Chantix
May 1, 2007 by Tracee Sioux
Filed under Parenting
A week ago I started taking a new smoking cessation pill called Chantix. I had heard of quite a few people who have actually quit smoking by using this new wonder drug. I had also heard it causes night terrors, but that seems a small price to pay considering that if I do not stop my life might end with the nightmarish reality of dragging an oxygen tank around everywhere I go.
My true motivation is that someone told my daughter that I will die if I smoke. While true, I think this was totally inappropriate and I feel a little bit of anger and resentment about it. Of course, what I’m really angry about is that I HAVE to quit smoking and I love smoking and don’t really want to stop doing it.
In my perfect world, smoking would not only not kill me, but it would be healthy like exercise or my daily vitamin.
But, in reality my five-year-old daughter bursts into tears and with true pain begs me to stop smoking so that I don’t die because then who will be with her and take care of her.
Who can smoke in the face of that? Apparently, I can. Not only have I expected two pregnancies to cure me of my life-long habit, but I’ve quit at least once a week for the last year since my son was born. I’ve quit so many times and tried so many methods, I’ve come to the realization that smoking is like shackles on my life and I can’t seem to find the key to get them off.
At my recent OB/GYN visit I asked about the new miracle pill and he gave me a prescription. I thought, I don’t care what it costs I’ve got to get rid of these shackles once and for all. I hated that it controlled me. Turns out it was covered by my insurance. Even better.
I nearly wept with unadulterated joy when the pharmacist told me to take off the nicotine patch and smoke during the first week of taking Chantix for the best effect. Permission to smoke for another week! YES! Without guilt or harrassment from my five-year-old conscience. Could it get any better?
I’m currently into my second week. I stopped smoking a few days early while I went on my retreat because there was no smoking allowed on the grounds. It’s going okay. I think I’ve grieved enough for my lost right to smoke, surrendered my precious identity as a smoker, broken the physical habit and addiction. Hopefully, taking this pill will help me get over my urges to cheat and have just one, just this once.
I’ll let you know how it goes. And really, you should stop smoking. If you think you’ve got it bad, you can read just how much I loved my cigarettes at So Sioux Me.
Try the Chantix. Couldn’t hurt. I haven’t had any night terrors, by the way. Thank God for that.
AMENDMENT on Sept. 27, 2007:
This is Tracee Sioux from Blog Fabulous/ Chantix, where you’ve been hanging out and getting support. Because readers are finding it difficult to navigate 700 comments, I have built a new website called Quit Coping.
Quit Coping will be using the same tone and texture you enjoy here on Blog Fabulous, but it will allow more interactivity and connection with other quitters. It won’t take so long to load up and I’ll be better able to encourage everyone personally.
Please continue our wonderful discussion at Quit Coping,com.
I am greatly honored to be part of your transformation from smoker to non-smoker.
Sincerely,
Tracee Sioux
http://www.quitcoping.com
Kay, none of the dreams were ‘emotional’. Not once did I wake up panting or heart racing or fearful. But they were all very vivid, realistic, being alive in the dream…..Most were non-eventful, except for the one about (and I have no idea why, because i’m 50 and this lady does absolutely nothing for any part of me) tagging along for a day with Brittany Spears, just doing the regular mundane things she might do…go figure…but it was very real.
You can also expect to: not want to smoke, breath better, sleep better, not stink, not need to suddenly go to the store at midnight to buy cigs, and not have people stare at you like you’re crazy…don’t expect much more, the rest are all needless projections. JMO..
Graham….still non-smoking, no Chantix, no more slips.
Bob,
You know what? This could be a good thing. The type of negativity at your job was contributing to your addictions… if you are in a different environment, things will change.
I know the fear is there, but you are strong enough to conquer this. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Believe it!
Chris, why the defensiveness? Bob is here for our support for what he is dealing with… This is a forum to help each other and look out for each other. We have a responsibility to be positive in our posts.
Everyone have a great smoke free day! DFS!!
