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
Thanks for the encouragement. You know, I too have felt that it would be a great idea to have a smoking rehab….a place you can go away to for 28 days and be secluded from everyone you night harm emotionally during your withdraw. A smokers retreat-per se. Anyways….I’m off to my dr appt to discuss Chantix. Wish me luck through this endeavor.
I agree with Tracee, a cabin in the woods would be an approprtiate enviornment for a detoxing smoker. My past quits have often ended with my wife literally begging me to start smoking again – that is how drastically the withdrawal affects my behavior. Also, in regards to the story Jay posted (and thanks for bringing it to our attention Jay) I would perhaps point out all the things we don’t know – was this person taking more than the prescribed amount? He was described as an indie rocker who typically had five or more drinks every evening, so would it be too hard to conceive that he and his girlfriend might partake in illegal drugs as well (pot, coke, pills). I’m certainly not casting aspersions, just pointing out that most of the facts have yet to be shared. — Grant
I have enjoyed all of your posts and am highly impressed with how many of you posted and still post consistently. So many blogs are outdated. Graham and Tracee, I especially enjoyed your sagas and could not wait to get to the bottom to see if you are still smoke free.
I started Chantix three weeks ago, have not had a cigarette for two weeks and am never looking back. I quit smoking through three pregnancies and went right back each time to my old friend. Isn’t it funny how we refer to smoking as a person? But that is how it feels; smoking has calmed me through every major event in my life. It has never let me down except for the day three weeks ago when I found out I had Stage Two Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis.
All of my kids are grown now and I have one baby granddaughter, Jade. I would try but could never succeed in giving them up for my kids but I will succeed for Jade. My sweet supportive husband is now taking it too so hopefully, God willing, we will be two permanent non-smokers who live or at least breathe happily ever after! Thanks again for your posts, it really helps!
Wow, all of these success stories, I so hope to become one of them.
I don’t have any kids to worry about losing their mother, but I do have some nephews who are VERY vocal that they want their “tante” to quit smoking. But I know, I cannot quit and succed for them.
In May of 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and probably not the best time to quit smoking. I still didn’t want to quit. Stupid, yes, very.
I started the Chantix (which was unfortunately not covered by my insurance), on Sept 4, 2007. I am still smoking, although I have noticed a different taste. Today I start with the first week doing 2 pills a day. I think I have cut down on my smoking, but haven’t really noticed. Thank God I don’t drink!!
Graham – Your posts truly inspire me, hope all is still going well with you.
Tracee – Thanks for starting this blog, I think I can feel comfortable posting here. I also feel I need to do some self-reflection to find out exactly why I started smoking (30 years ago!!), and how to let go of those situations.
I am hoping as each day goes by, I will lose those cravings, but unfortunatley, I do get hit with panic attacks, which make me jumpy and shaky.
I’m not giving up though. I am doing this for me and me alone. The other people around me who want me to quit will just be an added benefit.
Sorry if I wrote too much, my first time contributing to a blog.
Again, thanks to all your messages, and I will definately praying for all of us to keep up the good work.
If not minded, I would like to update my progress on here
Thanks for reading.
Good luck, Ginger! You’ll enjoy the end result. It’s a very refreshing feeling to be smoke free. You’ll do it!
It works. Haven’t smoked for 41 days 10 hours 59 minutes. the dopamine does take the edge off, along with a few other “meds”.. I would say that my drinking habits have stayed the same. So, those that tout this as a cure for all that ails are wrong, at least in my case. I would also say that you have to want to quit. Chantix will not do it for you. So, perhaps, I don’t want to give up 1x or 2x a week alcohol binge. Makes sense, this s**t is mental. As is/are most addictions for what I can see. You can get over a physical detox in 72 hours. Mentally it could and will last a lifetime. Sitting there, waiting for lifes next curve to lure you back into it’s arms. Evil evil evil………..Chantix side effects can be severe. You will keep gas x in business and doing the “end run” while your shopping. Annoying other shoppers in the aisle you just beat a hasty retreat from.. You’ll dream like a mother….., both of which I’ve rather enjoyed. Sleeplessness/fatigue/joint aches etc. Well, I never slept anyways. It is well worth it in my estimation. If you know anyone trying to quit, Chantix is the way. The patches and gum are a communist plot. Chantix is the way.
