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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Jerry71 on June 07, 2007, 11:52:12 pm

Title: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 07, 2007, 11:52:12 pm
Went to see my doctor today and will be starting Chantix tomorrow. Have just had enough of the rising prices of smokes lately. Also after smoking two packs a day I have decided it is time to kick the habit and say hello to clean lungs after 12 years of smoking.

Just going to be hard without my smokes tomorrow. Bought my last pack today and it cost me $3.85 ouch.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 08, 2007, 12:08:57 am
Hi Jerry

I was a smoker for over  20 years and I finally quit smoking cigarettes using Chantix.
You don't have to stop smoking right away, keep your smoking as usual for the 1st week. You will notice that after a few days you won't like smoking anymore.
Select a day you will quit, after your first week on Chantix try not to smoke at all.  Don't feel bad if you slip and have a smoke.  Chantix builds up in yours system and it targets the part of the brain that gets hooked to nicotine.  After a while, you will not have the cravings and when you smoke it will taste really bad.
You should stay on it for 12 weeks.
I still get cravings everyday, I don't think that it will ever go away, but the cravings go away as fast as they start now.
Chantix will help you get started, but in the long run it is up to you to stay smoke free.
I had my last cigarette 3 months ago :D.  I also know of 2 other success stories from people who quit using Chantix.

Good Luck, stay focused.....oh...btw...my insurance did cover Chantix.  I also enrolled in their website and that was helpful.

Rich

(who only smokes medicine now)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 08, 2007, 12:16:00 am
Hey Rich Thanks. Yeah my Medicare took care of the cost for me. If not it would have cost me close to over a hundered dollars.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 08, 2007, 12:21:19 am
Jerry,

Did your doc give you the Chantix card for a $10.00 off the 1st prescription and the website to register for the Chantix quit smoking program and support?

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 08, 2007, 12:27:01 am
Nope she just wrote the prescription out and I went to the drug store and it only cost me $5.35 When I opened the box it had the card from the company and the website for support if I needed to go there.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 08, 2007, 07:32:01 pm
Not sure I can make it a whole week without smoking! >:(
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 08, 2007, 07:52:39 pm
Aren't you supposed to smoke the first week you take Chantix ???

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Queen Tokelove on June 08, 2007, 09:36:59 pm
You are lucky you can take Chantix. My doctor gave me the riot act saying it is relatively new and that it has side effects that could affect me including my hearing....WTF? And I am ready to quit. And I really haven't heard as many good responses to nicotine patches as I have for Chantix.



(desperately trying to be smoke-free)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 08, 2007, 10:04:36 pm
Aren't you supposed to smoke the first week you take Chantix ???

Milker.

Well you can but I choose to quit first and take the meds and get started with a fresh start. I can say now I have made it a whole day without one.  ::)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: fearless on June 08, 2007, 10:23:45 pm
Well done, Jerry.
At over $8 US a packet where I live, smoking became unaffordable a long time ago, but I'm still dumb enough to keep doing it.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: mjmel on June 08, 2007, 10:31:50 pm
The idea is to do the tapering off until the chemicals (Chantix) builds in your system. So you can smoke but you soon won't be ........as it works.

Queen: Is your doctor a nutcase? I bet the chances are slim to none--else why is everyone getting on the bandwagon and quitting. Unless, of course, you have existing circumstances that warrant specific high risk factors.

I miss smoking sometimes. sigh.
Mike


edit: The cost of Rx of Chantix (without med cards): Starter pack is $115 enough for 4 weeks. Maintenance pack: $120 another 4 weeks........uh,...maybe 6 wks.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 08, 2007, 10:35:13 pm
I rationalize smoking because I only smoke 1/2 pack per day.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: fondeveau on June 08, 2007, 11:36:54 pm
Chantix worked for me - its been six months since I quit!  No cravings whatsoever. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Queen Tokelove on June 09, 2007, 12:33:59 am

Queen: Is your doctor a nutcase? I bet the chances are slim to none--else why is everyone getting on the bandwagon and quitting. Unless, of course, you have existing circumstances that warrant specific high risk factors.


Actually, he is a sweetie. Last appointment when I asked him about Chantix, he excused himself from the room for a moment and came back with paper stating the side effects of Chantix. One of the concerns he was worried about was my hearing loss saying something about it can affect hearing among other things. I have another appointment with him next week. I will try to run it past him again...I will do some research myself and will post here later.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 09, 2007, 03:05:10 pm
Chantix, like every other drug, has different side effects and affects people differently.  I did read some negative comments about it on the web, but it has worked for me and 2 of my friends.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on June 09, 2007, 03:36:44 pm
Jerry, my friend.................I wish you well.  If anyone had told me that it would be difficult to quit smoking, as difficult as going off heroin, I would have poo pooed them.  "not me, I can quit in a minute."  Ha  Not so.  Its way harder than I thought and has led me through some weird stuff with drugs to get off the things.
Stick with it. If Chantrix does not work for you try another one.  But I think you have to give the drug a few days to a week to build up in your system....not sure. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on June 09, 2007, 09:25:02 pm
I'm glad to hear the success stories with the Chantix.  I'm on the second month.  I was smoke-free for about two weeks, them some stress came up.  Since I don't drink or use drugs anymore, I went to the store and got a pack of smokes.  I'm not giving up, just trying to stay sane.  Anyway, let us know how it's going.  I'm curious as to what your sucess rates will be, quitting the first week when taking Chantix. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 10, 2007, 05:13:11 pm
Day 3 No Smoke. No cravings. Then again it is only a 0.5 mg pill to take each morning, tomorrow I start two 0.5 one in the am and one in the pm. On Friday I start and take 1mg morining and evening, for three weeks.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on June 10, 2007, 06:16:21 pm
Hey Jerry,

I did great with Chantix. Went three months without a ciggie, stopped taking the Chantix, did fine.

Then I started Sustiva, the cravings came back (maybe it was psychological, I don't know) so I started the Chantix again.

It still works, but not as well since I started Sustiva.

Hang in there. You will be glad you did.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Pilot on June 11, 2007, 10:42:53 am
I am now on my second week of taking the pills.  I usually smoked two packs per day and now I am down to one per day.  Everyone, I have talked to said not to fight against it and to smoke as little as possible and to work through the urge as much as possible.  It does seem to be working slowly, as the cigarettes now taste funny and its not pleasant.  I think that the urge will slowly go away also.  It is hard to be in a bar and not have something for my hands to do, when you seem to smoke more in a bar than at other times.

The hard part and the incentive is the cost ...the two boxes of the pills cost me 250.00...Walgreens sells them by number of pills which is a rip off in my opinion...but maybe spending that much will give me a further incentive to quit since the pills are roughly the price of a pack of cigarettes per day.

Good luck to everyone who is trying the quit.

Pilot
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 11, 2007, 07:19:23 pm
I HAVE MY PRESCRIPTION READY!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!

Milker (who is excited and will pick it up tonight!)

Edited to add: $370 for 2 months.. Well it's still less than 2 packs a day!  :)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 11, 2007, 10:30:00 pm
Hell yeah it is worth it! Think about all the money you will save in one years time.

Figured I smoked two packs a day. One carton a week. Four Cartons a month. $200 a month for smokes.

$2,400.00 in one year spent on cigarettes.

9,600 cigarettes smoked in one year.

 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

So the next time you light up think about all the money you could save. Chantix is the way too go well worth the time and money.

Day four and no cravings no smokes for fours days now. Give me my damn cookie.  :-*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 11, 2007, 10:55:38 pm
Day four and no cravings no smokes for fours days now. Give me my damn cookie.  :-*

Just a cookie...keep going this way and it will be somewhere over 90 days without a cigarette by the time you arrive in SF.  Start thinking about what are going to ask, I hope it is more than just a cookie ;D
You are doing great, keep up with the Chantix.

Rich
(who had his last cigarette 98 days ago)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 11, 2007, 11:00:32 pm
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Well I bought 2 cartons in duty free, so I'm calculating that those will last 10 days. I have the Chantix, it says 7 days while smoking, so I'm starting in 3 days. I'm exicted !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 11, 2007, 11:06:46 pm
My first day was rough but after that I just put it out of my mind and have not touched one since last week.

Just a cookie...keep going this way and it will be somewhere over 90 days without a cigarette by the time you arrive in SF.  Start thinking about what are going to ask, I hope it is more than just a cookie ;D
You are doing great, keep up with the Chantix.

Rich
(who had his last cigarette 98 days ago)

Good one Rich have not forgot about that yet!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 13, 2007, 11:07:31 am
Day 6 and still no cravings!  :-*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 13, 2007, 11:26:37 am
Good job Jerry!

I'm on my 12 week being a non smoker.
I didn't feel any craving until after the 2nd week without smokes, but the craving went away really fast.  I still get them once in a while and they they hit I just take a deep breath, take the dog for a walk or chew some gum.
Keep it up buddy, you are doing great.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Pippet on June 13, 2007, 02:56:30 pm
Any noticeable side effects on Chantix?  Dizziness or such...

Between my 2 Blood pressure pills and getting adjusted to the HIV meds, I'm already "a little off" most days.
My doctor pushes Chantix on me every time I see him.

Good Luck!
Pip
(who's off to light one up)  *cough*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: rick21007 on June 13, 2007, 04:38:44 pm
Just got my 3rd script for Chantix yesterday.  Can't say the results have been as dramatic.  I have reduced my smoking to about a half of what it was--actually a third of what it was two years ago.  I find the cravings are less intense and less frequent but I still have them--like right now, LOL.  My inusrance covers most of the cost and my employer re-imburses me for the $25. co-pay, so I figure at least it is progress.   The literature says it can take several months to take full effect right away, so I am sticking with it.  Sort of like anti-depressants that work on neuro-receptor sites that take a while to kick in also.

Rick
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: appleboy on June 13, 2007, 04:42:42 pm
3 weeks on Chantix and 2 weeks smoke free!  I feel better and smell better.  My current issues is that with Chantix and Atripla my dreams are again wicked vivid.  Not scary just way off the wall and life like.  Other than that I have really had no major issues.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 13, 2007, 06:05:19 pm
I can relate to the vivid dreams. Been having some off the wall wild dreams here lately. ???
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: fondeveau on June 13, 2007, 08:11:14 pm
3 weeks on Chantix and 2 weeks smoke free!  I feel better and smell better.  My current issues is that with Chantix and Atripla my dreams are again wicked vivid.  Not scary just way off the wall and life like.  Other than that I have really had no major issues.

Lucky you!  I never got wonderful technicolor dreams!  Someone posted that you could induce the dreams if you had 2 cups of coffee 1/2 an hour before bedtime?  Didn;'t work for me. :-\

Added:  I quit the first week of January - so with all the $, I saved I got new garage doors and for the first time - garage door openers!  Gawd, my life is boring!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 13, 2007, 09:13:28 pm
Lucky you!  I never got wonderful technicolor dreams!  Someone posted that you could induce the dreams if you had 2 cups of coffee 1/2 an hour before bedtime?  Didn;'t work for me. :-\

Added:  I quit the first week of January - so with all the $, I saved I got new garage doors and for the first time - garage door openers!  Gawd, my life is boring!

Well at least you are not smoking keep up the good work. ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: appleboy on June 13, 2007, 09:15:34 pm
I dunno if the dreams are that great.  They keep me from sleeping well.  I usually wake up thinking it really happened and takes me a bit to tell myself it is not real.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 13, 2007, 09:20:54 pm
I didn't realize that the pills were so small  :o

I'm starting on friday !

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 14, 2007, 12:47:33 am
I was warned by the pharmacist about constipation, and the website says to drink 8 ounces of water when taking the pill. Have you had constipation???

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: fondeveau on June 14, 2007, 04:08:02 am
I didn't realize that the pills were so small  :o

I'm starting on friday !

Milker.

Small things don't go well in Milker's mouth?
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: carousel on June 14, 2007, 05:01:00 am
A close friend took Chantix, but it didn't work for him.  He thought the nausea would be greater than it was when he smoked.  He felt a bit uncomfortable, but not enough to not continue with the cigarette.  Once he re-started, tablets in the bin.

I gave up on Sunday and am not taking anything.  The cravings have subsided, but if anything or anyone aggravates me, I've got the shortest fuse at the moment.  I know that it will subside, but it's a bit unpleasant. 

I went to lunch in Soho last week and had to pay £6.45 for a packet of 20.  I just hated the fact that I needed them so badly that I'd pay that.

And then there's the smoking ban coming in next month, which is sending every homosexual smoker into a tizz.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Pippet on June 14, 2007, 09:25:15 am
Quote
I was warned by the pharmacist about constipation, and the website says to drink 8 ounces of water when taking the pill. Have you had constipation???
I think I'll try them for that side effect alone.  Maybe I can drop the Imodium...

I found out that my insurance actually covers the cost, so I'll be taking my doc up on his offer.
So many pills, so little time.

Pip
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 14, 2007, 09:44:02 am
Well made it through the first week and finshed the starter pack and only smoked three cigarettes. Tomorrow I will begin my Treatment of the 1mg tablet 1am 1pm.

Everyone that takes this medicaton has different side effects. I had none and really have had no cravings even was around others and it was not that bad.

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on June 14, 2007, 10:11:45 am
Hey Milker,

I didn't have any problems with constipation from Chantix. I did get vivid dreams but they passed, until I started Sustiva. The YIKES!  :o

I think it was the Sustiva, not the Chantix. Anyway, I am on the second script for them, just because the Sustiva jump-started my cravings and I was afraid I would get crazy.

But, it is much better smoke free. Things are getting so restricted, it just made life easier.

Hey Jerry, Congratulations on doing so well. I think that will deserve a toast when we get to San Francisco!

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 14, 2007, 10:13:35 am
  ;) Cheers on that one my friend.  ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 14, 2007, 10:23:52 am
Small things don't go well in Milker's mouth?
lol :D
Hey Milker,

I didn't have any problems with constipation from Chantix. I did get vivid dreams but they passed, until I started Sustiva. The YIKES!  :o

I had vivid dreams when I slept with the nicotine patch.. THAT was some manhood experience !

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 14, 2007, 10:35:57 am
It will also make you want to sleep alot more. Also when you get a craving think about something else instead. I have went through a bag of candy this week.

Instead of thinking about lighting one up eat some candy or chew some gum. Or you could put something else in your mouth if you catch my drift.  :-*

Anyhow Good Luck and anyone else that is ready to quit and that are going to San Francisco in September. You can meet me and Mark aka aztecan for a drink and say cheers to non smoking.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 14, 2007, 11:37:54 am
Congrats Jerry,

You are doing good.
I did get nausea and constipation from Chantix, but I notice that if I took it with a full meal I didn' t get sick, unless I smoked.  That was the thing with Chantix for me.  Cigarettes tasted bad and made me nauseated.
I only took it for 4 weeks and quit.  I have not had a smoke since March 14.  Today is my 3 month anniversary being a NON SMOKER>>>>>> ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Let us celebrate in September.


Rich ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 15, 2007, 01:17:25 pm
Day 1 for me.. took first pill after breakfast + a large glass of water. No nausea, no side effect so far, and still smoking the same amount. Smoking quit date in a week!

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 15, 2007, 06:16:09 pm
Day 8 and still no smokes for me just wonder if anyone else will try this out. This little pill sure works. After 12 years of huffing and puffing it is good to finally smell the roses. Also I can taste things again, and have put on a few pounds here lately up to 183lbs.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/jc35cb/100_0349WinCE.jpg)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 15, 2007, 07:45:43 pm
Congrats mister! And you look very good ! :D

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 16, 2007, 04:45:48 pm
Hmm .. day 2.. seems like i'm smoking 2 to 4 times less today.. and the one I'm having now doesn't taste too good.. i hope this continues to this trend !

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 16, 2007, 04:58:03 pm
Hmm .. day 2.. seems like i'm smoking 2 to 4 times less today.. and the one I'm having now doesn't taste too good.. i hope this continues to this trend !

Milker.

That is how it works, by the end of your first week you probably  won't be able to take more than 1 or 2 puff before putting the cigarette out because it will make you sick it taste so bad.....
just keep with the program!

Rich
(who smoke his last cigarette on March 13, 2007)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 16, 2007, 09:53:04 pm
Hey Milker day 9 and have noticed when I am around my dad when he smokes I get sick and the smell is like having the first cigarette ever.

It is even worse when you are in a enclosed room with alot of smokers knowing you cant light up. Sure do not even want to, I usually just leave the room. Hard to believe I would be saying that when I smoked for more than 12 years.

Keep up the good work. Get ready to get alot of support from all of us here who are on Chantix.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 16, 2007, 10:14:51 pm
It seems too simple.. And it's interesting.. It's only day 2.. but I stopped smoking for 2 hours without noticing, then suddenly I took 2 or 3 cigs "in a row" like I did before, then out for 2 hours again.. I believe at day 2 there must be a small craving that makes me need a cig, then the habit of chain smoking, then I forget about it.

In any case I've smoked 100% less today than what I usually smoked in the last 20 years, that is only a pack instead of two. It seems unreal to me that it's so simple. I've tried everything before, and the cravings were just too much to handle.

I'm definitely not claiming victory, but this tiny pill definitely has an effect that I would never imagine before.

It's funny, I was not even thinking about getting a cig this morning when getting my coffee, it didn't come to my mind, whereas usually I wake up, get the coffee and immediately light up. However, then I read my email, and there was one from "getquit", which actually reminded me of cigarettes and made me grab one LOL!

Cigs today definitely do not taste "great". They taste "ok".

No side effects so far but at day 4 I'm supposed to up the dose, so I may get them at that time.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 18, 2007, 05:15:30 pm
How is the Chantix working for those that are taking it?

Day 11 here and still no cravings.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on June 18, 2007, 05:27:01 pm
Well, it will be five months on the 27th. So far, doing OK.

I think I even got the Sustiva craves licked. I think.

Hang in there guys, you will be glad you did.

HUGS and HOORAYS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on June 20, 2007, 07:08:10 am
Hi I just got my script for chantix and medicaid denied it, I have been smoking for 41 yrs and I really want to quit but I can not do it on my own. if anyone has any info on how I can get it please let me know.
thank you
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 20, 2007, 08:21:53 am
If you have Medicare it will pay for Chantix. Usually all you would have to pay is the copay which is anywhere between $5.

If you have Medicaid not sure it will pay for Chantix.

If you have no insurance get ready to fork out close to $200 for the cost of the meds.

This little blue pill works it is so much different than having the patch. There is no nicotine involved, no cravings.

Check out the site if you have not already.

http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/misc/Default.aspx (http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/misc/Default.aspx)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on June 20, 2007, 11:43:27 am
My insurance won't cover it either. So, I have been paying $118 a month for it.

But, it is worth it. It really helps and it works out to being about the same as paying for cigarettes for the month.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 20, 2007, 12:26:24 pm
Hmmm I'm on day 5 started the 2 pills a day and I'm back to smoking like before.. I hope it's just a blimp, but I don't feel like the first days, the feeling that I didn't need a smoke at all because it felt like I just had one :(

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: mjmel on June 20, 2007, 12:40:52 pm
Hmmm I'm on day 5 started the 2 pills a day and I'm back to smoking like before.. I hope it's just a blimp, but I don't feel like the first days, the feeling that I didn't need a smoke at all because it felt like I just had one :(

Milker.

OMG, Milker. You must be one hyper fella. You are not suppose to keep smoking past the 5 days, sweetie. Put the cigarettes down and practice a little self-control.
Écoutez: Autre chose de trouvaille à faire avec vos mains.
 :o
Mike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 20, 2007, 01:17:57 pm
OMG, Milker. You must be one hyper fella. You are not suppose to keep smoking past the 5 days, sweetie. Put the cigarettes down and practice a little self-control.
Écoutez: Autre chose de trouvaille à faire avec vos mains.
 :o
Mike
Hmmm the website says to continue smoking until day 8 unless you don't want to smoke (which was going well on day 2 and 3, but day 4 and today not at all), while the drug starts working. On day 7 I'm supposed to go with 2 mg/day, right now I'm at 1mg.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: atxpozguy on June 20, 2007, 01:40:25 pm
I am on the 6th week of taking Chantix and although I still smoke, the number of cigarettes have dropped off from 2 packs a day to maybe a pack every 3 days. :)  I sticking with the 12 week plan that my doctor told me several of her patients quit completely after the 13th week. There are 3 strengths of Chantix and I am on the 2nd strength.

If your insurance won't pay for Chantix, you might consider Commit, if you smoke alot, buy the 4mg lozenges which can be purchased over the counter at Walgreens or Walmart for $32.99.

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 20, 2007, 02:11:44 pm
I tried commit lozenge before, this was horrible, 10 minutes after taking it i had this nicotine rush that made me light headed for a couple of hours. I tried to only take 1/4, it was better but still not too good. Also the peppery taste in the mouth it was disgusting !

I like chantix because there is no nicotine in it.. Interestingly enough, I haven't smoked for 2 hours and don't want one now.. so maybe it's taking 3 hours to start its effect. I should also try not to give in so fast and make an effort to not take a cig and see if the small craving goes away. I have to remind myself that this is not a magic pill and there is some work on my part too ! I'm feeling more confident right now :)

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 20, 2007, 04:06:36 pm
Stop and think before you light up another smoke Milker. It is all in your mind. If you just say nope I don't need a smoke it will go away. Chew some gum eat some hard candy, take a walk keep your mind off of smoking. Also crush those remaining smokes and say no more, hide those ashtrays!!!!!!!!!!! Be strong and you can do it. Wait till you start the 1mg pill twice a day. Then you will get sick as a dog if you light up. Day 12 for me and could care less if I ever pick one up again.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 20, 2007, 04:10:04 pm
Only 12 days.. this is great Jerry, real great :) Trust me, I want to say the same thing soon, and I just had a little urge about 5mn ago and it was gone in 10 seconds. This is much better than the real cravings that I used to have with other alternatives.

Are you enjoying smells and taste?

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 20, 2007, 04:46:22 pm
I kept a jar with cigarette buds and everytime I had a craving I would open the jar and smell it.  That did it, after one good sniff the craving was gone.
Try not to give into your cravings from now on...you will see that after 2 weeks or so, you won't even remember cigarettes exist.
Be strong, stay focused, you can do it ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jeffreyj on June 22, 2007, 09:53:26 pm
Jerry,
Way to go man!!! I quit 12 months ago...I was really ready to quit. And like you just said to Milker, "It's all in your mind." That is so true!

I was smoking 2 packs a day also, I had great luck with commit lozenges.

I have not missed it at all. It is so nice to taste food again, and not get winded walking up a stairway.

It is well worth the trouble of quiting. You CAN do it, keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 25, 2007, 09:45:34 pm
Well it looks like Chantix has a double effect on me, which is VERY VERY GOOD!!!!

