Quitting smoking - Chantix ?
 

I read an article on fark today about a new drug called Chantix. Apparantly it has a great effect on quitting smoking... How would one go about finding out how to get a prescription for a medicine like this? Do you call or visit a regular doctor to find out?

Here's a link from webmd: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/122/114531.htm

Yeah, ask your doc about it. The hurdle to this drug is you have to hurdle the 6 month mark. After you are smoke free for 6 month there is an 80% chance that you will be smoke free. But you need a little more will power in the beginning. I also heard its kinda expensive but its probably worth it to save your life.

A follow-up to my original question:

I was just at the doc a couple days ago due to migranes that I have been getting. While I was there, I asked if they had prescribed Chantix to anyone and she told me that this drug is highly recommended because it works so well.

The 1 month prescription cost me $95, which is about the equivalent of my 1 month smoking habit.

I am desperate to quit smoking. I have tried the gum, patch, etc, but these never worked well for me. I could always feel when the patch would wear off, and would crave a smoke soon after. The gum was a little better, but it didn't last long before i gave it up and went back to cigs.

I started on the Chantix yesterday and set my quit date for Jan 17th. We'll see how it goes.

Ah so you're still on the .5mg 1 a day right now.

I am on Chantix, have been for 3 weeks 3 days, I refill soon.

I also use the nicotrol inhaler, no true need for it though.

I must say I have gone from a pack - pack and a half a day to maybe 5. I have no cravings, no true physical desire to smoke.

The mental aspect is what is killing me though. The inhaler helps, but I still jones to see the smoke and play with the pack and lighter, mostly in the car. Thus the 5/day.

The benefits: I taste food again, my sense of smell came back almost immediately, my sinuses are not always clogged and I can sit through movies, 8 hours of work, you name it and not physically be jonesing in anyway....... but the fucking mental man... you really have to deal with it.

I set a total quit date on refill day and to overcome the hand to mouth, mental aspect use the inhaler..... and hold firm.

If you want to be effective long-term you really should see a therapist. It's amazing how much they can help. Smoking is an addiction and all the same rules apply for recovery, just like heroin or alcohol or anything else.

I quit in '89 after years of practicing quitting. In fact, I had quit one time for nearly two years and was running five miles/day. But I fell off the wagon. Therapy helped me understand why.

I definitely know of the mental addiction to smoking. When I was on the patch, I would constantly notice myself reaching in my pocket, or to the seat next to me if i was in the car as to reach for my cigs.

Yeah, I just started the 1 a day tab yesterday. Nobody around me ever smokes, so as long as I don't give in and buy a pack, I should be good.

Scary part of all this..... I'm an addictions counselor. I am great with helping others, but I have a hard time putting into practice what I teach. Of course there's some HUGE differences between cigarettes and herion/crack/alcohol/etc.

The best way for me will be to just not buy that first pack and stop the bs that "I can smoke a couple today".... I have to live what I preach and make it none or just stop fooling myself and playing the "I'm trying my best" game... because in all honesty as long as I keep buying the pack and smoking no matter how many I'm lieing to myself and everyone about my trying to quit.

Change is new, change is hard and change is difficult and uncomfortable.... but change only happens when you allow it 100%.... irrational fear is preventing me from giving 100%..... but I need to give it.

Kudos to all of you who are trying to quit smoking cigs! It's really tough and I found after I quit that I will still crave a smoke esp. in certain situations, i.e. when everyone around me is smoking. I only cave about 3 times a year (usually at parties.... like on New Years Eve, Reunions and so forth when I've drank more than I should - am nervous and am just weak!) Luckily the law changed here in Ohio so bars are now smoke free. That's good in the long run. Some friends are pretty unhappy with this change - but they know it's for everyone's health, not just theirs.

My hub is trying to quit smoking now and he's having a very very hard time with it. He smokes weed though. I find that the busier he is, the happier he is. He's SO grouchy though!!! Geesh! I can't believe how angry he gets at small things!

Any tips other than the one where you chew the gum or toothpicks?

It's kind of hard to stop smoking when you still smoke weed. Stop smoking means just that! And you know weed and cigs go together like ice and water. Smoking also helps with the munchies.

I quit cold turkey 8 years ago. Didn't use anything, just put 'em down. What you have to be careful of, more than anything, is habitual associations. Pour a glass of wine... light a cigarette. Pour a cup of coffee, light a cigarette.

What you might want to do is stop the associated activities for a month or so.

The other thing to be careful of is your weight. I had a hell of a time. If you don't exercise, start now, and keep it up, it'll make you less likely to smoke.

I was fine, then after about 30 days got very tense and irritable for about a week. Then it went away. It's hard to do this, but if I can anyone can, just don't light up no matter what you do.

