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
Day six, and 58 hours without a drag! It’s getting easier, like I said in a previous post, I quit smoking after only 3 days of Chantix. I’m going to keep on keeping on!
Bruce – thanks for making me not feel like I am the only one ready to kill someone – not really – I just go somewhere by myself and say “what the hell is with you?” then I have my stiff drink or two!!! The other thing is that when I started the chantix, the alcohol wasn’t as good either – wasn’t enjoying even my favorite drink(s) – slowed way down on that which is probably a good thing. I keep thinking too that once the 12 weeks are over this will all be worth it! Don’t worry – I’m not giving up!
Hope everyone is have a great day – going to treat myself to a makeover this afternoon – hair, nails etc – they say to reward yourself and that’s exactly what I am going to do – feels good – actually feels great!!!!!
Hi all,
I’ve been reading through all of your posts and want to thank not only the founder of the blog, but those of you who have steadfastly updated us on your experience. I read through the blog before starting Chantix because as a lawyer who has experience with big-pharm I’m always suspicious of new drugs and very afraid of them.
However, you all helped me decide to ask for Chantix. I’ve tried quitting many times before and normally have a horrible, terrible, dreadful first week, and then a horrible month. Often, to the point that I would sit and hyperventilate believing that I was dying and couldn’t breath (the tricks of the mind). My cravings have been so bad on prior attempts that I would pace around my house for hours thinking of nothing else.
I’ve been smoke free for four days now during a very stressful period and while I still have cravings, they are nothing compared to prior quits. Chantix has definitely taken the edge off. I can’t believe how normal I feel.
I’ve also been lucky to have very few side effects. I definitely get the vivd dreams and some restlesness, but no naseua, etc. The one interesting effect it has had is that I’m almost light headed. On prior quits I experienced the inability to concentrate for a few weeks (routinely followed by finding an overwhelming ability to concentrate – I never realized how unproductive cigs made me until I didn’t have that little alarm bell going off in my brain every thrity minutes telling me it was time for a dose of my drug). But with Chantix I’m also lightheaded which adds to the problem. Oh well, sacrifices must be made.
Anyway, to all of you who are well on your way, thanks for coming back and letting us know of your great success. Moreover, thanks for your support to all of us who are starting our journey.
To those of you like me who are just starting (perhaps also like me for the twentieth time) good luck and hang in there. I feel great!
Hi Everyone!
Day 51, no smoking, but feeling different now. I’m in my 8th week of Chantix and just starting my last box of Chantix. I think the nicotine withdrawal is long done but other symptoms are happening and I don’t know if this is normal or not. My mouth goes from being very dry to producing too much saliva. I always feel the need to be putting something in my mouth. The thought of putting another candy in my mouth makes me nauseous. I guess, in the past, I didn’t notice this awful feeling ‘cuz I satisfied it with a cigarette!
In the beginning, there was a great sense of well-being, almost euphoria, with the Chantix. Now, not so much. It comes and goes almost hour by hour. When the euphoria goes, irritability or depression quickly takes its place and then a feeling of well-being returns. Is this normal? Has this happened to anyone else? Chantix doesn’t seem to be doing what it did for me initially. Does that mean I’m a non-smoker now? Is this the “signal” Chantix gives when it’s time to stop the pills?
Don’t know what to do now. Any help or advice will be very appreciated!
Annie
Annie : same thing with me about the euphoria but only on day 37 – I felt SO good about everything – now I feel almost the opposite – just down on myself all the time when I should be happiest. Probably side effects – I even thought about cutting the dose in half for awhile then going back to normal dose and see if I feel any different. It really bothers me feeling irritable and down all the time. But have not smoked since my quite date 7 days after I started the Chantix. No problem yet with the mouth dryness, etc. but will be aware of that – I hope I can do the entire 12 weeks – feels good not smoking
Hi all! I’ve been pretty energized by my success with Chantix so I Googled to see if I could find anyone else’s success stories or words of wisdom, and that’s how I found this site. I’m on my eigth day without a smoke and I’m actually getting kind of cocky — I just don’t want one. It’s bizarre but wonderful too. Congrats to everyone here for trying to quit, and for those of you who are still on the fence, Chantix has already proven to be amazing for me. Best wishes to all.