I've smoked 4 cigarettes today, the 4th was smoked in two hours interval, 50% at 2pm, 50% at 4pm, 8 yesterday. I must say that not only the cigs I've smoked today taste more like licking an ashtray than anything pleasurable, it also prevents me from drinking, the bourbon I was so used to is tasting like bad water.

I hope this is not just temporary.. coming from 2 packs a day to 5 cigs/day (I'm sure i'll get one after eating, but then again maybe not) in just 10 days without major cravings is unbelievable, and if it helps me stop drinking at the same time, which I originally postponed until I stopped smoking, then double whammy!

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 26, 2007, 03:46:22 am
20 days and still no smoke no desire to even pick up one and light one up. Can tell a big difference have got my taste buds back and can smell things much better. The medication wants you too take it for 12 weeks after being on it for over three weeks now I am about to say no more little blue pills for me.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dachshund on June 26, 2007, 06:05:37 am
Jerry,
Way to go man!!! I quit 12 months ago...I was really ready to quit. And like you just said to Milker, "It's all in your mind." That is so true!

I was smoking 2 packs a day also, I had great luck with commit lozenges.

I have not missed it at all. It is so nice to taste food again, and not get winded walking up a stairway.

It is well worth the trouble of quiting. You CAN do it, keep up the great work!



Way to go Jerry! I am coming up on my two year anniversary as a non-smoker in October. I swear by the Commit lozenges.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 26, 2007, 10:41:21 am
Congratulations, Jerry!!! It IS a wonder pill!!!! And soon you will be able to take longer walks or run and not be out of breath so soon !

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: mjmel on June 26, 2007, 11:01:05 am
Good reports from both Jerry and Milker. So glad you guys posted progresses as this encourges others. 
Kudos to you two!

Mike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Florida69 on June 26, 2007, 01:33:08 pm
Just think you are going to be saving almost $3,000.00 per year by not smoking.  Congratulations on the quiting.  It is hard, but you will get through it.  Take care, D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on June 26, 2007, 02:18:57 pm
20 days and still no smoke no desire to even pick up one and light one up. Can tell a big difference have got my taste buds back and can smell things much better. The medication wants you too take it for 12 weeks after being on it for over three weeks now I am about to say no more little blue pills for me.

Way to go Jerry!

I only took Chantix for 4 weeks myself.  I did get the prescription for another month just in case I had a relapse.
I think smoking tobacco is both a physical and mental addiction.  Chantix is not a nicotine product, so by the 4th week I was nicotine free.  The cravings a have are purely mental.  I was able to control those without Chantix.  Give it a try Jerry, but do get a prescription filled just in case you have a relapse.


Well it looks like Chantix has a double effect on me, which is VERY VERY GOOD!!!!

I've smoked 4 cigarettes today, the 4th was smoked in two hours interval, 50% at 2pm, 50% at 4pm, 8 yesterday. I must say that not only the cigs I've smoked today taste more like licking an ashtray than anything pleasurable, it also prevents me from drinking, the bourbon I was so used to is tasting like bad water.

I hope this is not just temporary.. coming from 2 packs a day to 5 cigs/day (I'm sure i'll get one after eating, but then again maybe not) in just 10 days without major cravings is unbelievable, and if it helps me stop drinking at the same time, which I originally postponed until I stopped smoking, then double whammy!

Milker.
You're doing good Milker,
Now try with NO CIGARETTES... ;)   You can do it.... I smoked for 20 + years. 
I started around 13, I smoke Gitanes Brunes Non Filter Cigarettes.  Yes all because of YOU the FRENCH.....LOL :D


Be strong guys, stay focused.

Rich
(who is tobacco free now)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: appleboy on June 26, 2007, 03:05:09 pm
Today marks 4 weeks of no smoking!!!!!   ;D  I am thrilled to death.  I have even missed a dose of Chantix here and there with no cravings.  I think I am well on my way to quitting for good!  Congrats to all those quitting!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 26, 2007, 03:19:23 pm
Just think you are going to be saving almost $3,000.00 per year by not smoking.  Congratulations on the quiting.  It is hard, but you will get through it.  Take care, D
$3504 ! ($4.80*2 packs/day*365 days)

Milker (who also went back to the gym, refreshing his lungs and feeling great woohoo)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on June 26, 2007, 03:47:47 pm
That's just great news Milker!  How's the drinking?  Because I remember when I used to get drunk, I'd smoke like two-three packs of cigarettes in one night.  I'm on day three completely without cigarettes. 
Betty
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on June 26, 2007, 05:39:20 pm
Tomorrow will make five months for me. Still get a bit of the cravings, but they pass quickly. Not bad after having smoked for 34 years.

I even think my cravings brought on by the Sustiva are passing, so that is a good thing.

You want to really treat yourself? Go to the dentist and have your teeth cleaned. It feels wonderful!

What's more, a friend was staring at me the other day and asked whether I had had my teeth whitened. I haven't but I have used a whitening tooth paste.

It does make a difference saying good-bye to those cigs.

I still, however, have not recovered my taste for scrambled tofu.  :-\

Oh well, can't have everything.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 26, 2007, 10:21:27 pm
One thing about not smoking now is when I get into my car it does not smell like an ashtray. Also it is much cleaner now can even see out of the windows better. Also can smell my clothes after they have been washed. No more yellow stains on my fingers. Yeah and such clean and fresher breath and teeth.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 26, 2007, 10:28:19 pm
That's just great news Milker!  How's the drinking?  Because I remember when I used to get drunk, I'd smoke like two-three packs of cigarettes in one night.  I'm on day three completely without cigarettes. 
Betty
Drinking has been reduced to two small glasses, coming from half a bottle. Interestingly enough, morning coffee has been reduced 80% too; for two days I've just had 2 cups instead of a full pot  :o I still smoked today, 4 cigs last yesterday, but this is the end of the pack, and I have no plans to buy a new one for now. Tomorrow should be day 1 of 0 cigs!!

Milker.

edited to add: there was obviously a connection with coffee and alcohol that I never made. I always thought all three addictions were individual and I would have to work on them one at a time.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 26, 2007, 11:55:08 pm
Geez you were filhty.  2 packs of Gallouises, a full pot of Joe, and half bottles of whisky every fucking day for how long?

I bet you do a lot of poppers too.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: MSPspud on June 27, 2007, 11:26:53 am
Geez you were filhty.  2 packs of Gallouises, a full pot of Joe, and half bottles of whisky every fucking day for how long?

I bet you do a lot of poppers too.

I was thinking dehydrated. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 27, 2007, 11:29:41 am
Geez you were filhty.  2 packs of Gallouises, a full pot of Joe, and half bottles of whisky every fucking day for how long?

I bet you do a lot of poppers too.
Started alcohol around 14yo, wine.. coffee around 18yo.. cigs at 22yo.. no poppers though, I always thought lung cancer was better than KS. Yeah, filthy bitch and proud of it..

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: woodshere on June 27, 2007, 12:02:23 pm
Do poppers cause KS??????? :) ??? ;)

Dr gave me a scrip for Chantix last appointment, of course that was 3 months ago and I have yet to start.  But after reading this thread I am off to the RX. 

I do find it strange that a drug that will help one stop smoking thereby reducing the risk of a multitude of diseases and thereby reducing health care cost is not covered by health insurance.  Is there something wrong with this picture.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 27, 2007, 03:26:15 pm
Hi woodshere.. so far today 0 cigarettes and absolutely NO craving.. just "thinking" about a cig, but none of the cravings you are used to.

I asked the pharmacist why it was not covered, and she said that they've seen so many people relapse with the other solutions, or just not go through,  that they want to wait a couple of years to see the real success rate.

I hope you join the club very soon! You may have seen that some people have completely stopped after a couple of days, the way I used it was to continue smoking as usual, but quickly (day 3 I think) i didn't want to smoke as much and went from 2 packs to 1 pack, then slowly went down to 4 cigs yesterday in a matter of 11 days, then today I had no desire to smoke at all. So do it the way you feel, don't force yourself to go through difficult cravings during the first 10 days if those happen, just take a cig, and as others said, they taste disgusting too, and most of the time you can't smoke it all.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on June 27, 2007, 07:09:26 pm
This Friday I start on my last pack of pills and still have not had any cravings. :)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on June 27, 2007, 07:16:25 pm
I'm having a serious craving right now, but I'm hanging tight, drinking water, and going to the gym in one hour. That one is not an easy one, been there for more than 30 minutes..so I just took my evening dose 15mn ago.. hopefully I should be fine soon  :o

Milker.

edited to add: all is fine, went away 10 mn after taking the chantix. w00t!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: MSPspud on June 27, 2007, 10:50:01 pm
God this thread is entertaining.  It's all the drama without hurt feelings.  Way to go on your efforts, everyone  :)

And thanks for the play by plays!!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on July 02, 2007, 10:19:26 am
Yikes!

This was one of the worst mornings I've had in a while. For some reason, when I wake up on a Sustiva high, I crave cigarettes.

I really don't like this very much.

Anyway, I almost broke down. I was ready to go to the store for a pack of Camels. BUT, I didn't.

Instead, I watered my poor excuse for a veggie garden.

SIGH,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Ulong on July 02, 2007, 10:26:09 am
Keep at it Mark. Go look at your pearly-white nicotine-unstained teeth in the mirror.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: allopathicholistic on July 02, 2007, 06:13:03 pm
Yikes!

This was one of the worst mornings I've had in a while. For some reason, when I wake up on a Sustiva high, I crave cigarettes.

I really don't like this very much.

Anyway, I almost broke down. I was ready to go to the store for a pack of Camels. BUT, I didn't.

Instead, I watered my poor excuse for a veggie garden.

SIGH,

Mark


Thanks for toughing it out trooper. You're an inspiration to many
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on July 02, 2007, 07:11:53 pm
Took Chantix for three weeks and stopped the smoking all together. 24 days and smoke free. Took my last pill on Saturday. Still don't want any smokes.  ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on July 09, 2007, 10:18:19 pm
Ok just to update it has been over a month and have not had any smokes. Chantix works but DAMN I Really could have smoked one today!!!!!!!!!!!

Had to paint my trailer outside today and work beside of my mom which she was telling me to not paint this and don't paint that. I threw the damn paint brush down and said I NEED A DAMN SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I fought the craving and just went and hit something else instead. Spent the weekend with my sister and she and her husband and my niece all smoke and DAMN I WANTED ONE SO BAD!!!!!!!!!

35 DAYS A NO SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Matty the Damned on July 09, 2007, 11:42:54 pm
You're doing really well Jezza. If anything can drive a queen to smoke (and drink, let's not be shy about this) it's a bossy, interfering, opinionated momma.

35 days in an outstanding effort. Matty the Damned is envious of you. :-*

MtD
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on July 10, 2007, 11:34:11 am
Ok just to update it has been over a month and have not had any smokes. Chantix works but DAMN I Really could have smoked one today!!!!!!!!!!!

Had to paint my trailer outside today and work beside of my mom which she was telling me to not paint this and don't paint that. I threw the damn paint brush down and said I NEED A DAMN SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I fought the craving and just went and hit something else instead. Spent the weekend with my sister and she and her husband and my niece all smoke and DAMN I WANTED ONE SO BAD!!!!!!!!!

35 DAYS A NO SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)


Way to go Jerry...keep it up man....don't give in, walk, have some candy..
 :) ;) :D


Rich
(who has been cigarette free since March 14, 2007 thanks to Chantix)



[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on July 18, 2007, 08:18:23 pm
Well what can I say about this product it works for the cravings. But when times get you down just got to have a smoke from time to time. But it works otherwise, at least im not smoking two packs aday like I was a month ago. There are days I wish I had someone to talk too so I would not have to go and light one up. It is so nice to be smoke free but damn it hurts not having a friend too talk too from time to time. :'(
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on July 18, 2007, 10:19:50 pm
I started around June 16 and I'm down from 2 1/2 packs a day to 4-5 cigs a day. I believe the last ones are the serious habits ones that are harder to get rid of, mainly a cig after morning coffee, one after lunch, 1 before dinner, 1 after dinner.

I'm extremely pleased with this, and I'm not pushing it to completely go to zero, but I've been able to skip the coffee one many times. There is still this "panic" of not having a cigarette available in the morning that makes me buy a pack in the evening even if there are 3 cigarettes left in the pack. This is what makes me smoke, still. Once I overcome this "panic" I will be cigarette free I think.

Buying a pack a week is good for the wallet too :D

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on July 19, 2007, 10:18:26 am
Milky....
You can get a prescription for Wellbutrin from your doc.
Why not take that last step if you are down to 4 or 5 a day?  As for morning coffee...do you smoke in the house?  If so stop smoking in the house.  Rule here is : no smoking in the house, so smoking in the house is NOT an option.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on July 19, 2007, 11:04:43 am
Milky....
You can get a prescription for Wellbutrin from your doc.
Why not take that last step if you are down to 4 or 5 a day?  As for morning coffee...do you smoke in the house?  If so stop smoking in the house.  Rule here is : no smoking in the house, so smoking in the house is NOT an option.
I'm confident I will be at zero soon, bear.. I'm actually getting coffee now and skipping that one, because I'm in the house and I don't want you to spank me  ;D It's actually easy to skip it.. will you be there for lunch, bear daddy :D

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on July 19, 2007, 11:17:09 am
Milker,

bear is right, stop smoking at home and in the car as well.  You'll notice that if you make yourself go outside to smoke you will most likely think twice before lighting up.
I also bought some herbal cigarettes ( I think the name was Ecstasy) it was an herbal blend (tobacco and cannabis free).  On my first week of NOT smoking, I would light one of those up when I had cravings, and since they are not tobacco, it did nothing for me and just made me want to put it out after 1 puff.

Rich
(who still has not lit up a cigarette since March)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on July 19, 2007, 11:20:20 am
quote Milker: I don't want you to spank me 

Milky honey....I got the handcuffs ready!!!!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: atxpozguy on July 28, 2007, 01:12:05 am
I HAVE STOPPED SMOKING COMPLETELY!!!   :D :) ;D :)

Thanks to CHANTIX and 4 unexpected days in the hospital with pneumonia that I survived with less than 200 T-cells.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on July 30, 2007, 10:54:52 am
congrats atxpozm !
I'm sorry to hear about the hospital stay.  Hope you are better and stronger. 
Don't give in to any cravings now...from my personal experience, I will always be a smoker, so I can't smoke at all, not even one little puff, or I know I'll get right back to it.

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dan J. on August 01, 2007, 01:20:36 pm
Well, wish this southern boy luck. I got a prescription for Chantix today. & will set my quit date for the 8th. This is the first REAL ATTEMPT to actually stop smoking. I have been smoking since I was 16 years old & I am READY to quit. With my family history of heart disease I really, really need to & besides I can't afford 3.88 a pack a day anymore.

Dan
(Who is ready to be smoke free)

 ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 01, 2007, 01:21:38 pm
Congrats Dan!!! I hope you join the club very very soon !  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on August 01, 2007, 01:30:07 pm
You go Dan !

Happy to hear you made the choice.
 :D
Rich
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cayucosguy on August 01, 2007, 03:42:53 pm
Just read through this entire thread today, and boy, have y'all convinced me that it is time!  Have gone from 2 packs a day to <1, but I think it is time for a little assistance with quitting.
Hopefully, I will be able to start on Chantix before I see all of you in SF!
Wish me luck! ;D
Vince
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 01, 2007, 03:45:28 pm
Good luck Vince! Hope you join the club too!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on August 01, 2007, 03:48:12 pm
Hurray Vince !  ;)

yes, join our club.  8)

Rich
(who didn't believe smoking really affected his taste buds until he finally quit cigarettes)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dan J. on August 01, 2007, 03:52:54 pm
Good Luck Vince!

I told Herman today that I was quitting smoking, he was thrilled to hear the news.

I always wanted to quit, but was never "ready". I am motivated  to do this & look foreword to finally having the nicotine monkey off my back.

Dan
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 01, 2007, 05:17:09 pm
Hope it works for you Dan! I went from being a two pack a day smoker to last month only smoked 5 packs. Believe me it is not the easiest thing to just up and quit. There are days I could just die for a smoke.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dan J. on August 01, 2007, 07:15:13 pm
Thanks little bro you inspired me to quit smoking cigs & have been contemplating it since you posted about Chantix.


 :-*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: indyguy on August 03, 2007, 02:53:58 am
I am starting week 4. Still smoke about a pack a day.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dan J. on August 03, 2007, 01:25:24 pm
I can honestly say that  I never really enjoyed smoking cigs. The only time I REALLY want one is after I've smoked some weed. Probably need to give that up too... I don't smoke in the house or in the car  & I can go 6 hours without one so I am ready. I haven't started taking Chantix, yet... I need to set a date to actually quit.

Dan
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 03, 2007, 02:17:45 pm
Anyone can quit smoking it is just the will power to say not going to smoke anymore.

With the price of a pack is so damn high today it is a good thing to say stop. Also Chantix contains no nicatine as for the patch it does. The little blue pill triggers the brain to stop the cravings only.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 03, 2007, 07:37:42 pm
Since getting on Chantix I now smoke a pack or two a week instead of 2 packs+ a day (did you say chain smoker?). I usually get the first one in the afternoon around 5, instead of jumping on one when waking up. I smoke 3 or 4 in the evening, but I've been going to bed around 1-2am since I've had the puppy. I never take the pack with me when I go for errands, and always put the pack out of sight after I take a cigarette. Writing about cigarettes doesn't make me want one.

Jerry is right about the fact that this drug has NO nicotine in it. So there is no nicotine addiction continuing like when you use the patches or gums. This magic pill just stops the cravings. The ones I take are for "pleasure", and they don't taste good, they're the last ones that are related to habit and very hard to get rid of.

Another good thing is that you can smoke while taking this drug. As long as it's a dramatic change from what you used to smoke I think it's fine. If you still smoke 2 packs a day after a 10 days of chantix then it's not working for you. Most people seem to dramatically change the amount they smoke after 3 or 4 days.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Nadine on August 03, 2007, 10:13:13 pm
I am seriously considering Chantix...it's time.

Of course I will wait til after AMG  :D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 03, 2007, 10:21:21 pm
I am seriously considering Chantix...it's time.

Of course I will wait til after AMG  :D
:D :D :D

I have a question for those that have quit or considerably decreased consumption with Chantix. Do you get bothered by other people smoking around you? Seeing people smoke make you want to smoke? I get bothered by the smell now but seeing people doesn't give me the urge to smoke at all.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 04, 2007, 11:06:11 pm
Well update on my not smoking here the last few days I have developed a rash from taking Chantix and had to stop my treatment. Seems just about like most of my meds that I have taken in the past some have worked and others have not. I can so though that after taken the Chantix for over a month I have not smoked as much as I had in the past. Also with the area I live in it is hard to just up and quit all together since the state I live in grows most of the tobacco. I am just going to limit myself and not smoke like a freight train like I did in the past. I am fine just as long as I'm not around others that smoke. As I type this Lisa is shaking her head at me. LOL oh well I tried. To the others that have taken this good luck in all that you do and don't give up trying to quit.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 04, 2007, 11:14:20 pm
 >:(

Wait wait wait. What is this "LOL oh well I tried" thing ??? You know Chantix is your LAST chance.

You're NOT giving up, Jerry. And no, i'm not bringing my whip to AMG because you may enjoy it.

Jerry, you've been doing so well. Don't give up.

Are you 100% sure the rash is due to Chantix? I wish I was there to remind you how well you feel without cigs  >:(

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 04, 2007, 11:30:24 pm
Yeah since I have been off of Chantix the rash is slowly going away. It was the Chantix that caused the rash because all my other meds I have been taking have not had any side effects. At least I have cut back on my smoking! Yeah Milker bring your whip with you catch me if you can. Might just have to race you up Telgraph Hill. LOL

Jerry who mows yards in Virginia and lives on a hill.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 05, 2007, 12:08:10 am
Oh yeah, be ready for mother like reprimands, Jerry.  :-[

It's okay to give up for a day or two, but remember that you won't take Chantix for the rest of your life, and you need to deal with those cravings. So start working on them. You're the one that convinced me I could do it, so help each other, here.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dan J. on August 05, 2007, 10:34:24 am
Listen to Milkie Jerry because he won't be the only one with a whip in San Francisco... :o
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 05, 2007, 10:48:34 am
Ok I will cut back but not until after AMG 07.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dachshund on August 05, 2007, 05:17:45 pm
My experience is that you should never, ever, tell anyone that you have quit smoking. If they notice you say well I'm trying to and leave it at that. Too much pressure results in failure, explanation and guilt.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 05, 2007, 07:07:14 pm
My experience is that you should never, ever, tell anyone that you have quit smoking. If they notice you say well I'm trying to and leave it at that. Too much pressure results in failure, explanation and guilt.
Yeah that's interesting, almost all the support groups say "tell everyone, tell everyone", I never saw one that said "keep it for yourself". I agree with you what's the point of telling everyone if you're going to have guilty feelings if you fail. And people will laugh next time you try, or say "whatever, yeah, that will last a week again".. been there done that.

When I see Jerry's super happy posts about how he feels when he's not smoking a pack or two a day I have to tell him to continue trying. A relapse is a call of the mind to remind that the treatment is not over, and it needs more help.

I wonder if there is something that could counteract the rash while staying on Chantix? Talk to your doctor!

I know why you cut back AFTER AMG. You want to try that whip with Dan and I :D :D

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 12, 2007, 10:54:53 pm
Well just found out what was causing the rash it was not the Chantix it was my multi-vitamins that I was taken it had Sulfate in them. I am allergic to sulfar and it was causing me to have a rash. I could just kick myself in the ass thought it was the Chantix. Well I did start back on Chantix today. So far so good. I can only say one thing about this product it stops the cravings. It will not prevent you to ever pick up a smoke from time to time though.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 13, 2007, 12:42:28 am
It's your turn to slap me, Jerry, I've increased my smoking recently, but I'm hoping to go back to much less tomorrow. I know i'm smoking because of settings (people around me smoking and I'm not saying no), so I have to work on that.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on August 13, 2007, 11:08:37 am
guys guys guys,

what is up?  Just don't give in, you can do it, but you have to want to...
When I quit, everytime I had a craving I would grab a piece of gum or sniff a jar I had with cig buds ( that smell alone will make you want to quit).  Eat ( I had olives at work and would pop them everytime I had a craving).
Get some herbal cigarettes ( they are tobacco and nicotine free), when I had bad cravings I would light one up, and since they are not tobacco, they did not taste right and I'd end up putting it away after a puff or two.
Of course I do smoke pot and it did help.  I notice I smoke more pot during the first 3 weeks of quitting cigarettes, but now it is back to my "regular" intake, I don't smoke more pot now that I quit cigs.

