Champix - anyone tried it?

dutchempress · 06-07-2011 11:01pm

hey people and all those ex-smokers (im so proud and envy you!!)
I attempted to quit smoking with champix 2 1/2 months ago, I started to take the 0.5 in the morning i did take it with food feld so horrible i thought i was going to through up all around in the office *but i never actually threw up though.. I stayed a good hour after breakfast in the bathroom just in case.. ( i did blame it on the breakfast served at the cantine at works.. but now that i am reading this post it could be the tablet..) but on night 3 i couldnt sleep after 12 hour day at work normally i eat dinner have tea read a bit and sleeep ( sleeping is my hobby) so this was strange day 4 same thing happened and day 5 i was feeling irritated (maybe lack of sleep) so with the advice of my mom i stopped taking the tablets.. i do have to say that before i started taking them i already had strange ideas because 2 friends in canada had very suicidal thoughts.. but 3 i know quit so i was positive but kept this in mind...Maybe its the negative ideas, maybe its the thoughts who knows but i do want to be an éx-smoker!!
so here is my question hopefully someone can help me so since i cant afford (sorry i really cant, and have 2 cartons of smokes laying here) i thought id try to quit again and by the time i finish the carton i should be smoke free and donate/throw the other one out..) can i cut up a tablet since i took the first week already? so that i take half a tablet in the morning for 3 days than 1/2 morning 1/2 evening for the other days till its time to take 1 full in morning 1 full at night?
hopefully someone could answer me

i do not have a medical card etc so a walkin clinic is 55 euros...and for this silly question i would prefer i dont have to spend the money ..i dont really have..
THANK YOU!!! SO MUCH for whoever shouts out

eobphotography · 06-07-2011 11:19pm

just phone the doctor who prescribed it to you, you dont need to pay again to get advice about your prescription.

eobphotography · 06-07-2011 11:21pm

failing that ask the Pharmacist who gave you the pills.

dutchempress · 07-07-2011 11:12am

thanks guys since my doc is in canada incl pharmecy i dont want to risk it and will go to a doc here

Orion · 09-07-2011 11:25pm

Folks. Champix is a prescription drug and cannot be just given away legally to someone else - and certainly not on boards.

Medical advice can also not be asked for or given on boards.ie.

I've just deleted a few posts offering packs of champix and offering medical advice (apart from the only advice allowed - talk to your doctor/pharmacist.)

Please report any further posts offering to give away prescription drugs or looking for medical advice.

Silver Shark · 17-08-2011 2:01am

started taking Champix nearly 3 weeks ago and have no problems so far thankfully, I am now 8 days smoke free and my husband is 2 weeks off the smokes thanks to Champix. Worth a try if you are desperate to stop and can't but I would advise to take your doctors advise first regarding possible side effects, thankfully I've been fine - only experienced the slightest queasiness for a couple of day. You do still need willpower but I definitely think it is a lot easier with these tablets just don't expect them to miraculously make you stop craving altogether.

Silver Shark · 17-08-2011 2:06am

I meant to say I have been smoking 20 a day for 34 years and I did it so you can too!

ewanalex · 17-08-2011 4:59pm

Just an update, really, believe it or not I am still not back on them!! I still shock myself when i find myself in situations where i would normally light up without thinking! I know others on here have said you need willpower too, but in my "personal opinion" (most certainly not medical

) i truly believe willpower on my part was very limited, if i had to use any willpower i would be back on them, as i have none! And we are just about to start building a house and its been a stressful few weeks i cannot believe i havent been tempted!
Fingers crossed this is it for me! Hope this encourages someone else.