- Mike
Anger, depression, self-loathing, regret, sense of loss, embarassment, pride, humiliation, fear.
I think it seems to be a common theme after the initial feeling of victory and relief. I think it’s a side effect of not having the emotional coping strategy of smoking. What did you do when you were sad or angry or disappointed before? You smoked. It was your resolution to pretty much every bad feeling.
Even though the Chantix released us from the physical withdrawl and the viciousness of quitting – we’re still left with those normal feelings and no quick easy resolution.
The “bad” feelings aren’t as strong as they were way back when I was lamenting wanting a divorce (yesterday? month ago? something like that.) But, life has bad feelings. The hard part is finding a mature and adult response that’s an alternative to smoking. Hopefully we pick something healthy – deep breathing, exercise, guzzling water, a mommy/daddy time-out, yoga.
Cut your self some slack if you screw up and choose lashing out, vague threats to loved ones, hiding in your room, drinking too much alcohol, spouting negativity into the vastness of the Internet, or snapping at the kids. Trial and error people. We’re not going to find perfect ways to deal overnight. Smoking has been our emotional crutch for eons.
Find a seemingly emotionally healthy person and emmulate them while faking it until you figure it out. (Just don’t look too closely or you’ll see how their coping is just as disfunctional as yours.)
So proud of all of you!
Tracee
Been keeping track of all the posts but haven’t checked in for a while. Got to 60 days smoke/tobacco/nicotine free yesterday – by far the longest quit I’ve ever had. Hope everyone else still has their quit going or are almost there. Will type more later.
Hi y’all.
First of all, let me congratulate each and
every one you on your quit.
I saw my physician today and was more than
happy to report that the Chantrix did the trick.
He seemed a bit shocked at first, but very
excited about the news.
I guess he has yet to hear the success stories
of this (fairly) new miracle drug.
We discussed the side effects, and I’ve only
had the restless sleeping/weird dreams – my dreams are always about old friends thru the years with them talking about about “me” being
a non-smoker. Everynight without fail.
I think it’s funny. Weird, but funny.
I’m now on the second month of Chantix.
The craving was gone within a few weeks.
I notice that I’m getting headaches often,
but that could be from taking over-the-counter
Unisom so I can sleep. What the hell, I can deal
with a headache. I’ve already forgotten to
take the Chantix about 3 times, so I guess that’s
a sign that I’m not going to need it much longer.
I’m doing everything that I ever did, sans the cigarettes.
Is it really necessary to take the Chantix beyond four weeks? I mean the nicotine withdrawal is over in a few days and I wasn’t a heavy smoker and I really limited where I could smoke (not at work, not in my car or house or in any enclosed building for that matter). I’m only in my first week, but I remember from quitting in the past once I’m past the withdrawal I’m ok. I’m at day six of the pills and three days without a cig.
I used chantix months ago and it worked well. Had some side-effects but all in all was ok. I got hurt and had to stop taking them but started again two weeks ago. I didnt get the side-effects this time and it doesnt seem to be working as well. Is my body used to it?
Teresa,
Go with the flow don’t rush it….If you are okay after withdrawal…why are you quiting again? I was a scaredy cat after 30 some years…and so I stayed with Chantix for about 5 months…..now none of my old triggers do anything….beer, wine, stress, coffee, driving…talking on the phone…whatever. NOT A DARN URGE. I really want you to make it the Last time you ever have to quit.
Sammie
I had quit for over ELEVEN years, yeah, can you believe it? I was at a party and had some beer in me and someone was smoking a flavored cigar so I though “what the hell, let me try that” I was also at a stressful time in my life and was starting a new job. It was a REALLY dumb thing to do, at the time my husband even said “teresa, you better not do that you’ll be hooked again”, sure enough. Needless to say, I learned. So, obviously I can’t Chantix for the rest of my life! I’ve only been smoking for the last four years again, and like I said I made it intentionally difficult so it would be easier to quit when I decided to. I’m having some elective surgery the end of October and the surgeon will not operate if I’m a smoker.