Don't give up guys...you can do it...I used to smoke 1 pack of Camels a day and I have not touched a cigarette since March 14, 2007.


Rich
(who still had not lost faith on his quitting pals)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cayucosguy on August 13, 2007, 03:02:06 pm
Prescription arrived in the mail today.  Not sure whether to start first dose tonight, or wait until morning (and swallow one more pill).
Did anyone take the Chantix along with their meds, or have you tried to keep some time/distance between the different 'scripts?
I also thought about waiting until after AMG, but this is something I need to do for myself, so... why wait?  If I have one or two cigs with a drink while we are all together, I won't beat myself up over it (but Milker, about that whip  :D) !
I know I can... I know I can... I know I can...
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 13, 2007, 11:05:48 pm
Cay I took mine at first with my regular meds. This time around I take it when I eat a meal.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 13, 2007, 11:09:24 pm
cay,

it's easy for me to not smoke with Chantix. But the evil mind is taking over.. remember how cool it was to smoke, remember how the meals felt so much better.. I think this could be what Jerry is experiencing, we started Chantix at more or less the same time and we're having the same detox problem, so I hope it's just a "blip" as they say, and Jerry and I will be back on track soon. If i'm focused on work I don't smoke at all, like I used to, so basically I was back today to not smoking at all during the day. I had 1 after coffee this morning, and i'm having too many right now.

As for the whip, I'm ready :D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 13, 2007, 11:13:55 pm
Good you brought that up Milker. My weekends are my worse when I get most of my cravings to have one or when I am around others in my family that do smoke. Also when I went down to visit with Lisa I had to have one OK a pack or three. :o
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 13, 2007, 11:16:56 pm
Just glad there is Stride gum out there now at least I can chew gum while I'm online but it still would be nice to light one up from time to time.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on August 13, 2007, 11:19:20 pm
Good you brought that up Milker. My weekends are my worse when I get most of my cravings to have one or when I am around others in my family that do smoke. Also when I went down to visit with Lisa I had to have one OK a pack or three. :o
And I will blame my lesbian neighbors that I've been hanging out much more those days. They smoke and laughed when I said I was in the process of stopping smoking.

Yay I blamed someone else ! :D

But yeah, it doesn't help. But then again I know that I could see them and not smoke at all. So it's all about controlling myself.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 13, 2007, 11:24:29 pm
My Dad still smokes around me and at times I could just die for a smoke. Thanks for the store down the road form my house If I ever get the need for one I go and buy a pack or two or three. LOL
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Nadine on August 16, 2007, 06:25:11 am
Well, I got my prescription for Chantix, but as I said up above (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g312/hckytwngrl/arrowup.gif) I will not be starting it until after AMG. I will apologize now if I get a wee bit bitchy next month.  :D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 16, 2007, 07:59:23 pm
Nadine you will be fine. Jerry knows because he started Chantix and quit and started back smoking and also will try again after AMG. So we both can be bitchy. :-*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cayucosguy on August 17, 2007, 12:42:04 pm
Day 3

Been awake for over 5 hours now, and have had just a half cigarette.

A little bit dizzy  ??? about a half-hour after taking the third dose, but then again... oh, wait I said dizzy, not ditzy  ;D

Nadine, you really should go for it right now!  It's not as bad nor as difficult as I thought it would be (so far).

Smoke-Free @ AMG !!! (well, cigarettes anyway)  ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 19, 2007, 01:19:47 am
Milker how has the pill been working for you?

I have been a bad boy here lately and have smoked a pack a day since I recently went to visit Lisa.

Will try my best to get back on track after AMG.

Hope everyone is doing better with this than I have had. If I just stayed home and never visited my sister I would be smoke free. But she smokes and my brotherlaw smokes anb my niece and dad smoke. Last weekend had a family get together and it was rough watching everyone smoke. I went off on my own and had my smoke.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cayucosguy on August 20, 2007, 05:00:14 pm
Day 6

Only one cigarette all day (until I get home and have a beer).
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Pilot on August 21, 2007, 11:21:19 pm
I took Chantix for two months and have not had a cigarette since.  I sometimes think about it when I am doing some thing that usually involved smoking but its  just a passing thought and no cravings . I go to bars and have friends who smoke but it doesnt bother me or make me want one when i am around them.  Good luck to everyone who is trying to quit and I think the Chantix will be beneficial for anyone who doesnt want to quit cold turkey.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bradmiller3842 on August 22, 2007, 02:20:56 pm
I am on my 40 day of not smoking - using Chantix - it has been GREAT - the easiest I have ever quit.   No withdrawals and cravings have been minor - I have used the website and the email notifications which to my surprise have helped.

I started to have chest pains on the 25 day - but they went away.  Not sure if it had anything to do with Chantix.   It felt like I had smoked a pack in one sitting - it last 3 days...   

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: onemoretime on August 22, 2007, 06:17:57 pm
i quit once for 4 years with welbutrin and the patch.  i started running and working out.  stopped running and workingout and smoke followed.  that was 7 years ago.   tried many times and never did more then 6 weeks.  got chantix a month and half ago.  been smoke free for 38 days now.  I smoked the first week on chantix and on day 8 I just didn't want one.  It helped that I had bronchitas that last weekend of smoking.   back to the gym and havn't wanted a cig since chantix.   all the past times I quit i aways craved cigs.  this time i don't.   I do belive yu have to really want to quit. but chantix sure helps me.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 24, 2007, 10:12:54 am
Hi everyone I finally got my Chantix and I stated today, I had to pay for it myself but since I spend $100.oo a month on smokes I yhink it is worth it,,, so wish me luck  thank you
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on August 24, 2007, 09:20:48 pm
Good luck PRMike,

I used the web support program they offer and I helpped me.  Don't try to quit right away, you can still smoke when you get those bad cravings during your first week.  I hope it works for you just as it did for me.
I had my last cigarette on March 14...AMG will be my 6th moth aniversary

Rich
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on August 24, 2007, 09:27:13 pm
LOL! We will see if it last. EVIL grin!!!!!!!!!  ::)

This little pill is a joke I have noticed I can smoke one day and stop the next.

It is all in your mind wait till you start having bad gas and can not take a shit for a week.

So if you have to pay for it look out when you sleep at night if the dreams don't get to you the damn gas will.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 31, 2007, 08:25:00 am
Hi everyone well I just had my last smoke because today is my quit day but I already have noticed that the cravings are not that strong I have been able to go 3 hours without smoking since I started taking the pills so I feel really good about it. well thanks for being there I'll keep you posted bye for now
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on August 31, 2007, 03:11:42 pm
Well, I was ready to get Chantix and stop the smokes. For years I was able to use the excuse that I was about to die and it wasn't going to be from lung cancer; but since it looks like I'll be living for a while, I figured I'd have to do something about this bad habit. ;)

But today when I checked in at the pharmacy (in Ohio), neither medicare or medicaid would pay for it.  :( What's up with that? You'd think with all the taxes I pay on my cigs here (one of highest taxed states since they have to have some way to pay for the ballparks and stadiums) that at least some would go to covering some sort of anti-smoking meds.

So I bought two packs of smokes and left. ::)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on August 31, 2007, 04:21:59 pm
It is so ridiculous and completely ilogical for health plans not to cover Chantix.  You would think that they want to prevent lung cancer not treat it later on.....
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: thunter34 on August 31, 2007, 04:31:26 pm
wellbutrin really seems to have done something all permanent-like to me.  i can still pick up a pack and smoke like a demon if i got 'em, but once they are gone i can go without them no problem.  i mean, if i smoke like crazy for a day and run out by early evening, i might have some cravings that evening until i go to bed- but by the next day i have no cravings at all.

i used to nic out like you wouldn't believe and couldn't imagine going without the smokes.

now whether i smoke or not is relative to the environment i am in or the company i am keeping.  i tend to buy them for things like that- if i am going to visit friends that smoke a lot, i'll buy some to have while there & not mooch off them.  i'll smoke 'em til they're gone and that's that.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: poz1970 on August 31, 2007, 06:32:47 pm
Any australians in here know whether this is available in australia yet?

J
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: MSPspud on September 11, 2007, 02:25:14 pm
bump -  I want to hear updates!   :)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 11, 2007, 02:51:07 pm
OK, it's my second day being smoke-free.  I feel great, however the cravings are there sometimes.  I'm using Chantix.  I tried that way of quitting about a month ago, but with everything that happened with my mum (she passed Aug. 10) I didn't follow through with it then.  But, I know the health benefits are enormous, as is the cost-saving.  I can't afford $7/day for cigarettes.

Timmy, I wish I could smoke like you, just socially.  I can't do that.  Probably not only the physical, but I have such an addictive nature anyways.  I haven't been around anyone yet who smokes, but I'm sure that'll be hard.  It's hard if I'm watching a movie and someone smokes.

Of course, this is just day two.  But it is huge for me.  With my mom dying of lung cancer (from second hand smoke) and my dad having emphysema and chronic bronchitis, my chances, along with having AIDS and being diabetic, are slim and none that I would live a long healthy life if I continued to smoke.  Anyway, wish me luck.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on September 11, 2007, 03:03:15 pm
Good Luck Betty. Also any others that try to kick the habit.

I could really kick myself in the ass for starting back but it is just so hard when the people you are around everyday like your family and they smoke. I could do it if I really wanted too. But living beside someone that smokes and others in my family that smoke it can be hard. I started at the age of 25 after I had a boyfriend that smoked like a freight train and we broke up a few months later I started after that.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on September 11, 2007, 03:24:51 pm
good luck Betty,

I know it is hard but it is a conscious decision you make and it can be done...I was a smoker for over 20 yrs.. I started smoking at 14 and smoked 1 pack of Camels a day.
I believe I will always be a smoker, although I have not smoke a single cigarette since March of this year (using Chantix), I still get cravings and like you Betty, I can't smoke "socially" like Tim.  One puff and I know I will go back to smoking full time.
Chantix worked great for me, the craving diminished and I was able to turn my attention to something else.  My roomate smokes still, but always outside.
It is funny, sometimes the smell of cigarette smoke is horrible and sometimes it just makes me buy a pack of Camels.  But I always opt to go for a walk with the dogs or do something else to get my mind off the cravings.
I also joined the online support that is on the Chantix website and that did help me for the first month ( it is an incentive to see that everyday and log your progress, at least for me it worked.)

Anyway... I wish you all the luck and remember, after some 4 weeks without any cigarettes the cravings are totally psychological, MIND OVER MATTER , that's how it works.


edit to correct spelling
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: atxpozguy on September 11, 2007, 06:15:43 pm
Chantix does work as it made it possible for me to quit smoking completely, I am into my 7th week without a cigarette and now actually can mow my entire yard without stopping for a break.  :o

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on September 12, 2007, 12:04:56 am
Hey gang,

Well, I quit using Chantix. I stopped smoking Jan. 27. I did cheat twice, when I started Sustiva and it made me a bit crazy.

But, the cigs tasted so bad I never finished either of them and gave the rest away. So, I have been more or less smoke free for going on eight months now.

Chantix really does work. I was never able to kick the habit before, often never lasting an entire night without having a cig.

I stopped taking Chantix about a month ago now and am still smoke free. I am around a lot of other smokers and there are times I would really like a smoke.  Not a craving, mind you, but a real desire to smoke. It feels more like a rose-colored memory than a craving.

All I have to do is stand near someone smoking and the smell drives me away - and kills the desire for a cig.

So, I am am committed non-smoker at this point. Never thought I would do it, but I did.

I have gained 16 pounds since January. I don't like it, but everyone else says I look better a bit heavier. It hasn't helped my sex life any, but at my age, I'm not going to kvetch.

So, to all of you who have decided to take the plunge pack off the cigs, you can do it. I did, and my dear people, if someone who has smoked for 34 years can do it, I know you can too.

HUGS,

Mark

(Who also likes the fact he can really smell the rain now.)

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: DanielMark on September 12, 2007, 04:05:37 am
Picking up my starter pack of Champix (the Canadian version of Chantix) today. I have to pay out of pocket for it but who cares. I am SO bloody fed up with wanting to stop but caving in again and again.

Google led me to this alarming bit of info:

Apart from being a non-nicotine smoking cessation treatment, Champix is also beneficial because it reduces the smoker’s urge to smoke and soothes exasperating withdrawal symptoms. Smoking is the worst of all habits and can be really difficult to give up. But if you really want to quit smoking and are serious about it, go for a safe smoking cessation treatment.

Your decision to quit smoking will yield many benefits such as:

• live longer and better
• lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer
• improve your chances of having a healthy baby
• save people you live with especially your children
• more money to spend on things other than cigarettes

So I have to get pregnant now and live with children. Great! My doctor neglected to mention this.  :-\
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 12, 2007, 07:51:54 am
This is day #3 for me without the cigarettes.  Mark, your story is inspirational.  I know the feeling of the Sustiva fog, as I've been on Sustiva now for a year and I still sometimes get that. 

Last year I quit smoking using the nicotine patches for like three months, but then was around people who smoked a lot and I started back in again.  For me, Chantix works better than the patches, as they were just replacing the nicotine.  (And Medicare Part D quit paying for the patches, but they pay for Chantix).  I did start exercising.  Nothing strenuous, as my left kneecap is broken and the cartilage in it is collapsed.  Just some easy pilates.   I wonder if we should start a quit smoking support thread in O.T.?  It seems many of us are going that way (smoke-free). 

Good luck everyone.  I think the benefits will be enormous.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 13, 2007, 07:35:53 am
hi everyone, today makes 6 days without a smoke and I am so happy..
I want to say thank you because I would have not tried to quit if it were not for the good things that were said here about Chantix,  after reading what was posted I asked my Doctor and she was so happy because she had been after me to quit,  so anyway I just want to say thank you to everyone and please hang in there..  STAY STRONG
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 13, 2007, 04:53:28 pm
I just got a call from my Doctor and she called my health plan and did a Prior Authorization Request  which from what I understand is that I have been trying to quit smoking but I have failed in my attempts so now they will pay for the rest of the Chantix that I will need...  I am so happy and I thank GoD for my Doctor she is so cool may God bless her...
anyway bye and stay strong
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 14, 2007, 07:31:10 am
This is day #5 for me with no cigarettes.  Last night was hard because after class, there were three students smoking in the parking garage and one of them smokes the same brand of cigarettes that I smoked.  But, I just stuck a toothpick in my mouth and kept quiet about it.  I still have urges, but tell myself "it will pass" when they hit.  I wonder how everyone else is doing? 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 14, 2007, 07:47:14 am
Hi BettyTacy  well I'm on day 7 and I'm feeling pretty good, I sometimes want a smoke but it is not a bad urge like I used to have before the Chantix now I just think of the benifits I will have by quitting smoking...
so my hats off to you and stay strong ok
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 14, 2007, 09:24:05 pm
A friend of mine took me to Outback Steakhouse tonight to celebrate my not smoking.  So that was nice.  I'm feeling better already and know that will improve as time passes.  Hang in there PR, and let me know how it's going!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 15, 2007, 11:52:07 am
Hi Betty well so far so good,  I just went and picked up my continueing packet and I'm soooo  glad that I did not have tp pay for it,  now all I have to do is wait for the paper work in order to get reimbursed for the $120.oo that I paid for my starter kit...  Ok girl stay strong  bye
P.S.  to everyone else keep up the good work
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: komnaes on September 15, 2007, 12:01:35 pm
Wow.. it sounds like it's time for me to jump on the Chantix train too!

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

Shaun
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 16, 2007, 09:14:43 pm
This makes day #7 for me.  How are ya PR?  I'm doing alright.  Still getting urges, but not quite as strong.  Hope you're staying quit.  I know I'm planning on it-for today anyway! ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cayucosguy on September 17, 2007, 02:38:58 pm
Beginning month two... no real urges, no real desire, but I still have a puff or two if someone else is.

However, when will the dreams/nightmares stop?!  Sustiva was never this bad!

Anyone else still having bizarre dreams or nightmares?
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 18, 2007, 10:06:49 am
Hi today is day 11 for me and I am feeling pretty good, I'm not getting the urges like I used too but every once in awhile I think of it and I compare it to the time I was on drugs and to be honest with everyone quiting smoking has been harder for me than getting off drugs and thank God I have been clean 5 yrs now..

Betty thank you for your concern and please hang in there ok.

Cayucosguy-  I have been having some very vivid dreams but no nightmares so I like them so far
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Gary85741 on September 27, 2007, 09:37:03 am

     Today is day eight of Chantix for me...the first day I am not supposed to smoke at all.
     I was smoking two packs a day for many years...I loved smoking.  The first week of Chantix I just smoked five cigarettes a day.  When I smoked them they didn't seem to give me any 'rush' like they would normally.
     I'm going to sincerely try to beat this habit and be smoke-free.  My initial inducement was a nodule detected on one of my lungs from a recent CT chest scan...talk about scaring the daylights out of me.  I don't know yet whether it's benign or malignant...waiting for authorization for a lung biopsy.
     Anyway...I will never be a non-smoker who criticizes smokers...I got my fill of that for years and wouldn't be that way to others now.

Gary
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 29, 2007, 08:15:24 pm
I'm going on week #3 being smoke-free.  Can't believe it.  I use a lot of hard candy, mostly mints since I love the taste of something fresh rather than the nasty taste of the cigs.  Sometimes I still want one, and I don't hang out with anyone who smokes, because if I see someone smoking, I want one.  I can really tell when a smoker comes by me now; it smells horrible.  I wrote down the reasons I wanted to quit and I look at them frequently.  I wonder how everyone else is doing.  Oh, I won't be a non-smoker who preaches to everyone either.  I called those the worst kind of reformed smokers.  It never worked for me and it was irritating.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on September 30, 2007, 01:18:17 pm
I wonder when Milker is going to try quitting again.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on September 30, 2007, 01:25:45 pm
Soon I hope. Anyone getting a bit nauseous 10mn after taking chantix? Seems to be getting worse for me, about 10mn after I take it for 30mn.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: DanielMark on September 30, 2007, 02:48:11 pm
No nausea for me Milker, in fact no nasty side effects at all. Are you taking them with enough water?

I'm on day 20 of Champix (Chantix in Canada) but only day three of not smoking after a slight setback last week. All we can do is keep going forward, right?

Hang in there!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on September 30, 2007, 03:30:37 pm
I got my script in July and I'll fill it and start taking it the first week of November.  I really enjoy smoking but I've really started noticing the odor on my clothes and certain things in my house, and on other people too.  I'm really looking forward to the $$ I will save--Beson & Hedges is NEVER on sale!

Now about that 30lb weight loss...good thing I hung on to some of my 'fatboy' pants, may need them come Christmas.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 30, 2007, 07:55:33 pm
Milkie, I don't get nauceous anymore, but I found out that I have to eat when I take the Chantix.  I didn't the first time I took it and I threw up.  I hope you quit soon!  Tomorrow will be week #3 for me!

Creighton- I've noticed that I've put on a few lbs.  I think it's the whole oral fixation thing.  You will be surprised about the money you save. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 02, 2007, 05:54:12 am
Hi everyone day 25 and i'm still smoke free and it feels great. No urges but I do think about them..anyway I just wanted to check in stay strong bye
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 02, 2007, 07:58:03 am
Hey Mike, have you noticed your sense of taste improving?  Or your sense of smell?  I'm still waiting for mine to improve.  It's day #22 off cigarettes.  I do feel better a little.  And the craving isn't nearly as bad as it was.  Of course, I'm staying away from people who smoke right now also.  That's what fucked me up last summer when I quit for like two months, was hanging out with a heavy smoker.  I'm not going to put my head in the sand, so to speak, just being cautious because I really don't want to smoke anymore.  Hey Milkie, what's happening with you?
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on October 02, 2007, 06:34:41 pm
I got nausea when I took Chantix, but I notice I didn't get sick if I ate before taking it, so I recommend taking your Chantix with a full meal or at least a good snack.
Just stick to it guys..I was a smoker for 22 years and I have no desire to pick up smoking cigarettes again. ;D

Basquo...just find something else to do besides eat....or eat healthy snacks like apples, carrots, celery, etc...and go walking or something if you get the urge to smoke.  Now, quitting during the holidays...hm mm, the weight gain will probably be there, but blame the holidays and all that food, even I gain weight between Halloween and Christmas   :-*

Rich
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 02, 2007, 06:41:43 pm
Hi I really have not noticed any improvement on any smells or taste and I too am staying away from my brother when he is smoking because when I see him smoking my mind starts playing games with me and I feel like asking him for one, I did that when I first started the Chantix and I do not want to make the same mistake again.. otherwise I am feeling pretty and I think I have gained a couple of pounds because my shorts fit tighter..ok bye for now and stay strong
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 03, 2007, 06:27:28 am
Hi Betty and everyone else what I meant to say was that I'm feeling pretty good not that I'm feeling pretty  LOL LOL.
anyway I hope everyone is well and still going strong on their quits, ok bye for now have a great day
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 03, 2007, 06:33:07 am
Still not smoking.  My sense of smell has improved, but not so much my sense of taste.  (I do expect that to improve however).  Last night in class, this guy came in after the break and I immediately smelled cigarette smoke on him. It smelled awful and it made me re-affirm my decision to not smoke.   I find yoga helpful also, as the whole breathing thing that goes along with it seems to help a lot.  I am gaining some weight, but I just expect that to even out.  And yes, I do gain weight around the holidays.  Just comes with the territory.  I wonder how Milkie's doing.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 03, 2007, 07:02:21 am
Hi Bettytacy I'm glad to hear that your still doing good, hang in there it can only get better right.
ok bye for now always Mike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 04, 2007, 05:55:16 am
Good morning everyone, I would like to know if anyone knows of this other forum called ( Has anyone heard of Pfizer's chantix ) I used to go on it every day and there was alot of surport on it but today for some reason I can not find it, I always go to my search history and log on that way but it's no longer there.
if anyone can help me I will be grateful.  thank you and may you have a great day
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 04, 2007, 07:14:40 am
Hey Mike, I think it's getquit.com (http://getquit.com).  I'm not sure, but I think that's it.  I get e-mails from them quite regularly..
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 04, 2007, 11:36:00 am
Hi Bettytacy,  thank you but I was able to find it, I just had to put Topix at the end ( Has anyone heard of Pfizer's Chantix - Topix ) I always check this site and that one also in the morning and today I kind of felt alittle lost with out it.
I am still doing good even though today when my brother & I went shopping and he always smokes 2 or 3 on the way to the store I kept thinking to myself I kind of want to ask for one but then I said to myself if I do it will only put me back to where I was before and I do not want to do that..
ok bye for now please stay strong :o ;D ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 06, 2007, 09:02:19 am
OK, I went to my dad's yesterday.  He has emphysema and still smokes.  Not that if he quit, it would cure him.  He's 79 yrs old and has been smoking for 61 years.  His lungs are beyond repair.  But listening to him trying to breathe, yet still lighting up, is another good reinforcement for me to stay quit.  Milkie, oh Milkie, have you quit yet?  How is everyone else doing?
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 06, 2007, 09:11:38 am
Hi BettyTacy I know how you feel, I recently went with my Brother to the VA hospital for his check up and I saw this man putting a cigarette to a hole in his neck and I could not beleive that he would still smoke after going through that,  I think that image also had something with me wanting to quit smoking and today is day 29 smoke free.  I hope that you and everyone else are well? ok bye for now please stay strong
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on October 08, 2007, 03:05:30 pm
Go Mike Go!

