Champix aka Chantix/Varenicline

Poutbutton · 10-01-2009 7:24pm #1

So I got the prescription yesterday, bought the drugs today & plan to start on Monday. Has anyone used them before? How did it go for you? Pros/Cons? Side effects? Have you stayed off the cigarettes? Any opinions/queries welcome! :cool:

anonymousjunkie · 10-01-2009 7:30pm

Yeh, took em myself. Your meant to continue smoking on em for the first week or two anyway, you'll find that after a few days you don't get anything out of a cigarette anyway so it starts to be a little pointless smoking.

I stopped smoking the second week I was taking them. Found them brilliant, didn't really bother me not smoking at all even in the pub. I did start to get really cranky on them after a few weeks, and had some stomach upsets particularly after being on the beer.

Been off the smokes now about 2 months and delighted, stopped taking the tablets about a week or so ago and you do find yourself thinking about cigarettes a bit more than when on the champix but nothing so bad that you'd think of going back on the smokes.

Would recommend them to anyone.

Poutbutton · 10-01-2009 7:45pm

Yea I've noted a few people said they felt nausea while on it, the leaflet does'nt mention alcohol while taking it at all, I did wonder about that. I suppose there's only one way to find out...did you experience dizziness or sleepiness at all? I drive as part of my job, that side effect could be a problem if it occurs.

anonymousjunkie · 10-01-2009 7:47pm

Had no problems driving, was a bit worried about that myself as I commute on a motorbike, but it didn't affect me at all.

Poutbutton · 10-01-2009 7:53pm

I'm hearing all sorts from people afraid to try them, tales of sleepless nights, vivid dreaming or night terrors etc. Looking forward to feeling free of smoking so much that I'm going to give them a try. The doc said if you feel anything untoward you can halve the dosage or simply stop taking them so what the hey, I'm a trier. I cant remember what it feels like not to smoke at this stage, been at it since I was 14 what a bad idea that was!

anonymousjunkie · 10-01-2009 8:04pm

I did have a couple of weird dreams the first night or two but that was it, nothing to be worried about it. None of the side effects I experienced were enough to make me stop taking them, it was worth it to stop smoking.

Now its just a case of making sure I never have that 1 cigarette in a moment of weakness.

Poutbutton · 10-01-2009 8:13pm

Well done, I hope I can say the same thing in a few weeks.

DonnieL · 11-01-2009 10:58pm

Hi Poutbutton, I'm on day 7 with Chantix which means tomorrow is my quit date. To date I have not experienced any of the referenced side effects. The only difference that I've noticed is the desire to have a smoke has decreased already. I've been smoking for 50 years and I am so looking forward to being "clean".:) Maybe we can compare notes as we go along..

Poutbutton · 11-01-2009 11:17pm

Thanks thats great DonnieL & yes I'll check in here daily, see how we get on. I'm taking my first tablet tomorrow morning, also cant wait to experience not wanting to smoke. My pharmacist said I'll want to stop after 3 days or so, doc said you pick a day in the first 14 to stop....I'll let the cravings or hopefully, lack of them decide for me.
I've seen some videos on youtube by people using it & 2 say they did'nt need to continue for the recommended 3 months...interesting considering it'll have cost €300 at that point but it'll be so worth it in the longrun to be off the fags. Best of luck with your quit day tomorrow!:)

DonnieL · 11-01-2009 11:23pm

Hello again, I'm assuming that your in GB by your posts. I'm in Southern California and Cigarettes are $50.00 dollars a carton and up. I WILL keep you posted on my progress.

Poutbutton · 11-01-2009 11:35pm

I'm in Dublin, Ireland. A pack of cigarettes here costs €8 so roughly speaking, saving that for a year as a 20 a day smoker would be just under €3000! But the cost is less important to me, it's the health benefit I'm after. 24 years a smoker now & it's high time I stoppped, I hate the smell, the need to revolve what I do around having a cigarette, I simply dont enjoy smoking it's pure addiction for me.

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 12:26am

I see you're currently off line. I forgot to ask if you'd registered for Champix/Chantix's "Get Quit" support program. They email you daily as you progress through you first step (week) with suggestions and pointers for that particular day. I find it very helpful.

Bayan · 12-01-2009 1:23am

Hey Poutbutton, a mate of mine went on Champix last year, he was doing great. But he didn't stay on the Champix for the recommended time - he was understandably confident that he had kicked the habit. He's back on the smokes now but is starting on the Champix again in Feb. His advice would be not to get complacent! He found it quite easy though, so that's the good news!

