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Quitting side effects

I am a 30 yrs old and this is my third time going cold turkey. I am having such a better time this time...

Posted by An_247694

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Quitting side effects I am a 30 yrs old and this is my third time going cold turkey. I am having such a better time this time...

Cannabis, will I get normal after stop smoking?

I started smoke when i was 18 today im 21, i smoked 1 joint a day with my friends but i had some pauses maybe...

Posted by Brascoo

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Cannabis, will I get normal after stop smoking? I started smoke when i was 18 today im 21, i smoked 1 joint a day with my friends but i had some pauses maybe...

Smoking cessation medicines increase quit rates in...

Smoking cessation medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion have...

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

Smoking cessation medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion have consistently been shown to increase quit rates in randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialsâ€¦.generally regarded as the best way to find out if a medicine does what it is supposed to and is safe. However, some survey studies, which asked people how they tried and succeeded in quitting did not find that people who used these same medicines had higher quit rates. A number of reasons have been put forward to explain these different results in different types of study. These include the possibility that people who volunteer for clinical trials may be different in some way from people who try the same medicines in the "real world" (e.g they might be more addicted). Another possible explanation is that smokers participating in surveys in which they are asked to recall previous quit attempts may forget some attempts where they tried on their own, but are more likely to recall quit attempts where they used a medicine.

A large study that sheds light on these issues was recently published in the journal Addiction. Dr Karin Kasza and colleagues surveyed over 7000 smokers every 6 months from 2002 to 2009, asking them about their quit attempts since their last interview. They found that, consistent with evidence from randomized controlled trials, smokers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States are more likely to succeed in quit attempts if they use varenicline, bupropion or nicotine patch, compared with trying to quit without a medicine. They also found that quit attempts that did not use a medicine were more likely to be forgotten at subsequent interviews, explaining why previous studies did not find a higher quit rate with medicines (failed attempts without medication more likely to be forgotten than failed attempts with medicine). It is reassuring to know that the pattern of results found in clinical trials also applies in the "real world" too, and that these medications are effective in helping smokers quit.

View Thread

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Smoking cessation medicines increase quit rates in 4-country study Smoking cessation medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion have...

6 Quit-Smoking Tips for COPD

Quitting smoking is a top priority for all smokers, but if you have COPD (chronic obstructive...

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:6 Quit-Smoking Tips for COPD Quitting smoking is a top priority for all smokers, but if you have COPD (chronic obstructive...

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quit smoking

hi, it will be 3weeks this tuesday that i have quit smoking. i was taking champix but stopped after 8 days of...

Posted by charpie

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:quit smoking hi, it will be 3weeks this tuesday that i have quit smoking. i was taking champix but stopped after 8 days of...

i quit

smoke free a little more than a week no carvings yet

Posted by An_247139

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:i quit smoke free a little more than a week no carvings yet

COPD and smoking

My Mother has Copd, and Shes hasn't had a cigerate for 3 months now, (halleljah) but She still has a hard...

Posted by redpjelvis

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:COPD and smoking My Mother has Copd, and Shes hasn't had a cigerate for 3 months now, (halleljah) but She still has a hard...

E cig results

I am a doctor and I have been smoking since I snuck my first cigarette from a visiting uncle's pack when I...

Posted by An_246955

I am a doctor and I have been smoking since I snuck my first cigarette from a visiting uncle's pack when I was 14. I have always loved smoking! (I even remember enjoying warm, comforting smell of my friend's mom cigarette as she drove us kids to grade school back in the eighties.) Like others, I have quit so many times that I simply "quit quitting". I have tried cold turkey (made it 6 months plus), gum, hypnotism, and Chantix. I even prescribed Chantix to my patients - yes, I am a doctor and admit that I am a former "closet smoker". In the beginning I felt like I could quit anytime and did so multiple times but it never lasted more than 6 months. (For those of you who think it's a matter of not enough "willpower", I challenge you to quit drinking coffee/caffine products for a similar time period- Does the mere thought elicit feelings of dread or negativity? Bingo.)

Truthfully, I HATED the fact that I smoked. It was a comfort, a crutch, a little mini-break for myself, an after dinner treat, whatever. I knew that I was killing myself slowly, one cig at a time, but I just couldn't quit. A year or two ago I came to the realization that I really couldn't quit. Chantix worked, but was a nightmare, literally.

