Smoking Cessation

Question: Is it safe to use smoking cessation products during pregnancy? I was just wondering if anyone has been told by a doctor that it is safe to use smoking cessation products like the patch or gum during pregnancy. If you have been told you can use these products, were you told there were any risks (worse than smoking of course) and/or side effects? I have cut back dramatically, but I just can't seem to kick it no matter how hard I try. My husband also smokes and it makes it much harder to quit always being around it.

Answer: All of those thing still contain nicotine, which is not safe for your baby. All of those smoking replacements products (patch, gun, inhaled..etc) are a category D in pregnancy. Because they all contain nicotine and nicotine has been proven to carry risks to your unborn baby. I worked for 6 years at a Dr's office, my husband, mother, and grandfather all quit smoking. Every single person I know that quit smoking, did it by quitting cold turkey. Most of them after many attempts to "cut back" or use things like the gum/patch. Put them down and don't pick them up again. Get rid of them and don't buy anymore. Tell your husband to do it too. The health and life of your baby is at stake. I don't mean to sound hateful but it is time to stop being selfish, the sooner you quit, the better. By smoking, you are putting your baby at risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, breathing problems later in life. They are at a higher risk for dying of SIDS. It is already proven they go through nicotine withdrawal after they are born. Just like anyone else would that suddenly was no longer exposed to nicotine. Think of how hard it is and how it makes you feel going through nicotine withdrawals and you are an adult. How is going to make your baby feel?

Question: Millions for "smoking cessation programs" to lessen the medical costs? How is this a Stimulus for the economy? Millions for "smoking cessation programs" to lessen the medical costs? I thought that was why they were hiking the taxes? And how is this a Stimulus for the economy?

Answer: You could almost say the same thing about the millions to research climate change. How does that result in good jobs for the "failing" middle class? Not sure. It does further the global warming agenda, though. I do find that the benefits of fewer smokers won't be felt for years, and by then they'll perhaps be suffering from smoking-related illnesses and the benefit may very well cancel itself out.

Question: Smoking cessation? How much would you be prepared to spend on giving up smoking if giving up was guaranteed.

Answer: i smoked 30 cigs a day and had been smoking 25 years since i was 15. I therefore spent 200 quid a month on ciggies here in england. On June 13th this year i paid £300 for one hours bioresonance therapy at a clinic in manchester and since I walked out that clinic I have never craved or even wanted a cig. the smell knocks me sick and I cant stand to be near anyone who smokes. I have no will power and didnt even want to give up smoking but my kids asked me to and couldnt refuse. it was therefore worth every penny

Question: Smoking Cessation? I stopped smoking August 1, 2007 after smoking for almost 25 years. I thought I was doing very well, but I was very irritable. The slightest thing would set me off, and I bought a pack of cigarettes yesterday (Oct. 15, 2007). I feel very weak and hate myself, but I do feel much more relaxed. I have heard of people who are physically/psychologically unable to quit. I know all of the tricks, tips, and suggestions; I have tried Zyban, Nicoderm CQ, Nicorette gum, and most recently, Commit, all to no avail. I also know it takes will power, but I am not my easy going self without the nicotine. Can anyone please help me overcome the almost violent urge to smoke?

Answer: Although the nicotine was all out of your system by October, the body never forgets the sensation that it derives from it. I know this might sound cooky, and I don't know what you think about it but I suggest getting hypnotized. My father smoked for 20 years and went to get hypnotized because he WANTED to quit. A big thing that plays a part in whether it works or not is whether or not you WANT to quit. So, if you're just quitting for anyone except for yourself then this method probably won't work. But if you truly want to overcome this addiction and are in it for yourself then that's the treatment I suggest. Thanks. Oh and my dad hasn't smoked once for the past 7 years!

Question: What is Neuro Linguistic Programming? How does this work for smoking cessation? Have been advised that this could be of assistance to smoking cessation, how true is this and how does it all work?

