New and trying to quit using Chantix

[kmsj75]

Hi, Folks-

I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi. I have been clean from drugs and alcohol for almost 3 years, thanks to NA. Now, I'm tackling smoking. I've tried the patch, books, cold turkey, etc. and am now taking Chantix. I will start day 6 tomorrow and am still smoking. I don't think I crave it as much, and maybe I had unrealistic expectations of what it would do. I thought it would take the urge completely away.

My recovery background has shown me that support is imperative. Hence, why I'm here...
I'd love to hear from those of you who have taken Chantix, especially if it worked for you, and how long it took.

Thanks!

[historyteach]

Hi, kmsj,
And welcome to SR and the nicotine forum!

I am on Chantix for the second time.
Why the second time?
Well, the first time it worked too well! LOL!

Yes, you read it right. The chantix worked so well, that I had no cravings, no urges, I had no side effects, nothing. I quit for over two weeks and felt GREAT!
In fact, I felt so good, that I forgot to take the chantix -- over and over again....
And that was the problem. My doc said it works best when you take it for the full 4-6 months.

So, I'm back on it again with a new plan. Because the problem was that I forgot to take it, I now carry it in my purse. Since my purse is always with me, so is the Chantix! If I forget, I can take it as soon as I remember!

I am now Two days, 17 hours, 55 minutes and 2 seconds nicotine free. That's 54 cigarettes not smoked, saving $16.48. Life saved: 4 hours, 30 minutes. I'm feeling great again. Any urges I have are small and pass quickly. Indeed, I think that Chantix is the best thing since sliced bread! LOL!

Remember, keep the quit and post before you puff!

Shalom!

[kmsj75]

Thanks for the reply. How long did you take it before you quit? My quit day is tomorrow, but I'm still smoking...Also, did you use the Chantix support that they offer, or did you just use this forum?

Again, thanks!

[historyteach]

I quit on the 7th day both times.
I am now Three days, 2 hours, 51 minutes and 38 seconds nicotine free. That's 62 cigarettes not smoked, saving $18.71. Life saved: 5 hours, 10 minutes.

I didn't use the Chantix site, but, I did use this site and another site. Unfortunately, that other site is closing today.
So, I may go to the Chantix site, I'm not sure...
But, it's worth looking into.

I hope you'll become an active member here. Remember, sharing your strength and trials will help you more than you can imagine. And by sharing our experience, strength and hope, we help not just another, but, ourselves too. That's how it works -- by giving it away.

So, congratulations on your recovery from drugs and alcohol! WOW, that's fantastic!
And allow me to tell you that Chantix *will* help you with your cravings. They will be much less in intensity and they will last much shorter in duration. But, they *will* be there. So, you have to be prepared.

I just posted a thread about getting ready for your quit. Please read it. It's full of tips. And also, read the stickies up top. They will help prepare you too.

You *can* do this. And we'll be right here to support you. But, no different than when you quit the drugs and the alcohol, you've got to know that you cannot have one cigarette ever. Like my friend, Cess says, NOPE - Not One Puff Ever! Cuz one is too many and 1000 is not enough, as you know.

So, come on aboard, my friend. This will be the ride of your life! :>)

Shalom!