Just for kicks, and the sake of another cool electonic gadget, I tried a Logic e-cig from Cumberland Farms, my local convenience store. I truthfully had No intentions of quitting. . .Long story short, in about two weeks, I 100% completely quit smoking. It has been about 8wks since I bought my first ecig, and I have now been smoke free for over 6 weeks. For week or two, I still smoked whenever I wanted to, but the Urge to smoke steadily grew less and less. I finished my current pack of Marlboro Menthols (I used to smoke Camels, then Marlboro Reds, then Newports) and for the first time ever, just didn't feel the need to buy another pack. One day before the end of week two, a friend came over and as a matter of routine, gave me cigarette (a wimpy "ultralight" Parliament no less). I lit it, took a few puffs, and I felt like I inhaling burning smoke from a pile of tires or exhaust from my ford small block V8. (bored to 347 'natch). Really. I remember describing it "Toxic" to my friend. I even got a definite feeling of nausea (from a parliment!!? Hahaha) That is the story of MyLAST cigarette!! Hallelujah!!!! It has been about 6 weeks since and I have NOT smoked nor had the urge since! Note: (Although I found logic ecigs expensive at 9.99 a pop, I will always be grateful to Logic ecigs (not a plug just the truth) for helping me to quit smoking. See something good actually came out of New Jersey!) I still can't believe that after so many years of feeling defeated my smoking that it was that easy for me to quit an up to a pack a day habit! And you know what- I don't even miss it! Thank you God for introducing me to ecigs! I hated smoking so much and will never look back. TRUTH.View Thread

Posted byAn_246955

Take the Poll

Everything else staying the same, do you wish you had never started smoking?

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:E cig results I am a doctor and I have been smoking since I snuck my first cigarette from a visiting uncle's pack when I...

Includes Expert Content

best product to help quit?

I am trying to quit smoking and don't want to try going cold turkey again because it obviously wasn't...

Posted by An_246903

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:best product to help quit? I am trying to quit smoking and don't want to try going cold turkey again because it obviously wasn't...

Nicotine/Cotinine in Blood

I smoked frequently up until about 3 months ago, when I cut back substantially. In the past 4 weeks, I have...

Posted by vb1243

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Nicotine/Cotinine in Blood I smoked frequently up until about 3 months ago, when I cut back substantially. In the past 4 weeks, I have...

Smoking and Surgery

I am having a spinal fusion surgery and the doctor told me I needed to quit smoking. I believe I will...

Posted by Lizzyrain1977

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Smoking and Surgery I am having a spinal fusion surgery and the doctor told me I needed to quit smoking. I believe I will...

Aventyl(pamelor)

I would like to know how this medication has effected any one who has used it for smoking cessation?? I...

Posted by angel272559

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Aventyl(pamelor) I would like to know how this medication has effected any one who has used it for smoking cessation?? I...

Stop Smoking Laser and Injections?

Been reading about Laser and Injection therapy to stop smoking. I've tried EVERYTHING there is to try. Was even...

Posted by nikpopg

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Stop Smoking Laser and Injections? Been reading about Laser and Injection therapy to stop smoking. I've tried EVERYTHING there is to try. Was even...

Day 10 on Chantix and feel NOTHING differentI

I have been smoking for 11 years, I'm 27. I started Chantix 10 days ago and am still smoking like a freight...

Posted by nowthis

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Day 10 on Chantix and feel NOTHING differentI I have been smoking for 11 years, I'm 27. I started Chantix 10 days ago and am still smoking like a freight...

Smoking cough, worried, help?!

I have been a smoker for about 3 years maybe a little less, I'm 20 and healthy except for the past i think 4...

Posted by An_246205

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Smoking cough, worried, help?! I have been a smoker for about 3 years maybe a little less, I'm 20 and healthy except for the past i think 4...

Joint pain after quitting

In April of this year, I switched cigarette brands and cut back the amount and where I could smoke. At the...