I quit Jan. 27 using Chantix and have done pretty well.

Hang in there!!!

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on October 08, 2007, 03:21:28 pm
Congratulations Mike, 

(http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/party/partytime.gif)

You are doing great!  I am happy for you.
I received an email from the get quit support from Chantix just the other day and I thought it was cool.  It asked me if I had smoked any cigarettes since my quit date and a BIG CONGRATULATIONS message one I checked the NO I HAVE NOT SMOKED box.  I made me feel good...Yes I did it!!!!
Keep strong and you too will get your Congratulations email from Chantix on day 199 without a cigarette.



Rich
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 08, 2007, 06:05:30 pm
Hey Mike, great going.  Yesterday made day #30 for me being smoke-free.  I'm really happy about it.  Hopefully many more days to come for us.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on October 08, 2007, 06:49:59 pm
well shame on me  >:( 
Congratulations are in order for you too Betty.  :D :D :D :D :D
great news, you are doing great, I am happy for you.
another thing that really helped get excited about quitting is how much money I have saved, so far I have saved over $700.00 and I will use this money towards something really good, just not sure what.
Rich
(an ex smoker)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: J.R.E. on October 08, 2007, 07:01:51 pm
I recently went with my Brother to the VA hospital for his check up and I saw this man putting a cigarette to a hole in his neck and I could not beleive that he would still smoke after going through that


The first time I saw a person doing that was enough to convice me to quit smoking...That was years ago.



Ray
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 08, 2007, 07:11:32 pm
Hi aztecan, pozattitude,Bettytacy & everyone else thank you for your words of encouragement and Congrats to you all, Bettytacy I think you & I quit on the same day my first smoke free day was on Sept 8th
and I am so happy that I have quit, the smell of my brothers smoke is begining to bother me now but I wont give up...ok bye for now  and may you all have a great day
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 08, 2007, 07:18:56 pm
Hi J.R.E.  yeah that was a trip seeing that man put the cigarette to the hole in his neck, I just pictured myself doing that and I think that had alot to do with it, plus my Doctor told me that a weakness that I had in my legs could be a cloged vien and I found out that I do have a small clog, she also told me that it could affect your sexual performance which I was really surpised to hear and I really do not want that to happen to me.  LOL  anyway nice meeting you.
P.S. how long have you been smoke free???
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 09, 2007, 04:56:01 am
Unfortunately, I have not been able to actually put money aside that I save from not smoking.  I never budgeted for it before and don't know how I actually afforded cigarettes and kept myself from drowning financially!  Anyway, today is day #31. 

Mike, cigarette smoke is really offensive to me anymore.  I cleaned out my car when I quit.  When I cleaned the inside of the windshield off, I couldn't believe how much yellow stuff came off and I thought "Good lord,wonder what that did to my lungs!"  So glad that I'm not doing that now.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: komnaes on October 12, 2007, 05:22:27 am
Just got my starter pack today!

We call it Champix here for some reasons and it costs more than what you guys pay for in North America! Two weeks cost like USD60, and I am supposed to do it for 2 months, a total of USD420!

Glad to hear all the positive stories here! Let's hope I kick this one soon...

Shaun
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 12, 2007, 05:59:58 am
Shaun, good luck.  I know it's a lot of money, but think of all the money you spend on cigarettes!

Mike, how are you doing? 

Today makes day #35 for me.  Feeling better all the time.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 12, 2007, 08:13:51 am
Hi Betty, Today is truely a great day to be alive and smoke free, I'm on day 35 also and yesterday I got the greatest gift anyone could of giving me,  I FOUND MY SON  after 28 years of searching for him and yes he was alittle reluctant to speak to me and I undrestood that but we ended up chatting until 1:30 am so I am very greatful that I am clean & sober and now smoke free, I have a Granddaughter and my son back in my life and I really want to be around to get to know them.
God works in mysterious ways and today I feel so good..
I hope that you are well and to every one else I want to say please hang in there tomorrow is worth living for.
ok bye for now and may you all have a great and smokeless day  bye
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on October 12, 2007, 08:52:52 am
Mike and all the others that have taken the time to quit I wish you luck and sucess in this product. Keep up what you are doing. I will try and start back very soon. At the present I have too much on my mind too stop. I took the leap and quit for 30 days and started right back it is hard but it takes a lot of well power to quit.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 12, 2007, 10:43:21 am
Hi Jerry71 thank you for your words of encouragement and I understand that there are times and things that make it hard for us to quit, it has happened to me alot of times not to mention that I really was not ready to quit but I think that you have to do whatever you need to do so that then you can give it your all and stop smoking, so I wish you well and i'll pray for you as I pray for everyone else. please keep me posted ok bye for now always Mike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cjc on October 14, 2007, 08:51:45 pm
Hello,I started the Chantix yesterday. I am already down  to 1 pack per day as opposed to 2 packs. My total quit date is the 18th. I got this cute little starter pack, fortunately medicaide covered it. Feeling hopeful reading your threads. Thanks,    Cristy
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone - Insomnia a side effect?
Post by: komnaes on October 15, 2007, 12:06:11 am
I started my "starter pack" on friday night, and for the first 3 days I took one after my night snacks before going to bed (usually between 10pm-11pm). I have been having a hard time falling asleep (kept me awake til 2 sometime 3 in the morning). Anyone has similar problem? I am not on any HIV meds yet.

I have cut down somewhat and each cigarette I smoked became less and less enjoyable.

Shaun
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 15, 2007, 05:37:41 am
Hi cic, Shaun Welcome and congrats on your quit cic thats great that your down to one pack from 2 and before you know it you'll be off of them totally so keep up the good work ok,
Shaun I do not know if it will help you or not but I take my second pill right after dinner which usually is between 5 and 6 pm and I sleep great and I like my dreams, I hope this works for you.
well may you all have a great day and please stay strong ok bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: komnaes on October 15, 2007, 05:42:05 am
Thanks Mike, I will try take it earlier, like immediately after meal (usually eat between 7.30pm to 8.30pm) and see if it improves. I don't like feeling groggy in the morning, and keen to stop both cigarettes and making Chantix before I need to take HIV meds. Hugs, Shaun
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 15, 2007, 06:03:23 am
Hey Mike, congratulations on still being smoke-free!  I am as well.  It's also good to hear from another person on these forums who's clean/sober.  How much time do you have?  It sounds like you getting back in touch with your son and his acceptance of having you back is one of those gift recovery gives you.  I think that's really great and I wish you two healing.  My daughter and I were a little estranged, but we have a really good relationship now.  It's so wonderful to get people back into our lives that we, um, for lack of better wording, cut out. 

Cristy, you just keep on trying girl.  It will work out.  I know you can do it! KO, I know you can do it also!  If I can quit, anyone can.  I'm still taking Chantix and don't plan on stopping it anytime soon.   
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 15, 2007, 06:50:32 am
Hi BettyTacy, I have been clean for 5 years and 2 months and Sober since 1985... 
Yes it is great to be clean & sober and My God has giving me the gift of a second chance in life and now has giving me my son back, and I have a beautiful Granddaughter...  I feel so happy and if I died today I would die Content...
again thank you for your sweet and kind words and please stay strong...
P.S.  how long do you have???
ok bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: milker on October 18, 2007, 02:09:18 pm
I'm just back from my doctor's visit and he obviously got much more knowledgeable about Chantix than last time I saw him, he did some research and considers the pill as a serious concern for kidney failure, he said that he would NOT prescribe it for more than 3 months, so if it fails, then an alternative must be found. Since I stopped taking it about a month in treatment, he allows me to get 2 more months, and he will help me with the nausea and take kidney tests along the way.

Milker.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 18, 2007, 06:59:12 pm
OK, F., I just posted about this in your thread about your #s.  I'm glad I read your post here.  I've only been on the Chantix for a month and a half.  I guess I've got another month and a half to go.  But with me, it's working.  I haven't smoked a cig since September 10th. 

Mike, I've been off booze since 1989, and off "drugs" (prescription ones I was using) since 2005.  Now, I've detoxed off a lot of stuff...booze, heroin...the toughest was the prescription ones.  They tore me up.  Thank God for the gifts of recovery!  I'm finishing getting my bachelor's in psychology (finally). 

Hope things are going well with you and your son..
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 18, 2007, 07:42:47 pm
Hi BettyTacy I'm glad to hear from you and know that you are doing well, yeah we have come a long way in recovery but we can never forget where we came from and always stay strong,  I still get in touch with the Rehab that I was at, in fact on my 5 th birthday I got a few e-mails from people that are still clean & sober and from the Director which made me feel great... but I must say that quitting smoking has always been harder for me than leaving the drugs and thanks to Chantix it has been really easy.... I'm stilll doing really good...
as for my son It has been a couple of days that I have not heard from him and I realize that he might need some time to adjust to having me back in his life but I cant help this feeling that I will lose him again,,  I know that it's just my fears but I cant help it,  I want to hear from him everyday,, my Daughter today asked me if I had heard from him so she is going to call him since he gave her his phone number..
ok I hope everyone is alright and staying strong bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 19, 2007, 05:46:40 am
Hi Mike, yes, I'm sure your son needs some time.  It's got to be an unusual experience for him, having his dad back in his life.  It must suck for you not being able to see him when you want to, but time heals all wounds as they say.   I still go to meetings.  I've never stopped going to meetings since '89.  I had a hard time at first, admitting that the prescription meds I was on was relapsing.  Mostly because they were prescribed by a psychiatrist; also because I wasn't abusing them.  But that wasn't the issue-I knew better than to be on them.  The ones I am speaking of here are Valium, Dextroamphetamine, Vicodin ES and Morphine.  They were all at high doses.  Plus I was on a couple that, although not "abusable" had my whole system out of whack because they were prescribed at high doses (thyroid and hormones).  So it was a very difficult detox.  I'll never forget it though.  You're right, we do need to remember the exact reasons why we can't drink or use drugs so as to not return to them.  Hey, when is your clean/sober b.d.?  Mine is coming up here shortly,  October 25th.  Actually I think it's the 21st, but the 25th is the date I remember my brain started functioning again, so that's what I go by. 

I hope you're still cig-free.  It feels better all the time.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 19, 2007, 06:58:34 am
Hi BettyTacy, wow you were on some strong stuff, my last addiction besides the smokes was Crystal Meth and it did alot of harm to my immune sustem at the time, it brought my T-cells down to 6 and Viral Load over 400,000,  I thank God,the social worker at the hospital, Nurses,willie a case worker I knew that got me into the Rehab ( Chioces )and everyone at the rehab for giving me my life back..  my clean date is 8/14/02 thats the day I went into the rehab,  I do not count the days I was in the hospital...I'm glad that you and I have come along way and I pray that those still in addiction will get some help.
I'm still doing great with the non-smoking thank you  bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 20, 2007, 06:53:51 am
Hey Mike, glad you're still not smoking.  I'm not either.  I can really tell when someone who has just smoked a cigarette comes by me.  I'm starting to find the smell a bit offensive.  I am so glad I don't smell like that anymore. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on October 29, 2007, 01:38:19 pm
Well since this is day 9 on Chantix for my partner and I, and things are going pretty well, I guess it's time to throw in a post here.  ;)

Since I probably should have died 12 yrs ago, smoking was never an issue for me. However, these new-fangled meds have kept me not only alive; but actually getting healthier.  ::) Now, at 45, I've had to think that smoking might just be a health problem for me. Not to mention they keep taxing the heck outta cigs, and my disability check never goes up to compensate for that. LOL

I had seen here that several people were able to get their script covered, so I talked to my doctor about it and he thought it was worth a try. Trying several different ways (ASO, medicare, medicaid) though, I just couldn't get any help covering my Chantix prescription.  :'(

But a member here came through (Yeah! for the Forums again!) and since he was able to quit after a month, he had a 2-month supply available for me. When a fedex package of pills arrived, I had been smoking almost two packs a day for the last three months! (I was still lying to my doc and telling him only one pack a day)

Since my partner and I both smoke (he's 56 now, HIV- and healthy), we decided we'd stop together. With this 2-month supply we knew we could get through the first month. If the drug worked enough (but not quite enough), we figured we would have saved enough from smoking less to save up enough to cover filling the prescription that my doctor originally wrote for me.

Things went well for the first week The cigs tasted blander by Day 2 and I wasn't "craving" them so much.  By Day 4 I had dropped to just less than a pack a day! Day 6 I screwed up and took the Chantix with my morning meds (includes VidexEC so I can't eat for a couple of hrs) and within 15 minutes puked up ALL the meds.  :( I learned my lesson, and that's not happening again.  ;D

Yesterday was the first day of not-smoking; but we both smoked six. So far today, I've only smoked two. The one in the morning and after meals is pretty hard not to crave. But as I had been smoking two packs a day, this has been an incredible improvement!!

I'm finding the hardest part of kicking the habit, is breaking the habits of when and where I smoke. Neither of us is "craving" them anymore, but it is second-nature to light one up in the car, or sitting in front of the computer. So everytime I get that "craving", I get up and go do something constructive (with 4 cocker spaniels in the house, there's always something to clean  ;D ).

The forum member checked in with me today and that's what prompted me to finally post here. I need to check to see if I can publicly thank him for helping us out ;) Although I still will say THANKS even if I can't say who it is.  ;)  ;D

Best of Luck to everyone kicking the habit!
mIkIE & Jim

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on October 29, 2007, 02:00:10 pm
Thats good news Mike. Its been difficult for me but I have managed to stay off them even through all the crap going on with us right now. You are correct .......change the scene, the time, the place, the people, and you will be less likely to smoke. Break the routine.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Gary85741 on October 30, 2007, 09:04:45 am

     Chantix is great.  For me this is day 27 of no smoking, having been on Chantix 34 days.  Oh okay...I have one or two cigarettes during each week...usually if I go to the bar.  But it's a far cry from the two packs per day for years.  I feel sure I'll go to 100% smoke-free within a few months.

     I will never belittle or criticize smokers however.  We each rightfully make our own choices about that.

Gary
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on October 31, 2007, 06:21:02 pm
I like to smoke.  I enjoy it.  I REALLY, REALLY like to smoke!  But I'm not getting any younger, and cigarettes are not getting any cheaper, and my hair is not getting darker, and those fine lines are not getting any finer. My blood pressure is controlled by exercise, but only when I exercise regularly, which I don't always feel like doing.

I start Chantix tomorrow after breakfast.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 01, 2007, 05:12:25 am
Hi you will not regret it, this little pill has been a wonder for me, I smoked for 41 yrs ( Marlboro's ) and I am no day 55 of being smoke free and I no longer get the urge to smoke, I do every once in awhile think about them but only when I see someone's pack but I do not react to it, So welcome to a new and healthy world..ok bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: DanielMark on November 01, 2007, 05:59:49 am
In the third week of taking Champix (Chantix) profound depression – including suicidal thinking – set in and my doctor told me to stop taking it. As with any new drug, trials haven't been done on every conceivable drug combo and interaction. I will say it did stomp out the cravings within a short period of time tho and the longest I went smoke-free was eight days.

Just be aware that any other drugs you may be taking could interact with this brand new one.

Back to the drawing board . . .

Daniel
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 01, 2007, 07:07:03 am
OK, I've got to be honest.  Last week, after starting College Algebra, along with being back in the working world after 14 years of being out, I started smoking again.  I went off the Chantix, but put myself back on it last night.  So, I will try again.  For all of those who are successfully quitting, way to go.  I just hope I can do it again and find some kind of balance with the new stresses in my life.  I'm a lot like Creighton, I like to smoke.  I do not, however, like the way I breathe when I'm smoking, and basically, how I feel overall.  So hopefully I can stop again.  I've already got a cold. Grrrrr........
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: komnaes on November 01, 2007, 07:16:13 am
Hmmmm... it seems like it's not the wonder pills we were hoping for...

I also stopped after a week because of insomnia, which I was assured by my doctor not a side effect, at least he'd never heard from patients except me. I did smoke less after just 3 days but since stopping bounced back to close to a pack a day. I am not really happy about it.

Since my diagnosis I do regularly have problem falling asleep, but with Chantix my brain somehow went overactive and it was a very strange feeling of not being able to switch my brain off. I had until that point never had experienced like seeing images (particularly what I saw on TV or the internet before sleep) after closing my eyes that I couldn't stop.

I still have the starter pack and the doctor said I could try again when I feel up to it as I am not on meds yet. Good luck to you Betty and Daniel, and myself to find a way to quit...

Shaun
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on November 01, 2007, 10:53:26 am
I like to smoke.  I enjoy it.  I REALLY, REALLY like to smoke! 

That is me ....  I will be a smoker till the day I day, I just choose not to light up that cigarette.  I don't have the physical addiction to nicotine anymore but the mental addiction is there and I don't think it will ever go away...I still miss that smoke after dinner or with my cup of coffee....oh I forgot...no coffee in the mornings either...they trigger my wanting to smoke really bad....

Rich
(cigarette free since March 2007)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on November 01, 2007, 12:07:49 pm
Shaun...
When I started Wellbutrin to quit smoking...I had the same experience you did....my brain would not switch off.  It was too active.  So I told my acupuncturist and he was able to give me a treatment to switch off the feeling that my brain was hyperactive. I know it may not work for everyone but, it did for me.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: DanielMark on November 01, 2007, 03:06:55 pm
Hmmmm... it seems like it's not the wonder pills we were hoping for...

I also stopped after a week because of insomnia, which I was assured by my doctor not a side effect, at least he'd never heard from patients except me.

That's the thing Shaun, this is such a new drug that no one knows for sure all the possible side effects yet. Everybody's different. I'm glad it seems to be working for the majority of people, tho.

Daniel
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 01, 2007, 04:28:03 pm
Hi BettyTacy  whats important is that you will try again and I'm sure you can do it..
I'll be praying for you. ok may you and everyone else have a great day bye for now always Mike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 06, 2007, 05:13:06 am
Hi everyone today is day 60 for me and I feel pretty good, I still get thoughts about smoking but I do not react to it.. I cant wait to see the reaction of my Doctor when I see her on thursday and tell her how I'm doing. ok may everyone have a great day
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 06, 2007, 06:36:49 am
Hey Mike:

Great to hear that you're still smoke-free. I will be trying again next Monday.  I know I can do it, I just need to get myself mentally ready. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 06, 2007, 07:05:24 am
Hi BettyTacy, thank you I know that you can do it, and I'll pray that you get back on this path to better health. ok may you have a great day and please keep me posted ok
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on November 06, 2007, 11:30:02 am
 ;D

this has been an awesome thread to follow as i have been taking chantix since 8/21, but wasn't able to lick my 2 pack a day habit until 9/25.

i started chantix while in the hospital after having what i thought was a heart attack here in my office. it wasn't, thank god, but the event scared the s__t out of my poor wife & i to the point in which i felt i needed to try. there is no worse feeling than hearing your partner whimpering in your ear "honey, please don't leave me", as i was passing out.   folks, those words stayed with me throughout this whole experience.

i went through test upon test trying to figure out why i had passed out, including an EGD, to scope my stomach, esopagus, and small intestine. when the doc told me i had to have this test he said i needed to quit smoking, alcohol, and caffine in order that they could get their best possible results.  :o YIKES!

so i had this big party to go to at my cousins in pennsylvania that weekend and i bought 4 packs figuring between the 4 hour drive both ways and "a party" over a 36 hour period, this would be my last hurrah. that was 1 month on chantix.

but that was when i did finally kick the habit. for some reason the last 4 or 5 cigarettes from that last pack tasted horrible. and being the only person out of 70 at the party that smoked was another deterent.   and being the only smoker in the car out of 4 people kept me from enjoying that usual pastime adding more evidence that it was truly time.

now giving up caffine and nicotine at the same time is not easy. trying to work here in my office that first week (9/24) was the worst, as i couldn't keep my eyes open half the time. my energy level was all but gone. but once i got past that first week things seemed to get a bit easier day by day.

by the time i took that EGD i had become acclimated to a life without caffine and nicotine. that was 10/19. on the 26th i awoke to find no decaf available, so i made a pot of caffinated, had 3 cups, and was so wired throughout the whole day, i vowed i would never do that again.

in my opinion chantix works. like most of you folks who have posted here, i have tried several other methods to quit, including a nasty painful method called a mental block. ouch! needles in places near your nose and ears to block the cravings......... and to think i went through that twice! :o

twice i have gone 7 months, but as others have mentioned, some type of stressful event occured in my life, usually death related, and buying 1 pack started the whole process over again. i am praying this time that i have the will power and incentive to hang them up for good.

i am 56 & a smoker since age 19, with a history of heart disease in my family. that event that occured here in my office on 8/21 may not have been a heart attack, but to my poor wife, it might as well have been one. i will never forget her words as she appeared to be losing me.  you would have thought after 22 years of living with hiv, losing countless friends to aids, a sibling, and my parents, that i would have been prepared for something like that.

i am still taking 1 chantix a day, as i find that, especially when out socially, the smell i get from a smoker near me creates the same bad feeling many others here say they have gotten after lighting up while still on the pill. it is just enough of a turn off to prevent me from having one.

but i will heed the advise of those who posted about the long term damage. i would also comment that my urine has never looked so yellow, or smelled so funky. that too is a side effect. and for now, i am loving the dreams. they are much nicer than the ones i had on sustiva.

good luck to all of those who continue to try to quit this god awful & expensive habit. for me, it has been the hardest thing i have ever had to quit. the extra money in my pocket feels great, and the amount of time i have saved not having to think about how many packs to bring with me so i don't run out, will i have enough left in the morning to go with my coffee, what to wear so i have a place to put them, where to hide the lighter when i'm traveling, or is that country going to have my brand.............  ::)............ it is time to end the madness!

kellyspoppi

   
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Life on November 07, 2007, 10:27:34 am
"Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times".
Mark Twain

Day 7 for me...

Eric
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 07, 2007, 12:04:43 pm
Well, I started the Chantix again a couple days ago.  It seems like the biggest hurdle for me right now is this awful algebra course I have to take to get my degree.  I've not given up though; I know it can be done. 

