You can't quit smoking while you're on meds without doing so under a doctor's care!
The nicotine causes you to be under-dosing on your meds; you need more meds to achieve the same results and if you stop smoking you'll wildly change the amount of medication you're actually getting.
Further, the nicotine does act in a similar way to some anti-depressants. This is why antidepressants can be used to treat nicotine addiction; but it's also why you need to be consulted with a good psychiatrist before you quit smoking.
I hope that this doesn't sound like "Oh, just don't quit smoking." What I'm actually saying is "You *must* get a good psychiatrist."
I didn't think about this. I don't like this idea. *hits it with a stick*
I don't have a plan to get a psychiatrist... I can't get one without insurance, and I don't have any right now. I've applied for state insurance, but the process is long and drawn out and honestly I don't know how to read a lot of the damn insurance information so I don't know what psych services are available to me.
As far as my meds go... I don't know how I'm going to get new ones. I guess I'll just keep calling the VA and being a pest in their ear about it.
Well - "can't" quit smoking is probably too strong -- but you may have to concede that you need to use a nicotine replacement aid to replace the cigarettes (and their accompanying smoke, tar, and other carcinogens) without withdrawing from nicotine too rapidly.
I will do some more digging on the internets and see if I can find some information that will be helpful.
I do not like the idea either. But information always makes us more powerful, and it wouldn't do at all for you to quit smoking cold turkey *while* running out of your psych meds and have an episode that could have been prevented with better information.
Running out of meds means not being able to handle family situations as well and an escalated chance of episodes. Couple that with nic withdrawl and I'd be afraid.
Not that it's lease for you to go and puff like a chimney, Em. lol You're doing GREAT at reaching 2 a day! Even 2-7 a day is MUCH better than before. I'd say you're doing rather well.
First thing to address is the meds. Can you contact the VA?
If you're completely without insurance or coverage, can you fill out the forms for "Needy Meds" ..? (which will get you 3 months of meds free from the drug company - http://www.needymeds.org/ )
*hugs you tight* Oh my willo. Thank you for that website. I will fill it out.
I've tried contacting the VA. I don't have a registered number with them yet, since my evaluation isn't finished. It'll take another month for that. I need to get down to McCord AFB to see about anything they can do about my 'transition' status. Technically, I'm supposed to be covered by tri care for 6 months after I get out, but no one on the phone can help me. I guess I'll have to bust down doors.
Ehh...my quitting isn't going so well either. I tried and realized that I was constantly shoving food in my mouth when I wasn't smoking. I have hesitated to say it because it's so fucking cliche but...I have an oral fixation. Also, my smoking partially arises out of boredom. I am home alone so much with nothing to do that I have to do something to fill the hours. So, I fill my lungs with smoke. I know these are shitty excuses but until I can figure out some way around them, I'm using them.
Best of luck to you darling. Hope you're able to get your meds soon!
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What is your plan for getting more meds?
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You can't quit smoking while you're on meds without doing so under a doctor's care!
The nicotine causes you to be under-dosing on your meds; you need more meds to achieve the same results and if you stop smoking you'll wildly change the amount of medication you're actually getting.
Further, the nicotine does act in a similar way to some anti-depressants. This is why antidepressants can be used to treat nicotine addiction; but it's also why you need to be consulted with a good psychiatrist before you quit smoking.
I hope that this doesn't sound like "Oh, just don't quit smoking." What I'm actually saying is "You *must* get a good psychiatrist."
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I don't have a plan to get a psychiatrist... I can't get one without insurance, and I don't have any right now. I've applied for state insurance, but the process is long and drawn out and honestly I don't know how to read a lot of the damn insurance information so I don't know what psych services are available to me.
As far as my meds go... I don't know how I'm going to get new ones. I guess I'll just keep calling the VA and being a pest in their ear about it.
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I will do some more digging on the internets and see if I can find some information that will be helpful.
I do not like the idea either. But information always makes us more powerful, and it wouldn't do at all for you to quit smoking cold turkey *while* running out of your psych meds and have an episode that could have been prevented with better information.
I love you so much!!
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Very well said. (all of your comments, actually!)
Running out of meds means not being able to handle family situations as well and an escalated chance of episodes. Couple that with nic withdrawl and I'd be afraid.
Not that it's lease for you to go and puff like a chimney, Em. lol You're doing GREAT at reaching 2 a day! Even 2-7 a day is MUCH better than before. I'd say you're doing rather well.
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If you're completely without insurance or coverage, can you fill out the forms for "Needy Meds" ..? (which will get you 3 months of meds free from the drug company - http://www.needymeds.org/ )
Reply
I've tried contacting the VA. I don't have a registered number with them yet, since my evaluation isn't finished. It'll take another month for that. I need to get down to McCord AFB to see about anything they can do about my 'transition' status. Technically, I'm supposed to be covered by tri care for 6 months after I get out, but no one on the phone can help me. I guess I'll have to bust down doors.
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Best of luck to you darling. Hope you're able to get your meds soon!
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