Newbie here- 1st day writing on this blog. I found this the other night and read a lot of the comments, and finally started the Chantix 5 days ago. I’m REALLY upset/discouraged b/c it is not working at all for me. After hearing all the success stories with this drug, & knowing some people personally who’ve quit with this drug, it has done nothing for me
I feel like a hopeless case!
Sorry if this discourages others but I’m being honest & wondering why it’s not working on me. Day 5 taking Chantix and I’m smoking as much, if not more- almost more obsessed with smoking now. I’ve been smoking a pack & a half a day for 28 yrs. & never tried quitting before- always stuck in the “I want to want to quit” stage.
Has anyone else had this no effect with Chantix experience or know someone that has? I don’t want to be the only one that this drug has had a placebo effect on. I was really hoping this would be what made me finally quit, as I feel effects from years of smoking, like short winded, cough a lot, etc.
Thanks,
Debbie
I stopped smoking the day after my 42nd birthday and have only been on Chantix for 18 days, but I never in my 37 years of smoking thought I could quit. I am really glad that Connie said she tapered herself off. I was wondering what I was going to do when it is time for me to stop taking the pills.
This is a question for anyone who may be taking a lower dose. I am trying to get a pharmacist on the phone to see if Chantix has a lower dose then 1mg. They have 1/2mg’s in the starter pack, do they sell the weekly packs this way?
Tracee,
I wondered if I was going crazy and have even tried making an appointment with a psychologist to get help. Your post has relieved me so much. Everything you said on your post are all of the things that I have been going through and doing, with the exception of asking for a divorce. My husband is the only one I can count on to put up with my mood swings, my irrational thinking and the general insanity of not smoking. I am normally a happy optimistic upbeat person and I have been just pure evil for the last week. I even found that I didn’t want to go to work and I love my job. I never realized all of the emotional attachments that I had with cigarettes. When I had my last cigarette, I cried. It felt like my best friend had just died. Good luck to everyone who has quit. Cigarettes are just plain evil in more ways then I ever knew.
All I can say is WOW..day two and they taste like carp. I take a few drags and they are out. I think I smoked them more out of habit than really having a need for them. I do feel kind of restless but I’m an edgy person, anyway. The weirdest thing is when I light up, my brain tells me I just had one.
Wish me luck and good luck to all!
I have been taking chantix for 30days and smoke free for 25 days.
The first two weeks were a breeze and the last two have been up and down. It is like my insides are calling for a cig. but my mine saying you don’t really want one and it don’t want one. It is weird. I never thought I could just quit like that. I set my quit date 8 days after I started taking Chantix and by the 5 th day I didn’t want one so why keep smoking just to smoke. If you ever tried to quit before you are smoking one after another if you think it is going to be your last one.
I wish you all good luck and i will keep you posted. I have smoked a pack and a half for 37 years.
I’m on day three taking Chantix. I am still smoking – a pack lasted me a day and a half tho – which is good for me. I am still smoking for those habit times – getting in the car, talking on the phone and oh God, that first cig in the morning with the paper, and when I’m bored. I do notice that the taste and pleasure of smoking is not there anymore. As far as side effects, I don’t notice any. Funny tho, I am looking forward to the dreams everyone is having. I have dreamed regularly since I was a kid, so I hoping to have some good ones. LOL.
I have no way given up. I am going to take the full first week for Chantix to kick in. Like I said the urge isn’t there as much as the habit.
Good luck to all. By the way, I love this blog site. I will be checking in regularly.
Hey Lori,
I did the same thing as you. I got a makeover. New hair style and COLOR. Here comes the new and improved Renee.
Good luck.
