Quit Smoking Advice

I to wanted that desire to quit. My husband told me he would give me 1.00 per day when I quit 1 yr. I would get 365.00 If I started at ex. 4mo. 120.00 the money would go back to him and my daughter. Well my daughter and husband handed me an envelope 2 weeks before 1 yr. What's this?? WOW 365.00 CASH. he thought I was close enough to 1 yr. !! Now it's been 11 yrs. BEST thing I've ever done. T.

Chantix works very well, but I felt sick to my stomach for the first couple of weeks. I also had some depression with it. I know a few people that also took it and it worked great. Good Luck!

Bravo to you for stopping smoking. My sister used Chantix when she tried to quit smoking. It made her very crabby, emotional, and irratable. She ended up quiting the chantex and still smoke. I have heard it worked great for other people. Good luck

Hi L. - I am in the same exact boat you are except my husband and I are both still trying to quit.
We both tried Chantix last year, my husband couldnt handle the side effects and stopped.....we both had a really hard time sleeping on it, and got really wierd dreams. I also had major nausea for the first week (it does eventually pass). I stayed on it for awhile and had pretty good sucess, but as in the past ended up smoking again because my husband was still smoking.
We are now researching other things to assist us in quiting. If you can handle the side effects and are having trouble sleeping - I was taking one benadryl a night to help me sleep (my doctor was ok with it) so that may help?!?!?
I wish you the best of luck because all of us who have smoked know how hard it is to try and quit!!! :0)

I am 38 (ugh) and started smoking off and on when I was 18. I never smoked alot, maybe a pack a week, and was able to go long periods without smoking. I went cold turkey when I got married in 2001 because we wanted to try for kids right away. I didn't start smoking regularly again until 2006 when I started a new job (stressful) and befriended a co-worker who smoked so I always joined her. I quit the job but couldn't stop smoking.

I finally realized that I couldn't stop on my own and got a prescription for the Zyban. I chose that over Chantix because of the same concerns raised by the previous post. I picked a stop date, started taking the meds, and haven't smoked since. I stopped smoking approximately 3 months ago. I can't tell you my actual date because I decided that would put too much stress on me... "its been 93 days, 23 minutes and 40 seconds since my last cigarette"... knowing that wouldn't help me though I know it helps other people. I need to go day by day. "Today I won't smoke."

My worst habit location was my car. I have a long commute each day (approx 1 hour each way.) So I started keeping my cigarette butts in a glass bottle with a lid and when I felt I needed a cigarette, I would take a big whiff out of the bottle. Definately helped the craving. The Zyban really helped me quit. It helped with the cravings and taking the pill every day reinforced my dedication to quit.

But I'll be honest. I miss smoking... every minute of every day of my life. But I would miss my kids more if I developed lung cancer and had to go to the hospital. So I chose to be a smoker who doesn't smoke.

Good luck. You can do it. Feel free to contact me if you need a non-smoking buddy. Congratulations on doing this for your health and your family!

Hey L.,

When I went through this, I didn't have kids so it was easier to get away, but what I did was start running. And yes, it was winter time. I actually did it at night, like around 10 PM because I was also a bit depressed and tended to be more of a night owl and liked the darkness....all that doom and gloom. I was mad at myself for smoking, gaining weight, etc. so I didn't mind too much that the cold was rough on my lungs and it hurt a bit. I figured, if I'm going to be abusive to my lungs by smoking, I can at least force them into shape by running (something I had previously hated to do). I figured either the smoking or the running would win. Well, running was the winner for me. I didn't quit cold turkey, but the fact that I was forming a NEW habit helped me to quit my old habit gracefully. The best news is that it helped my depression, helped me kick the habit, and I lost 30 lbs., not to mention I could run 3 miles straight without stopping.

That's my story. I hope to hear a story like this from you some day. Take your time and don't be too hard on yourself. You can probably do it without a prescription too. You just need to come up with a creative plan like I did. Good luck!

Hi L.,

I have never smoked, but am a nurse and have seen amazing results happen. A man who smoked for 50 years 1 ppd, was able to quit and not start again. I know that there are some "stories" about weird side effects, but I have never seen them. The advise that our Dr's give is to take it for 2 to 3 weeks and then stop smoking. One said to have a precription available that if you feel like your slipping, take Chantix again for a little while. The average time on Chantix seems to be between 2 to 4 months with 3 months being fairly average.
Hope this helps,
C.

