Champix - anyone tried it?

dorothyb · 22-05-2012 3:02pm

The problem with Champix is that we are all different and react differently to the medication.
I attended an anti smoking group and started the course of Champix
I took the tablets for 3 months. I had various side effects but I really wanted to stop smoking and tried not to dramatize about them.
Vivid dreams,nausea, insomnia, mood swings, awful wind which caused me endless embarrassment. however I finished the course and stopped smoking feeling very pleased with myself and convinced that I would never smoke again.
I felt so confident that when someone offered me a cigarette I accepted .That once was all I needed to start the habit again and within a week I was back to 20 a day.

I tried again with Champix for the second time but without attending the group therapy and again I stopped for 3 months. in that time I put on 8kg in weight my clothes didn't fit. I looked fat and uncared for, not the healthy non smoking person I inspired to be.

I started smoking again on purpose in order to loose weight I lost the weight and was back to 20 a day.

Third time and I have got it right at last.
I bought a 20 tablet (1 mg ) packet of Champix .and I have made my own therapy based on the side effects and experience I had the first and second time.

Day 1 2 3 4 half a pill once a day (just to get me started) still smoking

Day 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 half a pill twice a day (building up the dosage ready for the big stop day) still smoking but not as much

Day 15 my STOP day 1 pill twice a day

Day 16 17 18......... 1 pill twice a day
A this stage the side effects started again, sleepless nights, mood swings, nausea, vivid dreams.... so I decided to radically cut down the dose
I hadn't smoked for 4 days and I didn't feel that I needed to.
Day 19....34 half a pill a day

The one packet has been enough.It has got me through the initial starting period and with this reduced dosage I haven't had any desire to smoke I think that I had so many problems before because the dosage didn't suit me it was far too strong.
I am still smoke free and intend to stay so this time,
I am also watching my weight lots of fruit and vegetables and have cut down on pasta potatoes bread and sugar.
If this will help just one person I will be delighted!

Lt. Palumbo · 24-05-2012 11:08am

Hey all,

I'm sure there's enough of both inspiration and warning in this thread but I'd like to contribute my own if that's alright.

While champix pretty much worked for me, it's been about 2 and a half years since I was on it and aside from some minor periods of return (a month or two here or there) I've been alright and in a weird sort of way it's been easier getting off after those small slips now than it was before the champix, but that's got it's um...kooky-ness too, I'll explain that in a bit.

So, the side effects I had; aside from the nausea, which was bearable enough for me, I had a bit of a psychological disconnect from reality, sometimes in a euphoric way, sometimes in a depressed way, sometimes I would just have the very low level feeling that I was dreaming when in fact I was awake (which is grand if you're in front of the telly, not if you're crossing the road)

So while it worked for me, I never fully recommend it to friends, because I see how it might be dangerous, you always need to keep an eye out for erratic behaviour and maybe have someone else 'spot' you because honestly even though I saw the way it was affecting me, I was kind of disconnected, I didn't care.

Now, as to the mini relapses over the last two years and why they seemed easier to get off. For some weird reason (perhaps the champix changed my brain chemistry for good!) when I stop after a period of smoking again, I don't crave a cigarette, what I do get however is a directionless craving and anxiety, it's like the craving and anxiety of not smoking is still there but it's target in my brain is obscured from my view.

To conclude; It's risky but it worked for me, I would never want to have to do it again, so I really don't want to get hooked again

maxxuumman · 29-05-2012 8:14pm

Hi all,
New here but I'm desperate, so here goes.
Have been smoking now for 15 years ( since 21). My smoking has been building up and I am now smoking 40 a day. My health and energy levels are in the pits. I have no interest in doing anything. i have tried everything to give up, to no avail. So Champix was my last hope. I started on the Champix 26 days ago, the first few days I felt very very very exhausted. Other than that I have had no side effects from Champix. No dreams, no nausea, no bad taste, nothing. Okay, so far so good. My problem is that it is having no affect on my cravings to smoke. I have cut the cigs down to 20, and I have basically cut out the coffee, those two went hand in hand. Now smoking 20 instead of 40. But I can't get below this number. I have started to read Allen Carr, I am finding this a big help. I'm also chewing gum ( not nicotine gum, ordinary gum ), this is a big help also. But I can't get below the 20.
Has any one else experienced this. I'm desperate, any advice greatly appreciated. I need to stop smoking, they will kill me.

billyduk · 30-05-2012 12:46am

All I can say is be careful. This drug is extremely effective as an aid in quitting smoking but should not be taken lightly.