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 11:28am

DonnieL wrote: »

I see you're currently off line. I forgot to ask if you'd registered for Champix/Chantix's "Get Quit" support program. They email you daily as you progress through you first step (week) with suggestions and pointers for that particular day. I find it very helpful.

I went on the Get Quit site, it's very good. Unfortunately, you can only register with American/Canadian bought chantix as you need a code. However, in looking it up I came accross a myriad of other support sites so thanks for the heads up DonnieL, I dont think there is a European version of the site.

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 11:31am

Thanks Bayan, that's interesting, I guess your friend is proof that the recommended 3 months is there for a reason.

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 11:42am

I just popped the first pill!

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 3:20pm

Great! Hang in there. I'm having my first morning coffee without the smokes!:rolleyes:

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 3:38pm

Great, I'm off work with flu getting better now, still smoking but only til I feel I dont want them anymore. Did you rid your home of all cigarettes? I reckon I'll have a bit of a ceremony dumping ashtrays & lighters etc. Hope your 1st day goes well smoke free!

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 3:47pm

That's funny! I came down with Bronchitis when I started and of course the smoking only made the coughing worse. No I haven't got rid of the cigs yet. I put them all in the freezer because I still have about 8 packs. $$$$$$$$ It hurts to flush money down the toilet! I'll try donating to a smoker friend. Or, try selling back to the tobacco shoppe. =^)

12-01-2009 3:55pm

I gave up with Champix last year - it took me two attempts (I "relapsed" on holidays - don't think you can have "one"). Definitely stay on them for 3 months and when you are stopping Champix it's better to "wean" yourself off them as opposed to stopping immediately. You can do this by cutting down to 1/2mg a day for a week, 1/2mg every second day etc. Other things - I got by on taking 1mg once a day instead of the recommended 1mg twice a day. If you take the tablet with food you shouldn't have any probs with nausea. I stopped smoking after about a week of taking champix.

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 3:56pm

Ha Ha, I never knew you could freeze them! I'd be too tempted if I had them at hand. I got sick last wednesday, I had been boasting that I had'nt had 1 cold for the entire year of 2008 then Blam! I got hit hard. Our lungs will thank us for the Champix experience I think

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 4:00pm

Hi Glasso & thanks for the advice. I took my first pill this morning with my oats & have felt no nausea so far. Yes I have read the same from others in so far as never letting slip by fooling yourself into having "just the one", I'll keep that in mind when I get to that stage.

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 4:19pm

Right now I'm still getting over the bronchitis. So right now the quit date is helping. Maybe I can get through a night with coughing my fool head off. Have a smoke for me while you can! ha! ha!

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 4:24pm

I should'nt tease you but yes I'm having one right now.

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 4:33pm

That's OK my friend! A good test! Well I'm off to shower and vacate before my cleaning people get here. Keep in touch!

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 8:21pm

Well I gave myself the ULTIMATE test! I went to Starbucks, took my coffee out on the patio, and watched people smoke. Believe it or not it, it didn't bother me, and I had NO desire to have a cig!

Poutbutton · 12-01-2009 8:38pm

Congratulations! I almost feel guilty seeing as I'm allowed to still smoke :rolleyes:

DonnieL · 12-01-2009 9:28pm

Don't feel guilty! Indulge while you can! I was going to say "enjoy". But at this juncture at think the "indulge" is more appropriate! =^)

DonnieL · 13-01-2009 7:14am

Well it's after 10:00 PM California Time and I made it for day 1! Even had a couple Whiskey and 7's before dinner. Heading for bed now to see what tomorrow brings. Good Night "QuitMate" =^)

Poutbutton · 13-01-2009 1:33pm

Thats great your first day over and not even tempted with a whisky! I think we all expect the first day to be the worst, well done sir!
I hear you have strict no smoking laws in California, we have them in Ireland a few years now too. Some pubs have even had to close as they lost so much custom due to the ban. Most public venues have built beer gardens for the smokers, they even installed outdoor heaters to keep the punters coming.
I remember standing on the pavement outside Logan airport in Boston some years back having my last smoke before the 2 hour checkin wait and 5 and a half hour flight back to Dublin, with no smoking area in the airport.
I lit up and was promptly told I could not smoke inside the yellow line painted on the footpath by a guy in uniform, I looked at the yellow line and "beyond" it was the road one foot on it & I was almost hit by a limo speeding by! Very clever - you basically just could'nt smoke anywhere in the vicinity!
Bans are all for the good though, I enjoy the clearer air in pubs & restaurants.
Reading back over that....I have a feeling I'll be one of those people who detest the smell of smoke once I become a non smoker

