ShaniFaye

My dr gave me a script for this today and I immediately remembered I had seen a thread about it here lol

I guess I will find out tomorrow if my ins covers it (Im on BCBS). If it does I will prob go ahead and get it, if not I'll have to budget for it.

Im really glad to see that its worked for so many of you the way the Dr told me today that it would, it gives me hope. I quit for awhile back last fall for my surgery, but as soon as I had it I was right back to smoking again

__________________
I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!

pan6467

Does anyone know what happens when you cold turkey off Chantix?

I was a big advocate, even though I had decided it wouldn't work for me because I wasn't ready to quit.

But since I have stopped taking it (4 days) I am having severe nightmares, nausea, a depression, just my body feels fucked up..... I've tried to Google and Yahoo and Dogpile for negative effects... amazingly enough I get nothing but sites that promote or give positive views of Chantix. (Except one site and all that says is that the tests were rigged by Pfizer and the success rate after 1 year is at most 1 in 5, and that is even pushing it.

I just can't believe Chantix has no bad side effects or withdrawals whatsoever.

I WILL NEVER be suckered into taking a pill to miraculously save me again. I knew it was stupid and I knew better but I wanted the easy way out.

The scariest part is there are not LONG TERM tests done.... how does your body react to this chemical and in 5 years do those of us who take it get brain cancer at high rates or liver problems or .....

Never again....... I was fucking stupid and looked for the easy way out and I knew better.

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/journal...wjournal&j=424 read if you want my first hand account of detoxing off chantix is like. I hope it is because of some weird biochemistry in me and that none of you have to go through it.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

meems

I have to point out a few things..although I am not coming off of the meds, many of the symptoms you are describing are the complete opposite for me..

Example..

The dreams and nausea are a side effect for me when I AM taking it..not when anything is missed. As for depression, every time I have tried to quit prior to this, I have felt a horrible depression & anxiety that chantix has prevented. If I have some after I have completely kicked the habit (day 16 for me today) I'll deal with it..but doggonit, I'll be dealing with it nicotine free!

You also mentioned irritabily when not taking it..again, I notice more irritability after taking my second dose.

I'm sorry you have had a bad experience coming off of this, but during my 2 month research at several forums, you are the first person who has mentioned this type of response.

I have a personal friend who quit & is now off chantix..he had ZERO side effects coming off, he has now been quit 5 months.

I have been smoking for 30 years..I watched my Mother choke to death from not being able to breathe at 66 yrs of age, and my father had a fatal coronary at 50. I don't have genetics on my side..I HAVE to get this monkey off my back & I see this medication as a savior!

pan6467

Meems, like I said it could just be me. It could be the fact I continued smoking (even though it was only 3-7 a day... I still smoked).

Everybody reacts to drugs differently, because the biochemistry of us all is different. For me, and speaking only for me, this is what I experienced and am experiencing.

Perhaps it's the guilt I have on myself for turning to "a miracle drug" and not having the strength myself to do it.

I also talked very highly about it's effects, when I first took it.

I just wanted to know if anyone else had these side effects and to share with others what was happening to me.

Like I said though, there are no long term studies on the effects of this medicine and the fact that it just came out in August is scary, at least to me.

Look at PhenPhen, Celebrex, and other "miracle drugs" that did wonders when they first came out only to destroy the lives of some of the people who took them.

I just came to a conclusion, when I truly want to quit.... it'll be on my own terms and not a pill's.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

meems

Today is day 23 of not smoking for me. I did have a puke episode pretty much after my last post here...I shifted to half a tablet twice a day & it's enough to keep me going. Upside to doing half, 1/2 the price & should be even easier when I am ready to stop!

I did find a couple of others had the depression when going off, one said it was about 4 days, the other two weeks. Most said they had zero reaction. Hoping your episode is a short one! Be sure not to confuse depression for not having a successful quit (been there done that!) & coming off the meds.

I completely understand this thought, I do admit I feel like I've cheated on this quit, it's been so easy!!! But~I'm taking it & running with it, who needs to make life harder?

intecel

I am hitting my 2 month point in a couple days here without smoking. I only took the Chantix for 3 weeks, and stopped because I didn't feel I needed them anymore at that point.

The only side effect from the pills on or coming off, is that I didn't want to smoke.. No nausea, no nightmares, and after 3 weeks, I felt the same on or off the pill in reguards to not wanting to smoke.

meems

I'm on week 5 of my packages, I think 6 of how long I've been taking them...now I am at 1/2 a tablet once a day..no problems lowering my dose or craving cigs. more. I am on day 32 of my quit now.