Response to Debbie,
Don’t know how much work it would be, but some of my comments in early July, when I first started taking this stuff, might offer you a bit of comfort – Days 4 – 11 were awful for me, but I stuck with it and something finally clicked; the “click” didn’t happen until my quit was 4 days old, but it’s been a Godsend ever since
Slight addendum:
Response to Debbie,
Don’t know how much work it would be TO SIFT THROUGH THIS BLOG, but some of my comments in early July, when I first started taking this stuff, might offer you a bit of comfort – Days 4 – 11 were awful for me, but I stuck with it and something finally clicked; the “click” didn’t happen until my quit was 4 days old, but it’s been a Godsend ever since
Jerry,
Thanks for the reply- funny thing is when I found this site a few days ago, I read mostly yours & Grahams posts b/c it was overwelming to read all the posts, though I skimmed here and there. I held on to what you said about day 9 clicking with you and your struggle as well. So, when I started the Chantix 5 days ago, I figured I’d still smoke, even as it suggest you do for the 1st week. BUT, like I said, I’m smoking as much, if not more, on the Chantix.
Also, side effects for me: nothing about dreams but nausea & dizziness BIG TIME! I took a pill laying down one day, and when I got up I was sooo dizzy–also, even though I take with food and big glass of water, it makes me nauseous. Besides that, I am just still smoking. I fear it won’t work for me and therefore believe one has to want to mentally quit 100%- I was counting on this pill to do most of the work.
I wonder if since most medications do not work for me, I especially have opposite effects, like any sleep aid med. has always kept me wide awake, if Chantix too is another that won’t work for me.
Really feel like a failure here.
Thanks for listening!
~Debbie
Debbie,
This is my 12th day and I have had 1 1/2 cigarettes today. I went to the bar and ate celery and now I am wanting a cigarette. I find when I first get home from work is when I really want one. This will be my first weekend without the smokes so I will see what happens. I think we should just keep with it and see what happens. More people than not have been successful. Keep it up!
Hi Everyone! I haven’t posted much this week – work has been crazy. Congrats to all who have quit and to those of use who are new, we can do this. Tomorrow is my quit date and I’m scared, nervous and excited. I feel the Chantix working, and it is a very positive and calming thing for me, but it’s my darn habit that’s freaking me out! I don’t want a cig, but my addiction is whispering to me, “hey, this is the time you usually have a cig”. I’m giving in right now, cuz the script says you can smoke for the 1st 7 days, so there’s my justification. What worries me is that I will find other ways to justify a smoke. I’ll just have to deal with the cravings as they come. Deep Breathing, my list of reasons to quit, etc. Thank you for your posts. I’m going to reread all the posts here tonight. Have a great evening and weekend!
Where is the least expensive place to buy chantix? Please advise. MJ
Enid
My work is always crazy here. I am a restaurant manager here, you don’t think the people I see can be crazy at times. Good luck in your quit. I have been quit for over 5 months now. Still get the cravings from time to time, but have had not one cig. Hope the Chantix works for you, but it really is not a nice drug, it is harsh on your tummy and brain, but if you use the email support and just read it, it works
GL man
I live with smokers, I work with smokers. I’m glad not to be a ciarette smoker.
LOL
Debbie, when I was at day 5 (6, 7,
I too was still smoking more than ever. Something sort of clicked for me just yesterday – I only smoked 10 all day and just about had to force the last one. I had set my official quit day for the 18th (13 days after I started the med, didn’t want to panic myself) but I’m thinking today might just be as good as then. I just don’t really want to bother lighting one up this morning because I won’t get any great satisfaction out of it…I didn’t think it would start working for me either, but apparently it takes longer for some people to get the full benefits from it. Hang in there!
You know the advice to keep busy with something to keep your mind off your cravings? I am so F%$#*%g busy and organized I’m going fly!! No, seriously, I definitely think smoking reduced my productivity as the one attorney had said in a previous post. I’m doing fine, day five without a smoke. Started the second week of pills but I broke the am dose in half, I don’t know that I’m going to take the full dose. I’ve not had any side effects to speak of, no nausea, no cool dreams, nothing! I do remember from quitting a long time ago that I was ready to climb the walls and go across the ceiling for a few days, what a relief not to feel so anxiety ridden. Everyone hang in there, we’ll get there!
Susan,
So from your post, today is your 10th day on Chantix? Thanks for your reply, it gives me a little more hope to know I’m not the only one who is smoking as much (or more) since starting this med. Today is day 6 for me taking Chantix- still smoking..maybe it is more about the habitual/psychological at this point, but the obsession to smoke is huge & I give in.
