Compare Methods

No doubt, there are many quit smoking products out there on the market and it is very confusing to find the one that is best for you. I “quit” smoking over 18 times in a period of 12 years and have spent nearly $1800 trying most all of the methods available. UltraQuit gave me the freedom to really QUIT smoking for good. Compare the methods below in the comparison table which is based on extensive research and information collected from various web sites. Below the table is my personal experience with each method and product in chronological order.
(Unfortunately, after receiving a friendly call from a Big Drug Company Lawyer, I have decided to remove the product names, pictures and links. They are far too powerful and have way too much money to fight. However, you can simply search the internet using the bold text in each method description.)

NOTES:
Price based on 2004 retail product price using recommended dosage schedule.
Success Rates based on published information at 12 months, results may vary. Note that research has shown that the success rate after 1 year for drug based products is statistically insignificant from that of using a placebo. See NRT & Quitting Aids - Do they work?
Nine month clinical study indicates a 14-20% abstinence with side effects including headaches, colds, and upper respiratory tract infections.
I have not found any positive reviews except on product web site. May cause a rash on ear where magnets are applied.
No known side effects. Helps relieve withdrawal symptoms (Note 9) by allowing smoking and blocking the euphoric effects of nicotine.
Helps relieve withdrawal symptoms (9) by replacing the delivery method of the nicotine drug. Side effects include temporary insomnia, nausea, hiccups, coughing, heartburn, headache, flatulence (gas), mouth and teeth problems, indigestion. May be difficult to stop using product due to continued addiction to nicotine content. Withdrawal symptoms will return after disuse.
Helps relieve withdrawal symptoms (9), symptoms will return after disuse.
Helps relieve withdrawal symptoms (9), by inhibiting the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Drug interactions and side effects are quite common including: dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dream abnormalities, disturbed concentration, nervousness.
Side effects of quitting: anxiety, restlessness, anger, nervousness, grumpy, short temper, depression, mouth sours, insomnia, fatigue, lack of concentration, hunger, weight gain, crabbiness, impatience, stress, cravings... Even though nicotine will leave your system in about three days, withdrawal symptoms will continue for much longer and slowly diminish over time with occasional reoccurrence for many years (see Typical Bulletin Board Postings).

Cold Turkey: This is an old fashion and very aggressive and uncomfortable method to quit smoking (see Typical Bulletin Board Postings). My attempts did not last very long, usually less than a month. After several attempts I felt like a failure, worthless and depressed. I experienced intense side effects of nicotine withdrawal that kept reoccurring on a regular basis.
Bupropion: This was a bad experience for me and I gave this method up in a few days. I experienced chronic insomnia where I could not sleep at all. But if you have a lot of work to do around the house, give this a try, you might get a lot accomplished in the 24 hours per day you'll be wide awake.
Herbal Pills: I was pleasantly surprised how well these worked until the supply ran out. The package includes several items. You start with Formula 1, which lasts only a few days. I found the rest of the items in the package worthless filler items to make you fell like you are getting a good deal for the price. The formulation did cause a good deal of constipation and difficult bowel movements. Nicotine cravings returned while using Formula 2. In a panic, and out of fear of smoking again, I went out and bought the nicotine lozenges which are similar in effect to the nicotine gum.
Nicotine Inhaler: Wow, this is almost like smoking and worked quite well, however I went back to smoking when the prescription ran out. They make great party favors for your smoking friends and fit nicely over the filter end of a cigarette for a tremendous nicotine rush (not recommended).
Nicotine Patch: At first, I thought this is it, what a great feeling of comfort soon after applying the patch. However, my cravings re-appeared while using the patch due to the difference in the way nicotine is delivered. The patch is a constant nicotine delivery while my body was used to on demand nicotine rush cycles (as is any smoker). I experienced cramps and skin irritations where patch was applied.
Nicotine Gum: I did quit smoking for as long as I chewed the gum, for about a year, until I noticed receding gums. During this time, nicotine gum was my gum of choice, though rather expensive. Went back to smoking with occasional supplementation with nicotine gum when it was not possible to smoke. I experienced mouth ulcers, receding gums, and found it difficult to quit using the gum since I was still addicted to the nicotine in it.
Nicotine Lozenges: These are similar to the nicotine gum with the exception of feeling more like sucking on a large Malox tablet. I found these caused gas and indigestion and insomnia. Also caused mouth ulcers even though I only used 3-5 a day. As with the gum, I also found it difficult to quit using the lozenges.
C350 Lozenges: Debuted in 2004 as the best medication based products on the market. Simply suck on a tablet instead of smoking a cigarette. Tablets are gritty in texture and unpleasant at first, however, you get to like them after a short time. I suggest you give these a try if you prefer a medication based products, however, the product seems to have quietly disappeared from the manufacturer’s web site.
UltraQuit: Without a doubt, the best method on the market. Created by smokers for smokers, not in a laboratory by scientists who are just beginning to understand addictions, but who will never really know the true experience. I learned a lot about my smoking habit and addiction to nicotine, and vividly recall my first cigarette, why I started, why I continued to smoke, and how to quit in a completely natural way at my own pace. The UltraQuit computer program walked me thorough the process step by step to reach my ultimate goal of not smoking while providing continual visual feedback of my progress. I was able to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked rather quickly. Each step is very easy, with absolutely no withdrawal symptoms or willpower required. I lost my desire to smoke, which is the key to long term success.