Vitalsigns2000

I have smoked for 36 years, I am now 22 days without cigs and have been taking Chantix without any side effects so far. I do follow directions to the letter " only take on full stomach after meal and drink at least 9 oz. of water with pill.

I am not saying this is for everyone only it seems to be working for me, with minimal cravings to smoke every once in a great while. I guess a 36 year old addiction is tough to break.

__________________
Vitalsigns2000

jasondarity

My girlfriend smoked for almost 25 years and she is going on 7 weeks without. She smoked during the first few weeks while on Chantix, but she said it was like sucking through a straw because it blocks the effects of nicotine. Anyway, it's amazing to me that she quit because she has been trying so many times. This finally worked. Good luck to you others who are trying as well.

__________________
Chantix Story - My girlfriend stopped smoking using Chantix. It's a miracle to me knowing how many times she tried to stop every other way.

meems

I'm over 3 months free of cigarettes! Had no problems going off of chantix..only problem now is, about the 6 week mark of my quit, I was having a rough time so I started using some nicotrol inhalers that a friend had given me..well...I'm going to have to break myself of those now..I purchased one package of 168 catridges off ebay (don't ask me how since they are script) which will last me about 3 months..I hope I can get off those by the end of that batch, not a cheap habit!

cinnbabe

33 days smoke free thanks to Chantix! I smoked 26 yrs and the last 10, two packs a day. I am still in shock I have been able to quit that easily!

jennyjen

Congrats! I have been on chantix for 3 weeks now...and I believe it's going well, but I could be doing better. I don't crave cigarettes, nor do I even enjoy the smell or taste of them anymore, but that whole habit of hand to mouth is getting me right now. I will light a cigarette just to hit it once, to feel like I am smoking...then I feel like a failure( and sick to my stomach) and put it out. It's been a vicious cycle. I see that Chantix is working as far as the physical addiction to nicotine, I can go for hours, days without thinking about it, but when I want a cigarette burning in my hands...that's something I can't shake.

meems

Today is my 4 month quit anniversary!

Next step..get off of the inhalers! Anyone happen to have any extras around that they didn't care for? I will pay! My ins. doesn't cover them & I can't afford to continue on them much longer! Email me if you have extras! dervy2000@aol.com

LYSHARPE

My husband took Chantix and managed to stop smoking. He stopped three weeks early because it was giving him constipation. That was in April. However, now it is like it has changed his personality. He is argumentative, mean, aggressive and this is not like him at all. He got sent home last week from his job of 34 years because he wouldn't stop arguing with his boss. He has said mean things to me and his excuse is that he's tired of everybody harping on him and he's not going to take it anymore. I hope he snaps out of this it's really scaring me.

garrettpf

pan6467, i need to send you a pic of me. pretty much like your avatar

You all will probably be hearing a lot more from me. I am 40 1/2 and on day 8 of Chantix (the day i was told to stop smoking PERIOD).

Since I started Chantix (to be know here with in as Cx) a week ago cigs started to taste like an ashtray. I still smoked any way even though I really did not feel the need except in the morning first thing.

As others have stated, and what I am worried about, Is the habitual movement of hand and the feeling of filling my lungs with smoke. I have not yet smoked today and had a pack a day habit for 14 years. I really do not feel too much of a need for a smoke other then my starting to feel my lungs again (burning, like a passion for smoke).

Other then that I feel good. In the past I have tried to quit but by mid day I would be dizzy, have a headache and usually have an extremely loose bowel. Like I said above, I feel pretty dang good save the urge to fill my lungs.

I may run to the store and get some vinegar and salt potato chips as taking a mouth full and then breathing in the fumes helped me at times that I couldn't smoke.

