Staying focused and setting goals
I am fast approaching the 2 week mark smoke free. To date, using the Champix has been amazing. It still scares me a little that a drug can make me stop smoking. So far so good, I haven't had any of the bad side effects. I still get the occasional nausea feeling about 5 minutes after taking the tablet. It only lasts a few minutes and goes away.
Just remember that you may feel a little detached for the first couple of weeks when you start taking the Champix. This does go away as it has done for both myself and my sister who is also on the program.
When starting my Quit day, I also decided to start a healthy eating plan to lose the almost 18kg I had put on over the past few years of over indulgence.
I am using small achievable goals to reach the ideal weight and also include the goal of saving the money I would have spent each day on smokes. At the end of the 2nd month I intend to splash out for a dirty weekend with my partner to relax and unwind at a nice beach resort.
I think that the changes in my eating habits is helping the non smoking as well. Maybe it's all in my head, but it seems to be working so far.
Stay strong everyone. One day at a time smoke free will add up to the rest of your life smoke free. :)
I am on day nine of not smoking now and was taking chanpix up until yesterday when the side effects just got too much. But after the past 8 days of not too much fun I am determined to keep going strong and not smoke. Cravings have come back but not too bad and they smell normal again but too determined this time!
FeelinGood: Thank you so much for your post. I am on day 4 of Champix. Today is the first day of increased dose. I also feared potential side effects but so far have had absolutely none (knock on wood)
I have also been working on reducing the amount I smoke. For the last 40 years or so, I have been a heavy smoker of some 25+ a day but now, I comfortably have it down to 7 or 8 a day.
I don't know if the initial dose of Champix is having effect but since I started, I have noticed when I smoke, it does a lot less for me and that "kick" is largely gone.
Now that I have seen how relatively easy it has been for me to reach this point, I am genuinely optimistic that I will manage to kick this habit for good!
Hi apalsson, day four was when I started to get the nausea feeling. It is greatly reduced if you eat something immediately after taking the pill. The docile effect may also start to kick in shortly as well. Never fear though, it does pass. The "kick" from the smokes definitely reduces after only a few days on the Champix. It dwindles to a point when you really can't even be bothered lighting up! I smoked at least a pack a day for almost 40 years also. The longest break in those 40 years was around 9 months. Stick with it. The difference just in your breathing will be a revelation.
Ezza1386, what side effects were you having with the Champix?
FeelinGood: Thanks for your reply. It is of a huge value to me to have someone like you with a similar story and background and be able to follow your success story.
The possible side effects don't scare me anymore because when I give it a good thought, I realise those side effects are nothing in comparison to what may be in store for me if I continue smoking.
Yesterday, I smoked 7 cigarettes - a big drop from the previous 25+ each day a few months ago. Today, my allowed limit is 6, tomorrow 5 etc. I suppress the desire to smoke with mouthspray which has done wonders for me.
I am on a bit of a high today because in my mind, I know that since I have come this far with relative ease I can follow this journey right to the end.
Again, thank you so much and I truly wish you all the success in the world in giving up the nasty habit.
Feelin good - really bad mood swings I would be so angry then the next second I waa bawling my eyes out. Very depressed etc. This is my fourth attempt on champix and have never had this re action to it before. It's horrible I'm on day 10 now - 2 days off champix feeling "in control" again now but the cravings are terrible. Can't win either way :( but still smoke free...
Hey Ezza1386, I read that Champix can cause mood swings. You have done the right thing by stopping them, you should also see your Dr about those changes. I hope you can stick with the quitting. You'll feel great in the long run.
Extract from Information Guide on Champix.
Some people have reported changes in mood or behaviour when they start taking Champix, usually within the first few weeks. These may include depression, agitation, aggression, thoughts of self harm, self harm, thinking about suicide, suicidal behaviour and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or sensing things that are not there). If you have any symptoms that concern you, you should stop taking Champix and seek medical advice as soon as possible
I'm not sure if you have been drinking alcohol, but it is something to watch out for.
I should add that since starting the Champix I have cut down my alcohol intake from a few drinks per day and a LOT on the weekends as recommended by my Dr.. I have had a total of 6 Bundy and Cokes since starting the program almost 4 weeks ago. My sister experienced mood swings while drinking alcohol and taking Champix a few years ago. It was so bad that she collapsed and had to be hospitalised. She is on them again this time with me, she is not drinking (maybe an occasional stubbie of beer) and has had no adverse side effects this time around.
So anyone that has just started, just watch your alcohol intake.
Thanks for that. No I think I have had 1 Bundy can in the whole time. I'm Have a bottle of Wine sitting in the fridge which normally doesn't last but been there for a week lol.
So I'm still smoke free but getting really bad physical cravings and now hot flushes ?!, really bizarre but another day not smoked. Most I have ever done without champix is 10 days cold turkey. So 3 days down and am taking it day by day. This time I WILL do this :)
Started Champix over a week ago. I was fine untill started on the stronger ones, I couldn't keep them down. I went to the Drs and they gave me something for the nausea. Day 3 of taking them again half strength for a week then try stronger ones again. WWhat is the average time people take them before they quit?
Hi Bridie, I found I could reduce the nausea feeling by eating. I eat half my meal, (breakfast & dinner) then take the tablet and finish my meal. I also down a full glass of water. That method reduced the nausea feeling. I still got it, but much less intense. It only lasts for a few minutes or so.
It took me 9 days before I stopped smoking when taking the Champix. I must admit though, after four or five days the smokes were not having any real effect. Good luck with your journey. Don;t forget just take it one day at a time. They all add up. Today is day 14 for me. No cravings whatsoever. :)