Withdrawal from Nicotine on Chantix & It's My Quit Date!!

[kmsj75]

Hello, All-

Today is my 8th day on Chantix (my quit date!) For the last 5 or so days, even while smoking, I have had a headache, aches, and a sore throat. I thought I had a bug, but it's not going away (in fact, it is worse today.) Does anyone know if you in fact withdrawal from nicotine while still smoking on Chantix? I know it blocks nicotine from the brain, so I thought that might be what's going on. Also, do these symptoms seem like normal withdrawal symptoms? I quit once on the patch, and had the sore throat, but that was it (of course, I was still receiving nicotine...)

Thanks!!

[historyteach]

Hmmm...kmsj....
I didn't have any of those symptoms, so....
If you don't mind...
would you please cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze?
I don't want to catch what you've got!

Kiddin'

I don't think it's related. I read the brochure and don't recall seeing that. But feel free to read it yourself or call your pharmacist. They are trained in the side effects. Even better than the docs!

I hope you are doing well on your quit and will join our daily check in.
How's it going for you?

Remember to keep the quit and post before you puff!

Shalom!

[Possum23]

I never set one....

No pressure that way, I have 12 weeks of free drugs with an option of another 12 weeks if I quit some time during the first 12.

Why the attitude you may ask?

Been on Chantix for 3 days, the weenie pills and have got down from 60+ a day to less than 30. I am not even trying to quit yet!

Looking forward to tomorrow when I get a double dose of the nice pills. and cannot wait until I am on the big dose next week!

Making small life adjustments, not smoking in the truck on the way to work and back (subtract 4)

Smoking only outside when at work (Umm that is a big one, down 30 to 3 per shift)

Smoking as normal at home.

No side effects so far but not on the real dose yet, except for..........

You guessed, not nightmares but "vivid" dreams! Which are pretty cool.

[historyteach]

Hi, Possum!
And welcome to the nicotine forum of SR!

Glad you're doing so well on the Chantix! I don't have any side effects either. In fact, I think it's the best thing since sliced bread!

I've had vivid dreams on it too. Never had any nightmares on it though. And it's kind of fun remembering my dreams, cuz I normally never do! LOL!

I think it's great that you're able to taper down. I never was able to do that. It just made me more anxious.

Good luck on your quit! Be sure to let us know how you're doing!

Shalom!

[kmsj75]

Thanks, Historyteach!

BTW, I'm assuming you're a teacher...me, too. Currently teach 3rd grade Reading/Social Studies, but taking my certification test this year to be able to teach Jr. High history...

Anyway, I'm on day 3 and am doing better. I felt horrible! I don't think it was the Chantix, but rather the withdrawal. I did some research, and found others who described "smoker's flu." They had a lot of the same symptoms...now, just dealing with being nervous, and not being able to sleep. My husband hasn't quit yet, and that's been a little tough. At least he only smokes outside...

Take Care!

[historyteach]

I'm sorry it's been difficult for you, Kmsj...
And even more sorry that your husband is still smoking.
My guess is that has something to do with why it's so difficult for you?
Cuz, I'm having no issues at all. Though it is true that we all adjust differently, so, that may not hold true either. However, when I was married, I couldn't quit with my hubby smoking in front of me!

Please note that smoking often masks issues of depression and anxiety. When we quit, those issues can come to the fore. So, if your symptoms get difficult, please do consult your doctor. There are many ways to deal with those issues - meditation, progressive relaxation, imagery, therapy and yes, if needed, even medication. So, don't let a temporary adjustment lead you back to smoking. You *can* beat this!

I'm giving this warning, because no one told my sister this information, when she quit using Chantix. And she relapsed, not knowing that she *could* have gotten treatment for the temporary adjustment problems of anxiety and depression that her quit caused! And no one should have to suffer smoking because they jsut didn't know...

So, remember to keep the quit and post before you puff!

Shalom!

[MrsMagoo]

I took Chantix for a while and almost quit. I didn't desire the cigarrettes but my husband smoked and quite frankly, I did it out of habit instead of need. I thought well if I dont WANT one, that's progress. I got down to about 5 a day which was incredible.

The only sickness I experienced on it, and I'm not even positive it was the Chantix was one Saturday morning, I took it and didn't eat breakfast first. I got violently ill throwing up and felt better shortly afterwards. I never did that again and never had anymore problems either so I would recommend you eat with it. It might help the headaches.

I did dream and remember the dreams when on it and I liked that too Teach.

[historyteach]

Good point, Mrs Magoo,
They do say to take Chantix on a full stomach,
Just for that reason.

Shalom!

[kmsj75]

Thanks, Everyone!

It has definitely been harder with him still smoking. Originally, he was going to go on Chantix a few days after I started, but now he thinks it's better if I get through this first, and then he'll do it. Obviously, he's just not ready yet.

Historyteach- Thanks for the advice. I'm actually already on Wellbutrin, so hopefully I have some sort of security blanket.

Peace!