How do I quit Smoking

Mountain Woman · Post by **Mountain Woman** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 9:36 pm

I really have to quit smoking, we are expecting our first grand child, and I feel like I have leprosy or something when I am around people. I am 61, and like smoking, which I have done for 40yrs. I am scared to death to try anything that will start the RLS again. I have it under control right now with mirapex, hydrocodone, xanax and halcion. I also take the other hrt's and cholesteral meds, and vitamins. I have had some depression for the last couple of years, and was wondering about Wellbrutrin, but just afraid to rock the boat.
Any suggestions would be very welcomed.

Post by **Polar Bear** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 9:47 pm

I wish I knew, I now take 2 per day.... yea I know, if only 2 per day why bother ?? I also am 61, and enjoy a ciggie, leper that I am.

Also no smoking in the house these last 4 years since grandchildren arrived so hubby has to go out to the garage which is not attached to the house, so its coat/scarf etc and now there is a heater in the garage but its still cold.

Also, here in UK Wellbrutin (known as Zyban) is prescribed for smoking cessation and not for depression so that particular drug may help you on two fronts, i.e. the depression and also the smoking issue.

SquirmingSusan · Post by **SquirmingSusan** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 3:26 am

You should be OK taking Wellbutrin as far as your RLS is concerned. It doesn't usually make RLS worse, and can even help ease it a bit. Good luck with it.

Betty/WV · Post by **Betty/WV** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:25 am

I had an interesting experience yesterday when I went to my neuro. He is a young man. I have only been to him 3 times. At first, my impression was that he didn't know much about RLS. But he seemed willing to work with me. I took him the Mayo Clinic Algorithm,and an article on augmentation. At one visit I explained that vicodin helped my RLS especially in an emergency when my legs were acting up in spite of the Mirapex. He was very hesitant to give me a prescription. But he finally gave me 15 pills. This time, in our conversation he ask if the vicodin helped me. Yes, they did. He said, "You know vicodin is used in the treatment of RLS. DUH! So, he either remembers I told him that or he read it in the material I gave him. So he gave me another prescription for 15 vicodin. I think he and I are going to get along.

Funny, I felt sneaky. Like I was looking for drugs. Ha---15 pills. I didn't tell him that the doctor that did my sleep study gave me 10 vicodin. Maybe thats why I felt sneaky. They make you feel that way because of their atitude toward giving you an opiate.

Anyway, thats my story.

BETTY/WV

Post by **ViewsAskew** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:23 am

I guess I'm glad I quit long before the RLS was a nightmare.

In retrospect, it didn't make the RLS worse when I did quit. I gained 30 pounds, but lost most of it over time....until I gained 50 with Mirapex, lol.

I'm still happier being fat than being a smoker. It wasn't good for me, my family, or anyone around me. It took me 15 years of cutting back, not allowing myself to smoke in the house, etc. etc. before I finally quit for good. Like PB, I smoked just 2 a day for a long while before I finally said, ENOUGH!

Guess I'm getting off track - sorry.

Whatever you do, I hope it works and I hope it doesn't make the RLS worse.

Post by **badnights** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:40 am

you should be ok, you know, if you're determined to quit. Nothing about it should make your RLS worse except perhaps the stress, and that's temporary. I am SO glad I quit. I feel totally different.

Andreadrea · Post by **Andreadrea** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 5:20 am

I quit about 2 years ago. After several failed attempts, my acupuncturist suggested I try a treatment she does, where you go in for several days in a row for a brief treatment. Not sure how it works but it does work. My RLS was worse for the first 72 hours, and I had a lot of trouble sleeping. After that I was fine. So if you can make it to the 72 hour mark, you'll probably be home free.