Delancey · 21-08-2011 10:22pm

Last week after over 20 years of 20 a day I realised I no longer enjoyed smoking . Went to the Dr. and asked about Champix but he said only as a last resort given that it has been linked to severe depression in some patients.
Have been using 7 or 8 pieces of 4mg Nicorette gum daily for a week and I'm amazed how easy ( relatively speaking ) it has been.

susanweir · 21-08-2011 10:27pm

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.

emer12 · 22-08-2011 4:27pm

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 !!

susanweir · 23-08-2011 7:19pm

Hi Emer,
No not expensive compared with smoking! When I got my prescription they cost about 90 euros for a month's supply with a DPS card. But they were well worth it IMHO.
Good luck!

emer12 · 23-08-2011 8:36pm

susanweir wrote: »

Hi Emer,
No not expensive compared with smoking! When I got my prescription they cost about 90 euros for a month's supply with a DPS card. But they were well worth it IMHO.
Good luck!

Thanks Susan I will Deff ask doctor re them

Brandog · 23-08-2011 10:40pm

I'm a month as a non smoker thanks in part to champix.Tried most of everything else over the years but this gave me the edge to finally boot the buggers to touch.Still not a walk in the park mind but i don't smoke today!!!:)

emer12 · 24-08-2011 7:59am

Brandog wrote: »

I'm a month as a non smoker thanks in part to champix.Tried most of everything else over the years but this gave me the edge to finally boot the buggers to touch.Still not a walk in the park mind but i don't smoke today!!!:)

Well I have an appointment with doctor today got up this morning and haven't had a ciggie yet ( normally would have had three now ) will keep yous posted I'm glad I came across this thread .

liltara · 26-08-2011 4:45pm

hello people im on day 13 of champix and im still smoking as many ciggies ,im hoping when my dose increases i will not feel the need for a smoke

liltara · 26-08-2011 4:48pm

all the best at the docs

emer12 · 26-08-2011 6:32pm

liltara wrote: »

hello people im on day 13 of champix and im still smoking as many ciggies ,im hoping when my dose increases i will not feel the need for a smoke

Well done im day 2 lol

liltara · 26-08-2011 6:54pm

just ad a big mac now i want a ciggi grrrr the champix dont seem to be working for me im on day 13 ,,i start my higher does in the morning

emer12 · 26-08-2011 7:16pm

liltara wrote: »

just ad a big mac now i want a ciggi grrrr the champix dont seem to be working for me im on day 13 ,,i start my higher does in the morning

Go for walk , take your mind off it , it's in de head

liltara · 27-08-2011 9:44am

morning everyone ,well iv started my 1mg this morning im hoping its gonna kick in soon cos im still smoking ,when are they going to taste horrid

John Mason · 29-08-2011 9:12am

liltara wrote: »

morning everyone ,well iv started my 1mg this morning im hoping its gonna kick in soon cos im still smoking ,when are they going to taste horrid

they never tasted horrid to me - i just didnt want them anymore

liltara · 29-08-2011 8:39pm

evening everyone well im on my 16th day and iv finally dont have much desire for a ciggie although iv been having a few puffs on one .iv had 6 fags today thats really good for me as i usually smoke at least 30,when i having a few puff i dont seen to enjoy them anymore ,i gone past my quit date but oh well at least iv cut right down ,hope you all doing well look forward to more posts.

liltara · 29-08-2011 8:41pm

does any one know off any other champix chat groups

missmaw · 11-09-2011 12:59am

Into my 12th day on starter pack and Second day off ciggies

Haven't had longings for them at all but as I said it's only been one day. Didn't notice much difference when on .5mg a day. A few days into the 1mg/day, I really started to notice a drop in how many I smoked, down from 15 to 5-6 a day and could barely finish half the cigarette. From day 9 on start to really feel sick if I smoked one and can't stand the smell when other people are smoking.

I have been fine with side effects so far, stomach has been only slightly upset but I have a weak stomach anyway.

Feels too good to be true so far but fingers,eyes and toes crossed it keeps going well

liltara · 13-09-2011 10:38pm

its been 2 weeks , im smoke free,,oh its better if you log into facebook and look up champix theres more up todate chat on there you can help each other all the best folks x:):)

parrai · 16-09-2011 7:27am

The problem with those electronic cigarettes tho is you are puttin nicotine into your body, your brain is actually goin mad cause it's getting way more nicotine than if you were smoking.... It's counter productive.

parrai · 16-09-2011 7:50am

saliviya jonathan wrote: »

Hi parrai,
For your kind information electronic cigarettes are available in different strength level that can be varied from higher to clear down zero. So its all depends up to you that how much quantity of nicotine you want to take. Electronic cigarettes are only a source by which you can limit your nicotine habit.