DonnieL · 13-01-2009 5:47pm

Good Morning, I'm now up and having my first cup of coffee. Today I'm not going to push the buttons like I did yesterday. I was just testing my will power.
Today I'm going to concentrate on keeping busy.
Yes, California is one of the toughest in the States. There are some beaches where you can't smoke with other public beaches trying to incorporate the ban also.
I think my cousin has just picked up her perscription too. When I emailed her that I was on my quit date, she said: " your better than me, I "forgot" to take my first pill". (notice forgot) ha! ha!
I got my prescription just before the Thanksgiving Holiday then with the Christmas Holiday coming I thought "why put yourself through that" so I procrastinated and vowed to make it my New Years Resolution! How's that for rationalizing!:rolleyes:

Poutbutton · 13-01-2009 6:08pm

Those were some tests! It'll be good to have your cousin on board, someone else to compare notes with. I think my friend might try it if I have success, he's afraid of the side affects, especially the ones which say you can sink very low if you're so inclined. I think some people sink low when off the smokes anyway, he certainly did when he tried using the patches. I think you need a positive outlook to start with. Well, I had a mild headache all day yesterday and again today but I think it may be this flu that I have, it and a little disturbed sleep, like waking every so often but again, I'm out of my normal routine being off work so that could be the reason I woke a lot.
I'm going back to work tomorrow regardless so as the days go on & the virus leaves me hopefully the headache will too unless it's down to the champix.
so, roll on Monday when I can test myself! You mention beaches in your post....I've got California weather envy now!

DonnieL · 13-01-2009 6:16pm

Yes it was unseasonably hot here yesterday. 88 degrees.

I honestly think what you're feeling is from your case of flu. I haven't felt any side effects from the Chantix/Champix so far. I had a bad night last night but it from this bloody bronchitis cough.:(

Hang tough my friend. Did you take you second pill this morning?

Poutbutton · 13-01-2009 6:23pm

Yes I agree it's probably the flu, a few more days & I should feel normal again. Yes I took my 2nd tablet my halo shineth. Our weather has warmed up a little the past 2 days from mainly frost the last 2 weeks to now just cold! The sun did peep out today though. Best of luck on your 2nd smoke free day

DonnieL · 13-01-2009 6:45pm

Good, now take care of that flu. Are you staying down pretty much with lots of fluids? Will you listen to me, sound like a nursemaid. Anyway take care of yourself and keep it up.. I'll keep you posted.:P

DonnieL · 14-01-2009 7:36am

Hi,
well today was an interesting day. I live in a townhome not to far from Disneyland. There are about 4 sycamore trees around my place that drop these barbed balls when the wind blows and of course we've been having the Santa Ana Winds(that's why it's been so hot)
I saw the mailman coming with his cart so I got a broom to run out and clear the sidewalk but was to late. He'd already capsized his mail cart.
When I finished clearing the sidewalk I went to come the house and found I'd locked myself out!! I had to wait until I spotted a neighbor coming home from work then he called a locksmith which took nearly an hour.
I was screaming for a SMOKE!! When It was all over, I decided to keep busy and try and forget the smoke. I MADE IT! I'm still clean. Even though I'm out $80.00 for a Locksmith. Well I'm off to bed while I'm "clean". Nite..

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 4:17pm

What a disaster and to think you were doing a good deed while all this happened. Plus the €80 dollars on top ouch. I need to call a locksmith myself have a broken key in my patio door a few weeks now.
I can only imagine the temperatures you are experiencing, it's cold and miserable here so I can only dream of thoses san an winds.
4th day on champix & it's beginning to kick in, I am acutely aware of the smell of the smoke now and they are beginning to taste like cheap imported cigs. The sensation reminds me of when I first began trying smokes out they tasted awful (why I started I'll never Know) so thats a good thing. Tonight I take the first of the double dosage per day so it'll be interesting to see how I go over the next few days.
Well, if you did'nt give in after yesterdays bad luck I assume you are feeling proud of yourself! Has your cousin started yet? I'm getting closer to quit day...the nerves are there in the background but I cant wait to test myself.

DonnieL · 15-01-2009 5:59pm

Well, I'm still hanging in there. Last night was strange. I had two separate "vivid" dreams that I was smoking they were so real I actually woke up thinking "what the hell am I doing"!! Wierd. I'll be honest and let you know if I "slip up". But so far so good and actually get some stuff done around the house to keep busy. Keep up the good work! I guess you're back to work now. Hope it's going ok.

