I took Chantix for a month before I actually quit smoking. I finally just didn't light up -- and it was okay. No withdrawal. No moodiness. No nothing. It was different getting into my car, because I'd always lit up at that moment. All the times I would have smoked were strange at first, but not even a big deal. Once or twice was all it took to not even think about it anymore.
It's almost like I have cigarette amnesia. Like I've never even smoked. After smoking for 24 years, I just quit 16 days ago, but I don't miss it at all. I don't get it. I'm almost worried about when I'm finished with the Chantix. I know there won't be withdrawals then, because I'm way over the nicotine addiction part, but when this alleged Chantix-caused "amnesia" goes away, will I go back to thinking about smoking? Will I be over it because I've changed my habits? What do I have to look forward to? Anybody know? Has anyone even experienced it this way?
This is my fifth week on Chantix, I actually stop smoking my first week, I only had two that week. Last Friday I was thinking about cutting it in half this week but I have to say today was the worst day I have had this whole past month. I can't really figure it out other that I was bored this am. I think it is going to take longer than I had hoped. Starting tomorrow I am going to start thinking as a non smoker and not counting every minute that I haven't had one. I hope I can get back to where I was. Don't mean to sound so down but today was hard. Hope you keep the feelings you are having.
I quit the same way on Chantix. It has now been almost 5 months and I haven't gone back to smoking. Every so often I'll want a cig, but nothing overwhelming. And i smoked for 34 years! It's like a miracle! I have put pon 15 pounds, but have had some seious sress in my life recently and never seriously considered smoking again. Hang in there.
I think boredom has a lot to do with it. The first two or three days of not smoking, I noticed that if I wasn't doing something, I thought about smoking. But the odd thing is that it didn't take anything at all to distract me and stop me from thinking about it. So surf the web. Clean a toilet. Eat a salad.
How long did you take Chantix? Knowing that I only have 2-1/2 weeks left of my prescription is making me a little apprehensive. From what I've read, Chantix works on the part of the brain that makes us think that nicotine is a good, pleasurable thing, but for me, it works differently than that. When I started the Chantix and I was still smoking, I enjoyed smoking as much as ever. Once I put the cigarettes down, though, the thought of smoking pretty much disappeared. It's unexplainable, except that I have to agree with you, it's been like a miracle for me, too. I'm anxious to see what the FDA says about Chantix in a couple of years.
How long did you take Chantix? Knowing that I only have 2-1/2 weeks left of my prescription is making me a little apprehensive. From what I've read, Chantix works on the part of the brain that makes us think that nicotine is a good, pleasurable thing, but for me, it works differently than that. When I started the Chantix and I was still smoking, I enjoyed smoking as much as ever. Once I put the cigarettes down, though, the thought of smoking pretty much disappeared. It's unexplainable, except that I have to agree with you, it's been like a miracle for me, too. I'm anxious to see what the FDA says about Chantix in a couple of years.
I am on my last day of my starter pack and I haven't felt any different. I am still smoking although I have cut down some. I was wondering when I start the second step will I not want to smoke or will I still want to?
msgbob46 - I was the same way as the post you are quoting. I had not felt much difference on the chantix, and I just thought what a waste of money, but the day I said OK, that's it, I didn't have any trouble at all. Hard to explain, but just pick a day, and say that's it, that's my day and don't wait until you forget smoking altogether. I'll bet you won't have any trouble either. I thought about it, but it wasn't like a thought that stayed with me and wouldn't let go.
Good luck to you!
I am on my second month, and I started to forget the evening dose so I only take it in the mornings. I quit on apr 22 so it is 41 days for me.
Melissa
Edited to add: Do you mean the first week you are on the last day, or the first month?
Last edited by carylene; 06-02-2007 at 09:49 AM.
Reason: Clarification
Chantix = Cigarette Amnesia? 
Re: Chantix = Cigarette Amnesia? 
