Quitting today at 3pm. Want to hear opinions about the patch - Smoking Cessation Message Board

tilly2 · 07-29-2003, 07:22 AM

Iam planning to quit today at 3pm. I'm pretty committed to getting the patch to help me. Would love people's thoughts, opinions and feelings about the patch. Or other methods? Thanks!!

tilly2 · 07-29-2003, 01:42 PM

No one has thoughts on the patch? I bought the step 2 patch (even though I smoke more than 10 per day) because I think I'm pretty sensitive to nicotine. I'll try this and if I start to go crazy, I'll upgrade to the more powerful one.

I had my last cigarette an hour ago. I'm going to put the patch on shortly.

tilly2 · 07-30-2003, 11:35 AM

OK, so no one replied! I'll reply to my own post. I had my last cigarette yesterday at 2:45pm (23 hours, 15 minutes ago) and put the patch on at 4pm. Initially, here are my toughts:

1. I started with step 2, even though I smoked more (sometimes way more) than 10 cigarettes per day. But my cigarettes were (supposed to be anyway) very low nicotine so I figured out that doing the 21 mg. patch would actually be upping my nicotine intake.

2. It is definetly helping - I haven't had any noticeable nic cravings. I have had moments of REALLY wanting a cigarette, but they are different to nicotine withdrawal urges.

3. Having the patch on means I can't spontaneously smoke. The insert says (and I believe it) that you shouldn't smoke for a "couple" of hours after taking off the patch. So, I'd have to take off the patch and wait 2-3 hours before having the cigarette, which would make it a moot point for me.

Let's see how I do...I'm kind of surprised it has not been harder. I even stood with a friend of mine while she smoked and it was ok. I seem to love the smell of them now.

lidia09 · 07-30-2003, 02:12 PM

Hi Tilly
I used nicotine patches for my first few weeks of stopping smoking & felt that they helped take care of the physical craving while I dealt with the psychological side of it.

I stopped using them because I was having terrible nightmares.

I called a helpline who confirmed they can do this even though it wasn't listed on the pack as a side effect.

It's around 5 years since I gave up smoking now. I'd say most of these products probably work quite well but you have to find some determination within to go along with them.

Congratulations on giving up & best wishes.
Lidia

adamuk · 07-30-2003, 03:38 PM

Dear tilly2,

I hope that things are going well so far! I quit a few years ago on the patch and found it very helpful. However, I relapsed at my graduation party when someone gave me a cigar, and have been trying to quit again ever since. Since then I have tried the gum, the inhalor, hypnotherapy, and most recently the patch again. Of all of them I found the patch the best, but the reason why it has not worked as well for me recently is my state of mind. Back then I was fit and working out a lot to deal with it. I am rather unfit now and am spending too much time in pubs, clubs and bars.
If you are in a good frame of mind, are possitive and have supposrtive friends then I have no doubts that it will not be as tough. I am going to have another go with the patches soon, although I have not made a date yet! I hope that this really works for you and that you can enjoy the tastes, smells and fresh air like we were supposed to!

All the best,

Adam

[This message has been edited by adamuk (edited 07-30-2003).]