Tina
d53
Tina,
Thanks for asking. Bob hit a nerve that has nothing to do with the spirit of this blog. There was one sentence “By the way did I mention my wife has been in menopause for about 8 years now and will turn on me on a dime???” that got me turned on the dime. I, too, joked about menopause for years and now find myself in that very situation. Interestingly Chantix also negated all menopausal symptons. Now that I have been off Chantix for about 2 months, phew…it ain’t easy. It is very hard to not be irritable or emotional when you don’t sleep. That is the worse part. However, this isn’t a menopause blog….and I regret responding to Bob.
I will recap though with I was a smoker for over 30 years, used every option known to man to quit smoking and was unsuccessful everytime until I took Chantix. I have not had a cigarette for over 6 months and I still drink occasionally and am married to a man who is not ready to quit yet. I did smoke after day 7 until about day 30something (2 cigs a day max). After that, something completely clicked and I have been free from the addiction that controlled me.
Thanks
Hey, Chris,
Thanks for posting. Believe me, I understand what you’re saying. I’m venturing into the menopausal arena… ugh. Maybe we should start our own menopause blog! Thats interesting that Chantix took away some of the symptoms… maybe I will stay on it forever!
You have a great story and a great quit going! Congratulations on your success, especially in light of the fact that you live with a smoker. That has got to be rough. Your positive outlook is welcomed!
DFS!
Tina
d53
Chantix really works! There are great articles here http://www.chantixonline.net
Graham,
Thanks for responding to my question about the dreams. This is day 4 of chantix for me and so far no side effects except slight headaches. I am still waiting to “not want to smoke”. That will be GREAT!
kAY
Hi Everyone!
I am so happy I found you all. I had questions and concerns about my Chantix program so I started to search the net … and found you.
I started Chantix on July 20, 2007 and didn’t feel the need to smoke by July 25. I have had a couple of slips since then but have been smoke-free for 37 days. I know it doesn’t sound like much but, for me, this is a minor miracle.
I have smoked for 40 years and actually enjoyed some of them. I knew the addiction was beginning to take a toll on my health and I really did not want to admit that. But mostly, I began to realize how controlled I was by the addiction and how it actually limited my options in life. I didn’t want to face that either since I’m such an independent control freak. Instead of being my best friend, smoking began to make me feel small, weak, isolated, and rather stupid. So … for my 59th birthday, I gave myself the gift of Chantix and since then it has been a journey of self-discovery, honesty, fear, and hope for the future.
Some of my old smoking buddies tell me that I am too old and have smoked too long to get any benefit from my quit. They say that the damage is already done and there aren’t enough years left to repair what can be repaired. I don’t believe that but, I have to admit (especially during a really bad urge), that it has planted a seed of doubt in me. I am terrified about what will happen at the end of 12 weeks and I’m off Chantix. Will the terrible urges to have a smoke come back full force? Will I be able to control them on my own? Even now, while still taking Chantix, I still have occassional very powerful urges … will they EVER go away?
I’ve read every post on this forum and you guys are awesome. I can only hope to be as strong as you all but right now, I feel very weak and vulnerable. I’m doubting myself and that’s a sure way to lose. I want to feel strong and confident about my quit like I did when I first started. Did any of you go through anything like this? I really want to STOP thinking about smoking and just get on with my life. I want smoking to become a distant memory and not something that is waiting for me to embrace again. My demon is very strong! Is there hope for me to completely win this battle and stop the torment or will I be fighting this forever?
No one else understands this struggle … thank you all for listening.
Annie
Graham,
They are still on the dining room table… he did start reading this blog though… YEA! and you are Chantix free? WOO HOO! Great quit! But hang in there with us, k? We need your support!
Bob,
I am sooo proud of you! You have made a HUGE change in your life with your quit… no wonder the ugly, stressful job you had is going out the window… you don’t need that negativity. A whole new beginning… that’s what it’s all about!
Tracee,
Don’t start a menopause blog!! I’d never get anything else done! HA!
Have a swell day everyone!
Hello everyone! I have been smoke free for 12 days thanks to Chantix and am really glad I found this blog you all seem really nice! have a great smoke free day!
Annie,
The first 30 days smoke-free is not nothing, it’s not even a minor miracle.
It’s a big whopping humongous fantastic huge gigantic miracle!
Yay you! Yay All Of You and Me Too.