Thank you all for being here and putting up with the trying to quiter's such as my self. The support needed at a time like this is priceless.

garrettP

cangold

I've been on Chantix since 5/31/07...The only side effects I have are the gas,weird dreams,feeling kinda tired & a little depressed...AM 28 days SMOKE FREE after38yrs of those nictoine sticks..I COULDN'T catch my breath ...............and that's a miracle in it self. Starting 6/24 I decreased to taking 1 mg in the am and 1/2 mg in the pm..will weed myself off in 2 more weeks..
Maybe all the pain is from starting to feel the body again... 2000 chemicals in cigs can really damage our bodies in the long run..
Have the usual aches & pains..will be doing excerise soon.Good luck to everyone

zikam

It's great to be a non-smoker. Good luck with the Chanitx!

patches

Hello Folks,

I started taking Chantix 10 days ago. My cravings have reduced some but I am giving myself some leg room for my quit date. I am targeting 5 days from now. I have been smoking 1 to 1 1/2 packs a day for more than 30 years. As mentioned before by someone in this thread, I practiced quitting several times over the years and always ended up caving in. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

My difficulty is with side effects. I am getting every one of them. Disturbed sleep, nausea, heartburn, etc. I cannot even drink my coffee in the am because of the vomiting factor. I can normally take every prescribed drug on the planet without ANY side effects so this is new territory for me. Anybody have any suggestions that might help????Please?

Canman

I am just adding my 2 cents in on what I think of chantix for those that may be considering using it to quit smoking and what I have found that works.I started on Chantix approx. a bit over 2 weeks ago the idea is that you take the white pills which is your first pack for the first week and smoke while you take that portion of the pills. After you have consumed the entire packet of white pills the next day is your quit date, you are not supposed to smoke while taking the blue tablets of chantix as it amplifies the side effects.(I too get heartburn every morning and I get a bit sleepy afternoon at work, usually I am never really tired) As for my experience with chantix after 2 weeks I would say that I have smoked for better part of 22 years 1 to 1 and 1/2 packs a day since I was 16. I have like many tried every thing available to quit with no success barring my stint in the army which saw me quit for 3 months but I was forced to quit and it wasnt my decision so soon after basic, first beer I got I started again. Chantix for anyone light or heavy smoker is wonderful. It takes away completely the withdrawals which is one part of a 2 part quitting process. The other part is the part that makes us all smokers to begin with, which is the physical habit to want to smoke. I found that I had to make this a huge loss for myself if I started again. So I went and bought one of the biggest and best computers and monitors I could find and told my wife and kids that if anyone of them caught me smoking, my computer belonged to them. I love computers so for me this would be a huge loss ( I call this the reward vs. punishment) for every crime there must be a punishment or loss and it must fit the crime perse. I also bought quite a few bags of dumdum suckers as I saw it as a way to replace my urges for a smoke with something a bit more enjoyable. I joking tell people they are my smokes and occasionally ask for a light :P Your mental side to quitting smoking must be there for you to quit . After 22 years and 2 weeks on chantix I can honestly say I feel better and I feel that I can actually do it this time and if that urge after 3 months have gone by and still feel the need I will just get another refill and stay on it a bit longer if need be.If you really dont want to quit dont bother with chantix it is expensive if you dont have insurance 1 month was about $139.95. With insurance 2 months cost me $70. If you are serious about quitting I strongly urge you to see your family doctor and give Chantix a try with the right frame of mind ,plan it out, have fun with quitting and be happier for yourself, your kids and those that see that this is very hard to do alone. I hope maybe what I am doing will help just one person other then myself to quit smoking as its fast becoming the leporsy of the 20th century.

Kpax

I don't think I've seen any insurances cover it, yet even despite the pricetag of $120.00 for the starter, and $127.00 for the continuing month pak, it flies off the shelves...

I think it's the first of its kind (besides the nicotine-based patches, gums and inhalers). The Wellbutrin was mainly for the mood that may result from quitting smoking, but the Chantix actually deals with cravings...

While taking it, you are meant to quit after a certain time, yet still continue to take the medication. I forgot how many days, though.

JumpinJesus

I think it's great that so many of you have been able to stop smoking. I know how difficult it is because I recently quit. I smoked for 22 years, though I was never a heavy smoker. I think the most I was ever at was about 1 1/2 packs a day.

Anyway, I quit cold turkey. I woke up on a Saturday 3 months ago and realized that I was sick and tired of feeling like a slave to cigarettes. I smoked only 5 cigarettes that day. On Sunday, I vowed to smoke even less. I had 3 that day. During the week, I smoked only 2 drags off each cigarette before mashing it out. With each cigarette, I created a mental image in my mind of how disgusting I felt, smelled, tasted, and looked. On Friday, some friends came over, we drank and I had 3 full cigarettes in 2 hours. I felt like an utter failure. The next morning, I vowed to be finished. I haven't had one since.