Rory Gallagher. Justed picked up Rory Gallager Live at the Rockpalast 1976-1900 5 shows plus extras dvd I thought the Montreux dvds were the final say. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAY TO GO to each and everyone one of you. It can be done. Nice to be back home!
Mike Day 48 Chantix Day 41 as a nonsmoking smoker
I’ve been ready this blog off and on since I
bought my first supply of Chantix.
It’s been one month since I started taking it
and I must say that I am amazed by the outcome.
I used to smoke. Now I do not and will not
and I do not have a problem with that!
Wow. I can only hope that it is as easy for each and every one of you as it was for me.
A close friend of mine had tried it with great success
so, I thought why not give it a shot.
Sure, you may have a few side effects (the dreams
can be hilarious) but all in all, the side effects are
a piece of cake.
You may wonder how many years I’ve smoked.
30 plus.
Good Luck to all of you -
you’re well on your way.
Ok. Went to the dr and got the Chantix. I will start them tomorrow morning. I can not wait to be like you guys and say that I USED to smoke. You guys are awesome!!!
Mandi,
I just started my Chantix this morning, so we can be quiters together. Let me know how it’s going. This site is inspiring!
Hi guys. Thanks for sharing some great experiences. I’ve been on Chantix 3 weeks and am just about ready to cut the cord. Any tips for Day 1?
Hi Jeff
I too have been on Chantix for one month and have not had one cigarette sincemy quit date – this truly amazes me because like you I have smoked about 30 years – that’s hard for me to believe. I don’t know how come this is so easy – friends are not believing me – but it has been great. My dreams are fun too – even look forward to them – wonder why that happens. Good luck to everyone – I check in everyday even if I don’t write – I enjoy all the reading! THANKS!!!!!!!!!
Hey Everyone! I hope you all are going great today! Still smoke free since August 19th, but during the past week I have been CRAVING a cig. I don’t know why that is, I thought the 1st 2 weeks were the real test, has anyone been through the same thing?
Hank III
Mike Day 42 as a nonsmoking smoker
Janet,
I, like you, thought the first 2 weeks were going to be the hardest and it would be easy going the rest of the way. No, no, no …. for me, the beginning was a piece of cake and I got a full dose of that false sense of security!
Starting about week 2 and through week 4, I struggled BIG TIME. The cravings came furiously and did not let go for the better part of some days. I wanted desperately to hear that these horrible cravings would stop and I would have a life beyond my quit …..
The wonderful, honest people here came to my rescue when I called for help. They told me the truth … yes, the cravings will stop and the “switch” will go on but the timing of it is different for everyone. Some become “non-smokers” very quickly and have no cravings. Others need 2, 4, or maybe 6 months for the cravings to completely stop and for the “switch” to finally go on. BUT IT WILL STOP!
I am 47 days quit and am now taking only 1 pill a day. Those intense, horrible cravings have stopped. Cigs are just a thought occasionally, or maybe it’s an old memory resurfacing.
You CAN DO THIS, Janet! Take some deep breaths and KNOW that your struggles WILL EASE and then STOP!
Annie
Wow, I am so glad I found this site by chance! I just started Chantix, this is my second day. I’m having some cosmetic surgery the end of October and the plastic surgeon mandates no smoking. I have to get a urine nicotine test done before surgery. My quit is September 15, my daughter’s 16th birthday quite by coincidence. I’m only on the second dose today, but did your cigs just seem to give you almost no “oomph” this soon. It just seems like, “why am I even smoking this, it’s not any fun”. Also, I noticed for the first time, my mouth tasted yucky. No stomach side effects yet…but nothing ever seems to hit me in the stomach. I started when I was 17, quit when I was 23, soon as I was preg. with my first child. Started six months after he was born, quit three years later with my second preg. Started again after 11 YEARS, what an idiot! I ALWAYS said, I cannot take one drag, I’ll be up to a pack a day in no time. Well, I’m only 5-10 a day for the last four years, but none the less hooked.
Day 2 of Chantix. I too hope that I can come back here in a month a post success! I also am worried about the side effects, but so far so good. I wonder once it’s two pills a day if it gets worse. Any adice on that?
Hi Everyone!
