Side effects and not succeeding
Hi there. Back in mid April I attempted to stop smoking...didn't...fast forward to present and am giving it another try. This time I am using 1mg Champix. I am at the beginning of the 3rd week and no change whatsoever. Still smoking same amount, some days more. Also from the first day of taking Champix I started having hot flushes...up to 10 a day. No I am not going thru perimenopause or menopause. I can cope with the hot flushes but am disappointed in myself for not stopping smoking yet. Is anyone having hot flushes and is anyone else still smoking during 3rd week. Its my dads 80th birthday on 6th March and my true present to him is to tell him I am trying my best. Feel so disappointed and a failure...but theres hope isn't there in finally becoming a non smoker...would love your guys comments and for you to share...thank you. Goldie
Hi Serena, you just need to stop smoking. Champix will help quell the cravings but it's not a miracle drug, you still need a lot of willpower. I could be on it and smoke the same amount too but that's not the point of it. The two weeks smoking whilst taking them is to get it in your system and working to help block the cravings when you do stop. There will be side effects and not everyone can take champix because of that.
Best of luck to you. Be strong.
I used the "patch" gradual withdrawal of nicotine....BUT you can't smoke while the patch is on or you could risk rapid heart rate/stroke!! I promise you, I had absolutely no cravings! Keep this in mind...the longer you smoke the harder it is to quit AND the more damage to your body. I smoked for 26 yrs. and am now smoke free for 122 days! Learn to recognize your triggers: what makes you automatically want to smoke? A drink? Coffee? Anger? Boredom? Make a list! Then choose some positive things you might do instead of smoking when that trigger occurs: Take a walk, call a friend, chew gum, eat a favorite snack, watch TV, take deep breaths and let out slowly, self-talk (you can do this!)...........you decide and make a list alongside your triggers! These are called coping skills and I promise you they work and will soon become automatic if you work on them. Avoid the craving suppressants!! Some swear that salty foods help - like sunflower seeds. Discover what works for you :-) Good Luck!