Chantix

[Squirt's Mom]

I've been taking Chantix for 3 weeks now with no side effect UNLESS I took it on an empty stomach then it causes nausea - no vomiting but lots and lots of heaving. For the last 4 days I have been getting sick anywhere from 1 hr to 3 hrs after taking it even if I eat firs. Has anyone else taken this drug and had the same effect starting up after being on it for a while? I don't feel like this is a bug since I feel ok when I wake up and later in the day....but not for a few hours after taking the pill now.

[Squirt's Mom]

The overall pattern and frequency of adverse events during the longerterm trials was similar to those described in Table 5, though several of the most common events were reported by a greater proportion of patients with long-term use (e.g., nausea was reported in 40% of patients treated with CHANTIX 1 mg twice daily in a one-year study, compared to 8% of placebo-treated patients).

So not uncommon. Great. Just as the Chantix is starting to help. :rolleyes: I need a cigarette. :D

[lulusmom]

Les, call your doc and tell him what's going on. A friend had to get her dosage adjusted after she stopped smoking because she was getting sick too. How long did you smoke after starting treatment?

[lulusmom]

Les, call your doc and tell him what's going on. A friend had to get her dosage adjusted after she stopped smoking because she was getting sick too. How long did you smoke after starting treatment?

P.S. I forgot to mention that my friend was successful and quit for good. I have two other friends that were also successful using Chantix.

[Squirt's Mom]

Still smoking but not near as much. Setting quit dates hasn't worked for me....I forget! :o But I am down to 8-12 a day VS 30-40. The cigs are losing their ability to satisfy, don't taste as good, and I find hours have passed where I haven't even thought of smoking. I was a guinea pig for the VA human studies for the nicotine gum ages ago. They did testing and determined I was mildly physically addicted but strongly behaviorally addicted. That has apparently not changed much - it is the need to do something familiar with my hands that drives me back to smoke. I am trying to substitute other things like brushing my teeth, brushing a dog, sorting beads, etc. for those few minutes that smoking would typically involve.

[jas77450]

You are doing better than me. Have you tried the e cigs? I was thinking of that route.

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh yes - Chantix is the only thing I haven't tried. The e-cigs helped but were not at all satisfying to me, especially behaviorally. The vapor cigs were the same. I would end up playing with them while I smoked a real one. :rolleyes: I know several folk who were able to quit using one or the other tho so they are worth a try for sure....they just didn't help me much. But I'm a truly stubborn old broad. ;):D

[lulusmom]

Six of my family members, including me, quit cold turkey in the last year and it's amazing that six hard core, very long term smokers are all cigarette free, ranging from eleven months to three months. I'm the only one that doesn't walk around with an e-cig in their hand or in their mouth. I think that's because I got a wake up call when I was diagnosed with restrictive lung disease in July and told I had the lungs of an 85 year old. I threw a new pack of cigs in the trash that day and have never wanted to pick up another one.

Throughout my life, I've smoked anywhere from 1 to three packs a day for 48 years. I've tried to quit a hundred times and failed. I realized that day that I didn't want to die and had a lot to live for. I've always felt selfish for asking God for things when so many people in this world have nothing and suffer daily; however, this time was different. For the first time in my life, I begged God to help me quit for good. I woke up the next morning and never had another urge for a cigarette. The problem is that I now have a huge urge for food and gained 10 pounds in the first 30 days and continued at a slower pace for the last four months. I'm now hating my diet and exercising every day but I'm following doctor's orders.

YOU CAN DO THIS, LESLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Squirt's Mom]

Glad you have faith! :p

I talked to the pharmacist this morning who said there is really nothing OTC to help. He suggested I ask the doc about taking one pill a day VS 2 for a while to see if my system can adjust then go back to twice a day. I see my pulmonologist tomorrow and will see what she has to say. Taking my big silver bowl and going to lay down AGAIN. :rolleyes:

[molly muffin]

Just spoke with my doctor about chantex earlier this year. She said, that using any of the drugs comes down to genetics, some people respond to them and some don't. For some it causes serious bad dreams and depression, others can take it, smoke for a week or two and never pick up a cig again.
Feeling nauseous could be as Glynda said, a dose adjustment only. That you are no longer satisfied by the cigarette means you are probably one of the ones who will respond to the medication.

Good luck!

[Squirt's Mom]

Made it to my pulmonologist and only had to pull over once to heave. At least I didn't feel the need to lay on the shoulder for a bit! :o:eek::)

Doc said to cut it back to half the dose I am taking now which would be 1mg per day VS 2mg a day. Then we will build that back to the 2mg if possible. Hopefully the 1mg a day will curb the craving.

