How You Quit Smoking

First of all let me say, you can quit, even though it may take several attempts! 

Look at it as a process and don't give up on yourself if you backslide. Awareness was a major factor for me. Because I grew up in a smoking household, it wasn't until my first attempt at quitting that I even realized how gross ekes you smell! Although I started smoking again, I was much more conscious of other people's reactions to my foul habit. I became more considerate as well. In my early 30s I got serious about quitting due to health problems.

 My first long term success lasted two years, and I used a self-hypnosis tape. Again, increasing awareness was important. The tape made me realize the many cues I connected with my habit, such as finishing a meal, writing a letter, talking on the phone, etc. Although the tape did help me quit for a while, the hardest part was the extreme irritability and nastiness of the first few weeks.
 

No Smoking

 If you've ever quit smoking, you know what I'm talking about! It's as if you can't think of anything else for a while there. The bad news is that I did start smoking again. I made the choice at that point to not smoke in my home, which helped me smoke less and keep those cues disconnected, at least some of them. When I decided after a couple of years to quit again I went to an acupuncturist. What a miracle! Of course, I still had to exert my will power not to smoke, but the acupuncture completely erased the irritability and nastiness of those first weeks, so making that minute-by-minute choice became much easier. Acupuncture is based on the eastern belief that energy runs through the body in meridians or pathways associated with the various organs and systems. Acupuncturists insert fine needles into points along those meridians that affect the energy and thus the associated organ. The needles are so small that they seldom hurt unless the organ is in pretty bad shape. My acupuncturist used ear points; the ear has points for every meridian in the body. He needled points for my lungs, liver and one associated with addictions. The great thing about ear acupuncture is that he could tape small metal bb's to the points as well that continued to stimulate the organs. I kept these in place for about a week. I repeated this sequence a couple of times, and it really worked! I haven't smoked in 10+ years now, and I must say that acupuncture really made quitting much easier. If you live in or near a city with an acupuncture school, they often have clinics where you can get low-cost or free treatment. Check it out! Remember; don't get discouraged if you start again. 

It really is a process. The bottom line is to use what works for you. I found acupuncture to be a great adjunct to awareness and just plain old will power and would recommend it for anyone. Give it a shot! 

Julie Hartmans has eclectic interests and a beautiful boy who is the joy of her life. Her current straight gig is teaching. She loves to dance, sing, read, swim, go to movies, and learn about all things metaphysical. She’s been known to dabble in astrology and numerology, and finds alternative healing and the paranormal endlessly intriguing. Her writings appear in the Alternative Healing section of Fitness Heaven.

Aceclofenac

Description :

Aceclofenac -mode of action is largely based on inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Aceclofenac is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. It also stimulates cartilage matrix (glycosaminoglycans) synthesis.

Indications :

Aceclofenac is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation in both acute and chronic pain like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, dental pain, post-traumatic pain, low back pain, gynaecological pain etc.

Dosages :

Adults: The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg daily, taken as two separate 100 mg doses, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

Children: There is no clinical data on the use of Aceclofenac in children.

Elderly: The pharmacokinetics of aceclofenac are not altered in elderly patients, therefore it is not considered necessary to modify the dose and dose frequency.

Renal insufficiency: There is no evidence that the dosage of aceclofenac needs to be modified in patients with mild renal impairment.
Hepatic insufficiency: The dose of aceclofenac should be reduced in patients with hepatic impairment. An initial daily dose of 100 mg should be administered.

Side Effects :

Generally Aceclofenac is well tolerated. The majority of side effects observed have been reversible and of a minor nature and include gastrointestinal disorders (Dyspepsia, Abdominal Pain, Nausea and Diarrhoea) and occasional occurance of dizziness. Dermatological side effects including pruritus and rash. Abnormal hepatic enzyme levels and raised serum creatinine have occasionally been reported.

Precautions :

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms. The use of Aceclofenac with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase- 2 selective inhibitors should be avoided.

Elderly:

The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal.

Respiratory disorders:

Caution is required if administered to patients suffering from, or with a previous history of, bronchial asthma since NSAIDs have been reported to precipitate bronchospasm in such patients.

Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic Impairment:
The administration of an NSAID may cause a dose dependent reduction in prostaglandin formation and precipitate renal failure. Patients at greatest risk of this reaction are those with impaired renal function, cardiac impairment, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics and the elderly. Renal function should be monitored in these patients.

Renal:

The importance of prostaglandins in maintaining renal blood flow should be taken into account in patients with impaired cardiac or renal function, those being treated with diuretics or recovering from major surgery. Effects on renal function are usually reversible on withdrawal of Aceclofenac Tablets.

Hepatic:

If abnormal liver function tests persist or worsen, clinical signs or symptoms consistent with liver disease develop or if other manifestations occur (eosinophilia, rash), Aceclofenac Tablets should be discontinued. Close medical surveillance is necessary in patients suffering from mild to moderate impairment of hepatic function. Hepatitis may occur without prodromal symptoms.
Use of Aceclofenac Tablets in patients with hepatic porphyria may trigger an attack.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects:

Appropriate monitoring and advice are required for patients with a history of hypertension and/or mild to moderate congestive heart failure as fluid retention and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.
Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of some NSAIDs (particularly at high doses and in long term treatment) may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). There are insufficient data to exclude such a risk for aceclofenac.
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, established ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and/or cerebrovascular disease should only be treated with aceclofenac after careful consideration. Similar consideration should be made before initiating longer-term treatment of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking).

Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation:

GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.

Close medical surveillance is imperative in patients with symptoms indicative of gastro-intestinal disorders, with a history suggestive of gastro-intestinal ulceration, with ulcerative colitis or with Crohn's disease, bleeding diathesis or haematological abnormalities.

The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation , and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available. Combination therapy with protective agents (e.g. misoprostol or proton pump inhibitors) should be considered for these patients, and also for patients requiring concomitant low dose aspirin, or other drugs likely to increase gastrointestinal risk.

Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly when elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.
Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or antiplatelet agents such as aspirin.

When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving aceclofenac, the treatment should be withdrawn.

NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated.

SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disorders there may be an increased risk of aseptic meningitis.

Dermatological:

Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs. Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Aceclofenac Tablets should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.

Impaired female fertility:

The use of Aceclofenac Tablets may impair female fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive. In women who have difficulties conceiving or who are undergoing investigation of infertility, withdrawal of Aceclofenac Tablets should be considered.

Hypersensitivity reactions:

As with other NSAIDs, allergic reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, can also occur without earlier exposure to the drug.

Haematological:

Aceclofenac Tablets may reversibly inhibit platelet aggregation.

Long-term treatment:

All patients who are receiving NSAIDs should be monitored as a precautionary measure e.g. renal failure, hepatic function (elevation of liver enzymes may occur) and blood counts.

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation :

Pregnancy: There is no information on the use of aceclofenac during pregnancy. Aceclofenac should not be administered during pregnancy, unless there are compelling reasons for doing so. The lowest effective dose should be administered.
Lactation: There is no information on the secretion of aceclofenac in breast milk. The use of aceclofenac should therefore be avoided during lactation unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the children.

Contraindications :

Aceclofenac is contraindicated in patients previously sensitive to aceclofenac or aspirin or other NSAIDs. It should not be administered to patients with active or suspected peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding and moderate to severe renal impairment.

Overdose :

There is no human data available on the consequences of aceclofenac overdosage. After overdosage, following therapeutic measures to be taken: absorption should be prevented as soon as possible by means of gastric lavage and treatment with activated charcoal. Supportive and symptomatic treatment should be given for complications. 

HYDROXYZINE

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions. The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions and--to a lesser extent--during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it causes the cells to release chemical messengers that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines, like histamine, binds to the histamine receptors, but when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells to release chemical messengers. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells.


Before taking hydroxyzine
Need to know if have any of these conditions:
• any chronic illness
• diabetes
• difficulty passing urine
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, cetirizine, other medicines,
foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
Hydroxyzine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
• confusion; or
• seizure (convulsions).
Less serious hydroxyzine side effects may include:
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• blurred vision, dry mouth; or
• headache.

FLUPENTIXOL

The active ingredient flupentixol is a type of medicine called an antipsychotic.
USE

Flupentixol is used to treat mental health problem like schizophrenia, which affect the way you think, feel or behave. These problems are thought to be caused by over-activity of certain areas of the brain.

