starting Champix
I am just starting my quitting journey , on day 2 of champix.
I have tried to stop in the past but half heartedly , but after having a heart attack just over a week ago , I really have no choice but to stop.
I was very lucky this time that I have been given another chance . I do not want to risk another heart attack so I am determined .
I have heard several scare stories about Champix but i do hope it works for me . At the age of 49 I am not ready to leave my family yet , there is too much living still to do .
Hi Polly
Welcome here in the group. I have to be honest, I do not know anything about Champix, but I am sure someone else can answer this question. What I wanted to say is that you will see, the journey is hard, real hard.. So many times you just want to give up and start smoking again. But it is so much worth it... Make your negative list of things you hate about smoking ... You will see the list gets longer the longer you do not smoke... and take day after day... Good luck and good fight...
Hi Polly, welcome I'm 51 years old 19 days smoke free and started smoking when I was 12, like you gave up after a health scare except I'm going cold turkey.
It's definitely not easy but so worth it I feel my self getting stronger every day.
When I read your post I said to my self 49 so young for a heart attack then realised I'm not much older.
My advice is use this site it has definitely helped me.
Hi Polly. I must say I do not know about Champix. I opted for cold turkey. That was over 560 something days ago. Early days are difficult but at any stage of the journey it will only take one puff to send you back to where you were. Just stick with the plan.
I have not smoked for 45 days today and I use Chantix (US version of Champix). I will say Chantix does have its own side effects and they affect everyone differently. They will level out and are better than continuing to smoke. One of the hardest for me was the nausea and light headedness. I found that cutting my pills in half and taking them with food 4 times a day instead of 2 erased the nausea. On day 45 I feel no side effects from Chantix and feel great from not smoking.
Don't give up when you encounter unpleasant side effects. Come here and talk to people, talk to your doctor, your friends, your family. The end result is definitely worth it!
Hi Polly
I am on day 9 of Champix (4th time) I have found previously it has worked well, really well. But then I get cocky thinking I'm fine, I can have one.....and then it all starts again.
The second time I did CHampix I had very bad side effects. Awful thoughts and couldn't get out of bed so stopped then and there.
I am always cautious when I take it and It seems this time is not the best. Struggling with whether to continue and push through the depression and weirdly blocked ears or try and use NRT instead. kind of feels like I would be giving in if I stop the chmpix though.
How are you going on it?????
Hi Clare ,thanks for your message.
Ill be honest i stppped champix over Christmas and new year and was smoking again ..however i have started back on champix now and so far have no major side effects except some strange dreams..i have cut right down on smoking although havent stopped altogether yet . I know I need to but finding it really hard. Wishing you the best of luck , you seem determined which is great. Heres to a smoke free ,healthier future.
Pauline x