I was on here about 2 months ago looking for the same answers you were. While scouring the internet I came across all sorts of horror stories of suicide, depression and anxiety from many boards in the states. I'm a bit of a sceptic when it comes to Yanks and their stories as they seem to have a taste for the over dramatic. I decided to go ahead and fill out my prescription and give this drug a try. Here's my experience:

- After a couple of days I noticed that I only smoked about half a cig and threw the rest away.
- After about 5 days I was down to 5 a day
- After one week I only smoke about 2 a day
- After 8 or 9 days I began to become irritable.
- After 10-12 days I noticed marked behavioral changes including compulsive and irrational behaviour and increased sensitivity to minor everyday problems. Friends began to notice I was different and behaving irrationally (I'm lucky I have friends who were concerned enough to tell me).
- After 2 weeks I began to feel like I wasn't in control of myself and started to wake up with slight anxiety. At this point I came off the drug because I felt it was having an effect on my mind.
- In my first week off the drug my anxiety and behavioral/personality changes increased 10 fold.
- 1 week off the drug I ended it with a girl I was dating for about a month (who I actually quite liked) over text on a whim and rang 90% of my clients and told them I would be ceasing trading as a result of the economic climate despite the fact that business was booming (what the ****!?!?).
- Spent the following week being really weird and obsessive with the girl I ended it with including essay like text messages. Mild depression ensued.
- Went to my GP who prescribed me Diazapam initially but my anxiety had reached a point that I couldn't function as a human being (Even on diazapam) so I was then prescribed Xanax and anti depressants (I never filled out the anti depressant prescription)
- Began crying for no reason at various stages of the day.
- I began seeing a councillor believing that I was going through a life crisis.
- 3 weeks after coming off the drug my anxiety began to decrease so I stopped taking the benzo's and battled through the mild to medium anxiety and depression with exercise and socialising.
- 5 weeks later and I am back to normal and wake up happy and calm but with a foggy memory of most of April and half of May. When I recall these events its with a certain level of personal detachment. Its like a story someone told me rather than something I experienced. I'm also incredibly embarrassed by my behavior.
- This week the councillor noticed the same marked change in my behavior that my GP did. They both have agreed that the most likely cause of my 5-6 weeks "meltdown" is a neuropsychological reaction caused by Champix (this is their hypothesis) based on the facts presented and the rapid acceleration and deceleration of symptoms without long term treatment. I'm being monitored by my GP at 1 month intervals to

This is what happened after two weeks on the drug.

What happened to me is my own fault. I suffered from Major Depression in my early 20's and knew the risks that came with this drug of a repeat neuropsychological reaction. I went to a different GP and lied to get the prescription. I lost my business and, although not a major issue, a relationship. This is life and we pick ourselves back up and drive on. It has been a blessing in one way becuase it has forced me to defragment my life and put it neatly back together and i now have more focus and drive than before this happened. A lot can happen in 6 weeks!

My advice is that this drug is extremely effective for those it is suited for, but extremely damaging for those that its not. If you have any history of mental illness from depression to anxiety, DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. If you have no history then consult your GP about the risks and side effects and make an informed decision on whether this is the right course for you. I made the wrong decision and it was a scary 6 weeks!!! My only saving grace were my friends and the fact that I had experienced mental illness before and was aware of the symptoms enough to stop taking the drug.

** THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO SCARE PEOPLE AWAY FROM TAKING CHAMPIX. CHAMPIX WORKS FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE EVERY YEAR. IT IS EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE FOR THOSE IT IS SUITED FOR.

jgbyr · 30-05-2012 9:15am

maxxuumman wrote: »

Hi all,
I started on the Champix 26 days ago, the first few days I felt very very very exhausted. Other than that I have had no side effects from Champix. No dreams, no nausea, no bad taste, nothing. Okay, so far so good. My problem is that it is having no affect on my cravings to smoke. I have cut the cigs down to 20, and I have basically cut out the coffee, those two went hand in hand. Now smoking 20 instead of 40. But I can't get below this number. I have started to read Allen Carr, I am finding this a big help. I'm also chewing gum ( not nicotine gum, ordinary gum ), this is a big help also. But I can't get below the 20.
Has any one else experienced this. I'm desperate, any advice greatly appreciated. I need to stop smoking, they will kill me.