Answer: Hello =) It is a silly way to say "hypnotism"..... It works for about 10% of the people who try it...... If it's not very expensive, give it a try.... Namaste, and Happy New Year!!! --Tom

Question: Hypnotism CD for smoking cessation, can you recommend a good site? I want to try a hypnotism CD for smoking cessation, but there seems to be a big selection on the web, so I was wondering if anyone has bought a hypnotism CD and can recommend the site? Or, have you bought a hypnotism CD from a shop that you can recommend. I have never bought a hypnotism CD before and smoking cessation is important to me so I want to get it right. Your help/comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer: Wendi Friesen is a very knowledgable and experienced hypnotherapist. For what it's worth she has appeared on many TV and radio shows. I stopped smoking myself many years ago without using hypnosis, but it was sheer torture for me. I used a SmokEnders type of program. On the internet and especially on eBay, there is an enormous amount of really low quality hypnosis CDs that claim they can help you stop smoking, learn Japanese or even tae kwondo through subliminal (or regular) hypnosis. I suggest you check out http://www.wendi.com/html/quit_smoking.html. Another bonus is that you get a one-year money back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the CDs. Seeing a professional hypnotist in person is usually recommended over buying a CD. However, paying for private hypnosis sessions can be overwhelming. Be well.

Question: Is it safe to take Chantix (smoking cessation drug) and Meridia simultaneously? Is it safe to take Chantix (smoking cessation drug) and Meridia simultaneously? I am on Chantix (beginning week 4 tomorrow, should be on it 12 weeks) and have a prescription for Meridia. They both affect the brain. Chantix blocks receptors that give you a dopamine reward when you smoke and Meridia is said to "affect appetite control centers of the brain".

Answer: Meridia is among other things a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and also affects some other neurotransmitters the activity of which could also potentially be affected by Chantix. There is also some possibility that Meridia, like other SSRI's, causes suicidal ideation, which is a known problem with Chantix. It seems to me that you should consult your doctor and pharmacist before combining the drugs and if your doctor agrees consider waiting until you've finished the Chantix to start on the Meridia. I've used Chantix myself and know that it does some weird things, no reason to push things if you don't have to.

Question: Does anyone know of any good smoking cessation websites? I have quit smoking cigarettes...today is day 23. Just wondering if anyone knew of any websites related to smoking cessation (information, support, tips etc).

Answer: Yes I know of some. Look below for links. In addition try these search terms in your browser: Quit Smoking Smoking Cessation Smoke Free Stop Smoking Tobacco Free I wish you good luck in this process. Sincerely, Terry

Question: CHAMPIX AVAILABILITY IN INDIA, A DRUG FROM PFIZER FOR SMOKING CESSATION? I am looking for Champix, varenicline a new drug for smoking cessation from Pfizer. Can somebody help me of the availability of the same in India?

Answer: You can contact Mr. Mukesh Aggarwal in Delhi for getting Champix. This person can make Champix available. You can contact him on his cell no. +919212620977 or you can mail him on [email protected]. He is from Pfizer itself and dealing only with Champix and I have got Champix from him. I got his number from one of my friend.

Question: What smoking cessation products have worked for you? I quit smoking but I am having cravings - stress - and I want something to take the edge off - mentally.

Answer: I believe it was Samuel Clemens who said, "Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times." For me, when I was a smoker, this wit-full insight struck home. I had tried almost every conceivable means of relieving myself of this horrid addiction. Medication, nicotine gum, "cold-turkey", "tapering off", herbal remedies, etc, etc. Nothing worked! Oh sure, I would be free of "the weed" for a short time... I believe I managed for almost 3-weeks once. I was at my wits end. Difficulty breathing, chest pains, horrid breath, bad taste in my mouth, ... I don't need to go on.... you know what it's like. A co-worker suggested that I try hypnosis. After researching and questioning those who promised relief through hypnosis I decided to give it a try. I logically reasoned that the cost of the therapy session was equal to the cost of smoking for 2-weeks. Therefore if I could be smoke free for 2-weeks I would break even.. any longer and I would be a winner. I went! One session is all it took. I went in a smoker and came out a non-smoker. That was 17-years ago. I remember being a smoker before that day, but since then all "attachment" to tobacco has been removed. No emotional attachment, no cravings, and no addiction. Hypnosis works!

Question: What is the best smoking cessation product on the market? Besides "willpower and determination," I need to know what the most effective cessation method is including nicotine replacement, homeopathy, etc... Please say whether or not you have used the product, how much it cost, and how quickly it worked. Thank you.