I would not use this prescription. I have heard very bad things about this drug..... Did you research it before you and your husband were prescribed it? Please rethink this and do more research on this drug.....

L.,
I quit smoking when I was pregnant with my now 11 year old son and never started again. But my husband quit smoking around me and that helped me not start again. So no personal experience with chantix. But my sister and her hubby and my hubby all quit with it successfully. One thing i will say is that if you know before you start it that it will make you a little nausious. The people that I know that it didnt work for all said they stopped taking it because of that. So just remember that its only temporary and will be worth it in the long run. My sister took hers at night and her nausia wasnt as bad. But its a 3 month program and my husband only used it for 1 month and he hasnt smoked since March 27 of last year. He had been smoking for 25 years. My sis and Bil smoked for well over 40 years. Good Luck to you and remember you can do it!!

S.

I am currently taking Chantix. I have been taking it for 2 weeks now. The cigarettes taste horrible, super stale like. I had 1 nightmare but that was over a week ago. I think if you have a possitive attitude and are happy that possibly your dreams will be happy too. I have not noticed any crabbyness. I am currently smoking 5-6 cigarettes and I was a pack a day type smoker. My dad, smoker of about 30 years took it for 2 1/2 months before he quit but has been smoke free now for over a year. Good luck with it, I think I smoke out of the habit now cause I'm sure not enjoying them anymore! Stick with it and make sure you are truely ready to quit and you should do fine. I hope this helps! I'm hoping by next week to be smoke free again:-)

I have quit 3 times before, I have used hyposis, the ear buzz, acupuncture and now this. I think this is working far better than any of the other ones did. God luck again!

Since you mentioned being a Christian in your bio, I thought it fitting to say, pray everytime you are having trouble. Whether it be with patience or cravings, just pray.

Good luck to you!!!! My husband quit smoking almost 2 months Last time he loaded up on nicotine products and that didn't work so this time he quit cold turkey. He did use Lorazapam to calm him down and Lexapro, an anti depressant for mood swings. He did get testy but not as bad as when he had all the nicotine. He tried the Chantax but had nightmares. If you find yourself getting overly angry at your babies call your Dr and he can give you something to calm down for a bit. I have never smoked but sure have seen how tough it is to quit. good luck you are adding years of health to your family and you!

congrads!!!!!! i have been smoke free for 2 1/2 years. i used ziban and had no problems with it. i also used a quitting hot line. and that really helped too. if you need any moral support or just someone to talk to please feel free to write me. i started smoking at the age of 18 and quit at the age of 43-and was a 2 pack a day smoker!!!! so you go girl!!!!!!

I personally won't use Chantix. I live in Omaha,NE and one of our radio personalities used Chantix and he is now having anxiaty attacks and other mental health issues. If you google chantix problems you can find a list of all mental issues it causes, including thoughts of suicide and hallucinations. It is a high price to pay to quit smoking.

I would try either the patches or even the commit losanges before trying a harsh drug like chantix. My sister who smoked at least a pack a day quit in two weeks using the commit losanges, she didn't even use a whole package, and she said she didn't have any real mood swings(she has also quit cold turkey before) she hasn't had a cigarette in over a year.

I smoked for 16 years. I cut down to 6 cigs per day but could not go below that. I saw a hypnotist in Pewaukee, WI.

Jerry Calvi ###-###-####.
www.calvivclinic.com

I have been a non smoker for 2.5 years. I don't even want one anymore. The first week was tough though. I ate sunflower seeds and that seemed to help. Also, I changed my way to work so I did not have those "landmarks" where I would usually light up.

Good Luck!
L. R.

Hi Good for you for quitting smoking!! I know how hard that is. I was a mild smoker and it was off the charts difficult.. but it is possible. I didn't use a prescription although I did try a Nicotine patch and hated it and stopped using it! It did create horrible dreams...odd. Anyway...have you thought of finding a support group? I know someone who goes to a "quit smoking" support group and it has helped a lot. I know that it is a huge deal and maybe talking about it with other people will help. Good luck girl..you are doing a great thing to better your life and your health!!