Hiya, sounds similar to my situation.
I had decided to stop on day 14 of taking the champix.Approaching the day I found that my desire to stop had not decreased though the cigs didn't taste the same. I continued to smoke my 20 a day until day 21 & then decided I had to stop.
The thing to remember is the champix won't make you stop,only you can do that, but it will mean that once you do you won't feel like smoking (if that makes sense)
It is difficult to make the step but it is worth it. Once I stopped I found immediately that I didn't feel like having that next cigarette. Obiviously you need to decide mentally that you don't want another cig.
I am now just over nine weeks off them & although I still get moments when I think I would like one, the majority of the time I'm ok. I have just finished the 3 month course of champix & I think its important to take them as directed.
Personally I had no side effects at all,maybe I was lucky.
Best of luck.

Stefan_Cork · 30-05-2012 11:57am

Interesting to mention are the side effects too:

As of July 1, 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration requires Chantix (varenicline) to carry a black box warning, the agency's strongest safety warning, due to public reports of side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal actions.[9]

All info here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varenicline

But your doctor will tell you anyways, especially about quite high amounts of depression, nausea and suicide rates, aswell as small amounts of Cardiovascular disease. Its his job and your doc will balance it risk-benefit wise and should educate you if he doesnt work for pfizer.

Anyways its very informative link above to get closer to the whole picture.

I have highest respect to all of you quitting the evil stinkies and hope
you all get healthier and live longer.

regards

kleine_schwein · 01-06-2012 2:45pm

Anyone been on Champix while on psychiatric meds at the same time? or is it a complete no-go?

I'm on prozac, chlorpromazine and diazepam at the moment (antidepressants/antipsychotics/benzodiazepines... for anxiety/depression and other lovely mental issues).

Got patches already but they are making me so itchy, and the chewing gums make me shudder when I taste them!! have friends who tried the tablets and did really well so I'd love to give them a go!...

Stefan_Cork · 01-06-2012 2:54pm

I do highly recommend to talk to your doctor about this in first instance.
I wouldnt go by "recommendations" in your case.

Safety first

NATLOR · 15-06-2012 12:55am

Just a quick update,am over a month smoke free now, well chuffed, finding the tablets hard going though,crazy nights, little sleep.feeling detached,5 weeks of tablets left, will stick it out, its SO worth it.

celticcrash · 15-06-2012 1:48am

kleine_schwein wrote: »

Anyone been on Champix while on psychiatric meds at the same time? or is it a complete no-go?

I'm on prozac, chlorpromazine and diazepam at the moment (antidepressants/antipsychotics/benzodiazepines... for anxiety/depression and other lovely mental issues).

Got patches already but they are making me so itchy, and the chewing gums make me shudder when I taste them!! have friends who tried the tablets and did really well so I'd love to give them a go!...

Talk with your doc first, I dont think your doc will put you on them as they might not go well with your other meds. You might have to find another way.

spoofilyj · 02-07-2012 11:01am

Well I jsut said I'd pop in to give an update on my progress.
I stopped smoking four weeks ago after being on Champix for two weeks, I fulfulled my first prescription of the tablets.

To be honest though the only side effect I had from the tablets was very vivid dreams, I stopped taking the champix tablets once the prescription was done and I dont intend to go back on them if I can help it.

I think they are great as I have never been off cigrettes longer. It gave me the step and help I needed to get off them initially but now that there is no nicotine in my body I think I'm ok to go on not smoking with out the tablets.

There have been days where I really want a smoke and days when I dont think about the blasted things at all. Its not the easiest but its not torture either.

I have been out to the pub four or five times since I quit and been in the smoking section with smokers and I've been fine with it, and all my friends understand and are supportive but the smoking area is still great for chats and I'm not changing how I interavt with people only what I put in my body so being able to handle the smoking area is great.