Just posting to see how everyone is doing! I am on Day 2 of Chantix and still smoking. I do notice a difference – I’m not feeling that crave as much. When I was out and about today, I would get in my car (a big trigger) and think, I don’t really feel the need to have a cig. I was amazed! Another big trigger is sitting down at the computer with a cup of coffee and cigs. I’m going to have to think of some way to deal with that – any ideas? I would love to hear them and know how you are doing.
Have a great Monday!
Enid
I’m quitting in 5 days!
Enid – I am also on day 2 and quitting in five days I hope. I have been trying to quit for the last two months and I am down to about eight or ten cigarettes a day. Maybe that will make a difference, maybe not. I just know this is finally something I really want to do and I think that is most of the battle!
Sondra,
I can totally understand. I have loved smoking and thought about quitting, but never got serious about it until now. I only have 1.5 packs of cigs left until my quit date on Saturday. I really don’t want to buy anymore cigs, know what I mean?
Let me know how you are doing. Take care!
Enid
Hi Enid, Sondra, and Teresa….
So glad to hear of your successes so far. I haven’t actually had my prescription filled yet…I know, I know! I am going first thing in the morning to do that. So, I will be a few days behind you all. I’m am really excited about this and looking forward to being smoke free.
Hi to all, glad to hear everyone is doing so well. Hang in there, if I can do it, anyone can. I am on Day 17 and feeling fine!!
Just checking in… haven’t been here in a while. I’m quit 66 days, still taking Chantix, and plan to for another 4 months. So happy to hear about all of the newbies! Believe me, you are making the right decision.
You might or might not have side-effects with Chantix. Remember, quitting smoking has its own side-effects, too. You might all want to check out http://www.quitnet.com. Its a great site for quitters and keeps track of the number of days you’ve been quit, the money you’ve saved, life you’ve earned, etc. Its free, too! There is a club called Chantix Users Club with over 1000 members. I highly recommend this support group in keeping your quit.
I guess I was one of the lucky ones in regards to side-effects of Chantix. Slight nausea at first, but thats gone now. However, I have been quit euphoric since my quit – I chalk that up to Chantix! Great side-effect!!
I also lost my urge for alcohol. I used to be a nightly wine drinker. Not anymore. No desire to drink and no desire to smoke. That has literally changed my life! I smoked (and drank) for over 30 years. I also had anxiety and stress issues. Not anymore. I know that was all tied in to the addictions for me.
I wish you all lots of success and happiness! See you at quitnet!
Tina
d66
Thank you to the person who gave me the tip to only take a 1/2 pill in morning and night to help my sleep issues. I did that about a week ago and am back to my normal sleep habits.
I still have not completely quit but I notice my urges are not as strong. It is 11:00 and I have not had a cigarette yet. Normally I would have already had about 4. I did manage to have a few days smoke free but I was a bit cranky so I am trying it this way. Give me a few more weeks and I will be down to zero a day!
My husband has made it almost a month cold turkey so that is good motivartion for me. It limits my smoking a lot if I do not smoke around him.
Good luck to everyone!
hey everyone! I haven’t been on in a couple of days. Still have cravings, but they seem to be subsiding now. Annie, thank you so much for your words, It’s good to know that that part of the quit is happening for someone other than me, I thought I had gotten a Placebo instead of the “real” Chantix! LOL have a wonderful smoke-free day everyone!
Hi Everyone!
Teresa & Sondra – I think we are all on Day 3 together! How did you do today? I was stressed at work and had several cravings, which bummed me out. I left work thinking, I don’t think I can do this! But I came home tonight and tried to refocus – took a walk, deep breathing, aaaahhhh. I’m feeling a little better. Maybe I’m a little nervous about tomorrow which is 2 pills a day.
Mindi – did you get your script? Let us know.
To everyone else – I can’t keep track
Thanks for the words of encouragement. If you can make it then I’ve got to keep trying.
Have a good evening!
My quit date is 9/15
Tina great job! I hope I am as lucky as you are with the side effects. I have to agree with the fact that some of these side effects are from nicotine withdrawal also.
So tomorrow I start on two pills a day also. I am keeping my fingers crossed for all of us newbies to get this right!
I will check in again to let you all know how it’s going and you all do the same!