Yes I know this, I tried them, but you cannot fool your brain... Your brain knows it is still getting nicotine, and this is a powerful chemical... the only way to quit smoking is to quit smoking! I smoked for 20 years, I loved them... I could NOT quit, you know the reason why? I didn't really want to, as simple as that. Those electronic cigarettes didn't help me to quit, they just made me consume more nicotine, because I wasn't smoking and my brain knew it, so I wasn't getting the same kick, so what did I do? I was 'pulling' on it more, this was driving me nuts, cause I was taking in more nicotine, which was making me 'jittery'... Sorry buddy, but in my opinion they're no good...

In the end, I realised that the only way to quit, (for me) was to want to...
I'm 7 months off them now, I still get the occasional craving, but it is just a fleeting thing, I know I don't want to smoke...

parrai · 16-09-2011 7:57am

saliviya jonathan wrote: »

Hi Parrai,
I don't know why electronic cigarette not worked for you. I think these cigarettes are far better than tobacco cigarettes and i think you know the side effects of cigarette with tobacco cigarettes.

Are you selling them?

parrai · 16-09-2011 8:10am

saliviya jonathan wrote: »

No, but I have experiences over these. I feels that electronic cigarettes are better than regular tobacco cigarettes. It is also very helpful for those who want to limit their nicotine habit.

Yes, but not when it gives them false hope... They are a waste of money... think about it logically, the addictive side of smoking is not the 4000 chemicals, it's the nicotine. Now what are these electronic cigarettes? They are a delivery method for nicotine... ie you cannot quit with them! If somebody wants to quit, why would they want to waste money on this type of system, when all they are doing is 'kicking the can down the road'.

parrai · 16-09-2011 8:40am

saliviya jonathan wrote: »

As you are saying that regular cigarettes contains 4000 chemicals and tobacco,ash and carbon monoxide and other also. According to health surveys the main reason of heart attack is consider tobacco. Then how can you say that electronic cigarettes are not safe. Apart from that electronic cigarette does not produces smoke that is its outstanding feature.

No I'm saying that carbon monoxide is produced along with ash as a result of the 4000 chemicals being burned which produces the smoke, which when inhaled creates the heart problems and also Cancer (mouth, lung etc.). The chances are, if you smoke the electronic cigarette, that as a result of feeding your brain, nicotine, that you will NOT quit...which after all is the purpose of people visiting this forum. There are no tests carried out to prove that electronic cigarettes are safe, after all, there is still a puff of smoke off them, who is to say what is in it!!!

Bottom line is, while you will not be smoking as much when you use an electronic cigarette, you won't quit, because you are still inhaling nicotine, feeding your brain that which it is ADDICTED to... therefore, like any drug, the only way to defeat the addiction is to quit feeding it.... Yes, it is difficult, but I can assure you that 60% of it is willpower... First, educate yourself about what it is the cigarette is doing to you physically... This way, you know what is happening when you are quitting. (ie why do I feel anxious, angry, nervous, jittery, touchy etc, the full spectrum of emotions associated with your brain being deprived of the seriously ADDICTIVE chemical) Secondly, set a date, be firm, prepare, throw out all things associated with smoking, everything...

Drink as much water as you can.... Flush your system of all the chemicals... Then be prepared for all what I call 'The Firsts'
The first time you eat, the will be no reward at the end of it. So after this, the first time you have a drink at the pub, the first disagreement you have with someone, the first drive in the car, the first time someone sparks up in front of you.... basically all the times you would normally reach for a cigarette, be aware of them... cause if you don't, your brain will be talking you into feeding it what it wants!!! You and you alone know you want to quit... This has to be the way it is... you must be firm... If you can master all these things, and be aware of all the signals of when you are going to 'keep your brain' in check, you WILL quit...

