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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can One Quit Smoking?

I am 74 years old. Have a pacemaker and COPD. I have smoked for 60 years and have tried nicotine gum, patches, liquids to put on your tongue to make cigarettes taste bad, E-Cigs, Chantix and several other things with no luck. I was able to quit one time 15 years ago cold turkey for 3 months with no side effects but started having migraine headaches every day until I finally started smoking again. What can I take or do to help me quit smoking?
Wed, 25 Apr 2018
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello,

I hope you have taken all the mentioned treatment for the adequate time period and in a correct way. Having COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and a pacemaker makes it more important for you to stop Smoking.

Please follow the below suggestions:

1. The most important thing for stopping smoking is persistent motivation and a smooth phase to come out of withdrawal.

2. You can give another trial with nicotine gum. Remember there is no fix number of gum you are supposed to take you can take as much you want to take per day but try reducing it every day. They are supposed to be chewed and then kept under your tongue till you get craving again and then the same chewing gum is to chewed again till a garlic like taste comes.

3. Craving for smoking is hardly for 30 minutes and if you can overcome that 30 minute by drinking water or diverting your mind in some other work I think you will be able to reduce your smoking.
Once the amount of nicotine gum has decreased take Chantix course for at least 6 months.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Rohit Kothari
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How Can One Quit Smoking?

Hello, I hope you have taken all the mentioned treatment for the adequate time period and in a correct way. Having COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and a pacemaker makes it more important for you to stop Smoking. Please follow the below suggestions: 1. The most important thing for stopping smoking is persistent motivation and a smooth phase to come out of withdrawal. 2. You can give another trial with nicotine gum. Remember there is no fix number of gum you are supposed to take you can take as much you want to take per day but try reducing it every day. They are supposed to be chewed and then kept under your tongue till you get craving again and then the same chewing gum is to chewed again till a garlic like taste comes. 3. Craving for smoking is hardly for 30 minutes and if you can overcome that 30 minute by drinking water or diverting your mind in some other work I think you will be able to reduce your smoking. Once the amount of nicotine gum has decreased take Chantix course for at least 6 months. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Rohit Kothari