Annie,
I too, quit around my 59th birthday. I am 24 days smoke free. To your friends who say it is too late, how do they know. Bet they are all smokers. I for one do not know if it is to late, but I do know I do not get out of breath just walking from one place to another. I can mow the grass and am not winded when I finish. This in itself is proof positive that quitting can improve your health and life style. We may not live any longer, after all, that is up to a higher authority, but we can live a more enjoyable, productive and addiction free life while we have the chance and with what time we have left. Hang in there and if your friends can’t support your decision, time for new friends.
Regards,
Bruce
Thank you Tracee, Thank You Bruce! I knew I had come to the right place.
You’re right Tracee …. this is a huge, awesome miracle!
I need to know the truth about how Chantix works … the good and the bad … but I also need to be around positive thinkers …. not doom & gloom people who think quitting does nothing but make you miserable.
Bruce, I think you may be right about it being time for new friends! I also think I found a place with positive thinkers. Now … if only the urge to smoke would go away I would be so happy!
Annie
Annie, Reading your blog mirrors my fears of – what will happen when I stop taking Chantix. I am about a month “ahead” of you – started in June. And according to my quitmeter, i am smoke free now 59 days. I am definitely going to talk to my doctor and hope my insurance will cover me till the end of the year; another 12 weeks or so – which I would plan to wean off during that time. I have read that another 12 weeks increases your chances of ‘not going back to cigs’. I am doing so well not smoking while on chantix just fine, no problems at all. I have gained just a few pounds and have been working on that alittle now too. Hang in there, i never thought this would be so easy so far!! BTW, i am just about the same age as you.
Annie,
It does go away. I’m on this blog to help my husband, but I smoked for 40 years too and am 2 1/2 years quit. I hardly ever think about smoking one… and I REALLY LOVED IT when I did smoke. Stay with it and stay with us! There is great strength here!
ok…. 2nd day of not smoking and I have not killed any one yet so that is a good sign. I have not noticed a big difference between the times I have quit without chantix and now but hopefully that will change since in twenty years of smoking I have never gone more than 3 days without smoking. My husband quit 2 weeks ago so I have his support which helps since he understands what I am going through.
I am at the end of day 37 and I haven’t picked up a cig or lighter yet. The little blue pill is not a wonder drug … but in my opinion …. it is pretty darn close. It has helped (saved!) so many people and has made quitting possible for so many … myself included. Without Chantix, I could not have gone 24 hours without a cigarette and that 24 hours would not have been pretty! But look at me … 37 DAYS! It has been a tortuous 37 days with no sign of letting up, but I’m still quit.
India … you have no idea the difference your words make! It gives me hope that someday (soon I hope) I will not even THINK about having a cigarette. Do you remember how long it took to NOT think about smoking? You are quit for 2-1/2 years …. that is wonderous!
Lucia … thank you! 59 days quit for you … wow!!! I’m still trying to get through just one day at a time. I’m so happy to hear that you are having an easy time of it. No cravings or anxiety at all? That’s wonderful! If I actually last in this program through the full 12 weeks, I will definitely need another prescription too. Thankfully my insurance covers it.
Even though I am 37 days quit, I seem to be having the “symptoms” of those on day 10 or 12. I thought all of the cravings, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating were part of the early withdrawal phase … not now! Why haven’t they eased up by now? I guess Chantix works on everybody differently … some have an easier time than others. Honestly, I would have no anxiety going through this torment everyday IF I knew for sure that it would definitely stop at some point. A switch would turn on at last and I would know and feel like I successfully and completely quit. I don’t feel that at all now at day 37 and that scares me.
Annie
Annie,
The switch will come…it did for me. I was one of those disgusting smokers that immediately lit a cigarette as soon as I woke up. I had to. Now, I can drink a glass of wine, be around smokers and have absolutely no urge to smoke. It did take me a long time to get here. I will also say when I went off Chantix, I had some anxiety and urges. Not to smoke…I wasn’t really sure what I wanted but I wanted something. Unfortunately that turned into 10 pounds….oh well. At least it wasn’t smoking.
