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
Hey everyone,
I am on my 5th day as a non smoker, wow I’m a non smoker, never thought I would be. It’s been pretty easy, at times I still get the urge, but it goes away & I take 10 deep breaths, as told be the Chantix hot line help, & it works. It really is more of the mental thing for me. I have been trying to keep myself super busy. Good luck to everyone, this is really a hard thing but I feel this time I can do it.
sorry double post
Hey all,
I couldn’t access email for the last 3 days and it is SO good to come back and see all of your comments, I’m so inspired by all of you, you’re a HUGE help! I decided to chill myself out and give myself until the 15th day because I was not “feeling” the feeling that I wasn’t getting anything from cigs and didn’t want to mentally make this into something I felt was going to be too big for me to accomplish. And guess what? It seemd to kick in yesterday thank you God! I haven’t had more than 1 or 2 cig a day for a week (once at 1 1/2 packs) so at least I was getting prepared for it but today is the day that I want to let it all go for good.
I’ve been exercising like crazy, sometimes walking around the block 4-5 times a day – my neighbors must think I’m nuts! Have tried many things to keep busy – making elaborate dinners, pilates, yoga, shopping! Any more suggestions?
Do you believe I told all of my friends I was quitting and only one person in two weeks has asked me how it is going? BTW, all of my friends smoke… maybe they don’t want to know? I have a party this Friday that on one hand I will be surrounded with smoking and that is a little worrisome, but on the other hand I’m proud of coming this far at least and am no way interested in screwing it up for one night of partying with my friends!
Continued good luck to everyone here and keep the comments coming – thank you for being here!!
Lisa
Way to go Lisa! That is great! Well day one for me. Have not had one this last night! I’m going to keep busy and try to make this work! Carolyn and Barbara we can do this! I’ll post later to let you know how the day went!
I called the Chantix hotline once and it sounded like the person was one of those telemarketers in Bombay or Calcutta. (hell, Bangalore even). I just hung up. Has anyone else gotten help from that feature?
It’s so nice to know that I am not quiting alone Heather, Barbara and Lisa WE WILL DO THIS!!
Don’r forget to watch that youtube video if things get real bad… I had a strong craving earlier but threw myself in house work and forgot about it. I guess I have to keep myself busy (do anything to keep your mind off of cigs) and being busy is my key…
“I called the Chantix hotline once and it sounded like the person was one of those telemarketers in Bombay or Calcutta. (hell, Bangalore even). I just hung up. Has anyone else gotten help from that feature?”
Jerry that is tooo funny LOL !!!
You can do it Heather, Barbara, Carolyn & Staci! Let’s pass on our tips to each other on how to keep busy (I say this as I’m reaching for an M&M – not a good tip!)
It’s not bad at all when you’re not thinking about it, obviously it’s the down time we need to deal with.
Well this weekend I took my son to the pool in our area & it was really nice, cause no one was smoking there, then I came home cleaned went shopping. Then Sunday took him to a movie & really just kept as busy as I could. Does anyone feel like this. I have a few friends who smoke & I love them dearly, but I just don’t want to be around them “right now”. I wanted to go down the shore with my one girlfiend who is the greatest person in the world, but she smokes & I am just not that strong yet. Well good luck non smokers, keep up the great work.
The weekend went pretty good. Although on Friday I had just one beer and I have to say I wanted a cig. It could have just been mental alcohol and cigaretts just go together I guess but I resisted partially because the boyfriend was there. I’m at work now and feeling sick as ever. I ate breakfast but this double dose is hard on my stomach. I hope it goes away soon I don’t know how I can keep up with this upset stomach and continue work. I know some of you had said it will pass I sure hope so cause I don’t want to stop taking the chatix.
Keep it up quitters you all are doing so good.
Tammy,
I get a sick feeling also when I take it, but it really only last about 15 mins. Imagine feeling like that all the time. My father died from lung cancer 29 years ago. He threw up all the time from the chemo. I don’t know if people still get like that anymore but it was horrible. That enough should have made me never ever touch a cigarette, but stupid me had to smoke. And then it became an addiction when I got in my 20’s. It really is mind over matter, but Chantix is wonderful & for someone like me who is weak, it really has helped.
Hi All
I had my last cig at 10:00 last night. So far I am doing great this morning. Its so nice to read that there are others out there going through some of the same things that I am. MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. I am so determined that I will be sucessful in quiting this time. I m quiting 1st for myself and then for my grandsons. I want to set a good example for them. I want to say to everyone WE CAN DO THIS WE WILL DO THIS..