I'd say that I'll never bee free of a tiny bit of desire to light one up but with my wits about me I think I'll be alright.

Best of luck to anyone in the same situation.
If you are thinking about trying to give up I would just go for it. I procrastinated for ages before giving up but now I feel soo much better every day...

clicli · 03-07-2012 11:42am

I started Champix two weeks ago today, and quit a week ago today. This is the longest I have not smoked in years, and it has been so easy compared to any other attempt. The only side effect I have had isnausea just after taking the tablet, even with food so the pharmacist suggested taking Mottilium to settle my stomach which has worked like a dream.

I am so proud of myself for quitting, and I know now I will never smoke again. To celebrate I am starting Couch to 5k today, and my taste buds are kicking in and all I want is chocolate! I don't to want to put on weight due to quitting.

Best of luck to everyone else, and if you are thinking of using Champix, talk to your doctor about it

Take the first step, I am do glad that I did!

trellheim · 03-07-2012 11:38pm

Still here. Champix in July 2007; still off the fags 5 year later

No it wasn't easy but nothing worth having is, now is it ?

killacat · 13-09-2012 10:42am

My 14 days is this Monday so 4 days time and haven't really felt less of a desire to smoke but getting some of the effects, like dreams, poor sleep,bad taste, detachment... Really disappointed cos was hoping this would be a magic solution!! Am I being premature, might it kick in yet??

Mur1 · 13-09-2012 3:47pm

killacat wrote: »

My 14 days is this Monday so 4 days time and haven't really felt less of a desire to smoke but getting some of the effects, like dreams, poor sleep,bad taste, detachment... Really disappointed cos was hoping this would be a magic solution!! Am I being premature, might it kick in yet??

Ya I was the same, smoked just as much up to the day I quit. I went to day 19. Into my 3rd day off them now which is not a lot yet but going good:-). I couldn't manage to even get through a day cold turkey and God knows how many times I tried. Champix helps so much. It makes the impossible feel like a walk in the park.

gimli2112 · 13-09-2012 3:59pm

killacat wrote: »

My 14 days is this Monday so 4 days time and haven't really felt less of a desire to smoke but getting some of the effects, like dreams, poor sleep,bad taste, detachment... Really disappointed cos was hoping this would be a magic solution!! Am I being premature, might it kick in yet??

I smoked for over 20 years and never considered giving them up. Went on Champix thinking "This is never going to work" It certainly reduced the cravings somewhat fairly early on but you still really have to want to give up.

I stopped smoking fully after about 20 days. Six weeks in broke down and smoked a whole weekend. They were the last cigarettes I had & that was over two years ago. Still get cravings and wouldn't mind one now but to be honest quitting is the best thing ever.

Hope you stick with it. Quitting's not easy and I don't envy you but well worth it, if you can.

georgygirl · 19-09-2012 6:56am

Hi all. This is my first time in a forum. But I just need to hear some support on kicking the habit. I'm on day 16 of taking champix, and still have not found the strength or will power to pick a quit day. I've read lots of posts of the people who have succeeded, and I take my hat off to you :-) i'v just turned 40 and wish to stop smoking for my health and children more than anything. It breaks my heart when I read posts, saying that they have stopped and feel fantastic, Makes me feel like a totally addicted idiot, who is weak with no guts or willpower. The thing that makes me angry is that I know I can do this...and to be rid of the guilt and judgement I put upon myself would be bliss. I just have to take that first scary step on my own. It would be nice to hear from people who have felt this way, but have acheived the dream of health and happiness.

Michael Weston · 19-09-2012 7:21am

georgygirl wrote: »

Hi all. This is my first time in a forum. But I just need to hear some support on kicking the habit. I'm on day 16 of taking champix, and still have not found the strength or will power to pick a quit day. I've read lots of posts of the people who have succeeded, and I take my hat off to you :-) i'v just turned 40 and wish to stop smoking for my health and children more than anything. It breaks my heart when I read posts, saying that they have stopped and feel fantastic, Makes me feel like a totally addicted idiot, who is weak with no guts or willpower. The thing that makes me angry is that I know I can do this...and to be rid of the guilt and judgement I put upon myself would be bliss. I just have to take that first scary step on my own. It would be nice to hear from people who have felt this way, but have acheived the dream of health and happiness.