Annie, you can do this…you have done it for 37 days and we smokers know that 37 minutes was sometimes a stretch! Have a wonderful long relaxing smoke free weekend!
Sammie
DSF = 195!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee Yahoo!!!!!!!!
Sammie …. what you said … “Not to smoke…I wasn’t really sure what I wanted but I wanted something.” …. that’s it! That’s exactly how I feel! I really don’t want another puff but I’m empty and don’t know how to fill the void! I’m struggling big time but I WILL DO THIS!!!!!!!!
Thank you
Annie
d38
Yes sammy thats it!! I have been feeling kinda down in the dumps and felt like something has been missing and could not put my finger on it..
I do wish there will come a day where this also becomes a distant memory, but it’s good to know that others that have been on Chantix awhile have these feelings of void…
Time Smoke-Free: 26 days, 9 hours, 18 minutes and 42 seconds
Is this still your
Med Plan? Yes No
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 792
Lifetime Saved: 6 days, 1 hour
Money Saved: $195.00
on chantix for 4 days and hopefully have finished my last pack. have not had one in about 7 hours and have not killed yet—yes this seems to be a wonder drug—dont plan on buying anymore but if i am around a smoker i will be very tempted (out of habit) hoping not to have to take the full strength come Wednesday but will if i need to hope to be smoke free and drug free in 3 months but willing to do what it takes to see this thing through—so far this has been easy—hard to believe smoked for 21 years–tomorrow will be first morning i wont wake up with cig in hand scared of what that will be like but right now am not running to store –pray for me
Annie and Carolyn,
Sammie is right, the switch does come. For me it was at about 6 months (sorry, but it’s true!) after 40 years of smoking though, that’s not a real long time… it just feels like forever while you’re in the middle of it. I felt like I was grieving the loss of my best friend, that was my hollowness… funny, when I think about it now, that friend was trying to kill me! I filled my void with painting, reading IN the library, stuff that kept my hands busy… unfortunately, one of those things was cooking (I did gain weight.) There is something disgusting about making a wonderful, healthy meal with a cigarette in your mouth… I could never learn to keep the smoke out of my eyes! You will both make it! Re-read this blog if you don’t believe me!!
I talked to my brother yesterday who is trying to go cold turkey (yikes!) after almost 50 years of puffing… Anyway, he relayed a story that will help with all those who think they are too old to bother with quitting…
John is my brother’s friend who is 70 years old, smoked 3 packs a day and had a tough time walking from his car to his house, much less take a unnecessary drive anywhere (going to get cigs doesn’t count!) In order for my brother to visit with John, he would have to drive to his house a couple of hours away. Two months ago, John called my brother and asked if he would be home on the weekend and said that HE WOULD BE DRIVING OVER! That was a miracle! When John arrived, he walked to the porch and sat down (not at all winded) and my brother lit up and offered John a smoke. John just grinned and said, “No thanks. I’m a non-smoker now.” Just like that and my brother almost fell out of his chair! John proceeded to tell my bro about a miracle pill that has changed his life… you guessed it… Chantix…. THEN last month, John drove from Orlando, Fla. to Indiana to see his newest great grandbaby! WOO HOO! Even still, my brother is going to try cold turkey, but I suspect he’ll be getting a Rx before long!!
I didn’t want to confuse the story, but my brother’s name is also John
Don’t forget Tracee’s word… been awhile since I’ve seen it in the blog…
NOPE (not one puff ever!)
For me, Somethings missing and it’s a cigarette. I will hang till the the switch goes off on this end. I don’t care if it’s 6 months or 6 years. I wanna hear and experience the “click”. We’ve earned it.
Mike Chantix D42
smoker that doesn’t smoke D35
Hi, everyone!
I have read all the blogs from the very beginning today. It’s been great help as I also really want to quit. I’ve been smoking for 30 years now and need to believe it’s not too late.
You might want to check out the American Lung Association smoking cessation program on line “Freedom from Smoking On Line”. The posts there are similarly generous and positive as the blogs here.
Keep strong and free!
