Brief Answer:
There are better helpful things to try to quit smoking.

Detailed Answer:
I am so glad you are wanting to quit smoking. This is a very big step, and one that will help your health in many ways.

E-cigarettes have the advantage of still allowing people to go thru the motions of smoking. This can be both good and bad for breaking the habit. One disadvantage is that they still deliver some questionable chemicals when you inhale. I don't think they are the best way to try to quit for good.

If you smoke to calm your nerves or because you sometimes feel blue, as is common to many smokers, you may benefit from the antidepressant bupropion. Brand name for using it for smoking cessation is Zyban. It has been researched and found to be helpful for many smokers. With Zyban, usually you pick a quit date. Then start taking the Zyban at least 1 week prior to the quit date. Sometimes during the time you are taking the Zyban and smoking, cigarettes may make you feel a little shaky. Zyban has the effect of decreasing mental cravings for substances. I've had patients end up giving up both cigarettes and their chocoholic habit from Zyban!

If you smoke 2 or more packs of cigarettes a day, then you would likely be nicotine dependent and in addition to Zyban, you might benefit from a tapering system of nicotine patches.

There is also a relatively new medication that targets nicotine receptors that you and your doctor might consider if you prefer.

And then there is another, very important issue. Cigarettes have been your friend and companion. Not a very good friend, as they are so damaging to your health, but yes, a friend in that you have a relationship with them and may feel a real void, even feel like you are doing the wrong thing, by giving them up. For this reason it is good to find and participate in a moderated group for smoking cessation.

Something else: you have a task to consider the various times of the day you generally smoke, the environments and associations you have when you have a cigarette, and carefully plan to change them. Because those XXXXX situations will trigger the desire for a cigarette. For those times, plan different places to be, etc. Build into your day times to relax but without your cigarettes. REPLACE cigarettes with other things you like to fill that void.

The reason I know about smoking cessation is that prior to becoming a physician, I worked as a health educator and ran smoking cessation clinics. And in my practice I have worked with many people to help them quit smoking.

I hope this information helps you. You are doing a very good thing. Good luck to you!

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