Good job everyone who's gaining some success!  And for the rest of us, just keep trying I suppose.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: cherokeefla on November 08, 2007, 12:53:24 pm
hey jer...just a quick note from somebody that started smoking in tobacco land at the late age of 15 and was a heavy smoker ever since...nothing, including chantix seemed to work for me...it was just a willpower issue...the only thing that worked like a charm for me was a book by allan carr...The Easy Way To Stop Smoking...dont ask me how, but that book got all up inside my head and reprogrammed everything...can't say enough about it...best of luck!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 16, 2007, 05:26:49 pm
Hi everyone I just took my last pill and I can not beleive these last 12 weeks have pasted by so fast... I am still smoke free and I have no urges to smoke so thats great, but I am a little worried how I will do without the pill so let's see what happens...
I hope and pray that everyone is alright.
bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on November 16, 2007, 05:41:40 pm
Congratulations Mike,

Your body is nicotine free now, but you will still have urges to light up because your mind has been so used to it for so long...remember that your body will not crave cigarettes anymore, it is all on your mind now.
If you get the urge to smoke, make yourself busy...walk, run, play a game, call someone...whatever it takes to get your mind off the craving...you'll see that if you do get the craving, it will go away just as fast as it came.
I'm proud of you !!!!!


Rich
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 16, 2007, 08:01:26 pm
Hi Rich thank you for your words of encouragement...  what is wierd is that I do not get the urge to smoke but I realize that when i see my brother smoking I seem to ask myself do I want to ask him for one then I think what a waste of time it will be if I do,,, I am much happier now that I do not smoke and my Doctor is really happy and proud of me,, she also let me know that smoking affects a man's sexual organs and stanima so I really do not want to go back to smoking...thanks again and stay strong
always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: dgr20002 on November 16, 2007, 08:07:46 pm
Hi there. You will feel so much better without smoking. I had a three pack a day habit 10 years ago and quit in March of 1998. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Good luck,

David
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 16, 2007, 09:44:13 pm
Hey all:

My quit date is two more days (Sunday, the 18th).  I have been back on the Chantix for almost a week now.  Wish me luck!  It's now or never.....
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on November 16, 2007, 10:33:57 pm
Hey Bettytacy,

just remember...




[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 17, 2007, 06:30:25 am
Hi BettyTacy, welcome back I know that you can do it.  To everyone else Good morning and keep fighting the good fight
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 17, 2007, 08:37:49 am
Thanks for the encouragment Poz and Mike.  Yes, I know I can do it.  Tomorrow will be the first day of being quit again.  I'm actually looking forward to it and I am going to start kind of an exercise routine.  I just have to be a little careful, as both my kneecaps are broken and in my left knee the cartilage is completely collapsed.  But I can do something.  I feel so awful right now, breathing wise.   My dad, who has emphysema and still smokes, sounds worse and worse all the time.  He's on oxygen now almost 24/7 and I don't want that to happen to me. 

I hope you all are well.  I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: allopathicholistic on November 17, 2007, 11:31:05 am
Yes, I know I can do it. 

You can and you will!  ;D {Hugs}
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on November 17, 2007, 07:03:09 pm
Yay for exercise!  I walk a mile when I get home from work everyday, because that's when I usually light up and keep lighting up all night.  My feet have been killing me because my walking shoes were worn down, but I've been taking the cash I normally spend on cigs and sticking it in a hidden jar.  Today I counted it up and it was enough to buy a nice new pair of all-terrain athletic shoes! which are hard to find because I have abnormally wide duck-like feet, like EEEE wide, which is great for swimming but I can't swim around the office.  If I could, I probably would've quit smoking a long time ago!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 17, 2007, 10:51:55 pm
How long has it been for you, Creighton?

Edited to add:  One hour and counting for me..........
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 18, 2007, 07:23:31 am
Well all,
  I decided to quit tomorrow, as I really wasn't getting myself mentally ready to do it today.  This is an especially hard holiday season for me also, as it's the first one without my mum.  I will quit, though.  I will do it.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on November 18, 2007, 12:55:02 pm
How long has it been for you, Creighton?

Edited to add:  One hour and counting for me..........

About three hours...I was having a craving this morning and lit one up...but then I realized I hadn't taken the pill yet so I'm okay now, and if it goes like last week I won't smoke all week long.  The problem nights have been Friday and Saturday when I'm prone to cracking open a few beers, but even so I smoked WAY less than normal, and I haven't bought a pack of cigarettes in about 10 days and am still on the last one.  I find that chewing gum helps.  I have a box of nicotine gum but I haven't used any yet.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 18, 2007, 03:19:55 pm
Well, I did quit today after all. I only had a couple this morning, then got tired of not being able to breathe.  It's funny, but when I get the urge to smoke after being off of it for awhile, it's like I forget all about what I feel like just one week into smoking again. (stinky breathe, clothes, hair, apartment, not being able to breathe right, my poor cat being congested, lack of money etc.).  Right now, for right now, the cons outweigh the pros.  So, I'm trying it again. 

Creighton, we just keep trying. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on November 18, 2007, 09:00:13 pm
 :D

it's been 2 months now and i'm still doing well without caffine and nicotine. if you only knew what a difficult time it is right now to be giving up cigs, with all the right stressors going off in my brain. it is hard to believe i haven't succomb by now.

so i keep taking 1 pill a day to make sure i don't succomb. i deal with the stressors some other way.

i wish us all continued good luck.

kellyspoppi
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: aztecan on November 18, 2007, 09:31:00 pm
Hey gang,

I am so very proud of each and every one of you, because each of you is trying.

It will be one year for me Jan. 27. I almost didn't make it when I started Sustiva. Luckily, my doc was savvy enough to put me back on Chantix immediately.

Things improved once I dumped the Sustiva for Reyataz/Norvir.

I took Chantix for 24 weeks, All told, $2,832 paid for out of my own pocket and worth every penny!

Hang in there, all of you who are trying. I managed to quit a 2-pack-a-day habit I had had for 34 years.

If I can do it, I know you can too.

By the way, one thing nobody prepared me for were the dreams. Sometimes I dream I am smoking again.

There are days I wake up so angry with myself I can't stand me because I started smoking again. 

Then I realize it was just a dream , roll my eyes and go on with the day.

Keep at it y'all.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on November 18, 2007, 09:40:00 pm
You know, for all the bitching and moaning I do about how expensive my health insurance is, I will say it's taught me how to work the system.  I managed to get two doctors to write three different scripts, got raw pills instead of "kits," and paid a total of $71.95 for three month's worth.

 8)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 19, 2007, 08:21:19 am
OK Mark, if you can do it, I'll keep trying. ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 20, 2007, 06:09:02 am
It's day #2 of being smoke-free.  Wish me luck that I can make it through today without stopping at the nearest 7-11 to buy "just one more pack."  I could never do "just one more" anything. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Gary85741 on November 20, 2007, 08:22:31 am

     Don't know if any of you use the Chantix daily e-mail support in tandem with your medication...I do.

     It gets fairly repetitive.  Naturally, it asks if you've taken your Chantix and if you have smoked any cigarettes.  I've slipped a few times and had a cigarette.  When I answered 'yes' I wondered if a fist would emerge from my computer screen and bop me in the head or something  ;D

     Otherwise, the email support program just keeps using the same phrases day after day if you've taken your pills and not smoked..."way to go," "terrific," "wow," "keep up the good work."  It's kind of silly but perhaps it does help on some level.

Gary     


Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Dan J. on November 20, 2007, 08:23:52 am
Since I have been in the hospital I have tred to smoke a cig 3 times and each time I throw my guts up. I don't even want one anymore .
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: J.R.E. on November 20, 2007, 07:02:08 pm
Received this in my Email box a little while ago regarding Chantix :

FDA informed healthcare professionals of reports of suicidal thoughts and aggressive and erratic behavior in patient who have taken Chantix, a smoking cessation product. There are also reports of patients experiencing drowsiness that affected their ability to drive or operate machinery. FDA is currently reviewing these cases, along with other recent reports. A preliminary assessment reveals that many of the cases reflect new-onset of depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and changes in emotion and behavior within days to weeks of initiating Chantix treatment.

 The role of Chantix in these cases is not clear because smoking cessation, with or without treatment, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness. However, not all patients described in the cases had preexisting psychiatric illness and not all had discontinued smoking.

Healthcare professionals should monitor patients taking Chantix for behavior and mood changes. Patients taking this product should report behavior or mood changes to their doctor and use caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how quitting smoking with Chantix may affect them.

Read the complete 2007 MedWatch safety summary including a link to the FDA Early Communication Sheet about an Ongoing Safety Review regarding this issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Chantix
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on November 21, 2007, 12:56:12 am
Received this in my Email box a little while ago regarding Chantix

I have a polite question JRE. According to your earlier post in this thread, it sounds like you quit smoking yrs ago, before this med was on the market. Am I correct then in assuming that means that you have not taken Chantix?
The first time I saw a person doing that was enough to convice me to quit smoking...That was years ago.

I'm trying not to make this post sound bitchy towards you JRE, but I wanted to use this an example to ask if anyone seemed to be having the same problem that I have been lately. Recently, I have been assailed with this "warning" about Chantix from all sorts of people - from an ASO worker, my mom, the doctor's secretary, a nurse taking blood, and now JRE.

First, I always read up about any medication I'm taking. (Personally I think you would be a fool to take any medication without having learned about it.) All the info about Chantix clearly stated up front that "mental" issues may occur with usage. Having already gone off Sustiva because of "mental" issues, I figured I knew what to look for. Second, my HIV meds are so much more harmful to my system than this one little pill. Most of the other side effects from Chantix (The most common adverse events associated with CHANTIX (>5% and twice the rate seen in placebo-treated patients) were nausea, sleep disturbance, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting.), I already suffer with everyday from the HIV meds.

So I took the pills for a week; then quit smoking, continueing with the pills as prescribed. I haven't smoked in almost 25 days now. (WooHoo!)  Matter of fact, I haven't even taken the Chantix for the last three days. :D While I was taking it, I did notice more "vivid" dreams; but nothing else happened to me that I would consider a side effect of the Chantix - although the bitchy attitude I had during days 15-20, I attributed to classic nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Then all these people started warning me about the medication. The problem I have with their warning is that, as far as I know, most of these people have never smoked, and none of them have even taken the drug. What's up with that?

Too be honest, this is not the only issue about meds/warnings that gets me worked up. My mom has learned to quit sending me newspaper clippings everytime the word HIV or AIDS appears in an article - especially articles with the word "cure" in them . I've already told her that me and my doctor keep an eye out on that sort of thing.  I promised her that the day the cure is available, I'll take it and call her first thing before anyone else.

Does anyone else get "accosted" with warnings like this? Does it bother anyone else? I ask these questions rhetorically, because now that I have vented I feel a lot better about the issue. LOL

Before I close, I do have to mention one more time that it's been 23 days now that I haven't smoked.  ;D

I've done two things to get me through the experience so far. First, I refuse to buy another pack of cigs. It's so much easier to quit when you don't have any around to light up. Second, I've used a trick my GrandFather used to kick the habit 50 yrs ago. Everytime I've been tempted, felt the urge, or just been bored enough to smoke, I've grabbed a mint (my fav are LifeSavers Wint-O-Ments, instead of the peppermints that my GrandFather used). I'm not certain how many calories I've picked up gobbling up three big bags of mints (at 135 lbs I can afford a little more weight as we more into the Winter cold); but I've got great smelling breath now.  ;D

mikie
(who is tired of listening to in-experienced and un-experienced people talking about stuff they don't know anything about)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: DanielMark on November 21, 2007, 03:35:22 am
Quote
A preliminary assessment reveals that many of the cases reflect new-onset of depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and changes in emotion and behavior within days to weeks of initiating Chantix treatment.

That's exactly how it affected me, the third week into taking Champix, profound depression with suicidal thinking. Up until then it seemed to be working well. As with any new drug, not every possible side effect can be known from the start.

Daniel
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: J.R.E. on November 21, 2007, 07:47:45 am
I have a polite question JRE. According to your earlier post in this thread, it sounds like you quit smoking yrs ago, before this med was on the market. Am I correct then in assuming that means that you have not taken Chantix?
I'm trying not to make this post sound bitchy towards you JRE, but I wanted to use this an example to ask if anyone seemed to be having the same problem that I have been lately. Recently, I have been assailed with this "warning" about Chantix from all sorts of people - from an ASO worker, my mom, the doctor's secretary, a nurse taking blood, and now JRE.





Hello,

The quote you referred to, from me"The first time I saw a person doing that was enough to convice me to quit smoking...That was years ago."
,    was not about Chantix. It was about a time years ago, when I was in the VA hospital and patients were smoking cigarettes through their tracheotomy (SP)--( hole in the throat ), before Chantix.


No, I quit smoking many years ago. Before Chantix was on the market. The post that I had put up yesterday, was from an email that I had received from the FDA,( On Tuesday of this week) regarding Chantix.

One paragraph in that warning states ;

The role of Chantix in these cases is not clear because smoking cessation, with or without treatment, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness. However, not all patients described in the cases had preexisting psychiatric illness and not all had discontinued smoking.


So, it would seem quite possible that Chantix, may not have that effect on all people. but warnings are out there for a purpose. If a person was having problems with smoking cessation, using Chantix. it's something that should be monitored by your doctor.


I hope this clarifies a little bit--------Ray


Personally, if Chantix was around years ago , when I was attempting to quit smoking, I probably would have given it a try. Instead I opted for wellbutrin and Hypnosis, both of which failed. It took several attempts to quit smoking, until I succeeded.


By the way, congratulations on 25 days of no smoking !! You feeling that rush of energy yet ?
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on November 21, 2007, 10:45:02 am
I hope this clarifies a little bit
Not really; but that's okay.  ;)

Any more explanation would just augment the point I was making. I just find it interesting - and disturbing - that some people voice their opinions about subjects in which they have no involvement, experience or knowledge.


You feeling that rush of energy yet ?
Now you're sounding like one of those obnoxious ex-smokers that I know. LOL They all keep touting about how things will taste better, I'll breathe better, have more energy, leap buildings in a single bound, and save the world. ROFL

Except for problems with HIV and the meds, I've always been a pretty healthy guy. So, no, there's been no change in my health. I'm biking 20 miles or more a week; been the same weight of only 135 lbs that I've been since I graduated from high school in 1980; and everything still tastes and smells the same.

I actually quit for three reasons; but the most important one was the money. Although my physical health may not have had any visible improvement, I will say that my wallet's health sure has improved! It's nice to still have a few dollars in my pocket this late in the month.

However, I did have one negative side effect from stopping - I had a sinus infection for two weeks! It's finally cleared up, thank goodness. Being out in all that fresh air, exercising, without the protection from the cigarette smoke, let all sorts of new germs/irritants into my system. ROFL

 ;D mikie
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 22, 2007, 06:24:44 am
Well, it's day #4 for me without cigarettes.  I use Chantix and have on a couple other occasions without the suicidal ideation.  I also have more vivid dreams, but I knew that was going to happen.  It's in the med insert that comes with Chantix.  Like Daniel said, when meds are first on the market, we don't really know "all" of their possible side effects.  And the way they push meds through nowadays, I think it's next to impossible to know. 

I do have a psychiatric issue (major depression) but that's being treated.  And the two other times I quit smoking while on Chantix, I really don't recall the depression being exacerbated by the Chantix.  Thanks for posting that though, Ray.  I do appreciate it when people, however inexperienced with a certain treatment, pass on info. 

I hope everyone has a good turkey-day.  I, myself, plan on gourging! ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 22, 2007, 10:16:24 am
Hi everyone I just want to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING and let you know that I'm still going strong with my quit and I hope that you all are doing the same ok bye for now always PRMike<a href="http://www.myhotcomments.com/graphics.php?index=best"><img src="http://lc.fdots.com/cc/lc/08/080c11a473bdf90a9faf340a4cf75d50.gif" border="0" alt="MyHotComments.com"></a><br><a href="http://www.myhotcomments.com/graphics.php?id=23854">MyHotComments</a><br>
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on November 28, 2007, 04:29:13 pm
Hi everyone just an update I am still smoke free on day 82 and it feels great, I hope everyone else is doing just as good and if not well just keep on trying,  ok bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on November 28, 2007, 04:44:46 pm
Today is day 31 - that guarantees that I've gone a FULL month with no cigs now.  ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on November 28, 2007, 05:03:32 pm
hi everyone.

65 days and counting.

chantix feels like it is wearing off though, even while i am still taking 1 pill a day.

trying hard to stay the course. at least my plan is allot smarter than georges! :o

kellyspoppi
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on November 29, 2007, 07:48:28 am
Hi everyone:

I'm still smoke-free. 

My best friend smokes and I notice that when I'm around her, sometimes I would like to light up.  But then I quickly think of the shortness of breath, stinking like cig smoke etc. that comes along with smoking cigs.  And I know that I can't smoke just one.  That would be a joke. Hope everyone is doing alright.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on November 29, 2007, 10:52:13 am
Well I've had  my ups and downs but today is Day 6 without a smoke for me, and I can't tell if my head cold is lingering and going down into my chest or if my lungs are starting to clear themselves out but I was coughing up lung biscuits all night! However my sense of smell is sharpening in a freakish way, I feel like Francine Fishpaw.

I did stop the Chantix for two days but am back on it now. I almost feel like I could stop it completely but I'm going to keep it up for at least two months. As far as side effects, I will testify that it turned me into a raving drama queen bitch for the first couple of weeks, but I also had some pretty tough situations happening at the same time.  Now I'm just having vivid dreams, but they're not really interferring with my rest like I thought they would.

I think I can make it. I miss smoking, but I'm really digging the extra money!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: pozattitude on November 29, 2007, 01:01:53 pm
congratulations to all of you!!!!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on November 29, 2007, 01:12:32 pm
I can't tell if my head cold is lingering and going down into my chest or if my lungs are starting to clear themselves out but I was coughing up lung biscuits all night!

As far as side effects, I will testify that it turned me into a raving drama queen bitch for the first couple of weeks
Ah, both of those are side effects of nicotine withdrawal, not the Chantix. Unfortunately, you have to suffer some when kicking a habit.  ;D

I did stop the Chantix for two days but am back on it now. I almost feel like I could stop it completely but I'm going to keep it up for at least two months.
Wait till about a month on the med and reconsider. I know of 8 people now (including myself) who took the Chantix for only 4-6 weeks before stopping it and staying off the cigs. Just don't stop too soon - you don't want to end up without enough of the drug in you and going back to smoking.  ;)

Good luck and hang in there!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on December 04, 2007, 09:21:51 am
Hi everyone I am closing in on the 3 digits mark and I'm feeling good except that I found out yesterday that I will not be reimbursed for the $120.oo dollars that I dished out for my starter pack and they say it is because I paid it before I got a prior Authorization request which to me does not make sence but I guess it's still better than me smoking???  ok I hope everyone is doing good with their quit may you all have a great day bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on December 07, 2007, 10:23:34 am
yesterday was day #40 and I smoked 1 cig. It tasted terrible; but I loved every drag off of it. I don't feel bad about the cig though, I had just buried one of my dogs.

Thank you all (along with several who PMed me) for your very kind words and thoughts. I'm just heart-broken to tell you that Gabby has passed away.

I did know this trying situation was coming though -

On day two of my first attempt to quit (several yrs ago), we had a house fire  :o that did $45000 worth of damage...

I tried to quit again a few yrs after that and two days later I had to have, not one, but two  :'(  :'( of my cocker spaniels put to sleep at the same time...

Needless to say, I've always been a little leery of "trying to quit smoking". Even now a month into quitting, I sense the hurdle coming towards me again. I'm hoping I have the smoking thing licked enough to not fall back when that dreaded day comes up within the next week. :'(

So I got through my third attempt to quit followed by a tragic incident, and only smoked the one cig. I should be able to stay off the smokes now (even if the doctor has bad news with my next lab results next week).

mikie
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on December 16, 2007, 05:38:39 am
Hi everyone well I made it to 100 days wow what a miracle and the good part is that I do not have any urges to smoke and I did not have any trouble when I got off the pills too so that was great too..
my brother got his pills also and will be starting them in a couple of days and I am so glad because he is a 2 pack a day smoker and has had heart problems before so I really want him to quit also but of course he has to want to do it for him self...  well I hope and pray that everyone are well and doing good with thier quit may you all have a great day bye for now and please stay strong always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on December 16, 2007, 06:08:18 pm
Hi PR:

I'm still not smoking (actually, I don't know how many days it's been, I'll have to check on the Chantix e-mail tomorrow morning).  I feel better though I've gained 20 lbs.  Yuck!  Now I need to lose weight, which I will be working on after the holidays.  I can't do it right now, because this just is the season for sweets! ;)
Peace-
Betty
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on December 16, 2007, 07:48:14 pm
Hi It is better to have gained the 20 pounds than to have lost the ability to beath and end up losing weight and looking really sick and end up dying from smoking which is what was going to happen to us if we kept on smoking... that is what I keep saying to myself when ever the thought comes into my mind if I would like to smoke again that not saying that I am getting any urges but every once in a while I do get a taught and I block it with that picture...
anyway Bettytacy I'm glad to hear that your alright and that your still going strong with your quit.
ok bye for now stay strong always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on December 17, 2007, 08:29:59 am
OK, it's been 38 days.  I checked this morning, PR. I'm glad you're still sticking with not smoking also.  I just think of my father, who can't make it through one sentence without hacking and choking, and still smokes.  Oh, he's 79 yrs old, so I doubt it would really make any difference if he quit now, but still, he wouldn't be in this situation if he didn't smoke in the first place.  He is on oxygen when he's not smoking; but last week, my sister was over there and told me that he had his oxygen on and lit up a cigarette.  Egads!  I hope he doesn't blow himself up!  Anyway, glad you're hanging in there.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on December 17, 2007, 09:22:06 am
Hi Betty, I'm sorry to hear about your Dad but at that age they are ste in thier ways and there's nothing we can do to change it, well today is my 101 day of being smoke free and mt brother is now going to start on his starter pack which
I'm glad he got... oh I hope that you will have a great day bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on December 17, 2007, 01:00:09 pm
 ;D

xmas day marks 90 days without smoking, which does make me very happy. besides the benefits of; extra money in my pocket each week for other things, like christmas presents; my home,cloths,  and breath smelling better; absence of hacking & coughing up crap continuously; etc,etc here is another thing i don't miss, while continuing to live up here in the great northeast (USA), where over the past weekend we were hit by a winter noreaster, dropping over a foot of snow, ice, and sleet. shoveling in cold weather, where the cold hits your lungs making them burn with each breath you take. your head starts to get fuzzy after a while and you need to stop........... to have another cigarette.............

