QUIT COLD TURKEY 2 YEARS AGO
WHY----I HAD A STROKE
I HAVE EMPHYSEMA AND CAN BARELY WALK UP
A FLIGHT OF STEPS..................BEFORE IT DISABLES YOU
QUIT - YOU NEED NOTHING BUT THE POWER OF YOUR MIND...................

Answer 7

Perhaps you could have a close friend inform you about how your breath really smells. That should be enough to motivate you.