Patch Problems

[Barby]

Well, I'm still having problems getting the right level of the patch. Can't go without it yet, that's for sure. But the step 2 is too strong, as I get really nervous on it, and the step 3 isn't strong enough.

I'm wearing a step 2 right now, and just cut off a portion of it to see if that helps. I'm kind of hyper, but not from cravings, just hyper.

I'm anxious to get off the patch as my skin is very sensitive and the places where a patch was really itch, even several days after removing the patch from that spot. I guess that's why I rushed to try the step 3.

I'm glad to be not smoking, although I occasionally have thoughts of missing it. Not enough to light up. Just missing it.

Anyone have any suggestions!

One month, one week, six days, 7 hours, 58 minutes and 21 seconds. 1329 cigarettes not smoked, saving $172.89. Life saved: 4 days, 14 hours, 45 minutes.

Barb

[Karyn]

Barb, not sure on the patch advice except dont be in too much of a rush. I am sure it stinks to have the itchy places, do you do the gum too?
Try and go over your reasons for quitting, and try to think of it as not much to miss.
Dont miss the stink, dont miss the lost money, dont miss the lost time etc.
Big hugs to you
Karyn

[johnpic32]

Hang in there Barby. I noticed a certain compnay makes a 10mg patch, but they do not make it for 24hr period. I don't want to say the name so as to violate spam rules. I will send you an email with link.

You are doing great, God bless, John

[Bubb]

Barby....Being stuck between patches and being naturallty hyper presents a real fine tuned situation. Just as a thought, my MD recommended Zyban along with a rather mild tranquilizer (valium). I'm not suggesting zyban as you seem content with the patch, but perhaps the tranquilizer thing would help get you through the tougher moments. Don't be shy of the term 'tranquilizer'. The MD said the prescription is a mild sedative to just 'take off the edge'. I didn't take them everyday....actually, I only needed a few during the first few weeks of my quit. I only took one when the beast was climbing all over me. The beast is a tough hombre and to be rid of him, don't be afraid to pull out all the stops.

[slim]

Tranquilizer sounds so serious

My doc gave me some Zanax...a mild relaxer that took the edge off. I am a nervous person so they came in handy for a short time during my early quit. They allowed me to not dwell on Everything and clear my mind so I could sleep or just relax.

[Don]

Barb,
I'm intrigued by the term "right level of the patch".

There are times throughout the day when stress gets higher and the response would be to smoke more. Or at a social gathering such as a bar\party when one would smoke more and more freely.

Unfortunately the patch is time-released, steady trickle.
Patches are not dynamic to our desires. I used to rub my patch during those stressful times, hoping by doing so would push more nicotine into my system.
Also, I recall that a fresh patch seemed much stronger within the first couple hours.

The patch is only an aid, not a cure-all. By all means, experiment with a dosage level that makes you more comfortable most of the time. You can try slapping a newer level 3 on or take John's advice and look for the midrange products available. Just be cautious mixing brands, count those milligrams and avoid overdosing on nicotine.

As for the tranqs mentioned, I had a brief usage of Xanax last fall, prescribed for an unexpected panic attack. I was given the lowest dosage which did have an "edge-removing" effect on the brain and heart rate.


Here's a little parallel for you:
Training wheels. Little crutches applied to the back tire of a bicycle. For the balance-challenged, those guys are a life saver. But even with those on, you'll see some kids (like mine) wearing a helmet and shoulder guards to protect them where the training wheels faulter. After learning how to balance those wheels can be removed. (And when mom and dad feel better, so can the helmet and pads.)

---

_{@ (Deacon)John: thanks for respecting the spam rule. Unless you stand to profit mentioning the brand name, I see no violation from you...as long as you still offer free blessings.}

[johnpic32]

Don, Thanks I wasn't sure about the spam rule so I figured better safe then sorry.

Barby, I don't know about valium, but like Slim and Don I do agree that Zanax ( Xanax - not sure of the correct spelling) is effective. I took it on a previous quit to help me relax and sleep even, about 6-8 years ago and it did help. It is habit forming, but not addictive in the strict sense. I weaned off it after about a month's usage, and then I took it on a couple of rough days, eventually getting off of it for good after about 2 months. I actually stayed quit from smoking for over 6 months and went back, after all that hard work.

