Smoking Cessation Health Center

Personal stories about deciding to take medicine to quit smoking

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Dave, age 42: I started smoking when I was in the military. But it is affecting my health, and I want to quit. I've tried the patch, gum, and cold-turkey methods to quit, and they didn't work. So I talked with my doctor about quitting, and he suggested that I try using Chantix. He also recommended that I have counseling and join a support group. It's been a little over a month since I started Chantix, and so far it is helping with my craving to smoke. Talking in counseling is also helpful. I think I finally am going to be able to quit.

Alanna, age 44: I thought about taking medicine to quit smoking, but I already take several other medicines for health problems. I just didn't want to take another prescription medicine and take the chance that it might cause problems. So I decided to try the nicotine patch. I set a date and started planning for the physical effects of quitting, like having munchies around and cleaning my car and house. I started with the largest patch available. It was great because the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. Then I went to the medium patch and finally the smallest patch. Now I don't smoke anymore.

Carlo, age 52: I started smoking at 15. I always thought I could quit at any time and had tried to quit dozens of times. But then I'd start craving a smoke, and I'd go back to cigarettes. A few years ago, my doctor suggested I try taking Zyban and nicotine gum. It was great, because between the pills and the gum, the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. I was done with the gum after the first few weeks, but I ended up staying on the pills for 6 months. But using both worked for me, and I haven't smoked for 2 years.

Kesia, age 35: My friends pushed me to quit smoking and suggested I talk to my doctor about getting some medicine to help. But I just wasn't comfortable with the idea of taking medicine. I have a strong will, and when I put my mind to doing something, I can usually do it. So I took my doctor's advice to have professional counseling to help improve my chances of success. I quit smoking-cold turkey-5 months ago. All my friends are really surprised that I could quit like that. It has been tough at times fighting the cravings, but it has worked.