My husband used chantix and liked it. He had weird dreams but nothing more, he also didn't use it for very long though (1 month - they rec 3-6). He wanted to just get through the tough part. One thing he did learn is don't quit chantix cold turkey you have to ween off of it or it messes with you bad.
Him and I quit at the same time I used the patch though. Things I learned were use mommy time outs big time, I had to hide in the bathroom or where ever for a few min until I felt like I could deal with life and not bite off heads. Chew lots of gum and eat suckers. Don't be mad at me for gaining a few pounds, a little weight is better than cancer, the pounds can come off later. Drink lots of water and exercise even if it is just walking. Breathe the craving will go away soon, sing or do something to keep my mind busy.
I haven't smoked since may and it is tough sometimes but then I think about one day seeing my grandchildren, or the fact that I can breathe now, the example I am setting for my son or the money it is saving, and I don't do it.
If you want to talk let me know
A.

My step-daughter wanted to quit smoking and they put her on Chantix. I suggest you get on the internet and really check it out. She had horrible depression and some very bad psychiatric problems, which she did not need with a 4-year-old and an 11-month-old. We were really worried about her. She finally just quit it and said, if she could not do it cold turkey, she would not do it at all. Myself, I quit smoking after smoking for about 50 years, approximately 20 of those not inhaling. After seeing my ex-sister-in-law dying of cancer, I decided it just wasn't worth it and just threw them away. I have not regretted it a bit. Good luck, but I really feel you should talk with your doctor concerning the Chantix. I have heard some real horror stories about it.

Hi L.! Wow, sounds like you could be my twin... I am also 32 and have 2 children, 3 & 4 years old, and I am also trying to quit smoking! However, I have been smoking since 1995. Cold turkey didn't work for me if I wanted to stay sane... my children drove me nuts and I hated my husband. I am on the nicoderm patches, and those work well, I've been on them several times in the past. My only down fall is when I drop to the 7 mg patches, I just can't seem to hang in there and stay quit. But this time I feel it will be different as I have a strong motivation to quit. My 4 year old daughter told me that she was going to smoke cigarettes when she was big like me, so that is my motivation, I need to set an example. I wish you all the luck in the world with Chantix. I've heard both good and bad things about it. My neighbor used it and has been smoke free for over a year now. Some friends of mine used it and said it gave them both constant stomach aches, so they felt sick all the time and didn't want to smoke. I don't know if that is what it is supposed to do or not. Another bad thing I've heard is that one possible side effect is suicidal ideations, so watch out for that. I have always smoked outside, so my plan when I get irritable is to just go outside and walk around my house a few times to give myself a time out and calm down. That way I know that my kids are safe inside and I can still get some fresh air and get away from them for a few minutes, just like I did when I was smoking. I pray that you find what works for you, be strong, hang in there and congratulations on your decision to quit.

I only have a moment so will make this short.
Just to be on the safe side, I would definately find child care for the first three days if possible (think of the money you'll save by quitting). I would plan to have someone stay with you to help when you feel like heading to the store to buy a pack or don't want to get out of bed to make lunch. I spent the entire first day in bed - crying, swearing and sleeping. You might want to rent several movies to help occupy your mind.
Good luck.

I've heard good and bad about Chantix/drugs to quit smoking. The most important facet is that you WANT to quit.

instead of cold turkey, try cutting back. Give yourself a limit of how many you can have in a day and slowly cut it back.

Also, limit *where* you can smoke. My DH and I both smoke, but never around the children. So we smoke outside (in the cold) which drastically cuts down how much you really want to smoke in the winter and can help you quit too. We don't smoke in the car when the children are present.

Basically, find something that works for you that helps you quit *and* doesn't destroy your attitude. It's not nearly as important that you quit "right now" as it is that you quit, right? So take your time - don't force it too fast - and you'll get there.

When you're quitting, watch your blood pressure/stress levels. If you're getting too "cranky" it could be your stress and blood pressure rising because of the stress of trying to quit. High blood pressure is worse for you than smoking, and most doctors will grudgingly admit that (I was specifically told by my doc *not* to quit during my first pregnancy because I was so stressed about being pregnant). Take care of all your health, not just one part of it, to make sure you aren't robbing Peter to pay Paul, in effect.

Slow but steady wins the race.