Answer: Nicotine replacement only continues the addiction to nicotine. I had success with SmokeAway, which is based on flushing your system of the nicotine and other harmful addicting bad stuff. The sooner you get all traces of nicotine from your system, the sooner you get rid of the cravings. There are other methods that work this way, too. Check with your local health food store or GNC for detoxifying systems, they would essentially do the same thing.

Question: Do smoking cessation medications really work? My husband is trying to stop smoking. He did it on his own for 3 months and then started again. He says that he wants to try medication now. Anyone with experience with any particular drug? Success? Side effects?

Answer: My boyfriend and a family friend used it. The family friend used it for 3 months and stopped ( she had headaches). She still hasn't smoked in over 6 months. She has no desire to. As for my boyfriend, he used it through he first pack and the side effects were bad for him. He had horrible gas and stomach cramps. It did curb his desire but he didn't really commit to it. He just waited for the drug to make him stop, not stopping on his own. He should give it a try if he's really serious and is willing to try to stop. The drug helps but it doesn't do all of the work.

Question: How long does the anxiety from smoking cessation last? I quit smoking two months ago How intense is the jitteryness? I am ready to crawl out of my skin at times and it seems to be getting worse not better. It has been two months since my last cigarette.

Answer: I used Allen Carr's Easy Way method and I didn't have any of that! Get the book, it will change your life! I'm telling anyone I can about it,lol. It was mazing and you have nothing to lose at this point. He was aa smoker for 33 years and has the most amazing insights! Best of luck.

Question: How do you train to be a smoking cessation advisor? I have managed to quit smoking and feel great . If I can do it anybody can and I would like to help but need to find out about training.

Answer: Well done on the quit. I'm not sure about where you get training but alot of people (including myself) swear by Alan Carr - Easyway. It would be great if you could pass on Mr Carr's legacy and take it to the NHS stop smoking groups somehow. I have attended those and they are appalling. Maybe setting something up privately would be the way to go with private sessions. Start by helping some friends and see how it goes. Good luck xx

Question: Is there a good herb used for smoking cessation out there? I would like to quit smoking really really bad, is there an herb to help me?

Answer: ive been certified in this area for years and can think of nothing herbal that would actually work. in fact many of the programs that people go through have an extreme recidivsm rate (return to smoking), and thats even with the best drugs and programs available. in my opinion and observations nothing works better than actual will power. when one is given the right motivational response they will quit. as a simplified example: my wife smoked 2 packs of cools for 10 years. the day she found out she was pregnant she stopped and has never smoked again. another example: an uncle of ours who had be free of tobacco for seven years started again smoking one night when we were playing cards. someone was making a cigarette run. they asked uncle al if he wanted a pack. he said yes. they brought him a pack. he continued smoking until he died. some people wont stop even paying $10 a pack so i cant say $$ is the best motivator. i've treated people who smoke through a permant hole in their throat (tracheostomy). so u be the judge. quit if you can. get help if you must. but in the end its your own will power that will determine if you stop and if you stay stopped.

Question: Is an NHS Smoking Cessation Advisor allowed to smoke? Our NHS Smoking Cessation Advisor will only tell the group if she is a smoker/ex smoker/non smoker at the end of the six week course. This has me wondering if NHS Smoking Advisors are allowed to smoke. I checked the job description which says they must adhere to the smoking policy, which is no smoking on the grounds of an NHS building. So does anyone know if the Cessation Advisors could be smokers themselves? Just interested!! Thanks

Answer: This is a stupid question, of course they could be smokers. What they do is tell you the risks, and if you decide to stop they support you in any way they can. But they don't work 247 and they could have been smokers before they took up the post. I have known nurses dealing with cancer patients and patients in respiratory failure to nip out for smokes, it helps them deal with the stress of looking after someone so ill. They aren't usually allowed to smoke on hospital premises but if you put a coat on over your uniform then you get away with it. NHS wouldn't be allowed to advertise for non-smokers, they'd get lynched. Nurses are human, get over it. I'm a non-smoking nurse btw, but I'm also fond of a glass of red wine and I love smelly cheese and chocolate. Would you tell me that I couldn't look after a patient with liver damage, or who was in DT's, or who had cardiac trouble, or was overweight?