Hello!
I haven’t posted since 7-15, but I have been reading everyone’s comments. Great job to those just starting, you all have great attitudes and that, combined with support and the Chantix, can and will make you successful.
This is my 31st day smoke-free! I have virtually no side effects (I know I’m one of the lucky ones) and feel stronger than ever in my quit. Each day has been better and better. I read my post from back in July, and there was a week when I felt a little lost… that soon passed and I am happier than ever!
I discovered when I began taking the Chantix, that my desire for alcohol waned. I am a wine drinker, and had the nightly and weekend habit of relieving my stress with lots of vino and cigs. The day I quit smoking, I also stopped the daily drinking… it just didn’t sound good to me anymore. I had my first drink Saturday night in 30 days, enjoyed a couple glasses of wine, but didn’t feel inclined to drink to excess. I also had no desire to smoke! And there were plenty of temptations. What freedom it is to not constantly run outside for a smoke, interrupt conversations to smoke a cig, enjoy sitting with my husband and have him say how proud he is! Not to mention waking up without a hangover.
I feel so fortunate to have decided to finally quit with Chantix. I know now that I will never again take a puff, not even one. Because I know what that will lead to – haven’t we all been down that road? Other times I have quit, I have said “I’ll just smoke when I drink.” I could do that for a while, but it led to lots of alcohol consumption, and a pack a day as time progressed.
I believe that sharing our experiences as we do here, is another important aspect of a successful quit. I have joined quitnet.com and love the interaction, plus love to hear all of your comments and experiences here.
Keep the faith!
Tina
As to the nausea . . . I found it very similar to morning sickness when pregnant. You live with nausea for a few months to bring life into the world – the baby’s.
With the Chantix, you live with nausea for a few months to bring life into the world – your own.
The freedom I got from just sucking up the nausea and continuing my quit far outweighs the discomfort of feeling queezy. However, after two months of Chantix I did stop taking it because I hated the nausea and didn’t have anymore cravings.
I admit to keeping the 3rd box of Chantix close by in case of emergency, but haven’t had to use it yet. It’s been a month or so being smoke free and Chantix free. I’m a believer that it was worth the discomfort of the side effects to free myself from the nasty habit of smoking which controlled my whole entire teen and adult life.
You can endure the side effects – every one of you!
Keep breathing free!
BTW, I’m up to an hour of cardio! As a smoker that was impossible.
Tracee
oh and all you men having nausea – maybe it will induce empathy for morning sickness.
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Day 8 first day a non smoker and this really sucks. I knew it was going to be hard but not this hard.I guess this is suppose to be easier with Chantix but I can’t stop thinking about having a cig!!!! How long does this last??????????????
-Heather
Heather,
don’t worry most of last night and even this morning I have been craving cigs, last night it got so bad that I went to bed earlier, just to sleep it off.
Well it worked lol and this morning I got as far as lighting one up, (what a mistake!!) It actually made me throw up!! Yuck!! and all this afternoon has been great I even had a glass of wine at my nons-smking friends house..
Heather you will get through this…
Giving you a BIG HUG, Carolyn
Heather:
I dont want to bring you down at all. I just wanted to tell you that next Sunday will be 2 months smoke free for me. I would have loved to smoke today, yesterday, any day last week or month. But I just don’t. It might be easy for you, but in my case it has been not a struggle, but a promise to myself to not smoke. I never break a promise. I hope that you do not have to struggle like I have. Good luck and may the force be with you!
April 7th was my quit day.
It is August 7th. Still no cigs. No Chantix either. Life is good.
Do I still want a smokie? Sure I do. Do I think about it. Yes I do.
Use the Chantix, use the support. Get off of it as soon as you think you are not going to smoke anymore. Be a guinea pig and use the support that Chantix offers, I’ve used the email support, and have at least looked at it, and it has helped. Exercise, or at least try it.
Just don’t smoke. Well that’s what I tell myself.
LOL
Jeff
Heather, I have to say I know exactly how you feel! I wanted a cig so bad this morning (day 2) but just sat down with my Special K instead and tried not to think about it. It’s funny, I can’t believe I didn’t smoke this morning – I can’t remember the last time I didn’t sit down on my deck with a cig, the paper and a starbucks frappacino. It’s a new day with new and different things in it! No more paper and no more frappacino for me!! You’ll find your different things too
I’m rooting for all of you! And Tracee, way to go with the hour cardio! I’m about all of 5 minutes but hope to catch up with you one day!
