Another Chantix 'lab-rat' checking in.... - Smoking Cessation Message Board

DeadFish · 02-16-2007, 02:48 PM

Hello for the first time and congratulations to all getting this far!!

I stumbled across this place while researching side-effects for Chantix and glad I did. I'm 25 days of taking it, and this is day 18 of no smokes.

I can truly appreciate the spirit and verve of you all in not only getting over this horrible addiction, but in transcending the 'quit experience' itself! I'm pulling for you all as much as you pull for every stranger that wanders in here.
I don't always know if the weirdnesses I'm experiencing are the giving up of the drug and habit or another undocumented side effect of Chantix. Regardless, in the pages I've read back, I see you all have had to carry your own 'cross' on this, and I'm determined to as well.
33 years of 2 plus packs a day, and I cannot believe how much I actually think of it in past tense! In my own experience to now, it is not like I really want a smoke, but that in any given instant, I don't want to feel '

like this'.
I've made it to 'day 21' before on patch, wellbutrin, and the American Lung Association programs, but in each had major sleep deprivation, where it was easier to start again than to quietly (or not so quietly) go mad.
When this issue cropped up again, my Dr. started my on Ambien, but even the controlled release only keep me out for about 4-5 hours. :/ Hopefully, this will keep my will up better than in the past.
I wanted to thank everyone once again, for the good will illustrated and spread here, as we also profit from it that merely read and lurk. I'm not always certain lately (in this quit experience) that what I am saying is truly what I mean, but I hope y'all get the drift.
I just know that this time my mantra has been 'Smoking is no longer an option', and I know it in my soul.
Now, how long until my body gets convinced???

I know it will work out as there are a whole bunch out there who've walked this path before. The thing that will keep me quit will be that I never want to have to walk it again!!
You all take care, and I'm sure we'll be chattin'.

Best Regards,
DeadFish

Kevin__ · 02-16-2007, 03:50 PM

Congratulations on your quit Deadfish and welcome to this message board!!!

I too am 30 days of taking Chantix, and this is my 19th day of no smokes after 30 years of smoking over two packs a day. I don't know about you, but I am really looking forward to this being a success story that lasts the rest of my life. I am flat out tired of smoking and could not believe how expensive it became.

I thought your description of Chantix "lab-rat" was pretty funny. However I had a slightly different take on it. After 30 years of smoking I was beginning to feel like an old Nicotine "lab-rat". Both the addiction and 30 years of nicotine's effects on your body is pure torture. I'll bet "lab-rats" get treated better than that. Any way, that was one rat race I was glad to be rid of...

I did quite a bit of research on Chantix before starting myself. With the exception of Wellbutrin, (which seems to make people jumpy and crabby all the time,) all the other options involved Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). None of the NRT remedies enjoyed a very high rate of success, rather they continued to feed the addiction with more nicotine. I would NOT quit cold turkey - that seemed like having dental surgery without the Novocaine. (Just like the old days - forget that...)

So I figured, why not get something else to help this quit be successful, last forever, and be less painful. My physician jumped for joy when I asked her about Chantix. Seems she had nine other patients that all quit successfully with it. She had the prescription filled on a Friday night between 5:00pm - 5:45pm. Honest, I've never seen a prescription filled that fast in all my life. Go figure...

Any way, Chantix has fully met, if not exceeded, my expectations. I still can't believe I quit smoking. It's not a miracle drug. It simply helped me to quit all on my own. I really thought it would be a lot harder to do, but it wasn't too bad at all.

You really hit the nail on the head when you stated "I know it will work out as there are a whole bunch out there who've walked this path before. The thing that will keep me quit will be that I never want to have to walk it again!!". I can really "own" that statement you made. I never want to go through another quit ever again.

To be honest with you, I really kind'a like not smoking any more. It really ran my life for me. Want to visit a store - gotta stand outside and have a smoke first. Eating dinner at a no-smoking restaurant with friends - gotta sneak out several times for a smoke. Making dinner was a real joke. Slice a tomato - have a smoke. Cut up some lettuce - have a smoke. Slice up an onion - have a smoke. 60 minutes to make a lousy salad and you haven't even started to make the main course yet. Sheesh...

Congratulations Deadfish, we're all rooting for you!!! Feel free to visit often and please keep in touch!!!

SanyBelle · 02-16-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadFish

I'm 25 days of taking it, and this is day 18 of no smokes.

Congratulations DeadFish, what a great decision to quit smoking!

I used the patch, I didn't use Chantix but still like to cheer you all on! Good luck and keep coming back and letting us know how you are doing!

Memaw649 · 02-17-2007, 12:12 AM

Deadfish,
Welcome to you!!
18 days smokefree.....wonderful accomplishment!!
What weirdness are you talking about? How are you feeling?

Here are the most common Chantix side effects:
headache, sleep problems, insomnia, unusual dreams, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, gas, weakness, tired feeling, increased appitite, unpleasant taste in your mouth.

And here are the most common nictoine withdrawal symptoms:
irritability, mood swings, restlessness, insomnia,
fatigue, inability to concentrate, sore throat, cough,
congestion, headache, increased appetite,
constipation, gas, stomach pain
dry mouth, sore tongue/gums, postnasal drip
tightness in the chest

I love that you found my favorite saying: Smoking is no longer an option!
It works, doesn't it? You keep telling yourself that.

Good Luck to you and please stop back and let us know how you are doing. Keep us updated on your progress to becoming a non smoker.

Memaw

chantypals · 02-17-2007, 05:58 AM

Deadfish - I think your quit is terrific and attitude exceptional! I think a whole bunch of the side effects are directly related to quitting. I've been off of chantix now for about two months and some days I can't sleep well or feel light headed, etc. I honestly think it's just our bodies repairing itself and things beginning to work. Dunno what to do with all this extra oxygen!!