You cannot do this if you are puffing on an electronic cigarette, cause you are giving your brain what it wants...

pancuronium · 16-09-2011 8:59am

Lads your dragging this conversation off topic....................I think this topic is currently on champix or should be anyway start a new tread if you wish to discuss e-cigs................

I'm currently taking champix & am now smoke free for the past 5 weeks

I smoked approximately 20 per day for 17 years & decided to give the champix a go after many failed attempts, only side effects that I have suffered is mental dreams, few headaches & sick feeling for approximately 30 min after taking my tablets.

I believe that champix is not for everyone but I think if you’re serious about giving up the cigs then there well worth a go. might be worth pointing out here that champix don't just make you not want to smoke you have to want to give up & willpower is defiantly required first week that I stopped smoking I recon I could have killed someone for one but wasn’t as bad as I taught it would be now I get cravings maybe every 4 - 5 hrs if even & they last 10 - 20 seconds nothing you can’t handle.

I think what stopped me getting them months ago was the fact that it was going to cost me 60 euro for the doctor & 120 euro for the tabs but I just bit the bullet & got them last month.

First month savings:
Doctor = €60
Tablets = €120
Total Cost =€180

Total monthly cost of smoking = 31 days * 8.65 per pack = €268.15
First month saving = €88.15

Not that this makes any difference but honestly I’d swear by it

If anyone has any questions please don’t hesitate to ask
Pancuronium

gimli2112 · 16-09-2011 9:15am

I smoked for 20+ years and gave them up using Champix on 21/01/2009.
Had never tried giving up before.
About 1/2 way through the programme I broke down and smoked (heavily) one weekend but then stopped on Monday and haven't smoked since.

Think different methods work for different people and everyone will have a different experience. I consider myself off them for 18 months now (don't consider that lost weekend :rolleyes:)

Still think out of all the things required you really have to want to give up. TBH I still crave them almost daily but I'm so happy to be off the fkrz.

missmaw · 26-09-2011 2:13am

On day 27 of champix and off cigs 16 days. So happy with myself, and don't miss them at all. Smell turns my stomach and make my OH use mouthwash after smoking as I cannot tolerate the smell. I also can't get over what I have been coughing up,rotten, but I guess It's a sign my lungs are repairing themselves.
Passed one of my harder challenges; smoking in the car which I was a demon for. At times I do think normally I'd have a cig now but these happen less.and less as the days go.by.
I have cut down to 1 tablet instead of two as I found I was getting easily upset and was starting to suffer severe stomach cramps, but since I've dropped down I have had no issues.

I am worried about the first night I go out it will be a real test and how I am going to do without the tablets. Only time will tell. Hope everyone else is doing well

Yellowledbetter · 26-09-2011 11:12pm

Right so,Ive read this entire thread over a couple of sittings and it has only confirmed what I had hoped,these things actually seem to work. My OH started on the pills a month or so ago and is now 2 weeks smoke free and Im very proud of her I must say.
Im going to give them a shot too. I now feel uncomfortable smoking around her(although strangely it doesnt bother her) and I think its this that has really made decide that its time to knock them on the head once and for all. Yesterday I got a present of 200 smokes from returning holiday makers so Ive decided that Im not gonna buy anymore and look upon them as my "last fling" with the dreaded weed!!
Im gonna go to my Doc on Wednesday and get the pills then probably start taking them Thursday or Friday.
Im 30 and smoked from 13years old and over the past 12 years or so have been a solid 20 a day man(have cut down a bit recently though) and now I feel its my time to quit.
Not lookong forward to some of the possible side effects(Im not a great sleeper at the best of times) but I know in the long run it will be worth it

_blank_ · 27-09-2011 9:07am

I started on these this morning.

I went to the doctor on Thursday of last week to get them, but decided not to start until today, as when I left the Chemist I got a phone call to say my Nan had died. No way I was going to be thinking of giving up smoking until after the funeral.

