mixedsubstance

Haha- I see it that way too. It makes me feel kinda loopy- almost like I'm stoned...because at the same time I am very sluggish yet wide awake. And I want to snack.

On day 2 now...And I'm excited about it.

As for the nausea it come and goes for me...I also started getting light heartburn today too. Yay. A victim of multiple side effects. At least one of them is somewhat enjoyable. At least I take my pill right after dinner when I know I'm not going anywhere. But soon I have to look forward to the increase in dosage.

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

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

SSJTWIZTA

im was on chantix, and i got the dizzy feeling as well.

unfortunately i also got the side effects of nausea, depression and suicidal thoughts.

needless to say, im smoking again.

__________________
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for me And there was no one left to speak out for me.
-Pastor Martin Niemoller

mixedsubstance

Oh that sucks. I hope that doesn't happen to me. Why does it trigger something like suicidal thoughts for some people? Is it just the brain chemicals, I'd assume? Because I only have gotten dizzy and nausious a couple of times during the week I've been taken it, but nothing major....oh, except for one nightmare which terrified me and had to have my boyfriend hold me the rest of the night- but then the next day I realized how stupid the nightmare was- it was very superficial. Aside from that one nightmare, I actually feel calmer and happier, even though my life is going through a change right now, with starting school soon. I think I'd be a little bit more stressed or worried off the pill right now. I've told my boyfriend that if my mood changes for the worse, he needs to let me know and help me through it, because I need to quit smoking, I've tried everything else. Guess it's not for everyone, sorry to hear- but I sure hope it's for me.

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

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

ItWasMe

I used Zyban years ago. I actually forgot to smoke, didn't think about it at all unless a coworker asked if I was ready for a smoke break. (I hadn't told anyone I was trying to quit) Zyban is nicotine free, but I think it has a (small dose?) anti-depressant in it. That can be good or bad depending on the person.

I quit for 8 years. I started again 3 years ago about the time the military took hubby to Afghanistan for 2 years. I keep thinking about quitting again. If I do, I almost expect to fail at it again when he leaves again this spring.

__________________
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .


"Ok, no more truth-or-dare until somebody returns my underwear" ~ George Lopez

I bake cookies just so I can lick the bowl. ~ ItWasMe

mixedsubstance

I bet that stressful transitions make it hard to quit smoking or not pick up the habit again. I think about that when I start really getting into school- or if finances get really tight...but then I keep telling myself how much money I will save- that $100/mo. is much needed. And I think of my son. And my health. And smelling the slightest bit like smoke when massaging clients.
I smoke most when I am bored or very stressed. So I understand that when you are away from your hubby- it's like a replacement. But, if I were you, I'd find a healthy activity to replace it. Join a gym, go jogging, pick up a sport, paint, write...you don't have to be good at it, but at least you are doing something to keep occupied and releases your stress and anxieties in a healthy way. I know that I will be plenty busy with school, so that will help a bit. But keeping active helps you keep your mind off of it.

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

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

mixedsubstance

Update for me:

I am through week 2 (almost through the first round of 1mg's) and it's actually hard. I quit smoking when I started the 1mg's- when I was on the .5 mg's, smoking started to taste nasty and made me queasy. But the higher doses are irritating the hell out of me. I moreso crave a cig (prolly cuz I'm restless and unemployed til I start school next week), but at the same time I have strong bouts of nausia for the first couple of hours after taking the pill- so I always have candy to suck on for that (which helps but also can lead to a bad habit) and I'm biting my fingers constantly. And it's harder to get to sleep- takes me about an hour to an hour & a half most nights.

It does feel good to have a clear nasal passage again, though. And I keep thinking- 'Wow. I don't smell like smoke. I don't have to worry about any inconvenience of it.' And no depression or suicidal thoughts (crosses fingers) but I seem to be having a great outlook on this as well as everything going on- I guess that's the high-spirited person in me. So that's the good part.

I'm chugging along and hoping that I won't even have to bother with getting more paks.

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

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

intecel

I am back on chantix again. I went to Vegas, lost a lot, and got back on the cigs for a while... I am "quitting" again on monday... I can't believe my thread is still going heh...

mixedsubstance

Thank you for this thread, intecel! I was surprised to find one for it and I honestly think it has encouraged me a lot more than going on some 'support group' forum, because I socialize with all of you outside of this one topic. So it's reassuring that we all come from different situations and backgrounds, with different struggles, all striving for one common goal. I only have 5 1/2 more days left on my first month and I am doing great. Once in a blue moon I'll have that 'restless' craving, but since my school started, I'm so consumed with it that so that's helped keep me busy. I don't think I'll need the 2nd month.

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

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

midnight__sun

Hi,
I'm about to start Chantix this Sunday and I was kind of looking for a "support" group or at least someone else who has used it and can encourage me a little more. I'm excited, yet scared, maybe because I'm scared to fail. I have only told a select few that I'm quitting (my husband, my mom and my boss) so that they can keep their on me as well as be someone for me to talk to or for some encouragement when I need it.