Hi Everybody!!! Thanks for your help!!!! You don’t know how it helps! Day 2 and still no smokes. I just hope it gets easier each day I’m at this!!! Lets keep this blog going it really helps a lot of people!
~Heather
For the first time since being on chantix I too experienced nausea. I have avoided this until now but I didnt follow my normal ritual. I normally eat a fiber bar and drink lots of water. I mean lots of water 20oz or even a little more. But I was busy so I just drank a little water and ate a couple of crackers. WOW was I nauseated. So as I have done for the last several years and have taught my kids to do also I popped a trusty peppermint in my mouth and sat down for about 10 minutes. Happy to report nausea totally gone. Peppermint is an old tried and true remedy for upset stomach. So yall get some mints and give it a try.Day 2 and still going strong.
Hi All,
I’m on my second real quit day. Heather, I was so depressed yesterday, my first day, when I got the craving and realized I couldn’t smoke. I made it though and have less problems today and no depression. Hang on, we can ALL do this!!!!!
I have had a couple of sleepless nights cause I think I took the Chanix too late in the evening. I have changed my eating schedule so I can take them earlier. I need my sleep more than I need cigarettes!!!!
I’m a failure!!!! I had a high stress afteroon with my kids and the stress got to me so I ran for the smokes!!! I had 2 and threw them out (cut them all up). I’m so upset with myself!! I guess just back to it again!!! I just hope my 1 and half of stopping were not a total waste and starting back again will not be so hard!!!
Heather, it happens. You have to believe it will work before you don’t run for the smokes at the first sign of trouble. It’s what you’re accustomed to doing. Self-loathing never made you quit smoking before. Here’s the question – did the smoking give you the same feeling it did before or did it leave you hanging? If it left you hanging that’s a sign the Chantix is working. If you can’t get the same feed you got before from the smokes then you will have to look for something else to do when highly stressed. Try a massive glass of water and a deep, deep breath.
A lapse is not a relapse.
Tracee
Day 17 of Chantix, Day 10 as a nonsmoker. Even with Chantix considerable help you gotta commit yourself to living hell . My hell is mental. And I would guess this will go on for quite awhile. I am not a one day at a time guy. I do not want to wake up every morning for the rest of my life saying to myself I will not smoke today….I just want it to GO AWAY. Now if that takes 3 years, whatever, thats o.k with me. A once in a blue moon craving o.k….But please at some point just GO AWAY!!!! Thats my hope at least. My commit is to my dad who passed away 4 months ago from cancer. Funny thing was we never smoked together, not once. I started smoking late (20), and he quit 30 years ago cold turkey. We only talked about my habit once or twice over the years. He did say once that ” We smokers….” This 25 years after he had quit. And also ” if you can quit for 6 months, you can QUIT!” So, while I visited his gravesite a few weeks back we finally had those smokes and a damn fine conversation to boot. I resolved to quit. Stuck a patch on my arm and a couple of pieces of nicotine gum in my mouth as l left his grave. On my fathers grave I swear…Yeah you guessed it. I was puffing away an hour into my drive home. He deserves better than that damnit. I signed on for the Chantix 6 month program. My doctor knows what a junkie I am. He didn’t even try to push the 3 month program. So heres to “we smokers”ending the junkie jive for whats important to each and everyone of us! Failure is not falling down, it is staying down. Mike
Hi Heather, Tracee is right, how did you feel after the cigs you smoked? (I hope like crap) I would tell you to not be so hard on yourself and just see this as part of the quiting process try to forget about the slip and move on to the next day.. Remember you would only be a failure if you did not even try to quit. Remember my little slip on day 2? I just try to imagine that it never happened . We are only human but at least we have Chantix to help us..