I will still take the pills as directed, and if I cannot stop entirely on day 8 then I won’t, knowing you didn’t either helps me.
I don’t have the dreams some people speak of, but I am nauteous after taking Chantix, though I eat and drink lots of water with it. But I lay down for a few minutes & it usually passes.
Thanks again and please keep writing/updating & I will too.
~Debbie
Debbie, yes, I am on day 10 of Chantix. I occasionally get a wee bit nauseous too, but it seems to pass within 15 minutes. Someone earlier mentioned to drink 8-12 oz water and half of whatever you’re eating, take your pill, then finish your food and another 8-12 oz water. That’s what I’ve been doing and so far, so good. I’ve had dreams, but nothing spectacular, just able to remember them better than before. Today I was doing well until about 1/2 hr ago and ever since then I’ve been “interested” in a smoke, but haven’t caved and hope not to! It’s probably time for more water and maybe even lunch, so I’ll attend to that then start cleaning house and I’m sure I’ll make it through the day smoke-free.
Susan
Hi to everyone. I have been reading all of your comments for the past couple of days. What an inspiration all of you have been to me. Thank you Tracee for starting this. Also, thank you Carolyn for the youtube link. It was very hard to watch and made me want to quit all the more. I actually have cut down on smoking since reading everything. I am ready to start Chantix tomorrow. I had the script filled at Sam’s – insurance did not cover and it was $106. As someone had mentioned it was cheaper than anywhere else I called. I am 55 years old and have been smoking for 40 years. Never had the nerve to try and quit. I work 12 hour shifts 3 on and 3 off. We are not permitted to leave the building. You would think if I could go 12 hours without a cig and sleep 7 that I don’t smoke that much….WRONG. I make up for it in a shorter time. I am so sick of power smoking all the way to work. I have to quit. I want to quit. Wish me luck. I will keep you posted. Thanks again everyone for all the advise and encouragment.
Susan,
Hi! I’m about to mark my first week of the quit on Chantix. I still definitely have cravings, but what I can say is that, compared to my previous cold turkey quits (or rather attempted quits), the Chantix takes the edge off the urge. Instead of a level 9 going into panic mode, I have a level 5 crave that is often cured by a few deep breaths or a big piece of sugar free gum.
I think the advice on the site has been good about not rushing yourself. I didn’t feel much the first week either, and questioned whether I should quit on my quit date. The only reason I did was my past experiences quitting.
Also, one of the other posters recommended Scandal by Allen Carr. While not intended to be his guide to quitting, I skimmed through it (available free online) and I definitely found his insights helpful whenever I have a craving.
Anyway, good luck! Tonight at 10pm I celebrate one week smoke free and even though I’m in the middle of a trial and working fifteen hours a day, I haven’t killed anybody yet!
Hello everyone:
I’m so glad that I found this blog. Congratulations to everyone in their success!
I started Chantix 6 days ago and actually tried to quit on day 2 because I already had hypnosis scheduled and wanted to stick with my quit date.
Since that time, I’ve been smoking 2-3 cigs a day – - about two puffs and I’m done. They taste crappy BUT – - I still want them. Obviously, not like I did before (I had about at 15-18 cigs a day habit for 8 years).
Anyway, when they tasted so bad at about day 3 I was very hopeful that I would soon feel no urge to smoke. Not there yet – in fact, the cravings are still very strong for me. I’ve been chewing straws, eating hard candy, working out more, etc., but still want a cig.
I have a stressful job and certainly found smoking very enjoyable but I am very committed to making this work. The thing I was wondering is – - does anyone else feel an intense feeling of anxiety that doesn’t go away? Day 3 and 4 it was so bad I think I could have run 60 miles on one leg backwards if I wanted to. I’m not a normally anxious person and hope this will subside.
Also – - I was glad to ready that Chantix did fully kick in for some of you right away. I have been concerned that I have continued to take a few puffs up until this point. I certainly hope the desire will keep lessening and I can begin my count of no smoking days like Graham.
Thank you again everyone for sharing.
Kimberly
Congratualtions to all you quitters!