I have no desire for a cigarette and actually abhor the smell. As for the weed, don't smoke it. Mix it with peanut butter, spread it on ritz crackers, and nuke it. Yum! Be careful though, the peanut oil makes a great delivery agent for the thc, so use about half what you'd put in a joint.

Not that I'd know... strictly theoretical, you understand...:cool:

That is sooo funny and I had no idea about the peanut oil thing!!

By the way, one of the things I did was buy a Nordic Track ski machine. The cost at the time was about the same as smoking for a year. I had to amortize this investment by not smoking and using it help from a lot of directions, including weight management and just feeling better. Plus, it was a good measure of my health progress.

That is an excellent idea. One of my buddies has a nordic track, and he gets on the thing while he watches his favorite shows on TV. Keeps the belly down. Bastard.

I have a gym membership that I haven't used strictly in about a year. I'll be starting back on my diet and exercise program tomorrow.

So far I'm 23 hours into not smoking... It's been probably 10 years since I've gone this long without adding nicotine in my system. It's not half bad. I'm eating the hell out of sunflower seeds though and they're cutting my tongue up a bit, but seem to be working ok for something to fidget with.

Hi all, I've been googling around looking for information on chantix..from real users, not from the drug companies, I have to say I'm terribly impressed by what I've read as far as success rate goes! Anyway..that search is what led me here..I have an appt. to get a script for Chantix on Tues., currently I am using an inhaler & have cut back from 1- 1 1/2 packs to half a pack. 29 years hooked, I hope I can join the ranks of non smokers pretty soon!

P.S. hunnychile, I'm in Ohio too, although most of our bars aren't enforcing the smoking ban yet..I have vowed not to give the Indians (or any of the arenas) a penny of my money any longer since smokers PAID for the arenas & can't smoke anywhere near them! Admittedly, I have purchased my cigs out of state for a year & a half now, HALF the price of Ohio..so I guess technically I haven't paid for so much of that stupid crap like Arts & Culture!

While I'm venting peeves, can you explain why many insurance companies will pay for viagra but not smoking cessation products?

Actually when I went to pickup my perscription, they asked if I had insurance (which I don't). I told my Dad about this pill and he just got his yesterday for $20 per monthly pack with insurance. He's been smoking for about 40 years with no luck on patches, gum, zyban, etc...

I just finished my 3rd week of tablets, so it's been 2 weeks, and I've had 1 cigarette in that time.

The first day was a little tough, but that's just because I didn't know what else to do with my time. A few days later, a friend was smoking, and I just wanted one, didn't "need" one, so had one and HATED it. I felt sick, got nothing out of it, and tasted tar on my tongue which made me even sicker. Since then, I haven't even thought of having another cig.

I went from 2+ packs a day of camel lights to 0. I couldn't have asked for better results than these pills are giving me. I have recommended them to just about everyone I know that wants to quit...

I also loved smoking. Or thought I did... I didn't realize that I really got nothing out of it until just the past week or so..

I've always thought we had good insurance coverage, but it turns out this one isn't covered!

I'm happy to hear you are doing well on it, please keep me posted as it goes! Where did you find it for $95? I'm being quoted much higher..

Could be your ins. company is still considering it an "experimental" drug since it just came out in August.

I'm a month and a half into it and I still am having a hard time surrendering 100%.

I also wonder what the side effects of stopping the Chantix will be.

As for price, I paid my 50% ($48) at Wal*Mart, it's $96 there.

I have read at several forums, going off chantix does not seem to be a problem at all. Obviously you aren't ready to go there since you're not 100% free. I did read somewhere that your triple A card can get you a discount too.

I paid the 95$ at walgreens.

I need to get a refill... I have 6 days of tablets left. I have no urges to smoke at all anymore, but I'm going to take them for another month just to be safe.

Got my script from the Dr. today...going to wait to start it until I get finished with this horrific sinus infection that is giving me a non stop headache..hate to add another drug while my head is hurting so bad!

I started taking them while I was getting severe migranes on a daily basis for almost a month. My headaches actually finally started going away once I quit smoking and haven't returned...

Wow. My doc gave me an Rx a few days ago and I figured it wouldn't be any better than my other attempts to quit. Then I stumble onto this thread. Just maybe...

It still takes therapy. Pills aren't the magic quick fix everyone thinks they are. they're just a pill. Getting past the withdrawal symptoms is the easy part of quitting smoking. Staying quit years later is the challenge, as is any addiction.

The physical addiction is one that I know I can conquer. It's the psychological coupling of cigs + you name it that has always been my big failure.

Therapy isn't an option in BFE. Are there online directed support groups that anyone would recommend?