I gave Doc the list of side effects and none of them were concerning enough to stop the drug, thankfully. She said that lots of people have heard horror stories about Chantix and at the first bad reaction, they stop it out of fear. But those that can continue taking it usually stop smoking for good.

I talked to folks who are on this and 2 have told me they had basically the same reactions I have - one said it made her think she was dying every day she was on it. BUT she quit after 2 months and hasn't smoked since; 2 years quit. The other quit after 3 months and hasn't smoked in 6 years - she lives with a smoker, too. Both say they have not even had a desire to smoke once that went away with Chantix.

Doc sent me home with Phengren to help with the nausea and vomiting when needed. I've been using ginger tincture and tea....and I despise the taste of ginger but it does help a little bit. Lemon Balm added to the ginger helps more.

So far (the side effects can change, worsen or improve over time) these are the side effects I am experiencing -

Anxiety
Irritability
Loss of pleasure/interest
Nervousness
Bloated
Change in tastes
Dry mouth
Flatulence
Headache
Nausea/vomiting
Tummy pain, high and low
Tired
Sour tummy
Belching
Body aches
Chills
Fever
Decreased appetite
Dizziness
Heartburn
Indigestion
Runny nose
Drowsy
Stomach discomfort/upset
Sneezing
Trouble concentrating
Dull feeling/sluggish
Shakes/tremors

I'm documenting for anyone who has thought about trying Chantix. I'll share my journey in the hopes it may help others.

[Squirt's Mom]

Reporting in on the progress while I'm upright. :D I really need that green faced icon tho! :p

After cutting back to 1/2 mg twice a day, the craving came roaring back while the side effects didn't decrease much at all. For the first time in at least 2 weeks, a cig tasted and felt sooooo good. I was almost as sick and really enjoying smoking again. So, I made an executive decision and am back to the full dose today of 1m 2x day....and back to full sick. But I have come too far and suffered too much already to go backward. Every cig I smoke reinforces those old neural pathways and I can't let the reinforcement increase just because I am sick. I will be much, much sicker if I don't stop smoking. Gotta let that pathway get overgrown and develop some new, beneficial ones in it's place.

Someone asked me if I would recommend Chantix and I said yes, under two conditions. 1) you really, really want to quit and 2) you will drink lots and lots of water, pure de ole water.

[Budsters Mom]

So, so, proud of you Leslie. :) You can do it! Your babies need you and so do we.;):p xxxxoooo

[Robert]

Hang in there. Gave up 5 years ago and definetely healthier and richer for it!!!

[addy]

You can do this, just think of what your lungs will look like evey time you want to smoke.

Hubby and I made a bet to quit together, that was twenty years ago, quit cold turkey as we were both to stubborn to lose the bet.it was really hard, extremely hard, but I know you can do this.

I'm cheering you on

[SasAndYunah]

Leslie, I'm in awe of you! :D Like you, over the years I have tried everything under the sun...in vain. Hypnoses, accupuncture, the patches, the E-cigarette, the cold turkey, a "quit smoking" course in the hospital and several years ago the Zyban. I haven't heard of Chantix so I expect it's not available/allowed here yet. But I recognize all the side effects so I suppose, like Zyban, it's a kind of anti depressant? I got soooo depressed due to the Zyban that after 6 months I quit taking Zyban and have been a happy smoker ever since :D I'm naturally a happy person, I sing all day, feel happy, dance around (well. try to anyway ;) ), I couldn't handle feeling so depressed all the time, that just was not me. I could handle the nausea and the other side effects but not the depressed feeling. Later on I saw a documentary about people who had used Zyban to quit smoking and some never recovered from feeling depressed, ugh! I hope the Chantix is nothing like it and that you can continue to hang in... I salute you for being so brave and courageous! Wishing you all the strength and courage to go through this...:)

Big hugs,

Saskia :)

[Squirt's Mom]

I gotta tell ya'll a funny. You know how Dechra keeps a file on some of the pups using Vetoryl whose parents have called them to discuss things? Wellll, apparently Pfizer now has such a file on ME! :D They call me and say, "Mz. Richards, how are you feeling today?" LMAO I almost want to bark at them but am afraid it would scare them to pieces! :p

I know part of this is they are using me as a case study, part is CYA, but I think part is also they are getting a kick out of the crazy old broad in ARK who has reported more side effects than anyone to date but does NOT want to stop taking their drug because it is working. I've told them this is a last resort for me. Only two other things ever helped - Zyban and I broke out in hives so had to stop it, and anesthesia, which the doc just flat refuses to give me every 4-5 weeks, in fact acted like that was the dumbest question he'd ever heard when I asked if he would. So Chantix is my last resort. And telling them I wanted the dreams I've heard so much about and haven't had one yet took them back a bit, too! :D All in all I think they just call to see what else I will say. :p:p:D:p:p

[molly muffin]

ROFLMAO!!!