Anyway, two people close to me have used these and are off the smokes (1 about 2 months, the other nearly a year), so hopefully they'll work for me too.

creaghadoos · 27-09-2011 7:11pm

have a look at this

http://ehealthforum.com/health/champix-negative-effects-t213114.html

missmaw · 28-09-2011 1:02am

creaghadoos wrote: »

have a look at this

http://ehealthforum.com/health/champix-negative-effects-t213114.html

People should definitely be aware of the good and the bad points of Champix
Before I started Champix I read a lot into the background and came across a lot of experiences like these. I still made the decision to go on it but I went in with my eyes open. Don't be afraid to ask your GP any questions about it. Make sure you make an informed decision.

Also I use www.stopsmokingcoach.eu (free eu initiative) . Quitnow is an Android app( there is both a free and charged version, but little difference)that records how many ciggies you haven't smoked since you stopped, money saved, improvements in health, milestones etc. So far, I have unsmoked 270 cigarettes and saved over €115!!!
I think these tools are great little motivators if you are having a bad day.

Yellowledbetter · 06-10-2011 4:05pm

Yellowledbetter wrote: »

Right so,Ive read this entire thread over a couple of sittings and it has only confirmed what I had hoped,these things actually seem to work. My OH started on the pills a month or so ago and is now 2 weeks smoke free and Im very proud of her I must say.
Im going to give them a shot too. I now feel uncomfortable smoking around her(although strangely it doesnt bother her) and I think its this that has really made decide that its time to knock them on the head once and for all. Yesterday I got a present of 200 smokes from returning holiday makers so Ive decided that Im not gonna buy anymore and look upon them as my "last fling" with the dreaded weed!!
Im gonna go to my Doc on Wednesday and get the pills then probably start taking them Thursday or Friday.
Im 30 and smoked from 13years old and over the past 12 years or so have been a solid 20 a day man(have cut down a bit recently though) and now I feel its my time to quit.
Not lookong forward to some of the possible side effects(Im not a great sleeper at the best of times) but I know in the long run it will be worth it

Right so a week late but Im on day 2 of my starter pack and my planned quit date is day 13. My fiancee is a month off them today too,go her!!

Yellowledbetter · 19-10-2011 4:49pm

Ok,well I'm on day 15 of the tabs and day 3 of not smoking and hand on heart I don't miss them. Tested myself on a long journey in the car,no probs. Onwards and upwards from here!!!
Oh yeah,no real side effects that I have noticed as yet

xxtattyberxx · 19-10-2011 4:59pm

Im off them now a good 18 months thanks to the tablets. Being honest the tablets were horrible I think I got every side affect from them, headaches, vomiting, mad weird dreams etc but one day woke up and just didnt want a cigarette next thing I knew it was a few weeks later.
im not sure whats in them that does it but I went from smoking pack of 20 a day to not caring if I had one in my hand.

For months I couldnt stand the smell of smoke but now it doesnt bother me if people smoke infront of me. I do and have smoked on nights out or if Im having a few drinks, but considering I go out maybe once every 3 months I dont crucify myself over it.

The only issue I have with having quit is the weight gain but cest la vie Im comfortable in who I am. I honestly think its the most unattracrtive thing, Ive seen really goodlooking guys on the street and the min they light up ot reminds me of those nicorete ads.

Kewlfanboy · 23-10-2011 10:54pm

I am on day 1 and very excited for the results to kick in within 2 weeks. Congratulations to all who have been strong and successful. I have found this thread to be more useful than the official champix sites and support programs.

Just one thing that is confusing me.. I'm from South Africa and though the tabs were covered by my medical aid insurance, Why on earth are they more expensive in Europe? It costs like R300 (South African Rands) which converts to 27 EUROS - lol can't find my Euro symbol - for a 2 week pack with 28 tabs.
That makes is almost 5 times more expensive. Then again our siggies are also only like R30 - 3 Euros for a 20 pack.

I made my quite date for day 8 and here is to being hopeful!

TC21 · 25-10-2011 12:58pm

Took my first tablet this morning, fingers crossed!

Yellowledbetter · 25-10-2011 1:25pm

TC21 wrote: »

Took my first tablet this morning, fingers crossed!