I did get my script filled today and had a pleasant surprise that my insurance covered it and I only had to pay a $20 co-pay. I got a $10 off coupon from the Dr. so I actually only had to pay $10. I took it this morning and so far so good. No side effects. I hope I will be one of the lucky ones. I have set my quit date to be the 16th. I know it’s not the recommended 8 days, but I am really ready to be done with it. And from what I have heard here and from other message boards, the cigarettes start losing their appeal after day 3 of taking Chantix.
Plus I now have more of a desire to quit. My mom was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma today (kidney cancer). I looked up information on the internet about it and smoking is a contributing factor. The ironic thing is that my mom only started smoking about 10 years ago after a mid-life crisis. My mom is only 53 years old. I’m hoping (and praying) that this thing with my mom will make it easier for me to quit smoking rather than not due to the stress and worry. Please keep us in your prayers.
Today is day four and the first day of two pills. I ran out of cigs last night, so guess what? I’m DONE, first day in years without a cig on the way to work, it was really ok though. Chantix just sucks all the joy out of cigarettes! I saw where someone else said it’s no different that being an alcoholic and they are right. I CANNOT have one drag, not today, not ever, I would be hooked again. Like I said earlier I had quit for 11 years, this time it’s for good!
My girlfriend decided to use Chantix. How’d she do? You can read about it here:
My Girlfriend’s Chantix Experience
There is a poll there as well that shows how many times people have tried quitting but failed.
I started on Chantix last week. My quit date was supposed to be Thursday, but I moved it up to today because Chantix just plain takes the fun out of smoking (not the right way ot put it, but you know what I mean).
The only issue I’ve had with Chantix so far is that I wake up between 3 and 5 every morning to a terrible growling stomach. I’ve tried to eat something healthy and filling before going to bed, but it doesn’t help. Question to all you Chantix Veterans out there… Do the side effects subside after taking the medication for a few weeks or should I get used to this? I can’t wait to be a ture non-smoker!
Hi all.
It is now for me day 8, with taking 2 blue pills a day, but still smoking. Not as much as before, went from almost 3 packs a day to now around 1 pack a day.
Not going to stop, perhaps I am one who takes longer to get the benefits. Like I said before, I am prone to panic attacks, which happen pretty often, I’m trying to do deep breaths, sometimes they help, other times i have to take meds for my panic attacks.
I never had any troublesome side effects, no nausea, no vivid dreams, just some “gas” every now and then. I don’t eat breakfast, and never took my morning pill with food. Tried to drink some water after taking pill, but I am also addicted to Diet Coke, that is what I drink after taking my Chantix. Could this be something that’s taking me longer?
My biggest challenge, when this works, are my road trips. Smoking helped keep me awake, guess I am just gonna have to try and sing real loud with my cd’s!
Still gonna be on going on, wish my insurance would cover it, and also wish I had done more research regarding forums and support groups. Oh well, better late than never.
Best of luck to all of us!!
Ginger, I’m sure the date varies with nearly everyone. I quit smoking on the 8th day of taking Chantix. However, I wasn’t ready. Four days later I relapsed for one day. The next day was the last day I smoked. I should have gone a few more days smoking and taking the pills, but hindsight is 20-20. The end result is the same, regardless. I’ve been smoke free for 94 days now. I was done with Chantix after 5 weeks. You seem to be following the same trend as me. You have to feel proud about the reduction from three packs to one!
My 46th birthday is Sat. All summer I said I was going to quit on that day. All month I’ve been thinking about it and I’m scared. I’ve only tried to quit once before by being hypnotised – but that didn’t work.
I have prepared tho, two weeks ago I joined a gym. That way I will be more active and give me something new to do. Today I bought Chantix. I will start it tomorrow. Scared just thinking about it
Question: after reading alot of these blogs, no one has really mentioned weight gain after quitting. I am very vain when it comes to that. I am in very good shape and not overweight at all.
Please give me your input. WISH ME LUCK!!!
Graham!
Did you drop off the twig? Harry started on Sunday!!!!! Woo Hoo!!! I’ve kept your email with number just in case! I wish I could get him to blog, but the only thing he does on this computer is play “bejeweled”. But, I’ll try and keep you, et al, informed as to progress.
Enid,
I had to get my computer completely overhauled and cleaned and the tech said it was due to nicotine. Then my monitor went kaplooie and when I replaced it… my God! I could see stuff!