I was a 30 year smoker who had tried to quit many times, and failed many times.
About a year ago I tried quitting with buproprian (sp) through my HMO. It almost worked but not quite. I really wanted to quit and called the HMO to re-up the prescription for the drug. My doctor denied the request. I added a new and very strong reason to quit — I’ll show him! — to all the reasons I already had for quitting. Ridiculous, but it worked.
I had read some encouraging stories about Chantix so bought it through an online drug store. After about a week, it had a rather magical effect on me. For the first time, I could be completely logical about my cravings. I could take a minute and think, “It will taste awful; it won’t really make me feel any better; my hair will stink…” If I had any side-effects, I have forgotten all about them!
My real test came about one month after quitting. I don’t drink much and was meeting a friend for a beer. A friend who smokes. I bummed a smoke off her (hadn’t told her I had quit) and smoked the thing through. It tasted gross. It didn’t make me feel any better about anything. I got kind of congested. And felt like crap the next morning. SUCCESS!
I’m going to meet a friend I haven’t seen in ages later this afternoon. Another friend who smokes. The first think I will do is tell her I quit smoking six months ago. I’ll tell her I feel great, and am taking Hip Hop Dance (at 49!), Dance Fitness, and Yoga. I’ll tell her that if/when she wants to quit she might want to try Chantix.
I can’t imagine enjoying a cigarette ever again! What a relief.
Hi all Have not posted in a long tiime,great to see all the new bloggers. Chantix is a great way to stop smoking but it is in no way a magic pill. You have to do your part to stop smoking. First and foremost you have to ready and I mean ready to quit. I took chantix for 7 days and quit on day 8. That was 6 weeks ago………… About 3 weeks in I made a personal decision to go off chantix. I am not crazy about man made drugs. I also wanted to know if I could stop smoking without being on medication. The first week was tough kinda like cold turkey. But am very pleased to let yall know I have got this licked. I will never smoke again!!!!!!! So all of you hang in there. If I can do this so can you. But you have to really want to. Good luck to yall!
Hi all been a chantix 2 weeks…i have been great i do get nausea tho even if i do eat but only lasts for a bit…i am just about done..smoke maybe 3 hits a day and let me tell you it taste aweful…husband still smokes around me but it doesn’t seem to affect me just hate the nausea
Evening everyone,
I’ve been smoking for almost 40 years. I stopped once for 3 years with hypnosis but that was 26 years ago. My husband died in May and I have been smoking more than ever. I recently found a lump on my neck & had a CT scan. They haven’t found anything but I made my deal with God that I would quit if everything was okay.
I asked the doctor for something and she suggewsted Chantix. She’s calling it in to the pharmacy tomorrow and I’ll be picking it up the next day.
I’m glad I found this blog. All of the postings are so helpful. I’m nervous and reading about the side effects was a little scary. Thank you all for writing, I think it’s going to help me. I plan I starting the pills on Friday so I can have the weekend in case I do have side effects.
I will post once I get started and let you all know how it goes.
Again that you for sharing your experiences. It always helps to have people doing it with you.
Have a good week and good luck to everyone.
Charlotte
Congrats Barbara – that’s great! I am on Day 2 of my quit and I have had no urges (thanks to Chantix), but I am in mourning, feeling sorry for myself, missing my cigs. I am angry and negative, but I will not smoke. I just need to get through this and try to think more positively.
Tracee,
I reread your post from July about the mourning -It has helped. Thanks!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Enid
Today, Monday, marks one week of no smoking for me! I have chose as Barbara stated above to not fully use the Chantix. When I started the second pack on Saturday I am breaking the pills in half and staying at the .5mg dosage twice a day. I finally had a whopper of a dream Sunday, an old HS art teacher was at some event I was at and he was wearing a pair of tights and one ice skate! When I woke up I thought, these are the dreams everyone speaks of. I’m doing ok, the thought of going out on my porch to smoke is coming less and less, I just keep busy or I take a nap. I am a runner, (yeah, go figure) and my running is improving so quickly I cannot get over it. Good luck to everyone else, we can beat this!
I took my first Chantix pill yesterday- I had a nightmare last night. I didn’t think it would give me “night terrors” so fast.