I don't miss it at all!

i took my last chantix last saturday and what i will miss were the dreams, which were quite vivid and enjoyable in content. i will also miss the crutch the pill represented............ will my cravings continue to subside without it?

saturday night we went out to dinner with folks (2 were smokers) and after a few glasses of wine, those cigs looked quite inviting. but both my wife and i held our ground and didn't give in to those cravings. right now the smell of a smoker turns me off, but i wonder if that turn off will remain now that i am no longer taking the pill?

most of the days go by without missing them, but certain times i go to reach for one (the ole habits) and i have substituted a bottle of water or some snack food in place of the pack.

it is a intense mission giving up this habit, but the quest contnues for now to remain smoke free for the rest of my life............. one day at a time..........
 :o
kellyspoppi
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on December 17, 2007, 01:20:18 pm
most of the days go by without missing them, but certain times i go to reach for one (the ole habits) and i have substituted a bottle of water or some snack food in place of the pack.

Good to hear that you are doing so well! ;D Christmas will be day 58 of not smoking for me. (I only took Chantix for 4 weeks.)

I do use a crutch too - LifeSaver Wint-o-Mints. I've been going thru a big bag of mints a weeks, but at about 300 calories a bag, they sure aren't fattening, and they leave my breath smelling great. ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on December 17, 2007, 01:39:26 pm
Well today will be day 3 for me and have not had a smoke since friday night. My dad was on Chantix for three days until he died. Seems he was trying to quit but at least he was trying.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on December 17, 2007, 02:06:44 pm
hey jerry,

honor your dad by completing his mission.  maybe that was his final sign for you knowing he had little time left. 

it's funny, but a few folks i have talked who have quit smoking say that if they were given a fatal diagnosis, they would think nothing of starting to smoke again
believing there was no sense to quiting anymore.

but in your dads case, he was still looking to quit that close to his death. to me, thats a pretty strong message he was sending you.

now i have been a smoker for over 37 years, and tried quitting a number of times, so i'm not trying to preach here. i think we all know deep down inside that it is not the best thing for our compromised immune system. and winter time up here only compounds the troubles, especially now that most places have gone smoke free. standing out in todays wind gusts of over 25 mph, making the wind chill temp 0 degrees, is just plain insane. but i used to stand there with all the other lunatic's, cursing the shit out of all those non-smokers who helped to pass that legislation.

so listen to your dad and finish what he started. and enjoy the warmth you share with others inside, no matter where you are, this holiday season.

kellyspoppi
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on December 17, 2007, 02:39:08 pm
Hi Jerry71 I'm glad to see you back and I'm sorry to hear about your Dad and I agree with Kellyspoppi about that your trying to send you a sign.. so please keep on trying with your quit ok.. bye for now please stay strong always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on December 18, 2007, 06:45:15 am
Congratulations to everyone who's quitting!  Kellyspoppi, it's been 39 days for me and some days I only take one Chantix, and I don't miss the cigarettes.  I'm sure you will be fine.  And sometimes docs prescribe it for as long as you think you need it; though with the nasty things that have been publicized about it lately (people becoming suicidal) I don't know if I would take it longer than three months.  Jerry, you just hang in there, sweetie.  Your dad was trying.  You carry on the legacy. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 06, 2008, 08:10:30 am
Hi Everyone well Today is my 121 day of being a non-smoker and I feel great,,, I went to Georgia to visit a female friend for the holidays which went really well and she was kind enough to get a room that was a non-smoking room which I told her it would not bother me and it did not.  my brother is now on his 11 th day of his quit and he is doing good thank God... I hope you all are doing well I have not heard anything from anyone lately  ok bye for now please stay strong always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 06, 2008, 09:00:10 am
Hi PRMike:

I'm still not smoking.  Just waiting for the heaviness in my chest to go away.  A friend of mine who quit years ago told me that takes about a year, but it gets less and less all the time.  Glad you're still staying quit.  Hope everyone else is doing well.
Peace-
Betty
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 06, 2008, 02:58:20 pm
Hi Betty I'm glad to hear that your still not smoking and I hope that heaviness in your chest will go away..
now I must ask you is that you in the Picture because if it is your a Hottie and I hope you dont mind me saying so???  ok bye for now always PRmike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Carolann on January 06, 2008, 03:26:47 pm
Chantix worked for me and several friends.  Not perfect, but beneficial nonetheless.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 06, 2008, 07:38:36 pm
Yes Mike, that's me in the avatar pic.  Thanks, by the way. :-*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on January 06, 2008, 11:19:09 pm
today is day 70 without cigs for me ;D

(I only smoked that one I talked about in post #268)

Last year began and ended with the exact same bloodwork [cd4 245; vl <75] for me, so I can't say that I'm any healthier yet  ;) ; but I did still have some pocket change at the end of the month for the last couple of months.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 07, 2008, 06:30:00 am
Hi that's great keep up the good work, who know's with you stopping smoking your health may improve some, I really feel that mine has since I have quit, I do not cough as much, I do not have chest pains, my legs do not hurt that much anymore, well anyway I hope that you will be alright and that you will continue to stay quit. bye for now as always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 07, 2008, 08:31:33 am
Well, I'm still short of breath and I still have a heavy feeling in my chest.  But a friend of mine who quit a long time ago said that would happen for about a year after quitting.  But he said it's so worth it; and I know it is.  I'm not going to start again.  I know what you mean about having some pocket change at the end of the month Mikie.  It's really nice, isn't it.  I'm not searching for change everywhere in a panicked state anymore either.  Yay for us!  I never thought I would be an ex-smoker.  I was one of those who was going to "smoke until I croaked."  But I'm so glad I decided to quit. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on January 07, 2008, 10:51:45 am
 ;D

103 days and counting for my wife and i. right now the crap in my lungs is begining to break up so in the morning i feel like someone with a bad chest cold. so hang in there betty, as i'm sure the same will begin to happen for you, as well, the longer you go without smoking.

i do miss those visual dreams i was having on the chantix, but i don't miss the cost of that habit. i, like everyone else, am loving the extra money i am finding exists the longer i am not paying for them. i would like to start setting aside the amount i feel i would have spent each month so i could plan a celebratory trip somewhere with my wife. unfortunately, it seems that the cost of living (heat, gas/groceries, etc) has risen so much of late ( thanks mr bush) that putting that money aside has been difficult.  the flip side of that, of course, is that if we were still paying for our cigs we'd be going further into debt. the mere thought of that is enough incentive to stay off those little buggers, as i am having a hard time now wondering how the hell i afforded them these last few years.

it was great over the holidays, at my home or at other parties, not having to go outside or in a garage to have a cigarette every now and then, especially up here in the great northeast,  where outside winter time smoking can be hazardous to your health. standing in freezing temps with wind chill factors below zero was a past contributor to bacterial pneumonia, chest colds, bronchitus, ..... you name it. my winter time trips to the doctor for those annoyances, and the costly co-pays that came with them, are not being missed at all.

just as an example, the friday before christmas my grandaughters arrived at our home pretty sick (their ditsy blonde mom doesn't understand the concept of compromised immune system). usually the 5 & 9 yr old sleep in the king size waterbed with grandma (who wouldn't have it any other way) while i sleep on the couch out in the living room.

in past years anytime the kids are sick, whatever they had when they came was picked up by us by the time they left. however, with both of us not smoking for over 90 days, we avoided catching what they had. and we were all able to enjoy some sleighriding on new years day before they left. believe me when i say, i really doubt we would have been able to enjoy that with them had we still both been smoking.

so call it what you will.  i tend to look at what just transpired as a bonus over the holidays........... but like all feel good stories, there is a downside to everything. both my wife and i got injured sleighriding and will be visiting our doc's for results of xrays for bruised or cracked ribs, courtesy of "devils hill"  >:( ............

somebody forgot to remind us were not as young as we feel! ::)

kellyspoppi
 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on January 07, 2008, 12:16:58 pm
...not having to go outside or in a garage to have a cigarette every now and then, especially up here in the great northeast,  where outside winter time smoking can be hazardous to your health. standing in freezing temps with wind chill factors below zero...

a big hearty AMEN to that brother!

I was one of those who was going to "smoke until I croaked."

That was my mindset too. As I told my doctor many times (and as I still believe), teh aids is going to kill me before any sort of lung cancer gets me. Of course, I read that other thread about the downside of living longer on these meds (heck i've been living that for the last decade. lol). That's what my doctor has been harping about. (if you had asked me at 36 when I was in hospital with pnuemonia, I would have never imagined that I would still be here 10 yrs later!) Now that I'm almost 46, I have to worry that IF I do make it to 50, I might end up with some crappy heart- or lung-related problems. Hopefully by quitting smoking I've taken the right steps to avoid those problems in my future.

Since the snow has melted, the temp is back up to 60 and the sun is shining today, I'm going to ignore the PN symptoms as much as possible, take the bicycle out of the garage and go biking for a while to get some fresh air into my clean lungs. (Heaven knows I better do it today! We have a saying here in Ohio, if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes; it'll change. LOL)

have a good day and keep on NOT smoking everyone!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on January 07, 2008, 12:55:37 pm
Well I am not on the Chantix anymore have not had a smoke in over 12 days.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 07, 2008, 04:34:44 pm
Hi Betty I hope that feeling goes away, Kellspoppi I loved your story but I do hope that you and your wife are alright,,, WTG Jerry71 keep going  you'll make it.. ok bye for now as always much love always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 07, 2008, 06:31:45 pm
We have a saying here in Ohio, if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes; it'll change. LOL)

We have that same saying here in Indiana, Mikie and I think they do in Michigan also. :D  Yes, very strange weather.  Today it got up to 64; tonight it's only supposed to get to 55, tomorrow 63.  Then they're saying in a few days highs in the 30's and snow.  OK, I know, it's still winter time.  Anyway, still not smoking, but man, do I have a headache.  I didn't have one outside; I got one when I came in here.  I keep smelling something, not sure what.  I do have a carbon monoxide detector in my apartment, so I don't think it's anything to do with that.  But every time in here lately, I get a headache and I smell something that's like gasoline.  Oh, I know what it probably is.  I can smell the people in the next apartment's cigarette smoke, because the apartments here all run off the same furnace.  That's probably what it is.  Another downside to smoking.  Thank goodness we quit!  Yay for us!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: WorriedWife on January 07, 2008, 09:52:29 pm
My husband and I both just stopped smoking on Chantix. We had tried everything. Chantix really works!!! I have been smoke free for a month now. Just as a warning on day 4 or 5 you will chain smoke but during week 2 you will not even think about smoking!!!  Best of luck to you
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 25, 2008, 08:46:46 am
Hi everyone I hope everyone are doing welll it has been awhile since I have seen anyone post anything so I figured I give you guy's an update,  I am up to 140 on my quit and feeling great plus I got my brother to join us with the Chantix and he is doing good also which makes me happy because he was a 2 pack a day smoker and has had heart problems before.. well I hope and pray everyone are well bye for now with much love for all always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 25, 2008, 09:27:45 am
Hi Mike, glad you're doing so well.  I'm getting ready to quit (again).  I had a really stressful situation happen, and since I don't drink or do drugs anymore, buying a pack of cigarettes seemed like the answer.  Anyway, I am going to quit again, though, because cigarettes are going up to $7/pack here in northcentral Hoosierville.  So, really I'm quitting because I won't be able to afford to smoke, not really because of my health.  Anyway, hope everyone who quit or is quitting is doing good.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on January 25, 2008, 09:45:12 am
 ;D

it has now been 120 days for me and counting. it seems to be getting easier, however i will say it has been necessary for my wife and i to find allot more healthier snack foods, as something has to replace those evening urges while watching tv/movies. ::)

one thing i know for sure. with the run my giants made to get into the super bowl, quitting before the end of the season saved me at least 3 packs a playoff game and the super bowl. i would have been so nervous and keyed up for each of those games, yes unfortunately, i would have smoked nearly 3 packs each GAME DAY! :o

now i just snack allot, but because i have tried to be healthy with my eating choices i have been able to stay pretty close to the same weight. it is hard up in the northeast getting a good walk in with such frigid temps these days, so my weight has been an issue since the holidays, but we're are expecting a slight warm spell over the weekend and i hope to get a few more walks in then.

good luck to all of you in keeping up the fight. especially this winter, i don't miss getting sick with bronchitus and chest colds from having to smoke outside in this weather........NOT IN THE LEAST! :)

kellyspoppi 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on January 25, 2008, 10:08:14 am
Kellispoppi
You mean you were allowed to smoke in the HOUSE during SuperBowl? 
I know what you mean about snacks...I'm still working on that.
But the one big thing that has helped me is that all the bars in the city of Philadelphia went NON smoking.  See, used to be that during the winter I would pick a night  and go out and smoke like there was no tomorrow INSIDE a bar.  Now that cannot be done.  It really helped.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 25, 2008, 10:18:09 am
Hi BettyTacy do not beat yourself up about smoking again, we all have our weak moments or times that we just say the heck with it and just do it so just jump back and the horse and get your ride on, oh I should of said jump on your bike and get your ride on if your a biker like me I do not know why I was thinking of horses  LOL  oh wow $7.oo bucks a pack  yeah it's time to quit alright LOL
 
Hi Kellypoppi wow 120 days that's really great,  doesn't it feel great???  and yes GO GIANTS I'm a Native New Yorker even though it has been over 29 years since I have been back in New york but someday I would like to go back and see my old New York.. anyway I hope that you guy's wil be well ok bye for now much love always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on January 25, 2008, 11:19:11 am
here in Ohio where they keep on taxing the cigs for everything from ball parks to art museums (remember they even tried funding s-chip with cig tax money?), I quit smoking. not for any health reason; but simply because I couldn't afford smoking anymore. Living on SSI, I'm broke by the middle of any month even without paying for cigs, and I was just too ashamed to bum the $$$ off my partner anymore to pay for my smoking habit.

Tomorrow (1/26) is the 90th day off cigs for me  ;)

instead of all those snacks y'all, why don't you try my method - mints. My mom told me my grandfather had quit cold turkey by changing his cig habit to sucking on peppermints. While I was trying to break all those smoking habits (lighting up in the car, in the front of the computer, when you're bored, etc), I figured I'd give it a try. Everytime I felt the urge to pick up a cig, I popped a life saver winto-mint. A bag cost about $1.50, and there's about 600 calories per bag of mints. So for a measly extra 200 calories a day (that you can burn off it you get off your butt and away from the computer LOL), I got great smelling breath and a chance to break all those smoking habits without worrying about a weight gain.

(oh, i have gained about 5-7 lbs but I blame that on Christmas cookies.  ;D and living here in the north where it's cold, that's just my regular extra winter weight gain on my 130 lbs frame. It keeps me from freezing to death. LOL Soon as Spring hits and I can get back outside on the bicycle and doing yard work, I'll be back to my normal "too skinny" in no time. LOL So many people complain about their weight - always about being overweight. Not me. I weight the same as I did 25 yrs ago when I graduated from hi school and quite frankly I don't weight enough. Weighing close to 140 now, I don't look quite so anorexic like I usually do.  ;) )

I have a story and a thought for you Betty, and anyone having a problem with quitting all together.

My partner tried stopping with me. Having gotten off Sustiva (for many reasons, not just the nightmares), I didn't mind the vivid dreams so much (they weren't nightmares, so they didn't bother me); but my partner was very bothered by the dreams, so he quit taking the Chantix after 3.5 weeks. Although he had not totally quit smoking all cigs, he was down to 4 a day. Here at 90 days later, he's still smoking only 4 a day. One on the ride to work, one at break, one at lunch, and one on the ride home. How can I complain about that? I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to quit smoking all together; but if you can at least try very hard to reduce the amount you smoke a day to a very low amount per day, not only will you save $$ but there are still health benefits.

Personally, I found it was easiest to completely quit my smoking by NEVER buying another pack. I had to totally avoid convenience stores for a couple weeks, and would quickly run in to buy gas and run out not giving myself time to buy a pack. Without any cigarettes lying around (Jim's are kept locked up in his glove compartment), and refusing to shamefully bum one off of someone else, it only took a few days to get over the serious craving and to start changing those old smoking habits into other activities.

It's good to hear so many are still doing so well.  ;D Good for all of you!
And to those who are still struggling, you keep on fighting the good fight and just see if things don't work out for the best.  ;)

mikie
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 25, 2008, 01:40:26 pm
OK, my problem with being able to smoke just 2 or 3 cigarettes a day is that I can't do that.  I've tried and it doesn't work.  I still tend to have that addictive nature and cigarettes are just like any other drug to me-do it to excess.  So when I quit, it's gonna mean no more.  Joel, I know, I should have called you (I wrote your # down off my caller ID).  I'm sure I will in the future, even if it's just to chat.

Oh, I'm not beating myself up too bad.  I know it can be done.  I gained about 20 lbs when I quit before.  My problem with exercising is this:  both my kneecaps are broken.  In my left kneecap, the last time I went to the ortho-doc, he told me the cartilage was completely collapsed.  I can't bend my knees past a certain point, and the left one won't even straighten all the way out anymore.  And the doc told me that the cartilage in my right knee was collapsing.  He told me to avoid physical activites that involved jumping or alot of movement with the legs.  Oh, and PRMike, yes, I love to ride bikes, but I don't know if we're talking about the same ones.  I used to date a guy in a biker club (Harleys). ;)  And I bartended at a biker bar before.  I've been on biker campouts etc. which I thought were great fun and even after I got into recovery I went to a biker campout that was attended by Harley riders who were all clean/sober.  That was fun. 

So, onward and upward.......
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 25, 2008, 03:11:41 pm
Hi BettTacy yes I did mean Motorcycles I do wish I rode A Harley but for now I am riding a Suzuki 2003 650 LS Savage since I'm on a fixed income and florida has one of the lowest ssi payouts I am barely making ends meet so I was lucky enough to get this Bike which is fairly new and for the price I paid it was good...
well I'm sorry to hear about your knee's and I hope that your not in any pain.
ok bye for now much love always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 25, 2008, 07:03:44 pm
Mike, in the early 90's a guy taught me how to actually "drive" a motorcycle on a yamaha (or something like it) 500.  Then when the first person I knew in this area died of AIDS, he left me his Honda Goldwing.  I didn't know how powerful those bikes were.  So I remember I opened up the throttle and came really close to running into the back of a truck and had to use the emergency brake! :D  Anyway, I sold the bike because of it being foreign made and my love for Harleys.  I keep telling myself that someday I'll have my own Harley.  Hope that day comes-
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 25, 2008, 09:49:37 pm
hi BettyTacy I can dig that and I too hope and pray that some day I'll get my Harley but in the mean time i'll keep riding my bike, I just want to ride it's like they say live to ride & ride to live ok bye for now always PRmike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 25, 2008, 10:40:05 pm
Well, Mike, at least you're in the wind. ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on February 04, 2008, 06:50:05 pm
Hi everyone well today is my 150th day which is also my 5 month of being a non-smoker and I just want to say that I feel great, NO URGES, NO REGRETS and NO LOOKING BACK just looking towards the future ...
I hope that everyone else is doing just as well and may you have a great quit bye for now always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on February 04, 2008, 06:51:43 pm
Hey Mike, I can't believe this thread is 4 pages long.  I'm smoking again, but going through an unduly amount of stress and right now, the alternatives are far worse, believe me.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RapidRod on February 04, 2008, 08:26:29 pm
I just started taking Chantix tonight we'll see in a few weeks.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on February 04, 2008, 10:00:50 pm
Hi BettyTacy I'm sorry to hear that your smoking again but I guess you have to do what you have to do and you will quit when the time is right or atleast I pray that you will... At least it's not drugs right ...

To RapidRod-- welcome to a new way of life and just give your self a break and do not push yourself take it easy and let the pills work and before you know it the smokes willl start to taste different and the Urges will not be there but it will take a little time ok just remember to stay strong as always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RapidRod on February 05, 2008, 06:38:57 am
I am in amazement, I woke up and didn't have craving for a cigarette. Mornings are my worst hurdle to get over. If this keeps up like this I'll get it dicked this time. Maybe on some heavy duty nerve pills later, but they can't be as expensive as the cigarettes have gotten to be, 84.07 a week. Now I look at my dirty house and it's making me ill. Can't sit and smoke, so now I can get busy and clean it up.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on February 05, 2008, 07:07:46 am
Wow, Roddles, $84/week?!  Are you smoking two cartons?  I'm going back on the Chantix today with a target date of Feb. 14th.  Good luck with your quit.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RapidRod on February 05, 2008, 07:26:37 am
 A little over two cartons Betty. A bad habit from driving a truck cross country and playing on a computer.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on February 05, 2008, 08:12:00 am
Wow, Rod.  That's a lot of smoking.  Though I'm sure on some days, I smoke just as much.  Cigarettes are supposed to up by $2/pack like in June, which would bring the price of a pack up to almost $7.  I just can't afford that living on disability, as I'm sure you well understand.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on February 05, 2008, 08:21:30 am
Can't sit and smoke, so now I can get busy and clean it up.

that's how I broke the habits with smoking. Every time I felt like I should be lighting up (not for the smoke; but the habit of having a cig) I found something around the house to clean or repair. After a week I was really tired; but the house was clean.  ;) That cleaning also helped clear the accumulated smoke smell out of the house, so me and house both got cleared of the smoke at the same time.

good luck!

mikie
(celebrating day 100!)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Basquo on February 05, 2008, 09:35:11 pm
I've stopped taking the Chantix even though I didn't finish it all. Jan 31  was the last day of the 3 month period and most days of the last month I was only taking 1 a day. With all the other pills I take it was a hassle trying to work that one in too. So now I have a hundred or so pills that I will donate to a needy smoker, maybe someone at work. When I've smoked it's only been 1 or 2, except for New Year's Eve and a party on 1/20, where I smoked probably 8 or 10. But I've only bought one more pack since my last post, and Leatherman's right, not having them around is a big help. I am now very aware of the smell of smoke.  i can't stand it on clothes, furniture, etc. but I love to smell it when it's in the air (when someone near is actually smoking.) I've put on 10  pounds since December but I also injured my foot and that has kept me from walking like I used to. The cravings are worst when I drink, and as a result I've cut way down on my drinking. I drove over 900 miles this past weekend and didn't give in to the urge. I also just signed the lease for my new flat and I was so happy to check "Non-Smoker" on the application!

