COPD and Can’t Commit to Quitting Smoking

Hello @uriasy and @sheila247. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

@uriasy – Quitting after more than 50 years is no small feat. Smoking becomes deeply woven into everyday life, so retraining your brain and building new habits takes time. Be kind and patient with yourself throughout the process — but above all, don’t give up.

@sheila247 – The experience you described sounds truly frightening. I'm so glad to hear you're improving each day despite the ongoing challenges of peripheral neuropathy. Congratulations on quitting after 55 years — that’s an incredible achievement.

We all know that using tobacco products and vaping can have serious, even deadly, health consequences. At the same time, addiction is very real, and the way it affects the brain is powerful and complex. But no matter how hard it may seem, don’t stop fighting. There is so much to gain from quitting.

Let’s continue to support and encourage each other, especially on tough days. We’re all in this together.

@uriasy, What’s one new habit or routine you’ve found helpful in replacing the urge to smoke?

@sheila247, What has been the most helpful source of motivation or support for you on your quit journey?

I smoked as much as 3 or 4 packs a day for decades, and was stunned at how easily I was able to quit with a prescription for bupropion.

Seriously.

Dosage is supposed to be 2 tablets a day. But I'm thin and could only tolerate 1 tablet.

IS THIS THE SAME AS WELLBUTRIN

Don't know. There is another alternative, but I forget its name. Honestly, I went with bupropion 'cause there was no co-pay on my insurance for that one.
One caveat: You've got to want to quit. I'd reached a point where I knew I had to.

Hello @mrh65- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Medication names can be really confusing—like how Bupropion and Wellbutrin are the same thing, with Wellbutrin being the brand name for Bupropion.

Are you thinking about quitting smoking? Have you tried other methods in the past?

I have read this comment you made , many , many times . It is a 2023 . So how are you now in 2025 . Did you win, and stop smoking?

I am trying to quit smoking. Emphasis on "trying". I'm down to about 3 cigarettes a day and I only have 3-4 puffs each time I smoke so I feel I'm getting there, but it's awful. I'm so tired of thinking about cigarettes, craving cigarettes, chewing nicotine gum like a maniac. Have COPD and it doesn't seem to be controlled properly. My oxygen numbers are between 96-97 consistently but I still feel I'm not getting enough oxygen; how can that be?

I was diagnosed 3 months ago , still haven't let go of that awful habit , but I have hope that I can do it soon ! Its so darn hard.

In 2007 I was sounding so nasty coughing it was awful! My Dr. suggeted Chantix which at the time was the new quit smoking aid. Went to the pharmacy to pick it up and the girl said "oh this is a magical drug and it works" I was excited, it was a science project for me of sorts. I started using it and by day 4 the smoke stunk to me, it felt like my eyes were burning when I would smoke etc. I then realized I needed to break up with my friend Mr. Marlboro, so I cussed him out and realized he was not my friend! Then I thought dang how much do I spend on cigarettes? I was in accounting so numbers are fun! Back then a carton of cigarettes was about 20.00 today they are 100.00 or more depending on where you live. Do the math i was 49 in 2007 based on my smoking habits I would have spent over 70k in my lifetime on cigs! today that would be 350k based on the average lifespan. That was without meds and health issues that could/would have been down the line in my life.
Once I quit which was actually far easier than I ever imagined my life changed for the better in so many ways!!! I say give it up and don't look back and enjoy spending cigarette money on something special for yourself!