Why not pick one week from today,you could come back here and leave updates that way you wont feel alone. I actually felt sad giving them up as stupid as that sounds.

Nine months off them and I will never touch them again.

You can do this and you will feel so much better without them.

Best of luck.

georgygirl · 19-09-2012 9:21am

Thanks Michael. I will have to pick a day soon. And your right, it's like giving up a long time companion, who has done nothing but taken from me. I will keep my progress updated, and hopefully very soon I can celebrate being in the land of the non smoker :-)

slarkin123 · 19-09-2012 2:16pm

This is my third day off the smokes using champix . Im actually finding its not too bad at the moment. I've tried to give them up twice before but was a complete failure.

I had being warned by 3 members of my family who had terrible side effects. Bit luckily enough I've not had any yet.

jamescc · 20-09-2012 9:36pm

slarkin123 wrote: »

This is my third day off the smokes using champix . Im actually finding its not too bad at the moment. I've tried to give them up twice before but was a complete failure.

I had being warned by 3 members of my family who had terrible side effects. Bit luckily enough I've not had any yet.

i had one side affect i could not not sleep for a few nights.
a glass of warm milk helped , i am 10 weeks off them now .

killacat · 20-09-2012 9:51pm

gimli2112 wrote: »

killacat wrote: »

My 14 days is this Monday so 4 days time and haven't really felt less of a desire to smoke but getting some of the effects, like dreams, poor sleep,bad taste, detachment... Really disappointed cos was hoping this would be a magic solution!! Am I being premature, might it kick in yet??

I smoked for over 20 years and never considered giving them up. Went on Champix thinking "This is never going to work" It certainly reduced the cravings somewhat fairly early on but you still really have to want to give up.

I stopped smoking fully after about 20 days. Six weeks in broke down and smoked a whole weekend. They were the last cigarettes I had & that was over two years ago. Still get cravings and wouldn't mind one now but to be honest quitting is the best thing ever.

Hope you stick with it. Quitting's not easy and I don't envy you but well worth it, if you can.

3 days off them, definately easier than any other time I've tried, early days but hopeful...!

Asiaprod · 21-09-2012 8:06am

Gee I'm an Admin and never noticed this Forum:o

Smoked for 30+ years, Used Champix, now clean for 6 months. Great product. NO desire to ever go back smoking. Only side effect I suffered was an inability to fall asleep easily. I am not sure how this product is handled over seas, but here in Japan its got from a doctor and there is a 2 weekly medical check up for weight and lung capacity, I think for me watching my lung capacity increase incredibly is what kept me on the right path.

georgygirl · 23-09-2012 1:07am

Hey I'm hearing you. I'm on day 21 of taking champix but still smoking. I'm probably smoking more now. I think we're we might be going wrong is just picking a quit date and bite the bullet.

slookie · 24-09-2012 10:00am

You need to bite the bullet. I quit on day 14 as I new I would be out that night...still only smoked 3 or 4. Off them 2 weeks now, and easiest thing I've ever done.

Hats · 24-09-2012 12:59pm

Hi All,

Read this forum before I took my first tablet. Was a bit worried about the possible mood alteration side effects, as I suffer from depression. But warned a couple of friends to keep an eye out for changes to my mental state, and am happy to report that 22 days into the programme, I'm as happy as larry, and smoke free since day 5. I haven't had any of the side effects, apart from day 1 when I felt a little queasy - I have taken the tablet with food since then, and no problems.

I would encourage anyone who wants to quit to try these tablets, after smoking for 11 years - its really easy. The first few days off the smokes requires some will power, and I was like a demon on my 4th day, but since then its been easy sailing. I have had the occassional craving, but they aren't strong and don't last long - I even spent the night in the smoking area on Saturday without the desire to have a cigarette with my friends.

Best of luck to all who have quit, or are about to.

lukesmom · 24-09-2012 1:06pm

Tried champix about 4 Years ago and it made me lose the craving for smokes 100% but stupidly one weekend I smoked anyway and that was it, back to square one. I take my hat off to everybody who has quit or is in the process. I feel guilt when I look at my children and I might go down the hypnosis route as it really worked for a pal of mine

Asiaprod · 24-09-2012 1:26pm

Hats wrote: »

I even spent the night in the smoking area on Saturday without the desire to have a cigarette with my friends.