Hi guys – been reading and wanted to join in. I began Chantix Aug 8 at 6:43 pm – it is now Sept 3 and have not had one cigarette – I am 45 and have smoked most of my life – I really never tried to quit – once the Zyban but only lasted 11 days. I am truly amazed with myself and especially with the Chantix. Cravings are few and far between. I was not ready for this to work and surprisingly it has and I feel better about myself than I have in a long time! I hope this lasts – start the next 4 weeks on Wednesday and plan for the entire 12 weeks. Anyone have suggestion on stopping the Chantix?? Wean or stop cold.
THANKS FOR LISTENING
Lori
Hi Everyone!
Hope Labor Day holiday was fun and free (smoke that is).
It was pretty good for me … not too many demon attacks. They were fairly mild compared to my past ones.
Question for the more Chantix-experienced out there …. today is my 42 day smoke free. If I continue to do well with very few, if any, strong urges, is it safe to come off the Chantix in the next week or so (before I have to refill my Rx)? Should I wean off the pill or just stop? Your advice is greatly needed and appreciated!
Annie
hello all! Just wanted to wish you all a happy smoke free day!
I’m new to this site. You all seem so genuine! What great help you’re all offering to others who are struggling with nicotine addiction.
I smoked for 45 years and quit about 12 times every one of those years. I initially viewed Chantix as nothing more than another demoralizing failure, but I bought it anyway. That was in May of 2007. I haven’t smoked since June 12. Don’t miss them, have no uncontrollable urges any more, and I’ve saved a mountain of money. It seemed like such an easy process that I was really shocked. Annie, you asked about weaning off them. I did just that. When I got down to one week of the pills left (14), I reduced my intake to one pill in the morning and made the last batch last for two weeks instead of one. I’m not sure if it really had any effect on the finality of me not smoking, but that’s how I did it.
I now walk the golf course and I no longer wheeze when I lie on my back. I’ve dry cleaned all my clothes (the smell was in everything), and my fingers are flesh-toned again. I swear my teeth are getting whiter as well, although that’s probably a stretch of my imagination. Above all else, I am so proud that I’ve done it. When I have urges, and I still do occasionally, I read the Chantix blogs. They reinforce my decision to stay off the butts. You’re all a great comfort because we’re in this thing together.
Hail to Chantix!
Been on chantix for going on 30 days…have not quit…feel the same as I did when I started…but might be smoking a tad less…Do you all believe I should keep taking this drug? I do want to quit.
Lynda,
Unless you have another miracle pill under the bed that no one else knows about, I would keep taking it.
Try these steps.
1. Stop buying cigarrettes.
2. Make yourself spend $5 for every cheat by buying a fresh pack and then giving it away once you’ve smoked one cig.
3. Guzzle 16 oz water when you crave, wait 5 min and see if you still want a cigarrette.
4. Do Not cheat in familiar times or places – do it across the street where everyone can see you – some place uncomfortable.
5. exercise and get a good endorphine rush to replace what you were getting from smoking.
6. Never stop trying to quit until it takes. Marry your quit without possibility of divorce or parole. Quitting quitting is not an option.
7. Start calling yourself a non-smoker to yourself – write “I am a non-smoker” on your arm where you look at it while smoking.
8. Call Dr. and ask if adding Wellbutrin would help your quit. You might need both.
You can do this. I know you can. You don’t want to be in the prison of smoking addiction anymore. You really, really don’t. No one does.
You’re worth the effort.
Tracee
I have been quit for one week with chantix and have a few questions….
I have two weeks of pills left and was thinking of weaning off next week so they would last me three weeks. Would this work or should I refill my chantix?
The reason I want to stop the pills is I am having a very hard time getting to sleep then wake up quite a few times so I have not only been grumpy from not smoking, I have also been grumpy from being tired.
Any ideas?
Liz,
NO, DO NOT STOP. Sorry, didn’t mean to shout. I have been smoke free for 30 days now and went through what you are describing. My solution was to cut back from 1mg pill 2x a day to .5mg pill 2x a day. I other words, half my dosage. While I till have sleep problems, they are no where near as bad and I can think clearer during the day and am not constantly sleepy. I am not saying this will work for you, but it is better that getting offChantix way before you are ready and 4 weeks is not nearly enough to break the habit IMHO.
Good Luck and let us know what happens.