Every now and then, a craving will wash over me, but it passes very quickly. What keeps me from picking up another cigarette is the idea of failing at this. I can't fathom going through this again nor can I fathom telling my daughter that I couldn't do it.

For those who use some form of chemical assistance to quit, I wish there were a way to quit without having to use pills or patches or inhalers. To me, it's replacing one bad habit with another that you have to end up kicking.

I honestly hope that there are no negative side effects with Chantix but something tells me that putting anything in your body that affects the chemistry of the brain cannot be all good.

Either way, I wish you luck and genuinely hope that you all succeed and do so without any ill effects.

__________________
"I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

Icanbreathe

Hi all!
I have been smoking since I was 18yrs old.
I'm only 31.
I smoked about a pack every three days.
I started chantix 8-3-07 and I was smoke free 08/06/07.
I knew I wanted to quit.
For several reasons.
The one thing that hit me is when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at age 10 in june of this year.
I know my cigs didn't cause the disease but it sure will not help her in the long run.
Her best friend asked her this.
"Do you think your moms cigerette smoking gave you cancer?
When my daughter told me this I was in tears.
It is amazing how your kids can change your life.
I was also drinking several glasses of wine to unwind at night.
I don't want any of it anymore.
I waisted alot of time being addicted to negative things primarily because I had noone and nothing else to lean on when life throws me drama.
It has only been a few days and it's not easy.
This has to be a life change and not a temporary fix!
The oral fixtation thing is a trip!
I keep peppermints and gum.
If crackhead can quit so can we!

Not Right Now

I managed to quit through exercise. I would suggest everyone else try the same, no matter what drug you take your body still has the addiction, you're just taking it in differently. Next time you feel your body craving a cigarette try going for a jog or do some push-ups and sit-ups. It worked for me, hopefully it works for anyone who reads this.

__________________
I only came to dance.

meems

Well..I would look pretty dumb exercising while driving!

Anyway..I'm over 6 months smoke free now..but horribly addicted to the inhalers, I curse the day I strated those! Dr. says I can have those the rest of my life if I want health wise..but man I can't afford that!

shoegirl

Well, I'm not a smoker, but this thread currently holds great interest for me. My father has been smoking for at least 40 years if not more. He is currently going through some serious health problems and has agreed to seriously try to quit smoking. His doctor gave him a prescription for Chantix and I will be filling this prescription for him today. Hopefully we will see good results with minimum side effects. I'll let you all know how his experience goes!

elo

Congrats on the freedom... I freed myself from my own stupidity on the same exact day (8-6-7).

I don't know if you're still around on this forum, but drop the peps and the gum as well... don't replace your addiction. Your subconcious derives the same habitual addiction to the pepermints and gum as the cigarettes did. Now when you don't have peps or you can't find a piece of gum, you'll panic and trigger cigarette cravings because of the subconcious stress.

this goes for any replacement, excercise, drinking a glass of water, etc.

just be about it and drop the bullshit... no need to get fancy with your quit

intecel

I had quit for 5 months since I started this thread, but started again once me and my girlfriend broke up. I was pretty stressed over the whole situation and fell into the smoke trap again...

So, now it's been about 3 months and I'm ready to quit again. I've started Chantix again today, looking forward to saving some money next week!

My dad's ex-wife used Chantix and was smoke free for about 4 months...

I can't believe how well this stuff works...

flstf

Reminds me of the old cartoon quote "Quitting smoking is easy, I've done it dozens of times". Sorry, I couldn't resist, good luck. I may have to consider quitting myself if for no other reason than it is a stupid habit and costs too much.

elo

Just keep in mind that Chantix IS a replacement therapy just like the gum and patches. Chantix blocks the nicotine receptor from accepting nicotine (making cigarettes unenjoyable), but it also stimulates the nicotine receptor causing it to release dopamine just as real nicotine does. That's why you'll hear people talk about "weaning off" Chantix by reversing the start-up week (1/1/1/1/.5/.5/.5).

However Chantix shouldn't be dismissed. It's a powerful aid to breaking the actual physical habits of lighter play and cigarette tossing. It also evens out the withdrawal cycle by leveling the dopamine release over the entire day, rather than every 45mins to 1 hour that a cigarette does. Plus it's worth taking simply for the VIVID dreams alone Just be cognizant of what the Chantix is doing for you and what it's not doing for you. Chantix isn't quitting smoking for you... you're quitting. I've read forums where people have been on Chantix for a year straight or more. What's that accomplishing and why would you want a constant reminder that you're STILL in the quitting phase.

