Champix - My Story

I have been on Champix for 9 days now. Initially, I was concerned about the many reported side effects so I made a habit of taking the tablets in the middle of a meal. In other words, eat half of what was on the plate, take the tablet with a glass of water and then finish my meal.

Luckily, so far I have seen none of the side effects of Champix but seem to have gotten all the benefits. I was (and I like to talk about my smoking on past tense) a pack a day smoker for 44 years.

Last December, I realised I was developing an artery problem in the leg (also known as a Smokers Leg) so my vascular surgeon told me if I didn't give up smoking, I could expect this to get progressively worse and worse. I therefore decided to gradually cut down and comfortably made it to some 10 - 12 per day.

After I started taking the Champix, it soon became evident that I was losing interest in the smokes. With each day, they did less and less for me and started leaving an unpleasant taste in the back of my mouth. Yesterday around 4:00pm, I sat outside smoking and realised that was my third cigarette that day since getting up around 5:00am

Despite my quit date having been set for the 11/2, I decided not to smoke any more yesterday and when I woke up this morning, figured I'd see how I go.

It has now been nearly 24 hours from that last cigarette yesterday and I have to say, it hasn't been all that hard.

The packet is still on my desk but I haven't felt such an urge to smoke that justified undoing everything I have done so far.

I might throw it away in the morning, or just leave it where it is to remind myself of how my mind is stronger than any addiction.

To anyone considering giving up smoking, try out Champix. Most people experience no side effects and a few get some no worse than maybe a mild nausea. As the tablets start working, you may feel a bit detached because when you have this great big urge to smoke and you do, the tablets make sure it does nothing for you. You feel a bit betrayed by that.