Anyway, the reasons for quitting in the past have mostly been due to outside influences, but this time I truly want to quit for myself. For the money, but more than anything is for the health reasons. The feelings of anxiety and paranoia were becoming too much to deal with. It was getting to the point where every time I had a cigarette, I felt like cancer was creeping down my throat.
That said, I've used the patch in the past but it has it's problems. Any heavy work or exercise where you begin to sweat is a problem because your pores open up and too much nicotine gets in... feelings of being light-headed and nausea prevail. You are still getting nicotine so when you go off, you still crave it. That said, it has worked for me in the past.
This time, I went and talked to a doctor about it for the first time. Pharmaceutical companies came out with Xyban several years ago, but it wasn't as effective as they hoped. After one year, maybe 30 out of 100 people stayed non-smokers. I can't remember how he said this drug worked... sorry.
So, more recently, they came out with Champix. It's proven to be very effective and more like 70 out of 100 people stayed non-smokers. In the end, it's really up to you. This drug works to affect the nicotine receptors in the brain. You simply don't want it. You start on a small dosage of the drug and are still allowed to smoke.... set a date one week from when you start your prescription to quit, but the thing is most people never make it to their quit date. I only last three days and I just didn't want to smoke. The only reason I even think about the smoking is because I know I have to continue the medication. Obviously, there are side effects but like all drugs, some people are affected and others are not.
All that said, the FAA does not allow it... sorry guys south of the border. You're out of luck on this one. TC has taken a different approach though. The "recommend" you don't fly for the first week, then decide for yourself whether or not you can continue the medication and perform your duties as a pilot at the same time. I will say it made me nauseous at first, but I found that by taking it right after breakfast and right after dinner, this problem ceased. Also, my dreams are little vivid, but nothing crazy. The Nicoderm patch gave me nightmares.
So, that's it guys/girls... if you've been thinking of quitting, but aren't sure how or don't think you can, I suggest you try this. It's working great for me so far... plus, I have an appetite again and can taste food.
I can already tell the difference in things as simple as walking a flight of stairs. Good luck to all those want to take the next step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Just makes no sence.
Whenever you smoke one of those, just remember, it looks like you are sucking on a big brown cock.