Isn't that the strangest thing. Same here. I thought I would have to steer clear of smokers and places people smoke... No problem. That I really appreciate.
The other thing, by way of encouragement, is I never realized how horrible smokers smell, or how bad the smell of nicotine on my clothes and in my house was.

orlamcnevin · 25-09-2012 9:44am

Day 2 on Champix...Does everyone wait the full 14 days before quitting? Is thats what's recommended?

slarkin123 · 25-09-2012 10:05am

orlamcnevin wrote: »

Day 2 on Champix...Does everyone wait the full 14 days before quitting? Is thats what's recommended?

I stopped on day 8 and am still off them a week later.

drunkmonkey · 25-09-2012 9:19pm

orlamcnevin wrote: »

Day 2 on Champix...Does everyone wait the full 14 days before quitting? Is thats what's recommended?

If wait until day 14 to quit you'll still be smoking on day 15, either give up around day 10 or keep smoking until you give up, but do not stop taking the tablets or skip days.
I gave up on day 30 something, still happily off them 5mts later, could never go back full time smoking again. The thought of having to take the tablets again for 3mts is enough to stop me thinking about smoking.
Don't quit the tablets regardless of how much you want to or the side effects. The side effects of staying smoking are a lot worse, i've some friends pushing up daisies that will testify to that.

orlamcnevin · 25-09-2012 10:40pm

drunkmonkey wrote: »

orlamcnevin wrote: »

Day 2 on Champix...Does everyone wait the full 14 days before quitting? Is thats what's recommended?

If wait until day 14 to quit you'll still be smoking on day 15, either give up around day 10 or keep smoking until you give up, but do not stop taking the tablets or skip days.
I gave up on day 30 something, still happily off them 5mts later, could never go back full time smoking again. The thought of having to take the tablets again for 3mts is enough to stop me thinking about smoking.
Don't quit the tablets regardless of how much you want to or the side effects. The side effects of staying smoking are a lot worse, i've some friends pushing up daisies that will testify to that.

Thanks for that. I thought the general rule of thumb was to quit on day 14 of taking the tablets. I have that date in my head now as quit day so am going to stick to it. Good luck everyone!! Am going to keep reading this thread as a motivator! Well done to all you now non-smokers!

mitsybaby · 25-09-2012 11:59pm

I stopped on day 21 because I was reading Allen Carr's book as well and it was real easy! Only side effects were the thirst and strange dreams.. But nothing too mad.. I'm off them over 2 years now!!

hellodolly · 03-10-2012 7:42pm

CHAMPIX DOES WORK!!! I am off the fags three years this Friday!!!! All thanks to Champix and the Alan Carr book!!

I had TERRIBLE insomnia on it...but I went back to the doctor and she gave me sleeping tablets and I stuck it out as long as I could and as soon as I came off the Champix my sleep returned to normal. My symptom was so rare though, hardly anyone gets it on Champix as far as I know.

Good luck to all!! I have saved over 10,000 euro in three years just by not smoking!!!

slarkin123 · 04-10-2012 12:49am

hellodolly wrote: »

CHAMPIX DOES WORK!!! I am off the fags three years this Friday!!!! All thanks to Champix and the Alan Carr book!!

I had TERRIBLE insomnia on it...but I went back to the doctor and she gave me sleeping tablets and I stuck it out as long as I could and as soon as I came off the Champix my sleep returned to normal. My symptom was so rare though, hardly anyone gets it on Champix as far as I know.

Good luck to all!! I have saved over 10,000 euro in three years just by not smoking!!!

Congrats thats a great achievement. I'm just over 2 weeks fully off them and i must admit its not as bad as i thought it would be. I do get a few headaches but that could also be put down to 3 kids.

orlamcnevin · 08-10-2012 12:37pm

Day 1 today. Feeling pretty good so far.
Felt too weird being at my desk for the whole morning so grabbed a coffee and read by book for 5 mins.

I think the trick is to think about something else as soon as it enters your head!