Thanks everyone for being there and good luck to all of you “newbies” you’ll be SOOO happy with your decision! We’re all rooting for you!
All new people –
I can’t wait till you get to meet the new non-smoking liberated YOU. You’re going to love him or her in a completely new way. You’ll be so proud of yourselves, you’ll be so healthy and fresh smelling. You all deserve to buy a new cologne or perfume that makes you smell fan-freakin-tastic!
Sleeping: Melatonin is all natural, non-addictive and makes you sleep really well. In the vitamin section – cheap too.
Weight: I took it off rather than put it on. Thing is, I have more energy and had to work out some of the residual anger at the gym. Had to replace smoking with drinking water and exercising – which kept off the pounds.
Mental health: turns out taking 6 long deep breaths gives me about the same “time out” I used to use a smoke break for. Turns out I don’t HAVE to smoke or lose it. Takes some practice to create new emotional habits – but worth it. So worth it!
Hey YOU – so proud of you! Chantix is a miracle tool – get that, it’s a tool. It’s great to have an effective tool. But you all are the ones who can liberate yourselves from the nasty habit of smoking. YOu’ll feel so free in the end. So free.
You’ll start to wonder, why is smoking legal? If we banned it would all those lovely, wonderful smokers be freed from their Phillip Morris prison?
Tell a smoker today. Chantix works. You can be free.
Tracee
Renee,
Regarding weight gain, I’m of the same response as Tracee – no gain for me either. Food sure tastes good, but I substituted a lot more activity (walking every night and walking the golf course on weekends instead of riding, smoking and coughing). I smoked for over 40 years and never realized how poor my circulation was until I quit. My joints no longer hurt, and moderate exercise feels wonderful.
This is my 8th day on Chantix and so far I have only had 1 cigarette. I love all of your stories, and keep up the good work. I have smoked for 32 years and it is finally time to quit. I told myself when cigarettes became $1.00 a pack I would quit. Well, now they are well over $5.00 a pack, what was I thinking.
Day 4 for me – first day of two pills. No side effects yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I want to be as successful as all of you here!
I’m on day two of non smoking. Can’t even imagine holding one in my hand. I’m sure this Chantix is too good to be true, and we’ll all become horrible mutants. But DAMN, this is easy.
Too easy.
Well, day 5 and 32 hours without a smoke! I only felt like plunging an ice pick in someones head twice yesterday!
! I did quit smoking on the third day however which isn’t really how you’re supposed to do it, I just couldn’t bring myself to buy another pack. I know from quitting the last time, this is MUCH smoother. I don’t feel like climbing the walls. No s/e from the Chantix either, no upset stomach, no diff. sleeping or weird dreams. Who knows, I’m either lucky or it’s a matter of time.
India..
Hey… still here, read blogs every day..not smoking. Yea for HArry…that’s great..it’s a big change for him so (from a guy point of view) let him work his quit without advice unless requested. He’ll be amazed but it may take longer than suggested for him, (just a gut feeling).
Renee, if you’re in good shape now, you are apparently doing something currently to keep yourself in that condition. Just keep doing it, it will be easier though. Also, remember, vanity is useless when you’re six feet under. Better 5 lbs over and breathing than “perfect’ not breathing..Don’t be afraid, the fear will make your body create fat–seriously. You’ll be just fine. (so….how vain can one be smelling like a stinking cig butt every day..lol):>) g/l
Tracee–it’s funny but every single day seems to provide the opportunity to share the results of Chantix with a smoker…usually just tell my story and they’re hooked (us addicts will try anything new..lol)…All the best to you and your family.
And to everyone in first or second week—–Congratulations, you finally quit smoking..YES!
Graham
Tracee
You have quite a blog going here. I do still check in from time to time, but can not get updates on a daily basis. Sometimes your blog makes me want to smoke, but I haven’t for 5 months. Hurray for me.
Well I have gained some weight since I have quit smoking, but it is muscle weight, since I have been working out.
I have blood pressure issues here, and my blood pressure with medication has been so great since I’ve stopped smoking has been so good. Hope that I can get off the meds soon.
