Quitting on the patch

[jennyfer976]

Hi everyone. I just recently started using the patch, 3 weeks ago to be exact. I am using Nicoderm CQ step 2. I cut down my smoking to 10 cigs per day prior to quitting (i smoked a pack a day before that) and then used step 2 instead of one (well because I was smoking 10 or less a day) anyways I need some support. The first week I cheated and would take 2-3 drags a day off a smoke while on the patch. I know your not suppose to do that (am I in danger now?) then the last 2 weeks have been the first 2 weeks EVER in my life I have not touched a cig. But I am irritabe and ancy even with the patch. I dont' feel any "withdrawl" I feel more like a craving or a missing of the habit. I know the doc says to exercise or do a hobbie or craft or something but all I wanna do is lay aroun and sometimes mope. I can't find the "MOTIVATION" to do things I used o do for some reason and I think its because I use to start every project with a cigarette. Even studying for school has become a challenge and I am afriad my grades are going to slip. I am 26 yrs old, smoked 1 pack per day for 10 years, cut down to 1/2 a pack a day the week before the patch and need help. Thanks!

[jennyfer976]

Thanks, hopefully all goes good. Of course i will keep all posted on the progress. 3 more patch days to go. (including today) "i think i can, i think i can, i think i can"

[kathyjo]

Hi Jen,
Congrats, WTG!
I know of  2 ladies from the gym who have both successfully quit using the patch and this was within the last two months. Both of them smoked for a very long time and both had no problem when the stopped wearing the patch. Try not to anticipate any problems and just keep up with all of the positives and you shouldn't have any problems.
You can do it, have some faith in yourself : )

[jennyfer976]

Well today is another good day, so far I seem to be having more good days than bad days. Awesome right? I do have one small fear. I only have 4 days left on the patch. Yep its been almost 2 weeks which means no more after this. I am on the lowest dose now, but am already feeling nervous about the day i don't wear the patch anymore. Has anyone ever successfully made it this far on the patch and quit using it? Can someone who has help me thru these last four days and let me know what happens when I am done with the patch....will I have withdrawl? I am hopeful of NO withdrawl. Ok well other than that still smelling good, feeling more awake and less ashamed these days. All good stuff. Hope the good feelings continue to overpower the anxieties!!

[kathyjo]

Way to go Jen! You should be so very proud of yourself and I know I speak for all when I say how very proud we are of you! You sound so very positive and that my friend is incredible. Just keep talking up the good things about your quit and know that you are doing the best possible thing for yourself and everyone that cares about you.
WTG!!

[jennyfer976]

Well I am still on the lower patch and doing good. feeling ok today and only one cheat since my last one. Seems like its getting better. the cheat was a very small drage off a friends smoke which instantly made me feel ill since I had not had one in a while and after a short coughing spell and the feeling of vomit rising in my throat I have decided its not even worth it to try to cheat. So for anyone tracking this who thinks its ok to take a drag after not having one for a longggg time and being on a very low dose of the patch...just don't even bother, its only going to make you feel sick. It does nothing beneficial. I feel stronger today and hope it all continues. Thanks everyone for your help...much appreciated. I can also say i've finally started to notice a few things worth not smoking for. My sex life believe it or not has improved, I feel like I've got more energy during the day and more time to get done what needs to get done....I smell sooooo much better and actually feel more relaxed than usual, since I am not leaving every activity or rushing out of restaurants for a smoke. Good luck to all...keep me posted;)

[mr.lucky66]

Yes kathy and I'm getting extra help. I was on Chantix for the first 2 weeks and now on Welbutrin and may stay on it for a while , it has less or no side effects for me. Also, I have a desire not to smoke or cheat. When I cheated, I don't take a drag, I buy a pack or 2. Keep on  Jen, no drags.