I was thinking about the zanax again, but I think I will go with St. John's wort. And I have Valerian root to help me relax and get a restful night's sleep. Have only needed the valerian 3-5 times in the 69 days that I have been quit.

Barby if you think you need the zanax or something similar, go to your doctor and talk about it. Smoking is horrible and unbelievably destructive, if you need something to help you in your quit, even a prescribed drug like zanax - even for an extended use - is no where near as harmful as smoking. Your body and mind will adjust.

I was disgusted with myself when I went to the doctor and he prescribed me zanax, I was only about 25-26 years old and I could not believe that a strong willed person as myself would need such junk. I looked on myself as weak and as a failure. However, what I know now, some years removed from that, is that the only failure and weakness is to give into smoking. It takes more courage and as they "to be a more of a man - woman" is to admit weakness and go about correcting it.

I am not sure if zanax will be your cure all, but I think that it could help, there is other stuff that can help, maybe even st. john's wort if taken regurarly. Your best bet is to talk with your doctor, as that advice will be professional.

As for myself I will attempt to stop the patches today. I have st. john's wort and the valerian to keep me calm and happy . If I get serious urges or start freaking out I will put the 7mg patch back on. I have only used the 7mg patch for about 4 days - and all 4 days were fine, except for the strong urges yesterday morning. But I will give it a go.

Sorry for rambling.

and Don the blessings are always free
God bless, John

[Barby]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Personally, I have always stayed away from tranquilizers, but that's just me. I'm not naturally that hyper, just when I'm on too strong a dose of the patch! lol Then I bounce off walls!

John, your suggestion for a 10 mg patch was great. Since I already have these 14 mg patches on hand, and can't return them, I'm just cutting about 1/3 off and that seems to work fine. I'm calm, and no cravings. If I need more, I'll order the 10 mg if I'm not ready for the 7 mg.

John, you are so brave going off the patch! Good luck!

Thanks again everyone.

Barb

[brownmattT]

Hey Barby,

The instruction with my patches said not to cut or trim them because this would cause the nicotine to "evaportate". They may have been making that up up for marketing purposes.

But to be safe I was cutting a small piece of the backing and putting in on the patch to lower the surface area.


21 mg was too much for me also. I didn't feel like 14 was enough. But for me I realized I wanted it to be a challenge, but not a challenge that I couldn't handle.

I wanted some urges because that meant my body was re-adjusting. But I didn't want the urges so large I would have a smoke.

[Karyn]

Matt that makes alot of sense with the patch.
You want to feel it so you can heal, but you dont want to be overwhelmed and pick up a stick.
Barby you are doing great!!!
Matt you also!!!!!

[Barby]

Thanks Matt & Karyn. I know the package says not to cut the patch, and the pharmacist said not to because the drug may not be evenly distributed.

But cutting it is working for me. I cut about a third off a 14 mg and save it for another day. Then when I have a couple of leftover pieces, I use them one day. So far it's working.

As far as anti-depressants, I wish I werent so afraid of them. There are side effects with them that I prefer not to deal with. But I have problems taking any oral medicine. Plus if there is even a remote, rare and hardly ever seen side effect from a drug, I will get it! I'm dealing with the effects of one medicine I used with a "rare" side effect. The doctor is still shaking his head on that one! lol

Anyway, the St. John's Wort works pretty well for me. And when I get too hyper, I just cut a little more off the patch! I calm down pretty quickly.

I'll let you know how my "system" works.

Barb

[Karyn]

Barby you do what ever you have to girl.
Hey guys what is the St jOhns wart for again.

[Barby]

Karyn, the St. John's Wort is a natural herb, available over the counter, that helps calm you. There's no tranquilizing effect. Just gradually you notice that you're not as upset or nervous as you were. I've used it for years to keep from killing certain stressful people in my life. I'm using it now to help calm me during my quit.

You can get them in the vitamin section of any drug store, discount store, grocery store or vitamin/health food store. Give it a try if you find yourself feeling nervous or anxious or angry. It really helps!

Barb

[sandyf]

I started cutting my patches awhile back. I was afraid to do it until I was firmly established in my quit. But I started cutting the 14m in half and now I cut the 7mm in half. It works fine. I just put the other half back on the silver paper and slid it back in the wrap. I think the drug companies just advise against it to make more money,the scoundrels.