I quit smoking, feeling very strange
Question:
The most common effect of smoking on drug disposition in humans is an increase in biotransformation rate, consistent with induction of drug-metabolising enzymes. Induction of hepatic enzymes has been shown to increase the metabolism and to decrease the plasma concentrations of imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine and trazodone.
I’m not sure how to interpet this. Does it mean I’m getting more or less fluvoxamine? The way it started to feel was I was getting less, since I got the same symptoms I had while tapering off paxil. Clinically, reduced drowsiness in smokers receiving chlorpromazine, and benzodiazepines, compared with nonsmokers has been reported. Increased clearance of the benzodiazepines alprazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, diazepam and demethyl-diazepam is found in cigarette smokers
And that could explain the increased tiredness I’ve been experiencing the past few day. Although my entire bio clock seems to be turned around. I’m tired most of the day, yet I can’t sleep at night. I don’t take naps tho, I just sleep 3 or 4 hours at night. this is from medline
A lot of techical terms 
Still very valuable information. At least it sets mymind at ease that it’s not really someothing to worry about. I just need time to ajust again. luvox is a very unstable and potent inhibitor of many oxidative mechanisms and is actively effected by all kinds of other drugs ingested-its serum levels may very well have been supressed by smoking-I would implore your doc to reduce your luvox dose on a trial for a week.
He didn’t want to hear of that. He did suggest to either try gums or patches, wich I refused (hey, I just detoxed!! Why put the poison back in?!) or up my xanax dosage, wich I refused too. I already take 0.5mg a day and Philip said luvox doubles the effect. So that would make it 1mg a day, effectively. I think that’s more than enough. 
I applaude your new non smoking life-that deprivation sensation you now have will go away-stick with it!
Thank you. 
Although it’s hard, I fully intend to tough it out. It’s tough when you know that relief is just a puff away. But this is only temporarily. I’ve been doing great on my meds so far and I think it will only get better after I ajusted. The dreaded break-through anxiety hasn’t bothered me either, so far, knock on wood. Thanks margrove — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi, Inky, Congratulations to you! I would assume these feelings will pass in time. Try to keep yourself distracted so you don’t notice them as much and stay on your mission to become smoke free. Best wishes! smiles, Elise
Thank you, Elise It’s getting better. Knowing the cause makes it a bit easyer to deal with too. I was getting worried that this was one of the dreaded detox symptoms that would make my quit fail again. Today I spent most time in my "safe room", the bedroom, where smoking is an absolute No No — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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Hi Inky: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Best thing you could do for yourself and others. I’d bet what you are going thru (I know I quit cold turkey in 2001) is your body readjusting. It took mine about a year with a lot of ups and downs for my body to settle down. Its not only the addiction but the habits (putting something to your lips 200 times a day, etc) that have to be overcome. Hang in there. You’ve gone this far — it does get easier but you have to ride the bull (so to speak). Best of luck!!
Thanks Frizzie Yea, I heard it more often that the 1st year is most crucial to get throught. But you’re never really off the hook for the rest of your life. It’s the law of addiction, a recovering alcoholic can never drink again, drug addicts can never use again and ex-smokers can never take another puff again without the major risk of relapse. I was amazed how easy the 1st week had been, really, so this hit me rather hard and unexpectedly. Wow! so 6 years of freedom for you!! This is great 
— The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
It’s probably the withdrawal. Congratulations Inky! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Thanks Di, I try to post a little more. I’ve already ajusted to non- smoking at the computer already and believe me, I spent a lot of time puffing along at the comp LOL I’ve just been tired a lot so I rest most fof the time.. but I can’t sleep..
Oh that’s good Inky. I hope you can sleep soon though. Take it one day at a time. {{{{{{{Inky}}}}}}} Di — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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cigarettes are certainly horrible arent they? we have to really work together to stay away from them. ~v~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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:: ::Thank you Jackie. Sorry I don’t write much lately. Just this week I ::been to the Dr’s office 3 or 4 times already, for myself and my ::daughter. (she has an infection to the lungs somewhere and we’re ::trying to pin it down). Hey! almost 2 weeks now! 1 week, 6 days and 17 ::hours Dear Inky, How’s the quitting coming along? I hope it’s going better. Didn’t you have a psych appt earlier this week? Was wondering how it went. Sorry your daughter is sick. Speedy get well wishes being sent her way. (((((Inky & Daughter))))) Jackie "Be Who You Are.. And Say What You Feel.. Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.. And Those That Matter Don’t Mind…" ~~ Dr. Seuss — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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How’s the quitting coming along? I hope it’s going better. Didn’t you have a psych appt earlier this week? Was wondering how it went. Sorry your daughter is sick. Speedy get well wishes being sent her way.
Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I know more {{{{Jackie}}}} — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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Hi, Inky, Great job of no smoking. Good for YOU!!! smiles, Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I know more {{{{Jackie}}}} — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How’s the quitting coming along? I hope it’s going better. Didn’t you have a psych appt earlier this week? Was wondering how it went. Sorry your daughter is sick. Speedy get well wishes being sent her way. Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I know more {{{{Jackie}}}}
Good for you for not smoking, Inky. I hope your daughter’s cough goes away soon. Keep us posted. Hugs, Di — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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Great job on quitting. I quit 24 years ago, also cold turkey (it was the only way I could do it). It was difficult to the point that I thought the craving for a smoke would never go away – but it did. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI.
That’s not surprising. Some Dr.s actually subscribe an SSRI (Wellbutrin) to people who are trying to quit somking. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical, and you are going through withdrawl. You’ll feel like it’s getting worse, but very shortly, you’ll feel like it’s getting better. Keep it up! Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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::Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how ::it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that ::kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. Great news about not smoking! I am so proud of you Does your daughter have croup? Wishing her a speedy recovery. (((((Inky & Daughter))))) ::I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I ::think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a ::too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I ::know more Look forward to hearing from you. Jackie ~*~I have seen the sea when it is stormy and wild; when it is quiet and serene; when it is dark and moody. And in all its moods, I see myself~*~ ~~Martin Buxbaum — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey.
Hi Inky: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Best thing you could do for yourself and others. I’d bet what you are going thru (I know I quit cold turkey in 2001) is your body readjusting. It took mine about a year with a lot of ups and downs for my body to settle down. Its not only the addiction but the habits (putting something to your lips 200 times a day, etc) that have to be overcome. Hang in there. You’ve gone this far — it does get easier but you have to ride the bull (so to speak). Best of luck!! -a — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
It’s probably the withdrawal. Congratulations Inky! Keep up the good work and keep us posted.
Thanks Di, I try to post a little more. I’ve already ajusted to non- smoking at the computer already and believe me, I spent a lot of time puffing along at the comp LOL I’ve just been tired a lot so I rest most fof the time.. but I can’t sleep.. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Dear Inky, Congrats on not smoking for 11 days! That is awesome. Sorry about the weird sensation in your head. I do hope it passes quickly.
Thank you Jackie. Sorry I don’t write much lately. Just this week I been to the Dr’s office 3 or 4 times already, for myself and my daughter. (she has an infection to the lungs somewhere and we’re trying to pin it down). Hey! almost 2 weeks now! 1 week, 6 days and 17 hours — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane! 
— The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane!
Many psychiatric patients smoke, and are believed to be heavier smokers than those without psychiatric disorders. Cigarette smoking is one of the environmental factors that contributes to interindividual variations in response to an administered drug. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in cigarette smoke induce hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylases, thereby increasing metabolic clearance of drugs that are substrates for these enzymes. PAHs have been shown to induce 3 hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, primarily CYP1A1, 1A2 and 2E1. Drug therapy can also be affected pharmacodynamically by nicotine. The most common effect of smoking on drug disposition in humans is an increase in biotransformation rate, consistent with induction of drug-metabolising enzymes. Induction of hepatic enzymes has been shown to increase the metabolism and to decrease the plasma concentrations of imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine and trazodone. The effect of smoking on the plasma concentrations of amitriptyline and nortriptyline is variable. Amfebutamone (bupropion) does not appear to be affected by cigarette smoking. Smoking is associated with increased clearance of tiotixene, fluphenazine, haloperidol and olanzapine. Plasma concentrations of chlorpromazine and clozapine are reduced by cigarette smoking. Clinically, reduced drowsiness in smokers receiving chlorpromazine, and benzodiazepines, compared with nonsmokers has been reported. Increased clearance of the benzodiazepines alprazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, diazepam and demethyl-diazepam is found in cigarette smokers, whereas chlordiazepoxide does not appear to be affected by smoking. Carbamazepine appears to be minimally affected by cigarette smoke, perhaps because hepatic enzymes are already stimulated by its own autoinductive properties. Cigarette smoking can affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of many psychotropic drugs. Clinicians should consider smoking as an important factor in the disposition of these drugs. this is from medline luvox is a very unstable and potent inhibitor of many oxidative mechanisms and is actively effected by all kinds of other drugs ingested-its serum levels may very well have been supressed by smoking-I would implore your doc to reduce your luvox dose on a trial for a week. I applaude your new non smoking life-that deprivation sensation you now have will go away-stick with it! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi, Inky, Congratulations to you! I would assume these feelings will pass in time. Try to keep yourself distracted so you don’t notice them as much and stay on your mission to become smoke free. Best wishes! smiles, Elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
It’s probably the withdrawal. Congratulations Inky! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Hugs, Di 1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane!
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
::1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling ::rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through ::my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m ::actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my ::GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit ::smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. :: ::I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling ::in my brain and it’s driving me insane! Dear Inky, Congrats on not smoking for 11 days! That is awesome. Sorry about the weird sensation in your head. I do hope it passes quickly. (((((Inky))))) Jackie "Be Who You Are.. And Say What You Feel.. Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.. And Those That Matter Don’t Mind…" ~~ Dr. Seuss — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