_blank_ · 09-10-2012 10:51am

I've not smoked in a year, thanks to champix.

I was at the gym last night, getting an assessment done. Part of that was a lung capacity test.

I was delighted to be right in the middle of an average reading for a man of my age.

Last year I wouldn't have been

killacat · 12-10-2012 11:09pm

gimli2112 wrote: »

killacat wrote: »

My 14 days is this Monday so 4 days time and haven't really felt less of a desire to smoke but getting some of the effects, like dreams, poor sleep,bad taste, detachment... Really disappointed cos was hoping this would be a magic solution!! Am I being premature, might it kick in yet??

I smoked for over 20 years and never considered giving them up. Went on Champix thinking "This is never going to work" It certainly reduced the cravings somewhat fairly early on but you still really have to want to give up.

I stopped smoking fully after about 20 days. Six weeks in broke down and smoked a whole weekend. They were the last cigarettes I had & that was over two years ago. Still get cravings and wouldn't mind one now but to be honest quitting is the best thing ever.

Hope you stick with it. Quitting's not easy and I don't envy you but well worth it, if you can.

Off them 3 weeks, happy days!! Stopped taking the champix after 3 weeks, 1 week after actually stopping because the lack of sleep and teeth grinding was driving me mad, but off them and going strong...

francooper1 · 25-10-2012 7:46pm

Elvis Pelvis wrote: »

Don’t know much about the lolly pop method, but if it works for you go for it. I gave up smoking about 6 months ago, with the help of Champix. I was smoking for about 16 years or so, and i had my fill of the horrible things. First thing in the morning, i was looking for a FIX, and then a big mug of sweet coffee. One day i just got it in to my head, i have to stop this madness. The price of the things as well, if i was to save the money i could have a new car under me bum.

Let me just say firstly, giving up is hard, but continuing on smoking is not an option...”its an addiction”

I went to me doctor... I said. Doc, I want to give up these horrible things. The only time i see you doc, is once a year with a chest infection, and that’s largely down to smoking 20 a day. He said alright, try CHAMPIX. So i did. First week i smoked and took Champix. Second week, I smoked less and took Champix. Third week, i couldent look at a smoke, let alone stay in the same room as someone smoking.

I felt a bit off the first week, kind of sickly feeling in the pit of my stomach, second week, i was feeling a bit detached from reality, this actually lasted for a few weeks. Third week, i was totally and utterly off smoking. i had no real side effects apart from vivid dreams of all sorts.

i was put on a 12 week course of Champix, but after 8 weeks i stopped taking them. i have never looked back, and i will never put one of them smokes near my lips again.
i have tried many time to quit, and this time i know its for good. what ever the Champix does, it re programs you into thinking smoking is not nice and makes you feel kind of sick, i compare it to a clockwork orange, when they reprogrammed Alex so he could no longer harm people, minus the eye clamps of course.

My lungs defiantly feel much better, but from time to time i feel i cant take a deep breath, sometimes i wakeup feeling short of breath and have to get out of bed and occupy my mind with TV or something. I think this is normal, as it seems to be the body clearing out all the poison from the lungs.

Smoking is an addition not a habit. Habits can be broken very easily, addition needs a cure. Anyway, that my few penny’s worth on the subject.

Cheerio

Thanks for this information iam on day 6 and still smoking but not enjoying them apart from the nausea i feel like iam drugged or removed from reality or spaced out i hoping this wont last as i want this to work

francooper1 · 27-10-2012 10:59am

emer12 wrote: »

susanweir wrote: »

Go for it. Am almost 8 months off them thanks to Champix. Smoked 20+ a day for 30 years. Gave Champix up soon (after a month) because I couldn't stand the side effects, but I reckon that is so much better than smoking. My husband still

smokes in the house and I succeeded. [/Quote

Well done you I really want to give up may I ask of they were expensive. , in comparison to ciggies !!

did the side effects include fatique and feeling removed from reality i feel like spaced out i keep thinking i will go for a cigarette but then cant be bothered

francooper1 · 27-10-2012 11:05am

iam feeling really weird on these tablets spaced out and demotivated i have delayed reactions i really dont like the feeling but i have cravings for cigarettes but cant be bothered to have one ... so maybe its working most people just seem to talk about the nausea which iam experiencing also but i can ive with that if it means i stop smoking

Dubsta · 01-11-2012 8:11am

At day 10 now smoke free! 2 more days left of my starter pack not sure if ill need any more! Smoke for about 19 years n never wanted to quit but I think my lungs were slowly but shurly going to give up on me and at 32 smoking 24-28 cigarettes a day was not going to better that by any means! Also the financial aspect of it!!