I'm having a craving this very second but it will go away in a minute.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on February 06, 2008, 06:02:01 am
WTG and you should be proud of your self..
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RapidRod on February 28, 2008, 07:12:51 pm
24 days without a cigarette. Now ask me if I miss smoking? Yeah.. I liked to smoke. Does it bother me. No not at all. I thought I would have trouble after smoking 25 years. I only took the Chantix for two weeks and no I didn't take it as it said to take it. I never smoked with it..
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on February 28, 2008, 08:44:07 pm
Well Roddles, congratulations.  I'm still smoking, but you certainly are an inspiration. :-*
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on February 29, 2008, 08:23:49 pm
I started back smoking just went through a rough time with the loss of my father! Just not the same around here without hanging out and having someone too talk too.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on March 02, 2008, 01:26:25 am
I was good up until day 105, then my life started going a little crazy (the sordid tale is here http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=19412), and in the last 30 days I've smoked 3 packs. While nothing like the two packs a day I was smoking nearly 4 months ago, I've felt guilty with each one. Tomorrow, I re-quit!

mikie
(who only smoked 1 cig today)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: mjmel on March 02, 2008, 05:38:33 am
Mikie, Betty, Jerry (and me) the important thing is to quit again. (ahem....when you're good and ready, of course)

I have smoked only 4 packs (in two weeks) I'm quite tired of it. As Betty stated, there no such thing as only smoking 4 or 5 a day--it's just the nature of that beast to be doubling or tripling that amount in days to come.
I purchased a new starter kit for chantix yesterday. Due to Ohioan legislative measures the taxes on cigs are going to hike the cost of a pack of smokes to $7.00 soon.

I only smoke outdoors and have since moving here in 2000--however--I have not smoked but little in the last 2 years. 
I now find the smell of nicotine gross. Gets on the fingertips too. It's gotta go. But I knew that when I started up again--it's was just a weak willed decision following a bad patch of days. (a familiar scenario, indeed!)
Also, I noted my energy level slipping down a notch after 5 days of light smoking.

Mike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: SouthSam7 on March 02, 2008, 11:20:03 pm
I've never tried Chantix.  I used Zyban (welbutrin).  The generic is cheap and it worked great after just a few days.  I used to dip (snuff, chaw, etc.) which is disgusting but I couldn't stop. 

Although Chantix and Zyban are for quitting smoking tobacco, I can tell you that Zyban (welbutrin) works great for smokeless tobacco.

Anyone else dip?

Sam
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on March 03, 2008, 07:49:30 am
I have never dipped.  I'm still smoking about 1-2 packs a day, however.  I'll quit, like Mike said, when I'm ready.  Which is not now. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on March 04, 2008, 01:27:52 am
Not going to quit anytime soon here either. Too much is going on in my life to quit. I found out one thing when I quit for a month I gained up too 189lbs went to another size in my jeans and was not happy after that.

All of you others that have quit Congrats goes too you all.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: ubotts on March 04, 2008, 02:27:05 am
I need to stop smoking so bad..

I was 12 yrs old when I started and now I am 53 and have never even tried to quit..
Now that I have asmatha, and when I lay down to go to bed ..thats when the coughing starts..............

Today I saw my Dr and she said I couldnt take Chantix due to having hep C...
Guess its really hard on the liver so she offered me nicotine patches....
They dont work....so I guess I have to do this on my own..

I was so hoping to be able to get chantix because so many of my friends who used it,.
are no longer smoking....Fuck the nicotine patch....and thats 60 dollars out of pocket for something that wont work..........oh well....thats life
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on March 04, 2008, 07:28:38 am
Guess its really hard on the liver so she offered me nicotine patches....
They dont work....so I guess I have to do this on my own..

I was so hoping to be able to get chantix because so many of my friends who used it,.
are no longer smoking....Fuck the nicotine patch....and thats 60 dollars out of pocket for something that wont work..........oh well....thats life

If you think that being on a nicotine patch won't work for quitting smoking, try wearing one and chain smoking.  Believe me, after a trip to the bathroom puking up black shit, you won't light up while wearing one.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BreakerOneNine on March 04, 2008, 09:23:38 am
I was thinking about trying this then I saw where there was a lawsuit or something on Pfizer for Chantix...something about suicidal thoughts and depression...so none of you experienced this?


http://www.chantixsuicidelawsuit.com/
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on March 04, 2008, 09:29:19 am
I was thinking about trying this then I saw where there was a lawsuit or something on Pfizer for Chantix...something about suicidal thoughts and depression...so none of you experienced this?


http://www.chantixsuicidelawsuit.com/

I personally don't believe that just Chantix would cause someone to be suicidal.  I think that an undiagnosed underlying psych condition coupled with nicotine withdrawal would more likely be the cause.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on March 10, 2008, 06:50:53 am
Hi everyone it has been awhile since I posted anything but I just celebrated my 6 months of my quit and I wanted to share that with you guy's and Gal's,,, I'm sorry to hear that some of you are having problems and have not been able to quit but like some of you have said you will do it when your ready to... I will keep you in my prayers ok bye for now as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on March 10, 2008, 08:20:35 am
Hey Mike, good for you.  Just keep telling us 'backsliders' how much better you're feeling and how much money you're saving and I'm sure that will be some motivation, at least for me.  Congratulations!
  Luv,
Betty
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on March 10, 2008, 11:41:50 am
keep telling us 'backsliders' how much better you're feeling and how much money you're saving and I'm sure that will be some motivation, at least for me.

I'll tell you what, I'm so glad that I had quit for those 105 days or I'd be going crazy at the hospital with Jim.  :o As it is now, I'm "sneaking" out every few hours and walking clear out to the car in the parking deck to cop a smoke (stupid Ohio laws! No one should have to smoke outside in a blizzard! ::) ).

I'd like to try to quit again as soon as my current crisis is over cause I'm already seeing the hit to my wallet. (But I can't make any promises yet until things settle down at my house  ;) That might be a cop-out but at least I'm honest. ;D ) Plus, even though I'm getting a buzz off of the cigs again  ;D, they just don't taste as good as they used to.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jeff G on March 10, 2008, 11:55:00 am
 Today is the day I'm going to stop smoking... I think, I hope. My part D drug plan doesn't pay for Chantix , it will pay for Nickatrol ( misspelled) Its a nicotine nose spray, sounds just as addictive as ciggies. So I am going to go cold turkey.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Buckster2005 on March 14, 2008, 06:13:49 am
Hey Everyone,

I am new here.  Love the thread.  I read the whole thing.   Anyway I am on Day 2 of Chantix.  It has not been at all like I thought.  I took the first .5 mg pill yesterday am.  I had my first cig about an hour later and it didn't taste bad but it was like I was smoking an ultra light or you know when you break a cig and try to smoke it anyway?  It was just like that all day long.  I smoked the same amount but didn't feel anything from them but was left with an empty feeling.  Is this normal?  I wasn't expecting this but I guess it is ok.  I don't have any nasuea but feel hungry most of the time.  Is this something like withdrawal symptoms this early? I have never tried to quit before so am not sure what withdrawal is.  When do you go through the withdrawal?   I thought you had to take the drug for several weeks and then they would taste terrible and you just decide to quite.  I haven't had many sides yet but I just started.  Mostly just kinda loopy feeling.   Sorry for so many ?'s.  Anyway Thanks.  Bye
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on March 14, 2008, 06:21:31 am
Hey Everyone,

I am new here.  Love the thread.  I read the whole thing.   Anyway I am on Day 2 of Chantix.  It has not been at all like I thought.  I took the first .5 mg pill yesterday am.  I had my first cig about an hour later and it didn't taste bad but it was like I was smoking an ultra light or you know when you break a cig and try to smoke it anyway?  It was just like that all day long.  I smoked the same amount but didn't feel anything from them but was left with an empty feeling.  Is this normal?  I wasn't expecting this but I guess it is ok.  I don't have any nasuea but feel hungry most of the time.  Is this something like withdrawal symptoms this early? I have never tried to quit before so am not sure what withdrawal is.  When do you go through the withdrawal?   I thought you had to take the drug for several weeks and then they would taste terrible and you just decide to quite.  I haven't had many sides yet but I just started.  Mostly just kinda loopy feeling.   Sorry for so many ?'s.  Anyway Thanks.  Bye


Hi Buckster, yes it's normal to not 'get anything' off cigarettes when on Chantix.  It blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain.  So you don't get that good feeling from cigarettes.  Of course it's normal to feel more hungry when you quit smoking.  When I quit using Chantix, I was starving most of the time.  The biggest side effect I had from Chantix was very vivid dreams.  I would think that because Chantix blocks the receptors, it's possible to be having withdrawal symptoms already.

I myself started back on Chantix about 3 days ago.  I'm sure I would get over this damn cold I've had for a week and 1/2 if I quit.  Hopefully soon.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RapidRod on March 14, 2008, 10:00:33 am
I had to take a chantix pill last night I got the cravings bad for some unknown reason. Thirty minutes later I was fine and over the cravings. I eat hard tack candy to keep myself out of the frig. I don't know which is more expensive cigarettes or candy.  :)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jeff G on March 14, 2008, 10:27:34 am
  I made it 3 1/2 days without a cigarette cold turkey. I am going to visit a friend who smokes like a chimney this weekend , just the thought of it sent me to the store yesterday and Ive already smoked 11/2 packs before leaving my drive way.

 My buddy Tim thinks his insurance will pay for chantix and fill a script for 3 months at a time, we are going to split it. I have overcome so much in life and it really bums me out that I let something so harmfull get the best of me...I will succeed.....Note to Bear 60. you were right.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Buckster2005 on March 15, 2008, 05:27:34 am
Hi Buckster, yes it's normal to not 'get anything' off cigarettes when on Chantix.  It blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain.  So you don't get that good feeling from cigarettes.  Of course it's normal to feel more hungry when you quit smoking.  When I quit using Chantix, I was starving most of the time.  The biggest side effect I had from Chantix was very vivid dreams.  I would think that because Chantix blocks the receptors, it's possible to be having withdrawal symptoms already.

I myself started back on Chantix about 3 days ago.  I'm sure I would get over this damn cold I've had for a week and 1/2 if I quit.  Hopefully soon.

Thanks Bettytacy.  Day 3.  So far so good.  Still smoking same amount but not enjoying them.  Like smoking cotton.  I guess that is a good thing.  You do think that you want to just forget about quitting and continue to smoke but then you think that there are a million reasons to quit and no reasons really to continue.  I have to keep reminding myself that. Also I am doing my quit alone without telling anyone.  Didn't want someone saying "hey you are still smoking"  especially if I found I couldn't quit.  I wonder if this is a wise move?  We will see huh? Anyway... thanks bye
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on March 15, 2008, 07:01:48 am
Well Buck, when I quit before I told a couple people.  It helps to be accountable to someone when trying to do this.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on April 20, 2008, 08:27:52 am
Hi Betty Tacy I just want to say Hi and I was wondering how you are doing ??? I know that it has been a while since I had been on here but I started to date  a female and she would trip out when she would see that I had logged on this site,  I no longer am seeing her so now I can feel free to check in weird huh  ok I hope that you are well bye for now as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on April 20, 2008, 08:32:59 am
Well Mike, I'm still smoking.  I can't take Chantix because of its psychological side effects.  I've got a month's supply worth of patches, though, just waiting for me to quit again.  And I will, someday.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on April 20, 2008, 08:37:49 am
Hi BettyTacy I'm glad to hear from and know that your well,  I guess that you will have to do what ever is best for you and my Prayers will be with you,, ok bye for now as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on April 20, 2008, 08:40:09 am
Oh I'm sorry I want to wish everyone a great day and say hello and I hope and Pray that you all are well...
ok bye for now with all my love always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on June 06, 2008, 11:39:00 am
Hi Everyone I hope and Pray that you all are well ???
I just wanted to say Hi and let you know that yesterday was my 9 month aniversary of my quit...
I have gone through some really hard stuff in the past few weeks and I almost gave in but then I thoguht to myself-  If I pick up that smoke I'll be right back where I started so thank God I did not... ok bye for now as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on June 06, 2008, 12:56:42 pm
Good for you Mike. I hope everything works out for you.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on June 07, 2008, 09:53:05 am
Hi Bear and thank you, How are you ???
ok bye for now as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on June 07, 2008, 10:56:54 am
this thurs at my appt, i plan to ask my doc for another script for chantix. It worked really well for me the first time. I only took it for a month and I got thru 105 days before things went to hell in a handbasket and I started smoking again.

(Good for you Mikie for sticking with it going through the rough times. Nine months is excellent!  ;D)

I was going to get the script on my last appt; but as my partner was only days from passing away, I wasn't certain that I wanted to deal with the effects of nicotine withdrawal or any med side-effects at that time (the last thing I needed was drug-induced depression).

However, I couldn't afford the cigs when I had my partner's income coming in too; so I really can't afford this habit now on just my income - not when the bills are 2 months behind, and the car is sure to be repo-ed any day.

So I'm going to get the med again, think happy thoughts (or as happy as they can be a little over a month after losing my partner), and try to kick the habit for good this time.  ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: richva on June 07, 2008, 11:03:46 am
Leatherman - Wishing you the very best with your quit attempt.  By far, it's the best thing I've ever done for my health, partner, friends, family, clothing ....  You get the idea.  Be strong!

Rich
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 07, 2008, 10:04:24 am
Hi everyone I just wanted to check in with you all and i hope that you all are well ???

well I am on my 11 th month of being a non-smoker and I must say that it does feel good...
I have been through some really heavy stuff in the past 2 months and I'm now staying at my sister's house,,, she is really cool for helping me but I really wish I was back at my brothers or that I could get my own place but here in Florida it is impossible to findand apartment if you only get SSI and an income of $637.oo per month,, the services here are Lousy for people with Hiv/Aids so I'm thinking of either going back to California or New York so if anyone can give me any numbers or Web-sites that can give me some info on any programs that can help me I would grately appicate it...
ok thank you all and may you all have a great and smokefree day with much love and respect your Friend always PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 07, 2008, 10:11:28 am
Oh I forgot to mention that in 7 Days I will be celebrating my 6 years of being Clean ( OFF DRUGS ) WoW what a Miracle,, I must admit that I do go every Monday night to a NA meeting and it does help me..
thanks for listening as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on August 07, 2008, 11:15:31 am
that's excellent Mike!  ;D I'm glad that you've been doing so well not smoking. Don't forget to celebrate when you hit that one year mark!!

my ohio medical card still didn't cover Chantix, so I was stuck trying to kick the habit with only 3 weeks worth of the med leftover from when Jim and I used it back this Fall. It helped some; but I just couldn't do it.

Still quite depressed about losing my partner, having a roommate that can't keep a job (he's only worked about 3 weeks since he moved in back in May), having the gas turned off because I couldn't pay all the bills left after my partner's death, with my partner's car sure to repossessed any day now, and soon to have the bank start foreclosure on Jim's house, I haven't been able to find a new home on my $503 a month from SSd. I know I still need to stop smoking (my main reason has always been about the $$$ rather than the health benefits), but I just don't seem to be able to quit amidst all this stress and worry (oh, and don't forget the grief and depression).

But I have cut down to less than a pack a day. ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jeff G on August 07, 2008, 11:24:15 am
Congrats , Mike .

Leatherman , There is not much I can say other than I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers .

If not for my mom providing me with my own home rent free I would be in a bind also.
You just reminded me to be thankfull of what all I have positive going on in my life , thanks

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 07, 2008, 12:30:10 pm
Hi Leatherman, I really do feel for you,,,I know that you must be having a hard time but please have faith that things will get better,,, I know that it may sound a little hard to beleive when things seem so hard right now but we have to have hope...
I myself have been through some heavy Sh-t in the past 2 months, I got played pretty bad by this female, which only used me for my cash and thats how i ended up living at my sister's house, which to be honest is no fun at all, I mean she is cool but her son is another story.. I do pay her $300.oo per month and I too can not get my own place with the little SSI gives me,, that's why I'm thinkng of going back to California, which I'm scared to do because of all the Drugs and gangs,, I have been clean for almost 6 yrs come this 14th of August... I was also thinking of going to New York but I do not have anyone there that I can count on and I also have a drug history back there...
anyway what I want to say is please try to hang in there and try your best to quit, you will have a little extra cash and will start to feel better also..
ok may God bless and protect you as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 07, 2008, 12:32:51 pm
Thank you jg1962 for the Congrats... tell your mom that she is loved and may God bless her. ok so long for now as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on August 08, 2008, 08:54:38 pm
Hey Mike,

Good to hear from you.  And congrats on the smoking and your upcoming clean date anniversary.  Mine's October 25th (3 years).  I did have about 7 or 8 years a long time ago and intermittent clean periods after that.  I'm pretty determined now, though. I ended up in a nursing home with my last relapse; it can't get much worse than that, believe me.

I'm almost two or three weeks (I can't remember, isn't that awful) off the cigarettes using Chantix.  Hopefully this time will stick.  Oh, I don't know anyone in CA or NY.  I hope you can get some happiness in your living situation soon though.  I'm on housing assistance through the housing authority here, or I'd be unable to make it.  Good luck.  I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
  Luv,
Betty

Edited to add:  It will be 3 weeks this Saturday, August 10th.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on August 09, 2008, 12:47:59 am
I know that you must be having a hard time but please have faith that things will get better,,, I know that it may sound a little hard to beleive when things seem so hard right now but we have to have hope.
You just reminded me to be thankfull of what all I have positive going on in my life , thanks

as long as there's life, there's always hope.  ;D
losing my first partner 14 yrs ago taught me that.  ;) Even with the mess I'm in right now, things could be so much harder or worse. I could not have the use of my limbs, or I could be sick enough to be in the hospital again, or a million other horrible things (trust me, there are a million. i know cause i worry about them all. LOL)

I tried quitting once, and we (my first partner and I) had a huge house fire (not related to my smoking, it was just odd timing). I tried again and had to have two dogs put to sleep at the same time (one had a stroke and the other had a heart attack on the same day. they were both older; but damn! two at once is just not right). I tried again and my (second) partner passed away (after 50 days of hell in the hospital).

of course, logically, I know that those were just weird coincidences, so I'm going to try to quit smoking again. (Hell, I might have even already been counting the days off the cigs, if I had been able to get a script of chantix filled on the medical card.  ::) it worked really well for me that first time). Hopefully within a couple of months, things will settle back down some (and I get past this "almost homeless" situation), some of the immediate grief/depression will be wearing off, I'll be really ready to tackle this "new" life that has come my way, and it'll be time for me to really work on stopping smoking.

unless my money situation forces me to quit and go cold-turkey sooner. ROFL  ::)

mikie

hey, i was just thinking. how many tries do they say it takes on average before "quitting" actually sticks? Isn't it 6-8 times or something like that? (or is that how many times the avg. american changes homes?) If I count the two times I quit smoking after being in the hospital with pneumonia (it's awfully hard to smoke when just breathing is such a chore LOL), then it should be about time for me to actually win this fight.  ;) I didn't include these two times with the others, because I wasn't really "trying" to quit these times. Back then (late 90s) I was certain the aids was going to be the death of me, so worrying about lung cancer was the last thing on my mind.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 09, 2008, 07:35:51 am
Hi Betty, thank you so much and i'm glad to hear from you... I'm also happy to hear that you will have 3 yrs clean, that is so awesome...one thing that worries me ever since I got clean is if I could Relaspe but then I know that if I were to Relaspe I would most likely end up dead because that's what I was trying to do when I ended up in the hospital,, I had taken an overdose hopeing to end it all but instead I ended up in a coma for 14 Days and when I came out of it I just felt so tried of using and then I was giving the chance to get into this Rehab which showed me how to live without Drugs,  anyway Sweetie may GOD bless and watch over you as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 09, 2008, 07:38:03 am
Hi Leatherman, I know that you can do it and you will when you feel it's the right time so do not beat yourself up about it and May GOD bless you as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Gary85741 on August 09, 2008, 10:35:44 am

Chantix is a good product...with it I quit smoking in October and stayed smoke-free until April...at which time I was under a heightened stress and started smoking again as a diversion.  Soon I'll do the Chantix regimen again. 

However...in the interim I am sick of people nagging me about my smoking resumption.  The more I am nagged about it...the longer it will be before I start quitting again.  I am 57 years old for heaven's sake.  A friend nags me about it roughly every other day...and my elderly mother wrote me a letter (even though she lives in my same city) "telling" me to "stop smoking."  I've had to tell both of them that the topic is now off the table for discussion and I don't want to ever hear about it again.  I would suggest these people look in their own back yards so to say...as I could easily nag them about their shortcomings were I that kind of person.

Gary  -  Tucson   
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: bear60 on August 09, 2008, 12:07:52 pm
Gary says: "Chantix is a good product...with it I quit smoking in October and stayed smoke-free until April...at which time I was under a heightened stress and started smoking again as a diversion."
........................................................
My doctor said that I used nicotine as a drug to treat anxiety....it wasnt just a diversion.  So I was really and functionally ADDICTED to the nicotine. It is the same as  addicted to heroin, I was told by my acupuncturist.  Has something to do with brain chemistry. Heavy topic.!!

modified to add and for spelling
Since I quit smoking....I have not had one sinus infection/bronchitis/needing antibiotics.  Like Philly says: he has one really bad sinus infection each year...well so did I. I really dont miss the hacking and coughing and antibiotics.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on August 09, 2008, 12:10:18 pm
Mikie, yeah, they say it takes the "average" smoker 6-8 times before quitting successfully.  This is (probably) my 7th or 8th time, so hopefully it will stick.  Doesn't your Medicare Part D cover Chantix?

PRMike, relapse is a reality of recovery.  Many people do relapse, but I see few make it back who do (relapse).  I've gone to a few funerals.  If you were in a coma, you've got to know it can't get much worse if you do relapse.  Of course, you could wind up a vegetable (how horrible would that be).

Gary, I hate people who nag others to quit smoking.  It never worked with me.  I refuse to be one of those reformed smokers who goes about trying to rehabilitate other smokers.  I figure we all make our own choices.  Good luck when you do quit.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on August 09, 2008, 02:53:18 pm
Doesn't your Medicare Part D cover Chantix?
every 3 months or so, I hand over a script to my pharmacisit and he tries to see if chantix is covered yet. so far, it isn't here in ohio, or maybe I'm just hooked up to a screwy portion of that Part D and it's not being covered**.  I have heard that it was supposed to have been added to the list this year; but maybe those FDA warnings scared someone into taking it off.  ::)

**I must confess that, after being on SSd for 10 yrs now, I just don't pay enough attention to all that. When I signed up yrs ago, I was very sure that I was going to die soon, so I didn't pay attention to all the details. In the recent years when I've been healthier, I probably should have starting paying attention; but my medical card has covered all the other scripts and doc appts, so I'm afraid to check into it, lest I stir up trouble for myself. LOL that's one of reasons, I'm leery of moving back to NC now that Jim is gone. My meds and health care are covered here and I sure don't won't to jepordize that!!! I have enough problems without worrying about getting my meds too.

I refuse to be one of those reformed smokers who goes about trying to rehabilitate other smokers.
amen to that sister!  :-* me neither  ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Tempeboy on August 10, 2008, 12:04:33 am
I have finally made the choice and have just filled my script for Champix filled (slightly different name here in Australia).

What have others experienced in terms of side effects in the first few days.  I would like to know so I can prepare.  I have had a pretty good run in terms of HIV meds with only one combo ever causing me any real probs.