I woke up a little nervous this morning, not sure why. Maybe thats a side affect of Chantix as long as it doesnt go into an anxiety attack I will be ok with that, I used to get anxiety attacks all the time and had Fibromayalsia but luckily i found a vitamin and mineral regiman that worked for me, I just dont want it to come back. My cravings for nicotine have been managable yesterday and this morning. I have found that switching to tea instead of coffee in the morning helps me alot .. has anybody else had the nervous feeling with the chantix? Let me know
Hang in there heather …
Hugs Carolyn
I am such a loser! I read each and every blog here, and no one but me has confessed to not quitting. I am on day 12–and still smoking as usual. They don’t taste bad, I still crave and I am so mad! Maybe it’s just me–maybe i just don’t want to quit bad enough. I was so disappointed after day 7, I forgot to take the first pill (mostly because i can’t stand the thought of food in the morning) and now just wonder if I should keep on taking them. My addiction is so strong–Why am I seemingly alone in this?? Will welcome input!
Patti,
You’re not a loser. You’re a smoker. Addicted to smoking. That’s all. I mean, that’s pretty bad, but you’re not a “loser”. Obviously you’re not ready because you skipped the step where you DECIDED not to be a smoker anymore. You kept buying the cigarettes and kept doing your normal smoking thing. Of course you’re still smoking.
Way up there in my original post I talked about the other things I had to do to stop smoking
“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.”
Have you grieved for your rights as a smoker? Have you surrendered your identity as a smoker? Have you tried to replace your physical hand to mouth habits with other things?
Personally, I don’t think the pill will make you quit if you don’t want to give up smoking. Do you WANT to quit smoking more than you want to keep smoking? Do you really, really want to let go of what you got out of smoking?
If the answer is no, then go about your merry way as a smoker and try again next year. Unless, you’re like some of us who CAN’T keep smoking – say your kids are crying every time you smoke or your doctor has diagnosed you with COPD and given you a limited life expectancy. If that’s the case – put the cigarrette down right now, suck it up and quit smoking for God’s sake – and your own.
Yeah it sucks, but quit buying them. Make yourself go to the store and spend $5 every single time you want to cheat. If you don’t love your body enough, you’ll probably find some motivation in your budget. Shelling out $5 for every single cigarrette is a good “punishment” for your self to be aware of how chained to this smoking you are.
You can do this – if you want to. But, you don’t have to. This may not be the time for you. You could always think about why you still want to smoke for a few weeks or a few months and then try again later.
Tracee
Thank you Carolyn, Tracee and Mike for you words of encourgement! I’m starting over again today and saying “Today I start as a non- smoker”. I was hoping this drug would help me with the cravings, but I don’t think I’m getting much help with Chantix in the craving department. Mike, good for you to make that deal with your father!!! I’m sure he looking down at you and smiling!!!!
I’ll update later on how I’m doing! I’m a teacher and I’m going to keep busy by getting my classroom ready for my 30 smiling faces! Patti, let me know how you are doing!! Just listen to Tracee and say I’m done!!! Keep us posted!!!
~Heather
Terry,
How are you doing? Everything going Ok
~Heather
I slipped up also on Day 2 Heather, but it’s behind me and it DID NOT solve the issue that made me think of it in the first place. And it never will solve ANY problems so that’s that. I love what you said Mike about Failure is not falling down, it is staying down. Love that – thanks Mike! Just pop back up and stay committed!
And Patti, when you’re ready you’re ready. I smoked until day 15 and then stopped, then slipped, but still, I’m finding my way. Tracee is right, there’s alot of work involved in this, and we won’t know how worth it it is until we can look back a little bit. Just have to move forwards….
I am 60 years old and have been smoking for over 40 years. All my role models smoked, parents, other family members, movie stars, tv personalities smoked while singing, dancing, joking, etc. Cigarettes were advertised on tv! Smoking was a way of life so at 13 a friend of mine and I sat in the bathroom with cigarettes and water and forced the smoke into our lungs so we could be cool, grown-up, beautiful people.
I married, had two children and one with chronic asthma who begged me to quit smoking. Did I? No, it was all about me and what I needed to get through each day.
As people were informed of the dangers of smoking , I tried all the solutions for stopping the habit-group therapy, hypnosis, cold turkey(cause sooo many others could do it), gum, patches, whatever was available. Like some of you I was guilt ridden with failure after failure until I decided what a weak, lousy person I was since I couldnt do it.
Finally, a doctor gave me nicotine inhalers to help me wean off the cigs. It worked! Oh, how happy I was at 53- a non-smoker. Then, my husband became critically ill. Guess what? I called on my best friend again after 3 years and started cigs again.
At 58 and having low self esteem for not being strong enough to quit the damn things, I decided to just accept the fact that I was smoker who would die smoking. That way I wouldn’t feel guilty anymore.