Best of luck! Im on day 21 of the tabs and my 8th day not smoking. It may not always be easy but Im already starting to feel the benefits and fully intend to stay off them.

Tip · 25-10-2011 9:54pm

Hi all by deciding to take Champix you have made the first step in quitting cigs. Just take it one day at a time, and in no time at all you will be well on your way to quitting for good. I quit on day 14 on Champix that was 2 and half years ago now. I am a new woman !!!!!!!!!!!!. Its the best thing I have ever done for myself after 35 years of 20 a day I certainly thought I could never quit but with the help of Champix I made it and have never looked back. I never touched one since and convinced myself from the start not to mess with them. I feel and look years younger and rarely if ever think of them now. Wish I had done it years ago. !!!!!!!!! Keep it going you will never regret it.

Kewlfanboy · 26-10-2011 11:50pm

I am on day 4 of my Champix starter pack and wow it has been very effective so far, considering that I only just started taking 2 0,5 mg tabs a day.. smoked 2 siggies today.. think I will make my quit day in 2 days or so.

I need some advice on how to remedy my insomnia, this is the only side effect that is causing me some inconvenience. For the rest everything is still fine and I feel great and still very hopeful. Thinking of going back to my doctor for some sleeping tabs, has anyone tried any that worked?

redglass · 14-11-2011 3:16pm

Hey all, I have been on them 7 days now and I have not experienced one side effect WHATSOEVER but took my morning pill today on empty stomach, next thing I was getting horrific belly cramps (ive had a baby and could compare to medium contractions they were that bad) then I ran into the loo and threw up. I thought it must be related to champix so i researched on line. I came across some very scary "rare side effects" like people killing themselves who were completely happy before taking, to severe depression, raging anger, hating your partner etc ... I am a bit freaked out have to say, anyone ever felt any of these things on them? PLEASE SHARE if you have...

Positives, I smoked 20 a day for 15 years, on DAY ONE I only had 3 and that was with me not even trying, I just didnt want them. I only smoked one yest which was day 6 and havnt had any today so far, my quit day is 11 so will let you know. they 100% do work, I cant explain it, I know they block receptors in your brain that craves nicotine, but how I feel is like I have just had one (if you get me?) like that satisfied feeling you have after having a smoke is there all day so therefore I just dont bother having one, I dunno if il stick 14 weeks on them though esp if I get sick more (think thats empty belly though) I havnt had any other effects (yet) no crazy dreams etc oh actually im hot all the time esp in bed but opening a window sorts that right out

I really do wish all of you the best luck - its a filthy life killing expensive addiction and is harder to get off then heroine so be very very proud if you succeed !!! x:) Colette

Kewlfanboy · 14-11-2011 6:11pm

@redglass Wow, glad to hear that Champix has been effective so early. Regarding the stomach cramps and so on, you should try to eat before taking them and take them with a full glass of water. That really made a difference when I started. Hope you feel better soon! Dont know why the pack doesnt recommend eating before taking them...

redglass · 14-11-2011 8:37pm

@kewlfanboy.. Awh thanks! Yea im delightede they are taking effect so early, but they seemed to have done so for you too which is great

I tried to give up so many times and failed so hopefully I can follow through.. What day are you on now? Have u had any crazy side effects besides sleeping? Some people I know that are on them said after 4 weeks their sleeping was ok but I dunno how long ur on them.. Hopefully ur sleep has improved tho

! I took my night time one a little early tonight at 7pm with my dinner and plenty of fluids and so far no nausea, thanks for the tip

Also doc recommended not taking them close to bed time as it can affect dreams/sleep so maybe try urs earlier??? Good luck to all xx

_blank_ · 14-11-2011 10:13pm

That stomach thing happened to me only once. I usually have breakfast every day, and then a tablet, but the day after all the floods I was going to London, and there was a bit of a rush on in the house to get to the airport, so I just lashed a tablet down me and no food. Jaysis, I felt terrible by the time I got to the airport, but I forced down some sausages and toast and that sorted me out.

No other side effects as described, but a cousin of mine did have them bad.

Champix - anyone tried it?

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