I also used (still do) Chantix. The first time I tried it, I stopped taking it after a month and I relapsed back to smoking. Second time, I quit (July 20) and have stayed on Chantix and have NOT SMOKED! Yeah!
Here is what the drug does for me: 1) it relaxes me and takes the edginess away (not surprising as it is a derivative of the anti-depressant Welbutrin. 2) makes cigarettes taste horrible (which helps me) 3) I am sleeping well, but having lots of dreams 3) it reduces my desire for alcohol (used to love wine, but have slowed down alot) When I do drink, I have strange dreams and sleep poorly.
I have not stopped so I can't comment on withdrawal problems. I do plan to continue Chantix until I feel completely in the clear. I think that will be several months. I have previously taken Welbutrin and had no bad effects, so I expect the same for Chantix.
Overall, Chantix has been very good. I had tried hypnosis and gum and patches, but this is the first time I have felt like I am finally breaking free from cigarettes! And I have smoked my whole adult life!
So, good luck. Did you ask your doctor about slowly reducing your Chantix dosage? This is usually the best way to get off of anti-depressant meds.
I have smoked my whole adult life and thought I would die a smoker (like my parents). I have tried to quit numerous times (three in the last year!) and failed. I had tried hypnosis, patches, gum, zyban, etc with no lasting benefit.
My doctor recommended Chantix and it has been my lifesaver. For those of you who have not explored this option, check out the thread on the site about Chantix. It has killed my desire for a cigarette like nothing else I have ever tried.
I am smoke free for three weeks and believe I am pulling further away from ever smoking again! I still think about smoking from time to time but have absolutely no cravings or nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
If I can do this, you can too!!!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 21
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 315
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $63.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 22 [B]Mins:[/B] 17 [B]Seconds:[/B] 47
Hang in there Sullydog!! It took me three times over 16 months to get it right. I think you get stronger with practice!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 25
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 375
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $75.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 51 [B]Seconds:[/B] 49
Good for you! It took me three tries to quit, but I did it.
My best advice on eating is: 1)eat breakfast 2) walk or exercise and 3) avoid sweets. I know the last one is tough because food tastes so much better after you quit.
Hang in there!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 39
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 585
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $117.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 8 [B]Seconds:[/B] 41
Hi Starrider,
I used chantix and it worked! It killed my cravings and relaxed me.
Hang in there! In no time you will forget why you ever wanted a cigarette at all!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 39
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 585
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $117.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 11 [B]Seconds:[/B] 14
I am 7 weeks into chantix and SMOKE FREE for 5 weeks. It has really worked for me. So, I plan to ween off after 10 weeks - to one pill a day for the last week.
What is everyone's experience getting off Chantix?
Does the urge to smoke come back? Right now I can't imagine having another cigarette - EVER!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 39
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 585
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $117.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 12 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0
Way to go Dan! I thought I would NEVER be able to quit but I did - on the third try. My doctor prescribed Chantix to kill the nicotine urge and it did work. Since you are not smoking now, probably too late to start the medication. If you do fall off the wagon, DO NOT give up. Most quitter have some missteps.
I am clean for two months and not looking back at all and I feel great.
Hang in there
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 53
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 795
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $159.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 39 [B]Seconds:[/B] 8
Candi,
Hang in there! I quit for good using Chantix. It was my third attempt in a year and the meds really did work for me. Yes, you will sense a declining need to smoke so go with it. After two weeks on the drug, I lost interest in smoking and I had now physical withdrawal symptoms.
But, you have to tackle the habit and addiction. Like you, there were certain routines where I always smoked. Be aware of the triggers and tackle them one at a time. Within a week, I was really happy to sit at Starbucks (outside!) and not want to smoke. I am 10 weeks on Chantix and getting ready to taper off. I had some side effects (strange dreams, constipation) so drink lots of water and walk or exercise to keep your mind clear.
YOU CAN DO IT!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 53
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 795
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $159.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 46
Danno,
If you can stop without the meds, kudos to you! I was pissed that my insurance would not cover the $110/mo for Chantix, but its the cost of one pack a day! Hang in there and don't afraid to try the Chantix if it gets too rough solo.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 53
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 795
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $159.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25
Lauren,
I quit by using Chantx, too. I failed quitting twice before and using this med and it has saved my life. I am 12 weeks on Chantix and 10 weeks smoke free!! So, hang in there it will really help you get through it. Here are some of my side effects: 1)strange dreams 2) thirsty 3) constipation and 4) mild weight gain (2-3 lbs). On the plus side, it really calmed me down and killed my desire for a smoke.
I just saw my doctor and I will gradually reduce Chantix to one pill a day for two weeks then one every other day then zero. If your side effects are mild, stay with it for the 10-12 weeks. The first time on Chantix, I stopped the drug in 3-4 weeks and started smoking again.
There is lots of stuff posted on the site if you do a search for Chantix.
Good luck and way to go!!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/20/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 67
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,005
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $201.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 12 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 3 [B]Seconds:[/B] 33
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