This is information gleaned from doctors over the years.  My first
neurologist said it may be necessary to do a slow wean instead of go
cold turkey because some of the chemicals in tobacco affect the brain,
and an abrupt withdrawal could potentially cause problems (when a person
has epilepsy).  My regular doctor, a really sharp man, did not want me
to use the patch for two reasons; you absolutely cannot smoke while
wearing the patch, and if you have certain blood clotting disorders
(which people may not be aware of always), the patch is not indicated.

In my case, neither my regular doctor or neurologist would prescribe the
patch for me (that was when a prescription was required for the patch),
however, I could use the gum.  One thing about the gum is you have to
get the correct strength to match your smoking habits, and you have to
use the gum correctly because you don't just chew it like you do regular
gum.

The only product I've tried is the gum, but I saw they have other things
like lozenges.  The mint flavor is definitely better than the plain
flavor. The gum works great for getting rid of withdrawal symptoms like
the edginess, nervousness, etc.  The only side effect I've noticed is a
little bit of an upset stomach after prolonged use of the gum.

I'm still working on quitting smoking as is my husband. My body
definitely feels better when I don't smoke, but I haven't learned how to
 mentally disconnect myself from cigarettes yet.

Barb

Barb gave a good description of some that are available in N.America.
Nicorette Gum used to be prescription only in Canada, but now is available
at Front of the Pharmacy.   You could ask the Pharmacist where you get the
Dilantin if there's any negatives wrt. other medications with any Gums.  I
wasn't told there were any wrt. Tegretol and Frisium (Clobazam).

  Follow the directions like she said -- it's not 'chewing gum',  but
intended to be softened then just  bit each 1-2 minutes to release the level
of nicotine that works for you (there are 2-3 concentrations available
here -- that's where the Pharmacy could help you pick the correct one to
start with).
   It may *not work the first try, but don't give up on it or yourself.
That was the quickest way I found I went 'back' when I started last year.  I
was able to stop for 2-3 days, then 5-8 next try,  then 12-15, then almost
30.   I'm about to enter another phase to go beyond that.   (Taxes in Canada
are making them too expensive now anyway-- more than $10. compared to $5  2
years ago.)

   Two other methods I found that help if you can-> Some other articles
said to try avoid the things you might associate with 'having a smoke'.
Stress,  Drinking Coffee (caffeine intake can trigger the brain to look for
the *2nd drug you associate with the coffee), other times you might relax
and have a cigarette at the same time.   Have a large cup of Juice (Apple or
Apricot -- something you wouldn't relate to the old 'triggers' ).
  I was able to slow or stop my use best by cutting back on Cola drinks
(Pop) as well as Coffee,  and *some Teas also contain caffeine.   Sprite, 7
Up, Juice or snacks you didn't used to associate with coffee for 2-3 weeks
as you reduce use.  I also started to spread out the times between each, so
wait e.g. 3 hours,  then 5-6, then 8-10,  now you're up to a Day without
any.  Next day try not have any, OR wait until after e.g. 2PM , Day 3 to
after 4 PM,  Day 4  6? PM.    Moving off like that might help slowly cut out
the blood levels you're used to.

  Another 'trick' I haven't done I heard on the Radio.  Find a Piggy Bank
cheap.  *Each day you don't have any, put that day's Savings, in what you
*didn't spend, into the bank.   At end of a Month see how much you were
Spending on (mostly) taxes, and treat yourself to something you've always
wanted (*Not a smoke !! ) -- a Book, Table Lamp, Monty Python DVD, etc.
 If I had kept going I would have saved over $150 a month (one pack each 2
days). I'm back at it again, think I'll buy a Porsche...  or maybe a 'Mr.
Bean Mini'...   G./

Howdy Mary!

Ever think of just taking a pinch of snuff instead of smoking?

See my SNUFF page.

Yes, I've used Nicorettes (the gum) and Nicoderm (the patch). Neither one
seemed to increase my seizures. I found the patch to be much more effective,
as long as no one smoked around me... but if I was exposed to cigarette
smoke, the craving would return (but of course, you're not supposed to smoke
or chew the gum if you're wearing a patch - that was a bit frustrating!).
You'd better get your doctor's advice before you use any of the stop-smoking
aids though.