Tracee, you have become a googlable word, and you should be proud to helping people. But what everyone that is on Chantix should realize is that Chantix is a nasty new medicine, which has many side effects. Yes it did help me quit smoking, and I still use the support system, which I believe helped me, and still helps me. Chantix is hard on your body, my advise is to use it quit, then suck it up when you want to smoke, it won’t be easy at first when you quit the Chantix.
Good Luck all
Jeff
Mental health: turns out taking 6 long deep breaths gives me about the same “time out” I used to use a smoke break for. Turns out I don’t HAVE to smoke or lose it. Takes some practice to create new emotional habits – but worth it. So worth it!
Hey YOU – so proud of you! Chantix is a miracle tool – get that, it’s a tool. It’s great to have an effective tool. But you all are the ones who can liberate yourselves from the nasty habit of smoking. YOu’ll feel so free in the end. So free.
You’ll start to wonder, why is smoking legal? If we banned it would all those lovely, wonderful smokers be freed from their Phillip Morris prison?
Tell a smoker today. Chantix works. You can be free.
Tracee
Day five for me here. Still no side effects. THANK YOU GOD! I feel absolutely fine, but cigarettes are starting to taste like “dirt” and I am just not getting the effect from them that I used to. It’s only a matter of time. I had one cigarette this morning and it didn’t taste so good. I think they tell you to keep smoking for the first seven days so you can see the difference it is gradually making. At least that is what I think.
Stay strong!
Hi all! I’ve been checking in everyday and it is great to see new ones joining. Today is 28 days for me without a cigarette and it feels great. Could not have done this without the Chantix. Was wondering though – I was on a real “high” for the first couple of weeks – feeling good about myself. Lately I have been SO IRRITABLE – is this happening to anyone? When I get home from work all I want to do is go into a room and shut the door – feels like everything is irritating me – people, my adorable pets, my supportive husband – sucks!!!! But I am so happy not to be smoking. I think I will go the 12 weeks – but if these are new side effects – don’t know if I will last. Sleep is getting shorter and shorter every night too. All in all I feel great!
Good luck to all – I’ll be back soon!
Lori,
Glad to hear that you are still smoke free. It’s been 37 days for me and I know exactly what you are talking about. I’ll get irritated for the stupidest little thing. Found a good stiff drink after work helps that problem. Last night, I had a whole 3 hours sleep. That, to me, is the hardest side effect of the Chantrix. However, I look at it this way, when I get through the 12 weeks and I haven’t killed anyone and I don’t smoke anymore, I can sleep all I want because I will have earned it. Don’t give up, anything worth doing is worth the sacrifice.
Graham,
Thanks… I needed to hear that. I haven’t mentioned anything… I just make sure he’s eating when he takes it. I can tell he’s cut down… He never has smoked in the house and he’s not going outside as often… so YEAH!! It’s working!
I agree with Jim on one point… reading this blog sometimes does make me want a cigarette and it’s been more than 2 1/2 years! Think maybe I’ll skip days reading it! HA!
Have a great smoke-free day everyone!
India, I believe I said that I read the blog as reinforcement for NOT smoking. It is great therapy. I hit my 92nd day of quit today and I destroy the urge (when it arises) in three ways: 1. Deep breathing. (It’s great treatment.) 2. Reading this blog. 3. Reminding myself of how great I feel.
Jim,
Funny how the brain works sometimes. That’s how I read it… I believe that I’m thinking more about smoking now that my husband is quitting and I’ve been reading this blog. I had started thinking so much like a non-smoker over the past 2 1/2 years, that I had really forgotten what it was like to be so addicted. This blog has reminded me of that in many ways and has brought back some of those old feelings. I will NEVER start again though….
I am so glad that it’s working so well for everyone. I just had to be honest.
India. Doesn’t matter how you read my contribution. . . The cool thing is that others are identifying with what addicted people are going through. Phillip Morris had two hundred years to learn about human addiction. We have only had about 14 months to learn about Chantix and how to beat their advantage.
We will win.
I met someone over the weekend who told me how Chantix really helped them kick the habit. I was really inspired – I called my doctor the very next day and asked her for a prescription. I found this blog and I’m really encouraged by reading about everyone’s experiences. I took my first pill today and I’m looking forward to life without dragging my habit with me everywhere I go. I’m looking forward to going for morning jogs rather than morning coffee and smokes.