Bruce
I quit when I was in the hospital for phenumonia the first of July. I am finding my cravings are stronger now than they were the first weeks. I’m wondering if it is just another step and they will go away. I plan on being on Chantix for at least 4 months.
To Liz, I am surprised it is disturbing your sleep. I use to get up during the night and now I sleep straight through. Amazing.
Just finished reading the whole blog – good stuff. It motivated me to call my doc and ask for a ’scrip. I pick it up from the pharmacy after work today and plan to start taking it tomorrow. I hope all of the advice about reducing nausea will work for me – I totally can’t function that way and I still need to work-LOL. I currently take Lunesta occasionally for sleep and one of the recommendations there is to take with a full glass of water – yep, otherwise you get a horrid taste that lasts all day the next day, but just taking with a full glass greatly reduces that. Sooooo, I will take all the advice here about the full glass of water and make sure to take it with a meal. I’m 48 and have smoked off and on since I was 17. Quit for 10 yrs once, 6 years once, etc. You get the picture. I’ve only been back at it since late May/early June of this year but I want off this merry-go-round for good and hope this is the way to go! Last quit was with Wellbutrin and patches and it was relatively “pain free”. Only problem is that I’ve been on Wellbutrin for depression for several years now and just don’t think it’s the answer this time. I’ve even bought patches but just couldn’t bring myself to use them. My husband smokes too and I think that’s partly why I started back. He probably won’t quit with me so it’s going to be difficult in that respect. But I’ve done it before with him still smoking and I can certainly do it again. I like the idea of extreme exercise, heck, right now that would walking around my block. Me and the dog both need to get back at it so this will be a blessing in disguise!
I’ll be checking in everyday for quite a while although I might not post everyday. I thank you Tracee for this blog – hopefully it will literally be a lifesaver!
Hello to everyone using “Chantix”
I am new to this site and new to the Chantix, started my 1st pill this morning. My insurance does not cover the Chantix, so I am self paying, using my cigarette money to pay for the script. I truly want to be smoke free, and am hoping with the help of Chantix I will be smoke free by the new year.
I have read the instructions and it say’s that on the 8th day you should to begin not smoking. I am not going to hold myself to that, maybe 11 days or 15 days. I am not going to beat myself up if I slip, just jump back in and try again.
I have been psyching myself up for this moment since last December 2006, so I truly want to be a non-smoker, for me, for my health, and I look forward to coming into my apartment and not smelling the smelly smoke.
I have tried the patch on 3 different occasions, to no avail, still smoked, and actually smoked more than I did before I started the patch.
I haven’t had any feelings of an upset stomach yet, but since this is my 1st day on Chantix, time will tell.
And I have read on this site that you may experience vivid or unusual dreams, I already do, since I am on antidepressents already, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
September 5th is the beginning of a new way of life, a non-smoker way of life for me, since I have been smoking since I was 22, and am now 52, so 30 years of smoking will eventually come to a happy ending. I am hopeful and have found encouragement here. I also signed up on Quitnet.com, and joined the Chantix and Chantix user clubs.
Hoping everyone has a wonderful day.
Nancy
Thanks Bruce. I will try to switch to 1/2 a pill and see if it helps my sleep.
Liz
Lynda,
It took quite a while for the Chantix to work for me too. Three weeks. So maybe just keep taking it. It just kind of turned on like a light switch for me – every day was same old-same old, then one day I just felt like I could take em or leave em. So, the next day, I left em. Two weeks smoke free now. Soooo much easier than any other attempts in the past – plus the certainty that this is not an “attempt”, this is forever. If you can afford it, keep taking the meds. Keep us posted. ps – you are taking 1 mg twice a day? – oh, and one final thought – I did not titrate up, my doc started me at the full dose. If had built up to the full dose as is usual, it probably would have taken four weeks for the med to work. Stick with it.
Nancy…It’s a choice that you’ll never ever regret. I promise you.
Graham…a non-smoker thanks to Chantix.
