Champix - it's good BUT!!

I have just gone 4 1/2 weeks without a smoke.  I have been on the Champix which really have been amazing in stopping the cravings.  I have been amazed about how I am not craving them at all really.  I did a lot of research about the Champix before starting my journey as I had heard of lots of yucky side effects.  I have had a few friends that have successfully stopped on the Champix and dealt with the side effects mostly by reducing the milligrams.  For me initially I only got a bit of nausea.  I dealt with this by taking my first tablet after a decent breakfast.  The second pill I took just as I went to bed so I didn't notice anything.  the nausea does pass.  I do believe some of the initial side effects is just withdrawals from the smokes cause it is a drug I have been on for over 20 years so.

By day 8 I was only having two smokes a day and by day 13 I had run out of smokes so just didn't buy anymore and I haven't had one since then.  Now since then I have had some BIG nights out drinking and just got back from 2 weeks in Bali and I didn't waiver once.  I am very proud of my sucess to date but I know I haven't beaten it yet.  

More recently I am noticing a few more side effects.  The one big side effect is my total non existant libido.  I have no desire to be intimate with my husband at all which is a strain on both of us.  I have spoke to him about it and we have said this is something we just have to deal with for a little bit longer as it will be worth it in the long run.  To top this off I have found myself to have lost my mojo for life whereas I was on top of the world up till a few days ago.  Holiday blues maybe??  Also, for the past few days I have also been getting very bad headaches after taking my morning tablet (which nurofen or panadol don't get rid of).  I don't want to go off the Champix as I do believe they are helping me with cravings so I am going to try just taking my evening tablet.  I have had a friend that cut back to 1/2 mg per day and this worked for her.  

The only other issue I have is the constant desire to eat.  I have always been an emotional eater anyway now the holiday has finished its time to curb my eating as I have stacked on heaps of weight in the past few weeks.  I am also wondering if this is some of the reason for my lack of mojo and libido.  One thing at a time though I guess.  Giving up the smokes is my priority and I won't let putting on weight be an excuse to take it back up again.  I can loose the weight later.  

So this is my journey so far.  I have enjoyed reading everyone elses journey as it makes me realise I am not alone.