Trying to quit on anti-psychotics

[smokerindar]

Hi all,

I'm a smoker who recently started again, in April/May of 2019. I had successfully quit in August of 2016 and did not smoke a single drag for almost three years. Afterwards, I was put on a typical anti-psychotic, Clopixol, and found myself shockingly smoking again. The problem I'm having is that my dose was increased recently and I haven't been able to quit smoking. I don't know if I should just do it, and what the consequences of that will be on a high dose of anti-psychotics, and an anti-depressant, fluoxetine. I want to talk to my psychiatrist, but I'm not sure if I can just quit on my own and see how that goes.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi smokerindar, Well done for your decision to quit👏

Welcome to Quit Support.💙

It’s never easy to quit but it’s easier with a little support.💪

I agree with you about talking to a Doctor/psychiatrist. If we stop smoking while taking psychotic /anti depressant meds. the loss of nicotine can up set the balance. Maybe they will suggest some form or NRT (nicotine replacement therapy)so that you can wean yourself off the nicotine.

Please read the pinned posts,📌 there is lots of information there. You will find the posts to the right or at the bottom of your screen depending which device you are using. Just click “posts” then click “pinned posts”.

May I suggest you drink plenty of water💧💦 to flush out the toxins and keep yourself hydrated.

If you feel you need any more help please don’t hesitate to ask. There is always someone here.

May I remind you not to post any personal information.

Good luck with your quit.🍀🚭xx

[smokerindar Badge pending in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Thank you so for your response, tubby54. It was really useful to get another opinion. I now feel more confident to talk to my psychiatrist. I am also going to try the water thing, as detox is key to any quitting process.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator LONG TERM WINNER in reply to smokerindar]

Well done. Incidentally staying hydrated has a positive effect on our mental state.xx

[smokerindar Badge pending in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Thanks, loads of love!

[Polly-PV LONG TERM WINNER]

Tubby is absolutely right, I feel. To quit while your anti psycs have just been upped could be detrimental. You’ve already answered your own question really by saying you want to talk to your psychiatrist which, to me, would be the way forward. He/she would be able to advise on the timing and the best way to quit, tailoring a plan to your own health needs. Much love, Poll x

[smokerindar Badge pending in reply to Polly-PV]

Thank you so much Polly-PV, your response was really helpful. Loads of love back to you, Mahmoud.

[ElCannon 8 MONTH WINNER]

Might be worth asking about an alternative nicotine source that doesn't involve smoking but keeps you in balance.

Agree with you - it's one to ask your medical team about.

[smokerindar Badge pending in reply to ElCannon]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[Amandapanda09 5 YEARS WINNER]

Hi Smokerindar,

We can’t give medical advice on this forum but I am a nurse and I will just say I agree with the others, I think you are doing the right thing by deciding to speak to your psychiatrist or doctor before taking any action. Cigarettes cause us to metabolize things more quickly and when we quit smoking some medications may need adjusting to a lower dose than you would have required while you were smoking. I would also agree with the others to discuss using an NRT opposed to cold turkey.

Best xo.

[louloubelll 6 Years smokefree]

Dear smokerindar, talking to your psychiatrist for sure would be best, as you want to succeed🌞 if you have done it once , you can do it again👍 we are here for support so be sure to come on everyday and let us know how its going🌞🌼🌞

[smokerindar Badge pending]

Thank you both Amandapanda09 and louloubelll, your advice is really helpful.