Nicotrol question

[Kate B]

After years of smoking, although self-justified in the fact that I don't smoke very much and can go hours, if not days, without them... I think I'm ready to do away with them forever. Since I admittedly stress about the thought of "never being able to have one again" (yes, VERY silly), my doctor prescribed the Nicotrol inhaler.... here's the most embarrassing part (as if smoking isn't embarrassing enough) over a year ago. Now I'm ready and the Nicotrol expires this month (package says 1/08). I spent a pretty penny on it -- the packaging indicates NOT to use it once expired. My question for anyone... do I have at least a couple of weeks of slack on this or will I really get sick if I use it after 1/31?

Thanks in advance!

Kate

[KristiB]

I'd ask a pharmacist to be sure.

Congrats on deciding to quit! Good luck!

[Robyn1007]

I agree with Kristi, ask a pharmacist.

But, on another note, good luck with the challenge ahead! I quit using Zyban almost 8 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done. If the nicotrol doesn't work for you, don't give up, try something else. Before being successful I tried the gum and patches. I still distinctly remember my ceremonious destruction of the last cigarettes I had the night before I quit. It was quite freeing I must say. Oh, and if you want to try Zyban and your health insurance won't cover it ask your doc to prescribe the generic Wellbutrin which is the equivalent just packaged for depression rather than smoking cessation and more health insurance companies cover it, oh, and I think it's on Target's $4 prescription list. ;)

[Valerie226]

Thinking about that, " never being able to have one again" used to put me into a panic. total panic. so I decided I would tell myself I wasn't going to worry about that, and that I was only going to worry about the next 10 minutes. I could stand anything for 10 minutes. In 10 minutes, I could think about it again. Of course by the time 10 minutes have passed you are totally "off" on something else, and the panic is passed. I did that a lot for a while. and it worked. I quit sometime back in the late 70's, I can't remember anymore exactly but it's the best decision you can make. Congratulations on making the decision.

[Kate B]

Thanks, all. What a dope I am -- it didn't even occur to me to ask the pharmacist (and I was just there yesterday).

ARGH - that's why I post!

Thanks, too, for the good wishes!

Kate