Flupentixol is also used to treat depression. It works in a similar way, by blocking receptors in your brain, but you will be given a lower dose of the tablets.

Before taking Flupentixol

Before taking flupentixol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
•If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
•If you suffer from a heart condition or blood vessel disease.
•If you have liver or kidney problems.
•If you have breathing problems.
•If you suffer from Parkinson's disease.
•If you suffer from diabetes.
•If you have a condition called phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on your adrenal gland).
•If you have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems or glaucoma.
•If you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), porphyria (a rare blood disorder) or any other problems with your blood.
•If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
•If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

Pregnancy and breast feeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
•The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters, unless the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risks to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor. If you do get pregnant while taking this medicine it is important to consult your doctor straight away for advice. It should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to, as this could cause withdrawal symptoms.
•This medicine passes into breast milk and could have harmful effects on a nursing infant. The manufacturer recommends that mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed and bottle feed instead.
Side effects

•Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects).
•Anxiety, restlessness and agitation (akathisia).
•Increased salivation or dry mouth.
•Sleepiness.
•Rhythmical involuntary movement of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw, which may sometimes be accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs (tardive dyskinesia - see warning section above).
•Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
•Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias).
•A drop in blood pressure (hypotension) that may cause dizziness.
•Interference with the body's temperature regulation (this is more common in elderly people and may cause heat stroke in very hot weather or hypothermia in very cold weather).
•Headache.
•Changes in appetite and weight.
•Problems with attention or speech.
•Feelings of being mentally dulled or slowed down.
•Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
•Visual disturbances.
•Disturbances of the gut such as constipation, indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
•Difficulty passing urine, increased need to pass urine, or urinary incontinence.
•Excessive sweating.
•Skin reactions such as rashes, itching, increased sensitivity to sunlight.
•Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction.

CLOBAZAM

Clobazam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are used for their sedative, anxiety-relieving and muscle-relaxing effects.
The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly.
When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. Anxiety may also be related to the inappropriate stimulation of nerves in the brain.
Benzodiazepines work by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.
Clobazam acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) to increase the release of GABA. This increases the calming effects of nerve cells by GABA. By calming nerve cells, clobazam prevents excessively rapid and repetitive firing of electrical signals. Thereby electrical nerve activity in the brain is stabilized, leading to prevention and treatment of fits and maintenance of normal brain function.
As clobazam prevents fitting, it is used in conjunction with another anti-epileptic medicine for the treatment of epilepsy.
Clobazam may also be used to relieve anxiety in serious or disabling anxiety related conditions. It is not recommended for the long-term treatment of anxiety due to the development of dependence (recommended maximum of 4 weeks).
What is it used for?
• Short-term (two to four weeks only) treatment of severe anxiety that is disabling or causing the individual to unacceptable distress.
• Epilepsy.


How is this drug given?
• Give with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
Use with caution in
• Elderly people.
• Decreased kidney function.
• Decreased liver function.
• Personality disorders.
• Phobias or obsessional states.
• Shaky or unsteady voluntary movements, e.g walking (cerebellar ataxia).
• Clobazam calms the brain.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
• This medicine may be harmful to a developing baby and it should be avoided during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. This is particularly important during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and before or during labour. Regular use during pregnancy should especially be avoided, as the baby could become dependent on the medicine and then suffer withdrawal symptoms after the birth. If this medicine is used in late pregnancy or during labour it may cause floppiness, low body temperature and breathing or feeding difficulties in the baby after birth. Ask your doctor for further information.
• This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Disturbances of the gut such as constipation, nausea.
• Decreased appetite
• Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor).
• Confusion.
• Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia).
• Headache.
• Loss of memory (amnesia).
• Slurred speech.
• Skin rashes.
• Muscle weakness.
• Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention).
• Urinary incontinence.
• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, double vision.
• Rarely, unexpected effects such as increase in aggression, excitement, restlessness, irritability, rages, nightmares, hallucinations, psychotic reactions (see Warning section above).
• Changes in sex drive.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney disease, liver disease, respiratory disease, depression, severe muscle weakness, certain types of glaucoma, history of chemical dependence, any allergies. Since this medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness, use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this medication as it may increase the drowsiness/dizziness effects of this drug. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
This drug may be habit-forming with long-term use.