Keep coming with the good news stories, I started reading this thread when I started taking the tablets and can honestly say the stories have me the extra push I needed!

Well done everyone! C

jessie5 · 01-11-2012 6:14pm

Hi guys can`t beleive Im on day 4 of not smoking, have to say day 3 was a bit wierd as I could not get the cigs out of my mind. I have smoked for 30 odd years now and first time giving up thanks to champix. I have to say it hasnt been too hard, think tablets take the edge off..fingers x I can do it.

m'lady · 01-11-2012 6:51pm

jessie5 wrote: »

Hi guys can`t beleive Im on day 4 of not smoking, have to say day 3 was a bit wierd as I could not get the cigs out of my mind. I have smoked for 30 odd years now and first time giving up thanks to champix. I have to say it hasnt been too hard, think tablets take the edge off..fingers x I can do it.

Weird was just looking at box of champix trying to decide when I'll start them! What day did u come off can I ask?

jessie5 · 01-11-2012 8:21pm

m`lady i started tablets 17th oct and picked 29th for my give up day.. its tells you to pick between day 8 and 14 to give up the fags.. Definately go for it you wont regret it.

jessie5 · 04-11-2012 6:19pm

oh god ive had a bad day ive smoked 3 cigs after been off them for 7 days.. if feel so bad. any advise anyone

slarkin123 · 04-11-2012 6:32pm

jessie5 wrote: »

oh god ive had a bad day ive smoked 3 cigs after been off them for 7 days.. if feel so bad. any advise anyone

Don't feel bad. There's nothing harder than giving them up. You made it a week so you know you can do it. I've found hard sweets are a life saver to have around. I like the lime ones cause once you pop one in your mouth the taste takes your mind off the cravings fairly quickly.

jessie5 · 04-11-2012 7:41pm

Thanks for your support Slarkin i need to get out to the shops and get some hard boiled sweets.. ive also been reading Alan Carr again which has got me back into the right frame of mind.. heres hoping..

gimli2112 · 05-11-2012 9:12am

jessie5 wrote: »

oh god ive had a bad day ive smoked 3 cigs after been off them for 7 days.. if feel so bad. any advise anyone

I'm off them since January 2010. About 1/2 way through the champix course I broke down and smoked a ton (maybe a 100) over a weekend. Haven't had one since. It's not easy but well worth it.

daybyday1 · 15-11-2012 1:52pm

Hi to you all,

Congratulations to all of you!

I was a smoker for ten years and no matter what I smoked a pack a day. I couldn't control it at all. I was very very addicted. Started taken Champix 4 March 2012, and quit smoking on the 21st. Champix helped me control my urges and truly i dont think i would have made it without it. No side effects except the vivid dreams. My life change completely without having the disgusting habit of smoking, controlling it. This forum also helped me through this process and this is why i m telling my story, hopefully to help others. I know it helped me immensely. For over 6 months I was doing amazing, I was very proud and so happy to be free. I would go out to drink and didnt crave it, i would go through arguments with my boyfriend and didnt need it anymore to "calm me". It was really great!
Unfortunately, a bit over a month ago i was out for a drink with a friend who smokes and i don't know what i was thinking but i smoked and have been increasingly doing so since!! I dont know what to do now! I feel so so stupid and bad. I cant believe i am bad here. All of my bad smoking habbits returned like these 6 months never happened! I ve been smoking secretly from most of my friends and family cause i do not want to make it official cause i do not want to smoke anymore but here i am again. I try everyday not buying cigarettes but i cant help it and at some point i go out and buy. Do i go back on champix? To be honest i really dont want to but i tell myself everyday that today is the last day and i m putting my foot down and comes tomorrow and i still cant control it.

Champix - anyone tried it?

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