Hi all,
I took my first pill on June 8. I think I had my last cig about 4 wks later. I cut down drastically the first week, then about 3/day for about a week until I was just smoking 1. I did that for 3 days and was finally done! My doc said don’t try and pick a day to quit…….don’t think about it. Just have a cig if you want and take the pills as prescribed. That’s what I did and I just slowly quit. Since I had my last cig I have not had the urge to have another. I love the freedom of going where I want to eat….not worrying about what airports to schedule layovers, etc. I love the convenience of not smoking. I smoked for 21 yrs…then quit for 14…then smoked for almost 11yrs….this time I will not go back! I had the nausea in the beginning….taking the pill with food helped, and lots of water. The nausea finally went away about a week or two after the last cig, but it was really mild after the first two weeks and just right after taking the pill for about 30 min. I’m still taking one half pill at bedtime, and will probably give that up sometime in Oct. If I get the urge to smoke, I’ll just start up again. My doc advised me not to think about it in the beginning. Not to deprive myself….he said I’d just find myself giving it up without trying and he was exactly right. I am more tired than usual, that’s why I went to 1/2 @ night. I used to drink 3 cups of coffee in the morning; now I only drink one. I don’t know why the med affected me that way, but I thought that was why I felt more tired. For all you beginners………stick with it; it’s wonderful not to worry about stopping to buy, going to restaurants, etc. the freedom is exilarating!
Nancy,
I am rooting for you. Something tells me you will be very successful. I didn’t actually stop smoking until well past my 8th day but I have been smoke free for over 6 months. You seem to have your head in the right place. All I can tell you is the air is a whole lot fresher over here…and how things smell…awesome! Hang in there…..you are a non-smoker.
I too had questions about nausea and dreaming 10 days ago when I started chantix, but I followed all of your advice about eating and drinking with the pills and have not been sick. Some restlessness at night but no vivid dreams either, more like my mind is busy. I have had some dull headaches a few days.
While taking the white pills I could tell no difference at all but I went ahead and kept my quit day after only one day of the blue pills. I made it fine during the morning but struggled all afternoon and night so decided to smoke only when I was CRAZY. I had still not had that feeling many of you talk about of being able to think about smoking and choose not to. I knew the pills needed to build up more. Yesterday, my 10th day on chantix was much better. I was more relaxed and only had a few cigarettes. I believe the pills are finally having an effect. I have 6 cigarettes left in a pack. I will smoke one if I need to over the next couple of days but I WILL NOT LET MYSELF BUY ANOTHER PACK. I was doubting that this would help me, but now I believe it will.
I do believe it takes longer than 8 days for some people to feel the positive effects of chantix. Maybe people like me who have smoked for more than 40 years!
Kay,
I smoked for over 40 years as well. When I started the Chantix, I decided that 8 days would be the quit date. I did well, but relapsed 5 days later and had a cigarette. I was so angry with myself that I threw the rest of the pack away and haven’t touched one since. That was three months ago. The mental commitment to quit plus Chantix make a very successful combination. Stay with it! It sounds like you’re doing everything right.
Kay,
I loved my doc’s philosophy and it worked perfect for me. I have not had a cig in at least two months, maybe longer. Don’t want one at all. There was a few times when I first “realized” I quit, that I did want a cig a made a conscious decision not to have one, but that was short lived! Just want you to know, I didn’t really want to quit, I just wanted to want to for the convenience of being a non-smoker in today’s society. I loved smoking; I enjoyed my Marlboro Reds, and I hated the rules imposed upon me as a smoker. Now, I don’t miss it and I will not go back……..it’s so convenient to be a non-smoker and that extra cash is a perk! Don’t beat yourself up if you smoke after your “assigned” quit date…….just keep on taking the Chantix and I’m sure you will find that you just don’t want to have that cigarette.
Dottie….you are the first person that’s mentioned a decline in the coffee intake..I used to drink 5-6 cups a day and now I might have one in the am, maybe..It’s not that it doesn’t taste bad, I just don’t want it. And it’s not caffeine because I drink ‘energy drinks’ and still love them.. hmmmm. Well, you were just the first to mention it, and I thought it was just me.
G/luck to everyone….
graham
Graham and Dottie:
Ditto for me on the coffee. I went from 5 or 6 cups down to one per day. No desire for it anymore. Doesn’t taste the same either. Strange. . . I thought it was just me as well.
