Quitting smoking with bipolar

[monicaking]

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 5 years ago, and since then have been trying my hardest to thrive by using diet, exercise, meditation, and emotional healing. I have been smoking cigerettes heavily for the past three years and I would really love to quit.  Everytime I try to quit though, it sends me into a major depressive episode that disrupts all aspects of my life. Is there anything I can do to quit smoking without becoming horribly, suicidally depressed and unstable?

[cheeklollipop]

have you tried using the patches or gum they worked form me

[DLA]

Chantix worked like a miracle for me.  I wasn't that heavy of a smoker, about 1/2 pack a day, but I couldn't seem to quit for anything.  Had been a 2 pack/day years ago.  My dr perscribed me Chantix and I took and kept smoking, but the cravings got less and less until on Feb. 1, 2007 I took about 3 drags off a cig and put it out.  That was the last one I had.  Took the Chantix for a couple more weeks until the cravings were completely gone and I've been fine every since.  You can take it up to 3 months.  You cannot take it with certain heart condition, but don't about any other conditions that stop you from taking it.  Also I never had a bit of depression with quitting.

Good luck with whatever you choose.  I know exactly how hard it is.

[RFehr613]

wellbutrin.  its a wonder drug

[jst4shanell]

I too am experiencing the same thing.  I quit for 2 weeks and was severely depressed.  Nothing I did made anything better.  I bought my first pack of cigarettes today and feel like **** for doing it.  I need to speak with my psychiatrist and see if I can take Chantix.  

[DLA]

wellbutrin is great also to stop smoking but it is also and antidepressant.  Also if you take it make sure to keep an eye on your blood pressure.  It raised mine through the roof with no blood pressure problems to begin with.

[Launcelot]

I find the best way is to keep your mind off of it. The physical withdrawl is only about 3 days an after that it is ll your mind. People talk themselves into fiending. The keep thinking about how much they want a smoke and that makes them want one more. Just keep thinking about other stuff and do other physical habits in its place. Stuff like sucking on suckers and playing random drum beats with your hands on a constant basis work great.

If tht dosen'twork for you I'd recommend the gum.

[Crystlas]

Wellbutrin...it did the trick for me years back with I used it for un-polar.  After being diagnosed BP I was on Lithium for awhile and they added in the Wellbutrin for my depression.  Works great.  I have more energy and feel tons better.  It is the same active ingredient as Zyban and safe for BP along with a mood stabilizer.