It has been great to be able to read about the good experiences of others.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on August 10, 2008, 09:22:00 am
What have others experienced in terms of side effects in the first few days.  I would like to know so I can prepare.  I have had a pretty good run in terms of HIV meds with only one combo ever causing me any real probs.

It gives me pretty strange dreams, but I don't remember them when I get up in the morning.  Other than that, nothing too noticeable. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 10, 2008, 11:37:37 am
PRMike, relapse is a reality of recovery.  Many people do relapse, but I see few make it back who do (relapse).  I've gone to a few funerals.  If you were in a coma, you've got to know it can't get much worse if you do relapse.  Of course, you could wind up a vegetable (how horrible would that be).
Betty I guess that's why Relaspe is not an option for me,, I Truely beleive that if I were to Relaspe I would end up dead or like a vegetable,, Plus life has so much to offer me now and I have hopes that my son will someday talk to me after all these years...
thank you for being here for me as always your Friend PRMik
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on August 10, 2008, 07:35:44 pm
Don't give up PRMike.  My daughter talks to me regularly now and when I was using she moved 1/2 way across the country to get away from me.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Buckster2005 on August 11, 2008, 08:46:48 am
I have finally made the choice and have just filled my script for Champix filled (slightly different name here in Australia).

What have others experienced in terms of side effects in the first few days.  I would like to know so I can prepare.  I have had a pretty good run in terms of HIV meds with only one combo ever causing me any real probs.

It has been great to be able to read about the good experiences of others.

I used Chantix in March.  I have now been 5 months smoke free although I still think about smoking now and then.  I guess that part will never leave.  I was hoping I would never think about smoking again but still do.   Anyway the side effects I had from chantix was it made me feel loopy the first few days and I was tired alot.  I didn't really follow the schedule you were suppose to because it made me feel so tired and when I finally quit smoking I only continued for another two weeks of chantix but this was me and I am not recommending this for everyone.  You continue to smoke on the pill but you will get no satisfaction from smoking from the first dose so you will go through withdrawals starting almost immediately although I didn't really realize that that was what was happening until a week or so later.   I found the pills made me feel very mellow.  Cut me off in traffic no big deal.   I wasn't anxious or angry or anything.  I think I was on the pills a total of one month and finally quit on the 8th or 9th day.  The biggest thing I think that helped me was reading other peoples experiences on Chantix.  There is another board somewhere on topix or something like that that helped alot. I wish I still had the url to pass along.  Anyway I hoped this helped and good luck.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 11, 2008, 09:52:27 am
Hi Buckster2005, first of all let me say that I'm glad that you are a non-smoker....
ok I'm not sure if this is the Site that you are talking about but ever since I quit i joined this site and it helped me because there were and are a lot of really good people there that will be there to listen, Advice, Joke,and we even have Cyber Parties every once in a while,,, so here it is and I hope to see you there, as always your Friend PRMike...

Healthcare Law
Has anyone heard of Pfizer's Chantix -Topix
  Posted in the Healthcare Law Forum
Ads by Google

Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Buckster2005 on August 11, 2008, 10:24:57 am
Hi Buckster2005, first of all let me say that I'm glad that you are a non-smoker....
ok I'm not sure if this is the Site that you are talking about but ever since I quit i joined this site and it helped me because there were and are a lot of really good people there that will be there to listen, Advice, Joke,and we even have Cyber Parties every once in a while,,, so here it is and I hope to see you there, as always your Friend PRMike...

Healthcare Law
Has anyone heard of Pfizer's Chantix -Topix
  Posted in the Healthcare Law Forum
Ads by Google


Hi PRMike,

Yes that was the site.  I never signed on but always enjoyed reading and following everyones stories.  It helped alot. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on August 11, 2008, 12:37:54 pm
Hi Buckster, well i hope to see you there and I use the same name as I do here except that it might read miguel ayala Aka Mike ok bye for now and please stay strong as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Tempeboy on August 12, 2008, 01:07:21 am
I used Chantix in March.  I have now been 5 months smoke free Anyway the side effects I had from chantix was it made me feel loopy the first few days and I was tired alot. 

Hey Buckster,

Thank you so much.....  I will now start on my days off just in case.

cheers

Jae
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Buckster2005 on August 12, 2008, 07:14:09 am
Thanks PRMike I will look for you there. 

Good luck Jae you will do well.  Last time I was in Oz smokes were 15.00 a pack.  All the more reason to quit.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 08, 2008, 08:51:56 am
Hi Everyone and Good Morning, Well  Today is my 1 year anniversary of quitting smoking...
I am so glad that I have been able to stay quit,,, it has changed my life for the better...
ok I hope and Pray that you all are well and doing good with your quits and if not please keep trying,, ok so long for now as always your Friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on September 08, 2008, 03:13:44 pm
Hey Mike, is that you on that bike?

I'm still not smoking; next week it'll be two months.  It's hard right now because of some stress I'm encountering, but hanging in there.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on September 09, 2008, 08:44:49 pm
Hey Mike, is that you on that bike?

I'm still not smoking; next week it'll be two months.  It's hard right now because of some stress I'm encountering, but hanging in there.
Hi Bettytacy, Yes that's me on my baby,,,  I'm glad to hear that your still not smoking and hanging in there wow two months is cool and dont worry  I know that you can make it,, all that I did was to remember that if I picked up that first cigarette I would be right back where I was in the begining and that was wanting to quit,, so please stay strong you will not regret it ok so long for now as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: hankgaguy on September 09, 2008, 09:31:44 pm
Well, it's now been 3 months, and I've still got about 45 pills left over from the 3rd  month supply.

I've been very fortunate in not having a lot of those urges to smoke that much, and that includes going out to some of my favorite bars here in Atlanta.

It can work. Hope that it continues for other folks out there.

Alas, the non-insurance coverage sux, but, then, it basically is the same for smoking 2 packs a day.

Peace!
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RAB on October 16, 2008, 04:27:44 pm

Way to go Jerry...keep it up man....don't give in, walk, have some candy..
 :) ;) :D


Rich
(who has been cigarette free since March 14, 2007 thanks to Chantix)



Hey Everyone:

Forgive me for resurrecting this old thread, but I picked up my first script of Chantix this afternoon.

Damn Fool is going through a smoking cessation program his company provides, if he's successful it will mean a drop in his weekly insurance cost of $20.00.

We have a strange thing about our smoking habits.  Neither of us allows the other to see either of us smoke.  (Since he's on the road a lot, it makes it easier for me to get away with it  ::)).

But I've decided that since he's making the effort (and lord god almighty is that man ever a raging bitch on wheels lately.  Sheesh!), then now is also the perfect time for me to try again.

I remembered some of the things I had read in this thread, particularly Rich's comment quoted above, so that's what drove me to make this decision.

Anyway, tomorrow I start the Chantix.  I've set my quit date (something I'll keep private for the time being), I've enrolled in a smoking cessation program, I have a "quit coach" (whatever in the heck that means), and I'm going to do everything I can possibly do to quit this dirty, disgusting, expensive, and unhealthy habit.

RAB 

(Who worries about failing.)

BTW--Chantix doesn't pass the spell check thingy.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on October 16, 2008, 06:22:10 pm
RAB,

Good luck.  Chantix has been the key for me and I was a heavy smoker.  I've "slipped" a couple times since quitting the two-pack-a-day habit, and I've noticed the shortness of breath right away, which makes it easier to give it up again.  That, and I really can't stand the smell of it now. 

I worried about failing also, and of course came down hard on myself when I had those couple fuck-ups, but as long as I got right back on board, I've been able to quit.   I also stopped taking the Chantix after a month, when it's recommended to take it for 12 weeks (plus another 12).  This time, it's the full 12 weeks.  Let us know how you're doing.
  Luv,
Betty
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on October 24, 2008, 04:08:51 pm
Hi BettyTacy,  I belevie today is 3 yrs for you ..  my Congrats to you and may you have many more...  that is really awesome please keep it up ok with much love and respect always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: RapidRod on October 24, 2008, 06:09:40 pm
Betty I don't want to talk about slipping. I'm on my third week again since starting over. Rab, you'll make it.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on January 22, 2009, 11:35:33 am
well, it's been a long, long time since anyone's bumped this thread, but I've got some news to post.

Some of you may remember that after taking Chantix last Fall and being off the smokes for 110 days, everything in my life fell to pieces (as Jim got ill and went into the hospital) and I was smoking again by Spring. Although my pharmacist tried several times through the Summer, we couldn't get Chantix covered through medicare, part d, or the medicaid card. (Obviously, not much of that tax money from cigs goes towards covering meds for someone to quit smoking. Must be why my congressman wasn't worried about funding s-chip from another cig tax - they'll let enough people stayed hooked to keep the money flowing ;))

Fast forward to Christmas. I used $$, from Jim's belongings that I sold, for a plane ticket home at Christmas (we had already been planning on it as it would have been on our anniversary). My GrandMother offered to cover the cost of my trip; but I declined saying I prefered that Jim paid for this ticket. (My GrandMother and I have spent numerous hours comparing our lives of caring for our spouses before they passed away. :'( That and all of our aches pains and ailments :D - hers from old age (92 now and still driving!) and me from HIV and med side effects. So she understood about the ticket. ;)) Instead I bargained with her. I explained that my Part D carrier was changing, and I wanted to try getting my Chantix that way first. But if it was still not covered, then I'd use her gift and purchase it myself. Her gift to me was some $$, my gift to her was that I'd stop smoking.

So I'm sitting here today with a Chantix starter pack on my desk (that I had to pay cash for even on the new plan. So "Thank you" GrandMother for the Christmas present :-* ). All I have to do now is decide when to start the med. I already missed 1/18, which would have been my 24th anniversary with Randy (if things had been different). Unfortunately the next closest remarkable dates in my life, that could be used as a stop smoking start date, aren't until Feb and Mar. Although one date in Mar is my bday (3/14), all the other dates have to do with Jim being in the hospital, and I don't think I want to have any of those days remembered. Since I remember having a couple days of puke-i-ness when I took Chantix last time (I swear EVERY freaking med makes me puke at least a little ::)), I'm going to run some errands today and start Friday.

As with last time, I'm not quitting smoking because I give a damn about lung cancer or it's effects on my health (it really is nearly my only vice, for heaven's sake!), I'm quitting because I'm just too damned poor to afford it any longer. That was my reasoning last Nov, and now that my living expenses have gone up since losing Jim's house, I really, really can't afford smoking. (lordy! I've already stooped to rolling my own! :D) However, if the Chantix works again and I have really stopped in about 6 weeks then it'll be a great healthy way for me to celebrate turning 47. It'll also put me back on track. A year ago I had quit smoking, was out riding a bike around town, and feeling better and healthier than I had in years. Losing Jim took almost all that away :'( (haven't been back on the bike but once since Jim died); but just as I've already reclaimed part of the life I lost (the utilities and the security of stable housing ;D), I hope to be back off the cigs and back onto the bike soon! ;D (well, as soon as the freaking snow melts and it warms up some from 10 degrees!! ::))

mikie
(who has wint-o-green mints at hand and is ready for some "vivid" dreaming again ;))
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jerry71 on January 22, 2009, 04:34:11 pm
Well as of December 8, 2008 I have only smoked two packs. That was just a being social event I wanted a smoke. As far as Chantix goes I went the other way around and bought the starter patches of Nicoderm. After using them for 5 weeks and spending over $80 in patches, I said who needs the patches and have not smoked or used a patch since. Feel so much better and have gained a few pounds. Hope Everyone else is doing alright. Someone I know has also quit and I was shocked that they quit. :o
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 22, 2009, 05:00:49 pm
Hi Everyone, I just want to give you all an update on my Quit today is my 506 th Day that I have been a non-smoker and I feel great about that...
I'm really glad that I was able to get the Chantix because without it I really doubt that I would have quit..
ok so long for now and may GOD bless you all as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: ademas on January 22, 2009, 11:14:49 pm
Three months smoke-free for me today...I quit Oct. 22nd.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 23, 2009, 08:41:16 am
Three months smoke-free for me today...I quit Oct. 22nd.

hi Ademas, Way to Go keep it up you will feel so much better and be able to save some cash and it does get easier and time fly's by really fast, again great job as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 23, 2009, 07:10:58 pm
I'm still going back and forth. I'll take the Chantix for a couple weeks, then stop and smoke for a couple days, and the cycle starts all over again.  I just can't seem to put down the cigs for good yet.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on January 23, 2009, 10:26:26 pm
I'm still going back and forth. I'll take the Chantix for a couple weeks, then stop and smoke for a couple days, and the cycle starts all over again.  I just can't seem to put down the cigs for good yet.
Hi, Dont worry one of these days you will just get to the point where you say Ok that's it NO MORE and the it will happen,, It took me a long time and a lot of on & off quits until I came here and read about Chantix and said this sounds good I gotta try again, plus I was really tried of smoking so when you get tired you'll quit,,,
I know that you can do it all you have to do is want to...
ok so long for now with much love and respect as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: rachel2008 on January 26, 2009, 10:15:36 pm
I started the chantix two months ago.  I was also a two pack a day smoker.  I have figured out that if you wait a half hour to take the pill after eating you are less likely to feel sick.  It seems food needs to process first before your tummy can handle the pill.  I now smoke 1 cigy every other day and have decided to just quit because why bother at this point.  As for nightmares I don't have any just very vivid dreams and great REM.  Good luck and monitor yourself for depression.  I do believe this medication is successful if you can handle the rest.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on January 27, 2009, 01:55:44 pm
I take the Chantix right away after I eat, and feel fine.  I guess it depends on the person.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on March 31, 2009, 12:18:22 pm
On March 14th, I celebrated being 47 yrs old AND 47 days off cigs.
It's now been 64 days. WooHoo!  ;D

I only had enough money to get the first four-week pack of Chantix. (I still don't understand why my medical card or part d won't cover this >:( so I spent most of my Christmas money to get this script filled) Thankfully though, like last time, I wanted this to happen bad enough, and it was just enough med to get me through the bad part of quitting.

So it's a little over a year later after I tried quitting last and I'm over halfway back to where I was when everything about my life changed last year with Jim's illness and death. Not too bad for a second-time widower. ;) WooHoo! ;D

But I still kind of worry about the consequences of stopping this time. ;) I tried to quit smoking once and one of our dogs died (not related to the smoking; but it worked as an excuse to start smoking again). I tried to stop another time and there was a $30k fire in our house (again not related to smoking and thankfully no dogs died). I quit last year for 110 days and then Jim was diagnosed with AIDS and non-Hodgkins lymphoma and died barely 60 days later. :'(

I don't have any more partners that might die; if the house burns it won't be my problem (as much) as I'm renting now; and although my three remaining cockers are pretty old and one "could" pass away this year, I've already lived through losing the other seven. So I "think" I can survive whatever calamity might be on the way.  ;) Hell, I've lived through fire, famine, and mulitple deaths now. Why I even nearly died twice myself from pneumonia. I should be able to survive most anything. LOL  ;D


Oh, and my housemate started Chantix a couple weeks ago, and is on day 9 without cigs. WooHoo! ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: PRMike on March 31, 2009, 05:38:16 pm
On March 14th, I celebrated being 47 yrs old AND 47 days off cigs.
It's now been 64 days. WooHoo!  ;D

I only had enough money to get the first four-week pack of Chantix. (I still don't understand why my medical card or part d won't cover this >:( so I spent most of my Christmas money to get this script filled) Thankfully though, like last time, I wanted this to happen bad enough, and it was just enough med to get me through the bad part of quitting.

So it's a little over a year later after I tried quitting last and I'm over halfway back to where I was when everything about my life changed last year with Jim's illness and death. Not too bad for a second-time widower. ;) WooHoo! ;D

But I still kind of worry about the consequences of stopping this time. ;) I tried to quit smoking once and one of our dogs died (not related to the smoking; but it worked as an excuse to start smoking again). I tried to stop another time and there was a $30k fire in our house (again not related to smoking and thankfully no dogs died). I quit last year for 110 days and then Jim was diagnosed with AIDS and non-Hodgkins lymphoma and died barely 60 days later. :'(

I don't have any more partners that might die; if the house burns it won't be my problem (as much) as I'm renting now; and although my three remaining cockers are pretty old and one "could" pass away this year, I've already lived through losing the other seven. So I "think" I can survive whatever calamity might be on the way.  ;) Hell, I've lived through fire, famine, and mulitple deaths now. Why I even nearly died twice myself from pneumonia. I should be able to survive most anything. LOL  ;D


Oh, and my housemate started Chantix a couple weeks ago, and is on day 9 without cigs. WooHoo! ;D
Hi Leatherman,  that's so cool that you have been able to quit again and I have faith that you will be able to do it...
as for me I'm coming up on 19 months since I quit and I now have my own place with the money that I was able to save from not smoking, so I no longer have to fight with that DOG for the Sofa  LOL
ok man stay strong and remember one day at a time as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on March 31, 2009, 09:57:26 pm
Oh, I should also mention something else about my housemate taking Chantix. He's had NO side effects at all. :P and this is after taking Chantix for nearly three weeks. I was a little afraid that it might not react well with him as he also takes meds for his bi-polar disorder and has suffered from serious depression. But he only felt a little queasy the first night. He hasn't even had any dreams that he could remember.  :P  :D LOL

with the money that I was able to save from not smoking, so I no longer have to fight with that DOG for the Sofa
between the money I won't be paying out in cigs ( $2k+ , that's before this new tax that is going into effect), and a "repayment" to SS (that's a story for another thread but I promise to never try to work again LOL), I'm going to be living large this next year. :D Last year, I lived on ~$4k. This year, I'll end up living on ~$9k!! (that's more than double last year!! :o) WooHoo! ;D

I've been setting aside some of the money that I would have paid out for cigs and recently bought a queen sized waterbed to replace the king sized one that I had to leave behind when I left our house after Jim passed away. Thankfully, I only have the three cocker spaniels left now-a-days, cause we all "just" fit onto the new bed at night  :D ;D

good job for 19 months, Mike.  ;)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Buckster2005 on April 14, 2010, 07:56:49 am
Hi there fellow ex-smokers-

I know this is a really really old thread but thought I would revive it since it helped me a lot.  Just wanted to see how others were doing? 

So how are you doing PRMike, Betty, Leatherman and others I forgot to mention and of course the original poster Jerry?

I have been smoke free for 2 years now.  Probably couldn't have done it without the chantix and support I read here from what others went through.

Thanks-

--Buck
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on April 14, 2010, 09:25:15 am

it is a intense mission giving up this habit, but the quest contnues for now to remain smoke free for the rest of my life............. one day at a time..........
 Shocked
kellyspoppi

that was how i concluded my post on 12/17/07 having just completed my first round with chantix. i actually went 11 months without a cigarette.

but then i month before my 1 year anniversary my wife and i had to fire an employee for embezzlement and before we got to our office knowing what we had to do, we each bought a pack to get us through the ordeal. obviously under moments of high anxiety (and this has historically been my problem quitting )
i succumb to the dreaded nicotine.

fortunately in my state, they want hiv+'s to quit smoking so our adap covers chantix. after a few months of smoking i decided to try to quit again, failed once more, then last september i gave it another serious try. this time i have spread my script out so i'm taking a smaller dose over a longer period of time. so far so good, 7 months and counting.

the benefits are huge, except for the weight gain. especially from the night time snacking.

but i am determined to quit, and while on chantix i am still loving the dreams.   ::)boy do i have funny dreams!

keep trying folks,

kellyspoppi

 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on April 14, 2010, 10:25:10 am
I haven't had a smoke in 444 days now ;D (planning my 47th quit day to coincide with my 47th bday back in 09 makes keeping track very easy). There have been a couple odd-n-end days when, right out of the blue, I really, really wanted one - but as long as I don't buy another pack I should be okay. ;) The only cig I ever bummed off anyone was the one that wrecked my 110 day stop after Chantix the first time, so I won't be doing that again.

Talk about reviving an old thread. :o Just a couple posts below this one (I have the newest on top not on bottom) is a post from me just a couple weeks after my 47th bday. Wow. There I was still living in OH and getting along with the roomie, never knowing the jerk was going to end up making us both homeless within 6 months, forcing me to give away nearly everything I owned in OH for 25 yrs,  and move down to SC with my 3 cockers to live at my Mom's house.

Damn. It's been a rough few years. I lost my home in 07 but moved into my partner's house. He died in 08 and I lost that home and moved in with that roommate. He got us kicked out in 09 and I lost that home. Thankfully, my Mom loves me and I should be able to stay settled down here for a while. But I never saw any of that other stuff coming, so who knows?!?! ::) LOL :D

But at least I'll have some cash in my pocket no matter what happens here, since I haven't been smoking in over a year and don't have that expense anymore. ;D
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Hellraiser on April 14, 2010, 10:54:39 am
I applaud you guys for your effort.  I dunno if it would be this easy but all it would take would be to see "Decreased efficacy of HAART" for smokers and I'd be scared straight I think.  HIV is hard enough, no need to complicate.  With that said I know plenty of HIV+ smokers that are on meds.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Miss Philicia on April 14, 2010, 11:53:46 am
Do you think my boxes of Chantix are still good six months after the discard date? 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: kellyspoppi on April 14, 2010, 03:10:26 pm
wow leatherman,

your story made me want to lite up.

seriously man, god bless you for still hanging in there despite these additional set backs. i'd be back to 2 packs a day.

kellyspoppi
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: BT65 on April 14, 2010, 05:05:05 pm
Do you think my boxes of Chantix are still good six months after the discard date? 

Are you thinking about giving it a go? 

I started smoking again last fall, when I went back to work (part-time).  I was smoking 6 cigarettes a day, now down to 1.  I'm not going to stress over quitting.  If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen.
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Jeff G on April 14, 2010, 05:20:19 pm
I'm back to pack and a half a day ... I want to quit .
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: leatherman on April 14, 2010, 06:01:31 pm
your story made me want to lite up.
i really only crave cigarettes after eating ice cream now
(no I don't know why, that's just the only time the thought, "I wish I had one to light up right now", pops into my head. LOL)
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: tednlou2 on April 15, 2010, 02:17:49 am
Wow!  Is this post a record?  Read almost 58,000 times with my post being the 400th reply.  That is amazing for something not directly related to HIV.  However, I guess smoking is a big issue for many of us. 
Title: Re: Chantix Anyone
Post by: Gambit on April 15, 2010, 03:58:35 am
I took Chantix for about a month and a half and quit for quite awhile.. I now smoke an E-Cig and sometimes I have real smokes..

I didn't care much about the nausea it gave me right when I took it but it literally turned me into a different person.  I have never been so depressed and unhappy in my life as I was when I was on that drug.  I'm waiting for the next miracle drug for now.