Anyone really understand?

I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder.  I have tried to quit smoking many times.  The patch wroked but could not get down to step 3.  I just tried Champix this last 2 weeks, and altho it really helped make the smoking useless, the dizziness, nausia and extreme anxiety and panic for 2 weeks straight was all I could handle and I didnt take the pill last night or this morning.  

I am feeling better but really guys...Does anyone else have chest pain that lasts up to 3 hours?  I do.  last time I dealt with this for 2 months before going back to smoking.  Smoking also brought my anxiety level down quick and even tho I have increased the anxiety meds I'm on, I still get that anxiety tingle and painful muscle cramps when I crave.  Is there anyone out there that knows what I mean and have any advice for me?

Please dont tell me to go to whyquit.com.  They only want to talk to people who "never take another Puff".  That the physical withdrawls only 72 hrs.  right, they do not have anxiety obviously.  I'm interested in real ideas of how to get thru the 3 hour long anxiety and painful chest.

I take Gabapentin (pain med), cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxer), Seroquel (anti psychotic) and klonopin (anti anxiety).

I think I am the only one going thru this.  

[kathyjo]

Ask your doctor to prescribe Wellbutrin to take with the Chantix. The 2 work well with one another.
As for anxiety and panic............I can't speak for all but I'd say about 90% of us suffer from one or both. I, personally, felt so much better after I quit. Believe me, you are not alone.
Smoking increases anxiety and you need to understand that. There is no magic that will work without effort so you really need to want to quit because it is a lot of work.
As for whyquit, you can't post to their board but what you can do is read through all of the articles that are there under Education/Joel's Library. If you want to know why you need to quit, then read under "motivation."
Good luck
Kathy Jo

[envy]

Thanks for the response. I can not take anti-depressants because they dont go well with my anti psychotic.  The champix we call it here makes me extremely nausious, and dizzy.  It is had to eat or function and I need to be productive for my kids.

Is it possible to get the same effect of the champix by lowering the dose, cutting it in half?  Maybe its just too much for me?

[kathyjo]

Absolutely! Try it....it can't harm you any.
There was someone who was active a while back who had to cut back and only took 1 a day.
More then anything, you have to be mentally prepared for the quit. Work on that first, then tackle the physical aspect.
Anyone who has smoked for a long time knows that more than the physical addiction, it is the emotional addiction that is the hardest to kick. Those articles that I referred to earlier are so helpful...........you really need to read them.......alot. They really teach you a life without the cig and that is what we truly want : )
Anytime you need support, post to the boards and we will try to help you. We need to support one another, thats what works : )
Kathy Jo

[mr.lucky66]

Yes since it worked for you you can take halfs. No matter how you think smoking calms you down, it really doesn't and makes your pulse and pressure go up. The only panic attacks I ever had were after a morning smoke. all the best

[Alleykatt34]

You can do it!  I have depression (on many levels) and anxiety as well and take Seroquel too.  I decided in Jan I would quit.  Not as a resolution--don't do those.  So I tried chantix WHOA it made me so sick.  So after 2 weeks I was back to smoking again..I think more than I did before.  So, I decided the next week I would try the lozenge...UGH that made me sick.  I can't use the patch because my arm wells up with welts.  So, as I talked to myself in the mirror one day I told myself that this is a quit for life.  I have had several several...many failed quit attempts.  But it only takes one to make it right and final.  I had to go it cold turkey.  On Feb 4. 2008 I became an ex smoker. I won't lie and say it was all rainbows and unicorns, but somehow I did it!!  And I know you can too!!  I know the last time I went to the convience store cigs were 55.00/carton.  Not only do I not want to smoke anymore I can't afford too!!  LOL  

BTW, I'm 35 and smoked for 20 years...:)  Have faith in yourself and you will see small and large accomplishments!!

Good luck and keep us posted!

[mandy1127]

You are not the only one. Funny part about it is that smoking is actually what brings on my anxiety/panic attacks a lot of times. I had to start taking Xanax occasionally when I feel one coming on. So instead of going forward, I feel that I am going backwards. Not to mention that I have an irregular heartbeat, and smoking makes it worse. I have had all the heart tests, angiograhm and all, all came back clean. I am starting to wonder if it isnt the smoking that is triggering my heart to beat irregularly. For some reason I cannot kick this habit. I have tried quitting a few times but it only lasts a week or so at best. I know that I need to quit or eventually it will kill me, but it is easier said than done....

[kathyjo]

It's good that you understand that smoking DOES lead to anxiety and panic attacks. I suffered also and now that I have quit (9 mos.) I can honestly say that I have not had ANY panic attacks!
My mind as well as my being are healing daily and I am so thrilled that I was able to stay quit!
I too have an irregular heartbeat, and we all know what that can do to our mental being, so I am happy to say that without the cigs, it can and will get better : )
I used Chantix without any negative effects so if you haven't tried it, look into it and see if you are a candidate.
I was a smoker of 38 years, having 2 kids and smoking through both pregnancies (God forgive me) and I can honestly say that after the initial 3 months of cold and things, I was strong enough to fight off the occasional urges : )
Don't give up Mandy, keep trying and then one day, it just might stick : )
Read and re-read the articles on whyquit.com and prepare yourself mentally for it, and then just do it!
Keep us posted and come back for support, thats what were here for : )
Good luck to you........go for it!
Kathy Jo
---
9m 2d 17:57 smoke-free, 6,086 cigs not smoked, $1,460.64 saved, 3w 3:10 life saved

[Cynnieb4]

Try to stay really busy if you can. I will be right with ya in another month:) I heard its hard and I already have anxiety issues, so I can only imagine!!!

[nyychic]

I'd love for you to try reading the book The Easy Way 2 Stop Smoking by Allen Carr.  I tell anyone who will listen.  This book saved me.  It made me quit when I didn't want to quit.  I loved to smoke (at least that's what I thought until I quit.)  I'm really happy now without the good ole Marlboro Man.  Oh yeah I was a Cowboy killer full strength Marlboro Girl and I loved it.  Yep.  I thought I did.  I was insane!!  I thought that I was happy with my smokin' and happy with my "habit".  Not my ADDICTION.

My story for all of those too "stressed" too whatever???

I was out on workers Comp hurt my back.  My mother had had a double mastectomy due to stage 3 breast cancer (my mother = my best friend) Mom had another tumer removed (not cancer) my sister and brother up North were both on Vacation during the surgery and didn't come to see her for months (she lived with me) I have 4 children and a husband don't know which is worse some days!!!  (joking I love 'em all!!)  I was very depresessed and I had lost my step father a few years previous to my mother being diagnosed with cancer (to cancer).  It was a tough time in our life.  Not only did I quit.  I quit and I was happy.  Of course I still think "I'll go have a smoke" then I remember "DUH I don't smoke" I don't crave a cig.  Not at all I just have those "Forgot that" moments.  It's weird.  But I'm happy I didn't gain any weight this time.  I've been smoke free since 2 weeks before X-Mas.  

I tell all about the BOOK, it's kinda like the alcoholics Big Book!!

[baltimoresbest]

Hey guys... I'm in day 3 of quitting nicotine. I've dipped smoked chewed and done the nicotine gum habits since 2005. I quit once before and lasted 3 months before a stresser sent me back. I feel great- I just woke up the other day and out of the blue just said "I hate this habit. I'm quitting." I dunno. I'm so happy. Went to the gas station and was able to escape without my usual tin of skoal. Keep me in your prayers please that I can stay strong! Ill return the favor.
Signed,
Baltimore quitter