Why not just quit and be done with all of the nonsense... every bit of it.

Even if you don't want to quit. Even if you're still smoking now. Even if you've just quit: read Allen Carr's "EASYWAY" book. He's incredible and it's not cliche and broken like the title sounds (EASYWAY blah.. sounds gimmicky)... but it's not. It's the SINGLE best thing anyone can do for themselves.... for ANY addiction really.

PM me if you can't find his book for download.

-elo

Shantyman

I used chantix for 1.5 months and after that i decided to do without it. I only needed something to get me past the first 2 weeks of that bad craving. I smoked till the cigaratte started tasting like crap and after that 2 weeks, i stopped buying and avoided smokers like a plague. I have made a decision never to smoke again. Remember this...to quit, you have to STOP with your mind and not your mouth. This pill maybe your best means to quit despite the few side effects associated with it. However, i never experienced much of what most people have been complaining about.
Tip: Eat and then take the pill with lots of water.
After you quit, you will enjoy tasting good foods, drinks and most importantly, your significant other will enjoy a fresh Kiss. I have now started jogging to rejuvinate my lungs..am pretty sure it's not too late. It's never too late to give up a bad habit after all. Put your mind to it and get a little help and then STOP.
Good luck quitters. I once was hooked and but now am free.

rythemgurl

Hola! So I have had a Rx for Chantix sitting at the pharmacy for about 3-4 months. I heard that is has horrible side effects? (I know smoking has worse) I am just a big chicken. A friend said you not only lose your desire to smoke but lose it for everything including sex! She also said her nightmares were not tollerable so she actually stopped taking it.

I have not read anything in your posts about these issues. Can you please assure me it is not that bad?

Thinking of hittin up the pharmacy....finally!
hmmmmm......... {{{smoking}}} but it's killin me!

TIA- JJ

intecel

I personally have had no side effects either time I've used them. The first time around, I took them for 3 weeks, and I was off smoking.

This time, I'm finishing up my 2nd week, haven't had a single puff all week and I'm doing great with it. I've even been hanging out with friends who smoke, and I don't even want one. I'm going to take them 1 more week, then quit the Chantix, since the nicotine should be out of my system by then.

I have never lost my desire for sex while on these pills. Actually, I've had a hell of a lot more energy since I've been on them.

I have definitely not lost my desire for food

The first time I quit, I gained about 15 lbs in 2 months. I eat out for almost every single one of my meals. This time I have changed it up a bit. Since day 1 of Chantix, I've cooked every meal, and I eat a handful of pretzels a couple times a day between meals. This makes me less "starved" feeling, which makes me eat less. It also brings up your metabolism a little by having smaller snacks and meals throughout the day.

I've already lost 2 pounds this week by doing this, and I haven't even been to the gym. I've been too busy the past couple months with full time school / full time work. I feel better than I have in a while already. I don't think I'll ever pick smoking back up again, no matter how stressed I am.

jewels

I'm on Day 3 of the Starter Pak. Early yet, but so far so good.

Having done it all in past attempts as a longtime smoker, including but not limited to hypnotism, laser treatments, and the usual, I did want to mention something that I felt was truly amazing.

I stumbled upon this quite by accident in a post on another forum and, based on reviews at amazon, decided to buy this book:
I read it in two days and had my final cigarette during the final chapter of the book. Did not miss it; did not crave it; I felt wonderful. So why am I here?

Well, it was one of those incidents that gets you back to smoking when you've quit for nearly two weeks. I keep talking about reading it again and being stronger on those setbacks. Had a doctor's appointment this past Monday and decided to ask for the script. *shrug*

My thought is to read the book again this weekend. Makes it easy, truly. The book, through suggestion and repetition, makes you see and feel that you're not quitting -- there's no "giving up" here. It's all about what's good, what we've been told over and over by pharmaceutical companies, ad agencies and our own government (oh really? ) and it really turns on some lights and is extremely effective.

That being said, due to my little indiscretion (lighting up in the face of adversity) I decided the combination of the two ought to be awesome!

I just wanted to suggest the book to those of you who may feel they need just a little more help.

Anyway, good luck to us all!

CoolestPerson

Dammit, this thread is depressing. I need to quit but I dun't wanna! Good luck to you all - I hope I join you in the future...... preferably as a non smoker on earth - not as puff the magic dragon in heaven..... although I'm sure I'd be there first.

flstf

It looks like the cost of Chantix may be going up soon. I saw an add on TV from some law firm asking for anyone who has considered suicide after taking it. It appears that they are fishing for a class action suit.

jewels

The good news, though, more prescription plans will be covering it this year, including mine. Yay!