Posted by LaDonnaSharp

In April of this year, I switched cigarette brands and cut back the amount and where I could smoke. At the end of April, I began using the patches. I stopped all nicotine on June 3, 2012. My right elbow joint began to hurt around the the end of May. It's very painful to pick up things or carry items with my right hand/arm. Within the last two weeks the knuckle joint of the left pointer finger and thumb is hurting. I cannot grasp things with my left hand without discomfort and assistance from the equally bum right arm. I had a short quit in 2006 and also experienced joint pain but that time the pain was in my knees. I used the patches in 2006 for the full 8 weeks and was at the doctor for blood work (normal) and chiropractor (didn't help) five months after quitting smoking/beginning the patches. I began smoking regularly again after about 6 months and my joint pain eventually went away. I've been a vegetarian for 6 years (yes, I get plenty of protein), practice yoga 3x a week, exercise and walk/run almost daily. I have been drinking a gallon of water a day since quitting this time, getting plenty of sleep, watching my calories (gained 25 lbs last quit but finally lost it with The Break-Up Diet 2 yrs ago) and salt intake and I even stopped alcohol consumption. I do not normally have joint pain or aches except for an old shoulder injury during a weather change. I cannot find any medical documents on joint pain AFTER quitting smoking. I have read blogs where others are experiencing this but no studies or journal articles addressing it. I have not been to a physician as I do not have medical insurance. I thought I'd post here for any suggestions before beginning the quest for a physician who is educated in nicotine addiction and isn't bed fellows with Big Pharma. Thank you in advance. Namaste.View Thread

Posted by LaDonnaSharp

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Joint pain after quitting In April of this year, I switched cigarette brands and cut back the amount and where I could smoke. At the...

WebMD Privacy Policy Has Changed

Dear Members, Just a note to let you know that WebMD's Privacy Policy has changed. When you next...

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:WebMD Privacy Policy Has Changed Dear Members, Just a note to let you know that WebMD's Privacy Policy has changed. When you next...

Nic Free !!

3 weeks nicotine free ! WOO-HOO ! Ibupropion is working tremendously well. Cravings come but they are...

Posted by jasbrown5452

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Nic Free !! 3 weeks nicotine free ! WOO-HOO ! Ibupropion is working tremendously well. Cravings come but they are...

Is Smoking Dragging You Down?

If you smoke, you've likely heard the pleas from friends and family to quit. You probably know that...

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Is Smoking Dragging You Down? If you smoke, you've likely heard the pleas from friends and family to quit. You probably know that...

Quitting Smoking and Chantix

I have been taking Chantix for one month and it costs me 200.00 per month. Right now I don't have many urges to...

Posted by Germmy

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Quitting Smoking and Chantix I have been taking Chantix for one month and it costs me 200.00 per month. Right now I don't have many urges to...

hypnosis and quitting smoking

I would like to know just how effective is Hypnosis on helping you quit smoking??

Posted by angel272559

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:hypnosis and quitting smoking I would like to know just how effective is Hypnosis on helping you quit smoking??

Marijuana smoker of 7 years recently clean for 1 m...

Hello. I have been a smoker of only marijuana for about 7 years and recently been clean for a month. At times...

Posted by An_245328

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Marijuana smoker of 7 years recently clean for 1 month. At times coughing up phlegm with dark brown specs. help please? Hello. I have been a smoker of only marijuana for about 7 years and recently been clean for a month. At times...

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day 1

Tomorrow is my quit day and I already feel like im getting setence to time in prison. I decided 2 weeks ago...

Posted by Donnab6903

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:day 1 Tomorrow is my quit day and I already feel like im getting setence to time in prison. I decided 2 weeks ago...

Study finds no increase in cardiovascular events w...

Last year a review of clinical trials of varenicline (Chantix) concluded that this smoking...