Wrong! I still fely guilty and hid my smoking from everyone. I felt like a criminal as I looked around to make sure nobody I knew was around as I bought cigarettes. What a life. I have 12 grandchildren now and I don’t want them to smoke so I would take me time away from them to go sneak a cig. What a great role model cause you know they could smell it on me. I had been fueling my guilt and low esteem forever. Beating myself up for not being able to quit, etc. Finally, I got tired of it.
So, now an old lady ( with a young mind) with unattractive wrinkles around my mouth, yellow teeth, raspy cough, stinky clothes, osteoporosis, and whatever other health problems encouraged by cigarettes HAS QUIT!
You guys can do it with Chantix but as Tracee says you have to want to do it. My advice to you is keep trying but don’t waste as much time as I have with the smoking demon. We have Chantix now and I believe it can work but it will take a REAL committment and strength as a person and you guys have that strength. Cigarettes waste too much of our precious time being with the ones we love doing the things we love. I pray that God be with each and every one of us.
Sorry to go on and on but maybe my story will help one of you.
P.S. Do any of you have trouble with getting to sleep? Terry
Hello all…for those who have smoked once or more since their original quit day…..
my ‘quit meter says’ that I have not smoked for 65 days and have not smoked 1,950 cigarettes…however, that is not necessarily accurate..you see, I have actually not smoked 1,939 cigs in 65 days because I have had a few uneventful tokes and last weekend in Vegas, I smoked a few cigs at the tables…why? I don’t know…but my last one was Saturday night and this is Wednesday and I’ve not had anymore nor do I crave one. I had my last Chantix over a week ago and that was one pill with one four days prior to that.
I’m not suggesting that anyone follow this. I’m just being honest to myself and to others who have read my posts.
Do I need to start my quit day over? For me? Maybe…Sure.Why not..this is day one..I’ll join the rest of you who are just quitting…except most of you have longer than me now. You’re a success..
Keep up the good work.
Graham
I am so glad i found this site. The feedback and support is great.
I am amazed that my cravings are all but gone. I don’t have to have a smoke after dinner or with my coffee. My co workers are amazed and want their own prescription. My kids are even more impressed they have been around when I have tried to quit cold turkey. Not a pretty thing.
Today is day 8. I started the blue pills today
I have been smoking the last week but not as I usually do. I have been allowing myself several through out the day (6). This a 30+ year habit after all.
Yesterday I actually had cravings.
I am going to try harder not to smoke at all today. Trying to work through the whole getting in the car and lighting up finishing a chore etc. That is harder than anything, oh and trying to figure out what to do on my smoke breaks at work!!!!
Hubby started his chantax yesterday. He is very impressed with my results so far. I hope it works as well for him.
Side effects: cigarettes taste yucky, some indigestion and very strange dreams. No nite terrors I have to take a sleep aide anyway guessing it helps.
Patti-
Traci is so right, you might not be ready. Here’s a little test that helped me decide. When I wanted a smoke, I made myself ONLY smoke. No drink, no tv, no sitting down, no distractions. I actually stood in a corner to smoke… gave myself a time-out. After a few weeks of this, I could not stop thinking about all the other things that I could be doing instead of standing in this stupid corner, smoking a cigarette. That’s when I knew I was ready.
I am day 41 on Chantix, day 32 as a non-smoker. I’ve slipped a few times, but I’m still on the wagon.
Best of luck to you!
Margie
Tracee-
This is a great blog. I started Chantix four days ago and have kept waiting to “feel different”, but as of today I do not. It was wonderful to read about everyone’s experience, and I feel much better after reading through the blog. My husband has been smoke free on Chantix for 10 days now, and quit after day 7 just as the instructions tell you to do. I am concerned day 7 may be too soon for me, but I’m looking forward to the moment I notice I no longer have the cravings. I can’t wait to kick this stupid, stupid habit.
Terry, Thanks for your story! Quiting is not going to be easy! Like Mike said earlier, It’s 4 days of hell!!! Graham, I have read all your posts and surprised you slipped over the weekend. I’m proud that you are getting back in the swing of things and starting all over!!! I would not say you are day one into this. You have done a lot of hard work and that needs to be counted for.I like it was for you believe day 10 was my “magic” day. Although I still have the cravings they are much less intense today! I just hope that continues!!