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

mom2nikki

Hello All,
I finally received my 3 months of Chantix in the mail today and before starting it I wanted to continue reading about it and found this forum. I am 32 years old and really just so tired of smoking. However, I know I do not have the willpower to quit on my own. I think in order to start kicking the habit you have to really be mentally ready. I have been ill for about a month now. I had strep followed by pnenunomia now a severe sinunis infection and a terrible cough. I think I would of been a lot better 2 weeks ago of I had not been smoking straigh through all that. I plan on starting tomorrow and my biggest concern is WTH to do with my hands? How to keep them busy? I dont want to chew on too many coffee stirrers because I have crowns I want to keep. Coloring maybe? Take up knitting?

lovemykidsiowa

In July-Aug-Sept 2007 I took Chantix to help quit smoking. During this time I became manic (Bipolar) and eventually had full psychosis after 8 weeks. During this time I decided to leave my husband and for the first time in our marriage had relations with another man, a friend and client. This is COMPLETELY out of charactor for me and in fact against all of my beliefs. I went from a happy mom and wife to hating my husband and leaving him to move to another city. I did leave to find a place to live and fortunently my entore world came crashing down and I was forced back home. I was DXed with Bipolar I disorder and have not been "the same" since. My mental state is forever altered. Gee...I wish I at least culd have quit smoking.

mixedsubstance

It is SOOOOOO good to hear that it is working for all of you. I just got mine today (thankfully my insurance covered 1/2) and took the first pill just a bit ago. Only thing is within 2 minutes of taking it (following directions of full meal and full glass of water), I felt slightly dizzy and short of breath, with that little ball in my throat- almost nautious feeling. Nothing major, but my boyfriend (medical guru) was here to check my pulse and look up side effects, which the pharmacist did tell me there may be dizziness with it. But I paged the on-call doctor just in case. Hopefully I will be able to get over this and keep taking it cuz I want to quit so badly! It's just weird that I felt that way so soon after taking the pill. Anyone else have that happen?

__________________
Well, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?!?

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

sprocket

I smoked about 10 years, but loved my cigarettes immensely. I got a prescription for Chantix and it worked pretty well. Still smoke free about 5 months now.

Random notes on the pill...

I've talked with several friends in real life, and heard about friends of friends who have all had good luck with it. Lots of peoples reaction to it seemed to be stronger, in that they would not only not crave smokes, but actually be repulsed by them... I can't say that happened with me, but it did make it so that cravings werent so overwhelming, and were easily resisted.

The pills really arent very expensive if they end up working for you.. my price (no insurance at the time) was about $150 for a monthly dose... I easily would have spent that on cigarettes. Now that I don't smoke I have an extra $120-150 dollars in my pocket every month... amazing how much cigarettes add up.

My dock gave me instructions to pick a day to quit smoking.. then start taking the pills seven days before hand... then to try and stop cold turkey on the date that I set. She said most of her patients don't even make it that long. Being the stubborn person I am, I made it seven days, and was doing good on the eighth till I went out drinking.. and smoked like a chimney. After that though, I just didnt smoke, and havent since and it really felt pretty easy.

I stopped taking Chantix after two months, instead of the typical 3 month regimen and have been ok. The side effects of the pill arent that pleasant, hence my enthusiasm to stop early, but weren't show stoppers. Upset stomach, sick feeling always a little while after you take the pills. They also give you a head rush of sorts for a while, sort of similar to what a cigarette can do if you haven't smoked for a long time... relaxed you sort of like a cigarette does. That definitely helped in the beginning.

For some reason now I am starting to get the urge a little sometimes, but it is always pretty easily dispelled.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
-----Added 3/10/2008 at 12 : 25 : 25-----
The head rush, and kind of mellowed out dizzy feeling went away for me (much to my dismay actually) after a few doses. Then it came back in the second week, once the pills mg dosage increased. It happened for a longer period of time on the higher doses but eventually went away as well. It seemed to me that alcohol would accentuate it a little bit.

The nausea didn't go away... I had to make extra time in my daily routine to deal with it. It came back for me after every pill, for about 20-30 minutes... whether I ate or not.

__________________
Remember, wherever you go... there you are.