I've been smoking for almost 8 years, 1 pack a day. I hate feeling the way I do every morning, especially after a night of drinking. I hate being the "inconvenience" to my husband (he doesn't smoke), I hate walking out of work to smoke, I hate freaking out in my head if I know it's going to be awhile until I smoke and I hate the fact that I'm so involved with soccer, yet smoke before and after a game, etc. So I decided to take a step towards a healthier, less smelly life using Chantix.

Suggestions, anyone?

ewehoo

Hi there,

Newbie here, but I wanted to offer some of my experience with Champix to this thread. Notice you're calling it Chantix... but it's the same med. Not sure why the different name.

Anyway, I was advised to look into this drug, so I searched it a bit and found another forum in England that had a thread several hundred pages long - people from all over the place were gathering there to share their experiences with this drug - the OP was actually one of the original 'test' subjects.

Anyway, I saw alot of different responses to the drug there, many successes and unfortunately, also many challenges. Some of those challenges were physical - as in poor reaction to the drug, but many more of those struggles appeared to be psychological rather than physical.

My SO started on Champix before I did. Almost 6 weeks before me. I watched him cut down, but never quite get all the way to quitting. I read about others on that forum I mentioned who seemed to take quite awhile to quit once they started the medication also. Some seemed to feel that the medication was less effective with the cravings over time.

So when I started, I had it in my head to quit as soon as possible - I was worried I might respond poorly to the medication, and that I might be one of those who couldn't quite get all the way to a total quit. After about 10 days on the medication, I was literally giddy with the realization that I was not having cravings. This still astounds me. So, by this time I had brought myself down to about 3 smokes a day with ridiculous ease. I started by eliminating the most troubling ones first. That was the first one in the morning with my coffee.... then after dinner... then in the car..... and somewhere in there I gave up going for a break at work, and then also gave up going outside at lunch for one. The cravings were absolutley nil - except for what games my head tried to play on me. Meanwhile, my SO was still puffing his 5 - 10 cigs a day, and I thought... it's now or never. I quit on day 10 with the Champix, and vowed never ever to take even a single puff again. I know that for me, one is never enough... and if I can rationalize that first puff, I'll rationalize myself back into a pack a day habit.

I cannot tell you how free I feel. Oct 13 was my last smoke, and I've not looked back. The decision seems to be what's the most important part of this process - at least for me. I say this because as soon as I started the second pack - the one after the starter pack - I was hit with some absolutely horrid side effects. I was so disappointed as up til then I'd sailed through the first couple weeks on the starter dose. I tried to cut the pills in half as I'd read some others doing, but it didn't work. The nausea was getting progressively worse. So, about 17 days or so into the Champix, I decided I'd have to quit the medication.

I was terrified it was going to be the end of my success. But no. Again, the decision to quit was stronger than any craving that hit. And I will admit, for the first week or so after I quit the Champix I did experience some minor cravings... but really - in the bigger picture they were so minor, so manageable that I can't really say I've had a serious temptation yet to smoke. I refuse to allow that thought to gather into a solid urge when it sneaks up on me.

Sorry this is so long winded, but I'm just so thrilled to have found something that helped me - I thought I would die a smoker. I'd like to encourage everyone to check out this med - if it can help me - even after only taking it for less than 3 weeks, I think it can help anyone.

I want to caution here though - this med has been linked to some very very serious side effects. Rages, depression, even suicide and suicide ideation have been documented. Please be very aware of all the side effects - do a search, get a product monograph from your pharmacist, and also - very important - discuss what other meds you are on with your pharmacist to make sure there isn't a negative interaction between Champix (Chantix ??) and whatever meds you're on.

Apart from that, I wish you all much success - and remember - conquer this bastard in your head first - be firm in your decision to overcome this - know that you mean it, and know that NOT succeeding is just not an option.

intecel

Pick a quit date and stick to it... make it the 8th day of treatment. Remove all butts from view, soak and destroy all remaining cigs before going to bed...

Pretzel sticks are your friend!!! Well, they were mine at least. a handful of pretzel sticks is like 100 calories, and it really takes your mind off the smoking.

If you make it to day 3, you think more about the pretzel sticks instead of the cigs (at least i did)...

Good luck!

Shreddi

I tried Chantix for a few days and started to feel bad/depressed so stopped. I know of 2 close freinds who after going on Chantix became suicidal the depression and panic attacks were so severe. For the people this drug works for you are lucky, good for you. Has anyone else had bad side effects such as depression and panic attacks? If so how long did they last after you quit. For me since I was only on less than a week I was back to normal fairly quick. For my freinds they still struggle months after quiting but they were on chantix for a couple months. I have read many horror stories. Chantix like any drug effects some people differently. I am very worried about my friends and just want to know if you had bad reactions and took chantix over a month, how long after you quit chantix did the bad effects start to subside. Thanks much.

biznatch

I haven't taken quitting aids, nor have I attempted to quit yet. I've been a smoker for about 2 years now, 2 cigarettes on a good day, around 7 on a bad day.

