Off I go on the Chantix 'coaster! - Smoking Cessation Message Board

joefarrell · 08-24-2009, 09:20 AM

Hello all,

I spent the first few hours of this am reading/researching posts, articles etc. to strengthen my commitment to quit. I began a prescription of Chantix this AM and I am excited to start the end of this smoking sillyness.

43 y.o. smoker for 25 years --realizing some habits need to change. I enjoy alcohol but will need to curtail that severely for awhile as that, along with morning coffee and post meal, will prove to be the some of the challenges. If anyone is currently in a similar situation, consider this a note of encouragement and I'd love to hear your observations/experiences.

Hopefully others will chime in to chat, otherwise please expect to hear ravings 'from the lunatic fringe' as I proceed!

Thanks in advance for listening.

Joe

KerryT · 09-03-2009, 10:40 PM

Hi Joe - I smoked for 25 years too. I tried the patch, the inhaler, the filters, and of course cold turkey (that was the longest 12 hours of my life). Recently my doctor told me she hasn't prescribed Chantix yet to a patient who wasn't successful with it. I was skeptical, but game. I didn't feel any effects the first few days. In fact, I kept smoking as usual. Then about the 5th day I realized I didn't want a cigarette as often. You're supposed to pick a day to quit, but that day came and went. I wasn't ready. But my doc reassured me and said she'd give me as many maintenance packs as I needed. So I kept smoking -- less, but still. Also I noticed I just wanted a puff or two then I was done. I went through 3 maintenance packs, then one morning I realized it was 11am and I hadn't had that morning cigarette. So I decided right then I was through. That was six days ago, and I haven't had one. Nor have I wanted one.

Some advice: it made my stomach hurt a little, so be sure to take it after meals. You may experience very bizarre dreams. And you may get gassy.

So good luck, my friend! I am so proud of myself for quitting. I feel so FREE!!!

Annastasia · 01-06-2010, 11:31 AM

Hi. I'm reading all the posts on Chantix because I am just now on day three. Since your post is from 2009, I'm curious about your status now. Did you quit completely?

single30nky · 02-18-2010, 01:24 AM

2-18-2010
I just started taking Chantix and I've had some really Nightmares. The nightmares seemed to last forever but i had only been asleep an hour or two and woke up crying. PLEASE be careful and have someone with you at night when your taking this medicine. I'm like you and want to stop smoking so very badly and have tried every other option. < edited >

paulagizmo · 02-20-2010, 10:26 AM

Let me tell you, Chantix can be great--it worked for my Dad: swore he would never quit(even with being on oxygen---COPD, emphysema) but when I quit from Chantix, he tried it and has been nearly 3 years smoke free. Me, I will give you the same advice I give everyone I know that is thinking of taking it: I tell the people that are in their life to keep an eye on them. I had no idea how much it was changing my personality until one night I cut myself with disposable razors and woke my bf up. That was the end of Chantix. However, going off it didn't help, my dr. put me on anti-depressions meds for about a year and that is about the timeframe it took to feel normal again. I quit for 6 mos. and it was easy and I do think it is awesome but the people around you need to know what to look for and signs that something isn't right. I took it when it was fairly new (way before that guy in TX went nuts and got himself killed). All I want to get out here, is make sure the people around you know that you're taking it and the potential side effects because you will NOT know. I felt great and was so proud of myself for quitting smoking I had no idea that my personality was changing. People in my life figured it was "hey, she quit smoking". Now they tell me "it just wasn't me". It was subtle enough that they didn't want to say anything but in retrospect they know they should have. I still believe it is the best thing out there to quit smoking and certainly works for some people but just be careful and most importantly, let other people know you're on it. I had none of the normal side effects (nausea, vivid dreams, etc.) but had states of absolute europhira and plummeting to severe depression/agitation. Be careful!