Anyone Successfully Quit Smoking Using Chantix? (page 2)

james_woods

Doesn't their TV ad say in screen print that the success rate is only about 46%?

That seems pretty low to me for something that can cause serious side effects...

After all, many people have quit smoking without any medication, patches, or such.

Robdar

Doesn't their TV ad say in screen print that the success rate is only about 46%?
That seems pretty low to me for something that can cause serious side effects...
After all, many people have quit smoking without any medication, patches, or such.

Yep.

I would rather take my chances smoking. Most who successfully quit using Chantix regain their habit within a year. Of course, the quiting rate is much higher for those that killed themselves on Chantix.

rebel8

Congratulations & DO IT--quitting's the best thing you can do for health.

Vivid dreams are a symptom of nicotine withdrawal, not just Chantix.

Chantix has the highest success rate of all the options, but you still need to do behavioral change or you will relapse. [Part of nicotine addiction is behavior, not just physical, as I'm sure you know. You have to break that part of it too--Chantix does the physical part only.] 1800QUITNOW can help you with this...for free.

Most ppl don't have the crazy side effects on Chantix. If you have suicidal or violent impulses, call your dr. immediately. If you have a history of mental health problems, Chantix is contraindicated for you (even according to the manufacturer).

petitebrunette

I have a client who quit smoking successfully with Chantix. She got to the point where she was smoking one cigarette, and not really enjoying it. She just stopped. If you're not having bad side affects, its probably working for you. Good luck! It's wonderful you're stopping smoking! My boyfriend stopped cold turkey for a couple of months, then went back when we had to put our dog down. Don't give up, keep trying!

Snoozy

Years ago I used Wellbutrin..it was great! I couldn't tell I had taken it other than I didn't have that panicky feeling when I wanted a cigarette and was able to divert my attention elsewhere till the urge left. The Dr had me on it for 3 months, that was enough..You do however have to develop new patturns..if the urge comes go for a wlk , do a load of laundry. do anything to divert your attention away from the desire to smoke. Just walk away..that to me was the key. Keep busy or you may use a unpleasant happening as an excuse to light up. But at least the Meds took a lot of the edge off..and I really hated the smell on myself..I was embarrased when hugging others..It was a big relief to finally break the habit!

I did go back after 5 years when Hubby passed away. Just got depressed and didn't care. Smoked for 5 years and then had a heart attack one evening while smoking..had stent placed immediately and never even considered smoking again..I have this fear of smoking one and having another pain like that..that works better than any meds..don't wait that long!

Snoozy

Low-Key Lysmith

I never used any drugs (except pot) to quit smoking cigs, just pure stubborn tenacity and spite. Your own mind will be your worst enemy. It will play tricks on you and try to convince you that a couple of drags here and there won't hurt. I had dreams almost nightly for the first three months about smoking.

Five+ years later, I can honestly say that I am truly over it. I do know for a fact, however, that if I ever touch another cigarette, I'll be right back to square one.

Good luck. Hold fast. You can do it.

Snoozy

Same here Low Key..except for the pot..don't need it..

But I too know that it only takes that one..

I have said tho that if I live to be 90 I will go out and buy a pack and enjoy..probably cough a lung up by then tho...

On the other hand, maybe I won't ...lol

Snoozy

Robdar

PC,

I wanted to add that I did stop smoking for six months on Chantix. I did not complete the course and had to take a few personal days from work in order to deal with the side effects, but I always realized in the back of my mind that everything going on inside of me, including the thoughts of suicide and cat murder, was caused by Chantix. It took absolute self control not to act on the paranoia, agression and depression. The ordeal left me exhausted. Chantix not only took away my joy of smoking, it took away my joy in living.

I know that some on this thread have poo-pooed the side effcts of Chantix saying that the symptoms are probably just nicotine withdrawal. However, when I stopped smoking cold turkey several years prior, although having withdrawal symptoms, they were mild and can not be compared to the symptoms I experienced on Chantix.

Although I am sure Chantix does much good, never ever forget that it can cause terror, hostility, agression, paranoia, depression and suicide.

I care for you and wish you well in quitting.

Robyn

PublishingCult

UPDATE: OK, I started taking Chantix 20 days ago. I kept smoking for about 6 days while taking the medication. I was bummed that my desire had not lessened, but all of the sudden, I had some sort of mental breakthrough and I crushed my pack of smokes on the seventh day and tossed them into the trash can feeling my resolve stronger than I had hoped for.

That was it. I have been tobacco free for 9-ish days now, and I feel great.

I have even stopped taking Chantix now that I am past the physical addiction to smoking. I can handle the emotional and mental triggers I have developed over the years for lighting up, but the withdrawals, for me, was incredibly intense and painful. I was suffering from the withdrawals the night I did Rick's conference call. I listened to the recordings and wow, I was very tense, lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmW-ScmGRMA

I was very fearful that I would experience some or all of the side effects I read about, but I can honestly say I did not have any of them. No insomnia, no nightmares, no nausea, no severe mood swings that could not be attributed to normal nicotine withdrawal. All in all, it was a good experience.

I have been off Chantix for 2 days now, and I feel pretty good. I still have cravings for a smoke, but I know these cravings come from the million and one triggers you acquire and associate to lighting up. You just have to work through every single one of them until you've dealt with them all and moved past having it effect you.

Thanks to all for the encouragement and support.

PC

Anyone Successfully Quit Smoking Using Chantix?

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