Please be careful when taking Chantix. A friend of mine was recently killed and the FDA is looking into whether a mix of alcohol and Chantix caused abnormal behaviour. Attached is a link to a news article from the NYTimes.
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/seeking-to-explain-final-acts-of-violence/?hp
Thank you Graham and Sammi~
Your comments are very encouraging, and we need all the encouragement we can get. At least I do.
Well, it is Day 2 on Chantix, no nausea, I did have a restless sleep last night, but, that could just be me.
I have taken the white pill with my breakfast, 1/2 way through my oatmeal, I take the pill and a large glass of water, then finish my oatmeal and so far for the past 2 days no upset stomach, that was the 1 thing I dreaded. Good so far.
I have actually not smoked much today in comparison to what I normally would have smoked, I was smoking a pack and a 1/2 a day for the past few months, and I think today I have only smoked 15 cigarettes………to me that is a really good thing.
And I wasn’t even thinking about it much.
And mentioning the coffee, I would normally drink a pot of coffee during the course of the day, and today I have only had 4 cups. Not that the coffee taste’s any different, but, I just haven’t had that craving, maybe the Chantix works on the need for a cup of coffee and of course a cigarette to go along with it. For me it is not the caffeine, I drink de-caf.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow and Day 3 of my Chantix Journey, truly looking forward to the day I can post here that I have not had even 1 cigarette.
Everyone take good care, and I am very happy that I found this site.
~Nancy
Hi. I have an appointment with the dr tomorrow to get a prescription for Chantix. I have been reading this blog for the past week. I thank you all for being so truthful and informative. I, too, have tried everything: Wellbutrin, patches, gum, etc. I feel rather desperate at this point and am hoping that Chantix is the freedom I am seeking from the bondage of smoking. I am 35 years old, and a mother of 2. I have been smoking off and on (mostly on) for about 20 years. I can SO relate to many of your stories. I only have one concern about the Chantix: anger/irritability issues. As I mentioned, I have 2 children. I don’t want them to be scarred for life from my attempt to quit smoking.
Mandi,
I think the anger/irritability issues are prevalent for many people when they try to quit smoking – with or without Chantix. You’re breaking a habit that your body doesn’t want to part with. Like you, I tried to quit many times in the 40+ years I smoked and the irritability was there for many of those attempts. No so with Chantix, however. I found it to be very easy by comparison with those previous attempts. Hopefully, the same will be true for you.
I feel compelled to comment on Jay’s link which is about how his friend went on a murderous rampage his first week of Chantix, which was out of character for him.
First, I’ve not done full research to check validity of the story. So . . .
Second, I will admit to having homicidal thoughts and feelings while quitting smoking, both while on Chantix and trying to quit without Chantix.
Cigarrettes are so addictive it seems more likely, to me, that quitting smoking turned him into a homicidal angry person (trying not to be flip about it) than taking Chantix to quit smoking.
I am more likely to blame Phillip Morris and his cronies for making us NEED to smoke so badly that we’d harm another if we try to quit.
That said, Chantix does mess with the chemicals in the brain in ways we don’t yet understand. I sort of expected something like this to come up.
I would still try the Chantix and I’m super-glad I’m free of the addiction – just remove all things that could be used as a weapon. Seriously, I’ve often thought the best place to quit smoking is a cabin in the woods alone or a padded room with adequate supervision.
Tracee
Mandi,
Tracee’s last paragraph is the god’s honest gut wrenching truth….
At the same time, and others may validate this,
there are nowhere near the anger,frustration and irritability issues with Chantix as there are with Wellbutrin and Zyban.
I mean, with Wellbutrin, I could FEEL the daggers protruding from my eye balls when I spoke to people..and while part of me was saying, “”Boy, you’re not right, somethings wrong with you”, another part was saying “These people you’re talking to have got to be the most god awful ingnorant pos that god ever created, may they never breed”. With Wellbutrin my wife looked at me straight in the eye and said,”Either smoke or find another place to live”.
This DID Not occur with Chantix for me.
There’s my two cents.
Chantix is good, being a non’smoker is good. Don’t worry, take Chantix.
Graham:>)