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

Last year a review of clinical trials of varenicline (Chantix) concluded that this smoking cessation medicine may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events among smokers trying to quit and this was widely reported, including on WebMD . However, last week a new study , including all 22 placebo-controlled trials of varenicline published to date, found no significant increase in serious cardiovascular problems associated with use of varenicline. In this study a serious cardiovascular event included any ischaemic or arrhythmic adverse cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary revascularisation, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, transient ischaemic attacks, stroke, sudden death or cardiovascular related death, or congestive heart failure).
Overall, the study found that 0.63% (34/5431) of people using varenicline experienced a serious cardiovascular event, as compared with 0.47% (18/3801) of those using placebo pills. This new study possibly came to a different conclusion than the previous review on this topic because it focused on events occurring while people were taking the drug and for 30 days thereafter. The previous study included events occurring throughout the whole duration of follow-up and did not correct for the fact that varenicline treated patients were more likely to participate in the follow-ups (and therefore report events), partly because they were much more likely to quit smoking.
The study authors, Drs Judith Prochaska and Joan Hilton of the University of California, concluded that, "Our meta-analysis of treatment emergent, cardiovascular serious adverse events, ... indicates that the risk of these events associated with varenicline use is small, and statistically and clinically insignificant."
I wonder if WebMD is going to report this new finding?View Thread

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Study finds no increase in cardiovascular events with varenicline (Chantix) Last year a review of clinical trials of varenicline (Chantix) concluded that this smoking...

Acne is nonstop since I quit smoking....

I quit smoking almost 3 months ago.... I feel fantastic. I smoked for 18 years. But since I quit smoking,...

Posted by BeauJolie

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Acne is nonstop since I quit smoking.... I quit smoking almost 3 months ago.... I feel fantastic. I smoked for 18 years. But since I quit smoking,...

How addicted are you?

One of the most widely used questionnaires designed to measure the strength of addiction to...

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

One of the most widely used questionnaires designed to measure the strength of addiction to cigarettes is called the "Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence" or FTND . It is a 6-item questionnaire, yielding a score from 0-10, with a higher score implying stronger addiction. Dr Karl Fagerstrom, the Swedish researcher who originally developed the FTND recently published a study that examined the relationship between baseline (pre quit attempt) FTND score and success in quitting smoking among almost 5000 smokers who participated in placebo-controlled trials of varenicline (marketed as Chantix in the USA). The study confirmed that smokers with lower pre-quit FTND scores had a much better chance of successfully quitting 6 months later. For example, smokers with the lowest scores (0-1) were twice as likely to successfully quit smoking as those with the highest scores (9-10). The study also found that a shorter, two-question version was just about as predictive of success in quitting smoking. The two key questions were:
1. How many cigarettes per day do you smoke?
2. How soon after you wake do you smoke your first cigarette of the day?
Those who smoke more than 30 cigarettes per day or smoke within 5 minutes of waking in the morning have a lower quit rate than those who smoke less than 11 cigarettes per day and typically don't smoke their first of the day until over an hour after waking in the morning. It appears that these two questions on their own can give a reasonable but fairly rough guide to how addicted a smoker is. I say "fairly rough" because even among those scoring a zero on these addiction assessments (i.e. the least addicted), the six month quit rate among those receiving placebo in the clinical trials was only twenty percent. This suggests to me that significant addiction is present among people who smoke less than 11 cigarettes per day. It also suggests that we need some additional questions that can help measure level of addiction at the low levels of daily cigarette consumption (i.e. <11 per day). It is unclear whether an individual actively delaying the first smoke of the day and reducing their daily cigarette consumption over time can make themselves "less addicted". It is possible, if sustained over a reasonably long period (i.e. greater than a month). However, perhaps a more practical use of these types of quick addiction assessments is to guide the smoker about whether they would likely benefit from assistance in quitting (e.g. counseling and/or medication). It seems that people who smoke just a few cigarettes per day and don't smoke within an hour of waking in the morning may have a good chance of success by picking a day and making a serious quit attempt on their own. Heavier smokers may be more likely to benefit from additional assistance. However, in this recent study, even those who had a zero score on the addiction questionnaires were more than twice as likely to successfully quit smoking for 6 months if they received varenicline as compared to those receiving placebo (47% v 20%).View Thread

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:How addicted are you? One of the most widely used questionnaires designed to measure the strength of addiction to...

side effect from the patch???

Proud to say it has been two days smoke free on the patch. However I have IBS and since on the patch the...

Posted by plc111111

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:side effect from the patch??? Proud to say it has been two days smoke free on the patch. However I have IBS and since on the patch the...

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Jonathan Foulds, PhD. is a Professor of Public Health Sciences at Penn State University, College of Medicine. After obtaining a first class honors deg...More

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