With a prescription to Chantix, I believe you automatically receive free web / phone counceling of sorts... It's part of the whole package.

Thank you, intecel. I have more reason than most to quit, yet I continue to smoke. I have got to do this, no excuses.

I picked up my prescription tonight...I'll keep you all posted!

I, too, quit cold turkey two years ago. I only really smoked in the car during the day so instead of smoking I sing.... still do actually which makes people look at me strange :)

Hello. I am on Chantix and it has been 18 days. My quit date was 2 weeks after I started it. It is wonderful. I have tried it all. Even this shot. This works and I have no desire. Just go to your Dr. and tell them you want to quit smoking with Chantix not Wellbutrin. Not as good. My dr just started me on the starter pack and that was it.

I stopped taking the Chantix over a week ago. I had 4 days of pills left in my first month starter pack, which I don't even care to finish off.

After 10 years and 1 month smoking up to 2.5 packs a day, I now have no desires to smoke another cigarette again.

I just hit the 1 month point without a smoke :)

Does anyone else taking Chantix crave chocolate?

I saw the Doctor yesterday and told him I have massive chocolate cravings and he implied that it may be a side effect of the Chantix.

Yeah, I quit smoking but have gained close to 30 lbs in doing so.

From what do I want the massive coronary? Being overweight or smoking?????

Work out more. Use that to help you with the smoking. I quit years ago partly by using a Nordic Track. Still have it 18 years later. It will take you up to two years to develop new habits that don't include smoking so please, don't make one of those eating more or eating poorly!! :thumbsup:

I am off the Chantix now, but I have craved things like ice cream and pie, which I really haven't craved in 10 years.

I have definitely been craving more food though. It seems like I feel hungry every 4 hours of so. I think i've gained about 5 pounds or so since I quit. I'm starting back at the gym this week... I've been saying it too long, but I need to do it.

Today was day 10 (11?) of chantix..and day one of being smoke free! Can't say I have had no desire, because I have/DO! Actually, I didn't really set a quit date, I couldn't have told you last night that today was going to be my quit date. I'm combining the chantix with nicotrol inhaler, I'm feeling the effects of the inhaler so the chantix is obviously still building up in my system.

Pan, I'm reading your Walmart quotes...I'm not far from you, just outside of Cleveland & our prices are quite a bit higher than yours! Cheapest near me is Marc's for $107 & change.

When I quit, I told myself the exact date i was going to quit. I then left myself 1 cigarette on the counter incase i woke up in the middle of the night (which I did). The first 2 days were semi-tough... the Chantix seemed to keep my mind off it most of the time, but there were still the cravings. On the 4th day, I had a cigarette and hated everything about it, and that was the last cigarette I've had.

I just refilled with 2 months supply Friday, Wal*Mart's total was $206, with insurance I paid an even $80.

Another day I can add to my not smoking list!

Congrats!

First off, congratulations to all of you who have quit smoking!!!

I just started the Chantix yesterday and so far I don't feel any different. I'm not experiencing any side effects yet either, so maybe it will just take more time and the higher doses for anything to happen. My doctor told me not to quit smoking until I was on the Chantix for a week. From everything I've read here, I'm really hopeful that this is the aid that will help me to stay quit. I've tried everything else... patch, gum, hypnosis, self-will, etc... and nothing worked. I do have a caffeine addiction as well and I drink at least twice a week, so I'm sure that doesn't help. I'm a musician, so I don't have the option of avoiding bars. I really, really want to quit, I just don't want it to be so darned hard. I'll keep you all posted on how I progress.

It took longer than a week for me to get the effects, just wait it out & enjoy the last of what you have..you WILL feel the effects..IN-FREAKING- CREDIBLE drug! I quit probably 2 days prior to it being the easiest time for me. I have 3 opened packs in various parts of my house & a carton in the freezer..not a single desire to touch them!

Day 5 for me..YAY!

The side effects I have experienced are..I had 2 sep days that I was just plain exhausted, otherwise I was up & running with lots of energy. Constipation is an issue, so treat that accordingly. I had a headache maybe one day. Lots of vivid dreams..but those I don't mind a bit!

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 :(

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 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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!:eek:

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.

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

LONG TERM CHANTIX EFFECTS
 

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.

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

Chantix is a miracle drug PLUS mental wanting to quit
 

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

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

New to the forum
 

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

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...

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.

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

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.

Side Effects??
 

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:confused:

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.

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? :p ) 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!

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.

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.

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

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? :)

Chantix = DANGER
 

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

I'm about to start
 

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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

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. :thumbsup:

Beware the shapely, southern drawled, smoking temptress.

Chantix
 

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.

quit smoking tip
 

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.