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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Scott in Vermont on April 7, 2004, at 12:30:03
I started smoking again about 6 months ago after 10 years. Now I'm taking Lexapro to help with anxiety and a couple other issues. I failed to mention to my psychiatrist that I smoke, but it's on my list of things to discuss.
I'm wondering what your experience has been with smoking, how you feel it affects your anxiety (if applicable), and what (if any) interaction it has with your medication.
As always, all responses are appreciated.
Posted by karen_kay on April 7, 2004, at 13:40:44
In reply to Cigarettes, anxiety, and medication, posted by Scott in Vermont on April 7, 2004, at 12:30:03
smoking doesn't affect my anxiety, but the other way around. if i'm anxious, i smoke a whole lot more. and i already smoke like charles bronson. (no joke, unless he doesn't smoke)
i take topamax, and to my knowledge, smoking doesn't affect the meds. i'm often wrong, so don't quote me on that.
my experience with smoking: i tried to quit once. i cried for six hours straight, decided that if it comes between money for food or smokes, i'll starve and bought a pack of smokes. i've never run out since. luckily, (please don't jinx me) i don't cough often or get strep throat or become ill often. i'll quit when i'm 30 or become pregnant.
it hasn't had an effect on any meds i've taken and i've told my doctors i'm a smoker. of course, i get the lecture and i nod my head with a glare. i lie about how much i smoke to them, as i wouldn't want them to give the extra long lecture. just be sure you let them know that you smoke next time you see them. them being your pdoc. i was on lexapro at one time and just got the lecture about smoking being bad for you. i don't recall any other extra info. of course, don't quote me on that one either. just be certain to inform your pdoc.
Posted by Scott in Vermont on April 8, 2004, at 14:33:54
In reply to Re: Cigarettes, anxiety, and medication » Scott in Vermont, posted by karen_kay on April 7, 2004, at 13:40:44
My smoking was the my first attempt to "fix" the stress in my life. To be honest, I dislike cigarettes but they are an easy "quick fix".
I'll talk with my pdoc about this. My therapist said to not stop smoking, but this was over a month ago and the Lexapro is a new thing for me. (my pdoc is meds only, my therapist is my primary contact for dealing with what I'm going through).
I can say that today (day 10) I feel a lot better than I did on days 5 and 6.
Thank you for your reply.
Posted by smokeymadison on May 8, 2004, at 12:14:09
In reply to Re: Cigarettes, anxiety, and medication, posted by Scott in Vermont on April 8, 2004, at 14:33:54
i starting smoking to quit smoking pot. i needed a replacement. my pdoc says that substances that end in "ines" can cause bipolar patients to cycle more rapidly. these include caffiene and nicotine. i smoke anyway and take trileptal to stabilize my mood. i don't think that smoking interacts w/ my meds. when i started taking welbutrin i noticed that i didn't smoke as much as before. welbutrin is supposed to help you quit smoking.
This is the end of the thread.
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