Heather…you know, it’s funny…I didn’t have a craving then, nor I do now….I had 48 hours of just about all of my ‘instincts on rampage’. Blew my healthy eating, blew my budget, blew my non-smoking committment, and didn’t sleep.
Is that me? Naw. I’m back to the gym, eating healthy, sleeping, working and not smoking…
I do find it utterly amazing that once I did smoke that last one on Sat. night and said ‘ok that’s it’,
I haven’t thought twice about one..and no Chantix. Soooo…I almost didn’t mention it on here but being truthful is so important in breaking an addiction. If it helps someone else, so be it. As for me, I’m a non-smoker. And I know better than to ‘play ‘ with it.
Thanks,
and congrats to you–it does get easier.
Graham
Good for you Graham!!!! You give me hope. Being truthful to yourself and others is the key, I agree!
~Heather
Graham remember what happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas !! LOL
Proud of you for continuing and being honest..
Carolyn
I did not quit on day 8….I think I had my last cigarette on day 38 and according to the website, I am on day 208. I would smoke 1 or 2 a day for those first 30 days. I just couldn’t get past it mentally. Since day 38, though, I have not had to deal with anything too tough. I was ready.
Terry,
Powerfull stuff. But, criminals rarely care who they hurt…Guilty people always blame it on everyone else…You care deeply about the welfare of family and friends. No reason to ever feel bad about that. You were past, present and future, a winner. Mike
Hi everyone. I just took my first pill today and I really don’t know how to feel. I want to quit, but I love to smoke. I have doubts that it will work for me, but reading your messages has inspired me! thank you and good luck to everyone…including me!
Mike,
Thank you for your kind words and support. I went back this morning and read everyone’s comments again. You ALL have been so great at being honest with the negatives and positive about our goal. Thanks again to you, Traci, for getting us together.
Day 4 for me and I’m pretty miserable. I haven’t slept for 2 nights, tried to grocery shop in this fog(nicotine withdrawals?) and had to leave without getting what I needed. I couldn’t even remember my SSN yesterday. Today is somewhat better with that but hoping by Sunday these side effects will have tapered off, I think I have had them all.
Cheers to you all,
Terry
Terry,
regarding your problems with sleep, have you tried an over the counter sleep aid I take sleep ezz they are made by tylenol and keep me sleeping through the night.
Carolyn
Well, it has been 4 days without nicotine for me, cravings come and go some are a little stronger then others but I am coping with them as best as I can, Chantix has been a big help and I don’t think I could of done this without it. I went back to taking my anti anxiety medications after being off of them for a year and I feel alot better.( Boy, Nicotine really screws with your system!!)
How are all the other “Newbies” doing???
Hugs, Carolyn
Time Smoke-Free: 4 days, 10 minutes and 23 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 120
Lifetime Saved: 22 hours
Money Saved: $30.00
Carolyn,
Thanks for the sleep ezzz suggestion. I tried Advil PM last night and it didn’t work for me. Running to the store now.
I agree that the Chantix suppresses the cravings. I have had small cravings inbetween the nausea and I take deep breaths and it goes away.
DAY 4 AND I WANT MORE (nicotine free days)!!!!
Cheers,
Terry
I’ve just spent 45 minutes reading this blog/forum and I have to say THANK YOU!!! I quit 2 1/2 years ago due to a health scare, but my husband hasn’t been able to. Yesterday, the doc told him he HAD to quit and prescribed Chantix, so I’ve been doing research (Harry’s not computer saavy) Anyway, you have given me real hope to support him! We don’t have insurance, so it’s looking like Sam’s may be our best bet for getting them. Any suggestions for a hard-core addict with a hard head and a loving mate are appreciated!!
Oh… and to Graham… thank you. Reading your comments (which remind me alot of Harry) has given me alot of hope.
Excuse me for digressing but in response to Tina’s post, today is my fourth day on Chantix and I haven’t drank alcohol yet. I’ve been a daily drinker for a long time and like cigs, it’s a habit we all can do without. So far, so good. No alcohol cravings. I’ve read that Chantix MIGHT help curb alcohol use because it MIGHT affect the same neural receptors that nicotine MIGHT interact with (LOL!). Scientist have surmised that smoking and drinking go hand in hand and thus have a correlation (DUH!). Medical research is currently being conducted. Wish Chantix was available back in ‘04 when I quit smoking cold turkey. THAT SUCKED!!! Good luck to all!!!