Hi everyone,
Been keeping up with the listings via email. Great to see new quitters out there. I am 7 weeks on Chantix and 6 weeks smoke free. To those who are wondering why they haven’t actually quit as quickly as others, it’s mental. This drug is by far the best inhibitor so far, but you truely have to be mentally ready and committed to actually quit. To those with the anxiety problems, this is a side effect of quitting. When I tried cold turkey last year, I went nearly nuts with anxiety. I get it from time to time now, but not nearly as bad and it doesn’t usually last that long. I mentioned that I was taking half the dosage (full stength was making me miserable) and so far, it is working out ok. I spent two hours in a smoke filled casino boat (my wife likes to go from time to time) and was really proud that I did not get the urge to smoke. I know I will make it this time.
So can the rest of you. Just give it time and effort and you will all be smoke free.
Hi there Everyone !!
Yes it’s me, like Barbara it has been a long time since I have been here but even though I loved blogging everyday and needing to read everyones elses experiance on Chantix, I just did not feel like I needed to blog any more, (sorry guys.. )Yes it has been over 2 months without cigs for me and about 2 weeks for my Husband although it took him 3 weeks on chantix to finally let go of cigs!!
I quit taking chantix 1 week ago and feel confident that I will not ever smoke another one again!! I hope all you new chantix users find the comfort my husband and I found in this pill, but like Barbara stated it requires some work on the user, sometimes alot of work!! Oh and another thing both my husband and I will be saving our cigarette money and we will have saved up $5000 by the same time next year!! So although I will be posting less I still will come here every now and then to visit.. Thank you everyone that helped me along the way!!…..
Hugs Carolyn
Carolyn
It is so good to hear back from the ones that have quit smoking. The first month you like hearing how well everyone is doing one day at a time. today I hit my one month mark and now I am looking for the success stories. I feel the worst part is behind me and it is smoke free for life now. I am planning on taking Chantix for the full three months. I just want to make sure I don’t relapse.
My husband and I started taking Chantix at the same time. I quit two days before him. I have talked to everyone I know that smokes about this pill. It is like a magic pill for my husband. Everyone said it most be good if your husband quit. They didn’t seem impressed that I had quit but for him to quit was very impressive.
Everyone keep up the good work.
Hi everyone! it feel like a long time since I touched base with you all and I’m glad everyones is still doing well! I have a question for the men on this blog, Has there been any side effects sexually with this drug? My husband started taking Chantix a couple of days ago and he had heard there could be a problem in that area? thanks!
Janet…No…
The only thing that Chantix affects in that area is that he won’t be a smoker so he won’t have to
brush his teeth before sex.
Other than that, No side affects for me-none.
Janet, I suspect you’ll get a lot of response to this inquiry. I’ve been “quit” for nearly 100 days and my circulation has improved tenfold. Smoked for over 40 years and can finally walk 18 holes of golf without collapsing at the end. The circulation improvement has had a very positive impact on sexual endurance, quality of the experience and erection. Graham’s comment on the breath is so very true as well.
Janet,
It is a common side effect of nicotine to restrict capillaries. This is why smokers will get cold feet and hands more so than others, in the winter time. When one stops smoking, those restrictions are removed and blood flow throughout the body inproves. As for myself, I can attest to the increase in blood flow in certain parts of the body. It seems lately that I spend half my night at half mast, as it were. It is not due to the Chantix, but to the lack of nicotine in the system. Hopes this helps.
Congratulations on being a non-smoker! I had my last cigarette on July 29, 2007. I used Chantix and can honestly say this has been the easiest quitting has ever been. See I have smoked on and off for 37 years, and have quit several times…but it never felt “permanent” before now. I am expecting my first grandchild and my daughter made it very clear that if I did not quit smoking, I would not be holding my grandson. At first, all I could think was this is like holding the child for ransom or blackmail or something of the like. It made me angry! But it also made me think. This was the impetus that I could use to help myself! After all haven’t I been complaining about how inconvenient it’s becoming to be a smoker, not to mention how expensive especially if the politicians have their way with the taxes?