I've been toying with the idea of quitting, although it's hard to get the motivation. I enjoy smoking, the mental facet of it, and I think if I were only smoking at parties/card games with the guys, and not an everyday thing, I wouldn't mind.
I think I want to quit. I just don't like to inconvenience people, or disappoint them, and it's bad for me. Plus, 3 years ago I was in great shape, now, I have no motivation to get back there.
I'd like my wife to help remind me to work out everyday, so I can get that six pack back(currently I'm just skinny as fuck), but quitting is something I'll need to do on my own.

__________________
Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread

raeanna74

My SO recently used Chantix. The VA in michigan will not prescribe it if you have not seen a therapist and you haven't been on an antidepressent for at least 1 month prior to starting. One common, significate side effect of Chantix is increased depression, more than just quitting smoking would do for a person. My SO had very vivid dreams as a side effect and though they were wierd they weren't disturbing. Another person that I know had unpleasant dreams and so couldn't finish the course of Chantix.
It did reduce his cravings for cigarrettes. The only thing he would have to fight otherwise is that actual mental habit of lighting up at certain times and places. It hasn't worked too well for him but it has worked better than the gum or patches for sure.

__________________
"Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama
My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

tim2shady

This is my 3rd time in last 14 months trying to stop smoking. All 3 times using Chantix. 1st time I lasted 8 mos. Shortly after starting smoking again I used Chantix and stopped, but only for a week or so. Divorce proceedings were starting, so I had my excuse to start smoking again. Divorce final and new year approaching I'm trying to quit again. For me, using Chantix really helps, it's the long-term mental aspect that needs the most attention. Like others reporting on this post, Chantix makes my stomach ill, but only when I get to the 1mg pills.

My suggestions..
1. Get ready menatlly 1st
2. Plan on using Chantix for a short period - 2 mos
3. Work on it -- therapy, habit distractions, exercise, whatever it takes

Good luck to all you quiters! (Rehab is for quiters.....used to say

And like me, keep trying!!

__________________
mean people suck.....period.

pointbock69

be careful with that Chantix shit and alcohol. A bad thing happened to a talented Dallas musician from mixing the two. Very tragic and sad. Just wanted to make that point.

tiberry

Quit smoking 8 days ago - started Chantix 2 days ago; so far so good.

I do notice a sort of "dullness", presumably from the Chantix...not a bad feeling, but noticeable.

Understanding the addiction - psychologically, chemically, and physiologically seems to help me the most. I suggest everyone trying to quit take a look at this site:
WhyQuit - the Internet's leading cold turkey quit smoking resource

__________________
My life's work is to bridge the gap between that which is perceived by the mind and that which is quantifiable by words and numbers.

sploosh

If you can get rid of any trace of routine or triggers that make you reach for your smokes, it's not difficult to quit. It's incredibly difficult to avoid routine or the triggers, though!

I was in a position where I had very few responsibilities - no job, no commitments, nothing major to worry about. Every time I felt like a cigarette, I'd go for a run or put some music on and dance like a madman. The physical and mental impact it had on me was amazing. Within a couple of weeks, the cravings had pretty much gone. I went for a run every night, for something to do and because of the positive changes I was feeling.

Instead of craving nicotine, I started to crave the endorphins exercise gave me. I'd feel the urge to do push-ups, sit-ups or anything physical for the rush it would give me.

I went on like this for a few months, gradually doing less, until I did a bit of backpacking around Europe. Lugging a 65 litre rucksack full of useless objects everywhere in summer is hard work, and I loved it. Things were going great until I ended up in Germany and met a group of Americans. I started to blow my budget on drink, ruined my sleeping pattern and met a girl who smoked. I've since learned that drinking affects my serotonin levels, which are fairly delicate naturally, and puts me in a funk. Falling for the girl + lower serotonin + smoking = self loathing. Combine this with running out of money around about the same time as she left and I wasn't in a good state.

Anyway, here's to round 2; I'm mentally prepared and have learned from my past mistakes. Day 1 starts Monday the 19th.

Beware the shapely, southern drawled, smoking temptress.

rnadal

Chantix is one of those medicines which help in getting over smoking habit, but this medicine has some side effects as well. Person using chantix mainly encounter sleeplessness, change of taste and headache. So people should consult there physician before going for this medicine. It works on the body by giving you the same feel good effect and hence reduces the craving for nicotine.

__________________
Chantix is FDA approved drug.

stoppills

No tips are there other than knowing what is good and what i bad.If we know that and have will power to control our mind then every thing is possible for us.So no methods and medicine is needed for that.Since we have started it with our wish,why cant we stop it?To stop smoking knowing benefits of quitting smoking is the best aid I think.