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 7:36pm

You're doing good. I tried to post yesterday but for some reason it kept logging me out when I posted. Yep I'm back to work since yesterday, a full on day with meetings & an afternoon of driving - working then driving back again, I think i was 3 hours driving in total not including the commute! No stress though everything fine & I'm glad to be busy again. I'm dsliking the taste more and more. I've sensed some nausea when I smoke but not enough to make me stop yet.
Wow you had vivid dreams, thats what my friend was talking about. I used to get night terrors, usually quite horrific with snakes or rats in my bed (AGH! :eek:) I have'nt had one for a long time, 2 years since I had one. I think they were stress related mostly. I hope they dont come back!
When you think about it, giving up smoking after such a long time doing it must be like cuttng off your arm. Roll on Monday and keep up the good work.

DonnieL · 15-01-2009 7:47pm

The dreams aren't bad just vivid. When I was working I experienced a lot of what you refer to as "night Terrors". I've been retired over a year now and still have occaisional "nightmares" about the old job. I've seen on other threads where people described their dreams as "vivid" also. It was funny because I actually woke thinking I'd been smoking.
You seem to be getting more effects in your first week than I did. The only thing that I noticed was toward the end of the week I didn't feel the force to go out and have a smoke. I quit smoking in the house several years ago after I went through and washed all the walls and curtains and what a job that was. Been smoking in the patio ever since.
Well keep up the good work. You have an advantage because you have work to distract you from the smoking urge.

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 8:01pm

Yes I would smoke less in the working day persay but believe me there are plenty of opportunites when I'm going from palce to place, thankfully I'm not stuck behind a desk all day. The trend to smoke outside is normal for me too, it does ruin houses and fabrics etc.
I had night terrors from my early to mid 20's mainly if I had a high temp or was particularly worried about something but I think I've learned to deal with stress better these days. I wrk in social services with children so it can be challenging at times but for the most part I enjoy my work & the kids are great.
If I do get night terrors everyone will know about it cos I scream blue murder & have no recollection of it the next day, the only way I know I've had one is if I remember the dream itself or my throat would hurt! Ah the mind is a very strange thing!

DonnieL · 15-01-2009 8:07pm

Ah, Congratulations. You have a very rewarding Job working with Children and not being stuck inside behind a desk. I retired from a Large Space and Defense Firm where I was a Procurement Specialist. Lot's of stress and pressures.
Hang tough my friend. Today I'm supposed to be "Carbon Monoxide" free! =^)

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 8:15pm

Interesting. well, here's a thumbs up to clean oxygen running through your veins!

DonnieL · 15-01-2009 8:18pm

This time next week, you'll be there too! I pray to the Holy Father and Blessed Mother ever night to give me strength to see this through!

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 8:20pm

I'll remember you in my prayers too!

DonnieL · 15-01-2009 8:22pm

Oh by the way, someone sent me this link and I found it a very timely inspiration.
http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 8:30pm

wow that guy is amazing! Very moving piece of film. Here's a piece I like, not inspiring just nice!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2ljWwIaHs

DonnieL · 15-01-2009 8:39pm

That was beautiful. It brought a tear to my eye! My Dad and all his brothers were in World War II. Plus I love Piano although I never learned to play.

Poutbutton · 15-01-2009 8:45pm

Yes it's beautiful, it's by Yan Tiersen, from the film Amelie he has many beautiful works using piano and accordian, which most people think they dont like but when you hear him play it is amazing! I like to play it when I'm pottering about the house or in the bakground while surfing the net. Well, I have some baking to do for my nieces for tomorrow, gonna let them ice their own cup cakes tomorrow evening, they love getting messy & eating the results! so stick with the champix & I'll check in tomorrow. Hope your cough is getting better.

Terry · 16-01-2009 2:15am

Just popping in to say fair play to both of you.
You both seem to be doing really well.

I'm wary of champix myself due to the other medication I'm on, but am seriously considering taking it.
You both seem to be coping quite well with it.

DonnieL · 16-01-2009 7:07pm

Thank you 3Being, today is day #5 without cigs. I think about it then occupy my self with something else. Day four you supposed to have the carbon monoxide out of you system. I have notice the cough from my bronchitis has subsided considerably the last few days where I'm actually able to sleep at night.

Champix aka Chantix/Varenicline

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