Oh gawd Leslie you are a hoot for sure. I'd call you too!

Hugs

[spdd]

How's it going now? I'm reading your excursion and have to say you are one determined woman. I couldn't go through what your are.

[Squirt's Mom]

Side effects are getting better! While the nausea is still present, especially at night, it's much better - I no longer carry my big silver bowl around with me. :p All of the digestive effects are better, thankfully! Headache, runny nose, body aches, tiredness, and sore throat are the most bothersome ones right now. Which brings a whole new dimension to flu season! :D

I am sleeping better, longer and more deeply. I have more energy and, surprisingly :rolleyes:, more time to do things to go along with the energy. I can breath better, cough less, and rarely use my rescue inhaler. When I do cough, it is usually productive. Eating better tho it's usually a force feed since things don't taste right at the moment.

I am still smoking about 10 a day. Still working on triggers and finding replacements for them that work. The hardest are in the tub, after eating, and answering the phone. The rest are either handled or close to.

Mentally, I continue to tell myself lies that am working on as well. Things like "it will be easier to stop completely after Christmas" or "just let me get past this date" or .......

Ordered refill #3 today of both Chantix and Phenergen. :D

[Budsters Mom]

So, so, so proud of you Leslie!:p We are all cheering for you!:):):D:D:D

[Squirt's Mom]

A funny new side effect is apparently "sleep eating". I have waked up several times with remains in the bed with me...the latest was a well-gnawed corncob! :D

[molly muffin]

:eek::eek: sleep eating! Corn cob's in bed!
Well, that is a new one. I don't honestly I've heard of that one before.
Wondering if you shouldn't right the new chantix side effects sheet for the company, as I think you've experienced every one listed and then some. ROFL!

You're da awesome though Leslie

[Squirt's Mom]

This is my first month on what they call the "continuing box" of Chantix. What that means is that it is a full month of 1mg pills VS the starter box that has 1/2mg pills the first week. Because I was so sick and had to cut the dose back and build up more slowly than they state, I was on the starter box for 2 months. I don't know if the 1mg in the continuing box are somehow stronger than the 1mg in the starter box but I am almost as sick as I was at first. The nausea isn't continuous like before but comes in repeat appearances. The headache is worse, too. But I am smoking less the last few days, too. They taste pretty bad right now.

[Squirt's Mom]

The nausea is still present, worse some days than others, but always there. The other side effects are getting better and better; some are gone and some come and go, like the headache and sore throat. BUT I am smoking 3 cigs and those at night. I have to figure out something for the bedroom, which is a huge trigger for me. If not for Brick, I would rearrange the furniture but that would confuse him and I don't want to do that. Trink would figure the changes out pretty quick without harming herself; Brick would take longer and bash his head all the time. So I'm thinking of other tricks I can try. My brother smoked 3 cigarettes a day for years and I used to tell him if he could do that he could quit. I am now at that level - and I will quit!

[Woodydog]

I've been taken these for about 6 weeks now, side effects I e experienced are the nighttime ones made me feel sick for the first month, and now it's not so much. My doctor told me to half the nighttime dose and take half the tablet at teatime then the other half a few hours later, they give me headaches but go away after an hour. Not had the eating thing, ha ha but do get very vivid dreams like I can remember everything and I have dreamt about a lot of people and dogs from my past bit weird. Best thing not had a cig in 5 weeks, so keep going Leslie your doing great :)

[Squirt's Mom]

Tracy! I am so proud of you! I guess the "quit date" approach worked for you, huh? I would set one and it would sail by unnoticed. :D Memory sharp as a tack, ya know! :p But I'm getting there. I am very glad your side effects were mild, too.

[flynnandian]

@tracy and leslie hold on! so far so good!
put the money you have saved from not buying cigs in a jar and treat yourself to something really nice!
[or give a donation to the tipperandsquirtcareforcushingfund.]

[Squirt's Mom]

After 6 months on Chantix and still smoking, I stopped the drug. I had done well until an event that scared the crap outta me and kept me in a heightened state of panic for several weeks. I lost all control then and never got it back. Another reason this didn't work is simple - the DRUG worked but *I* did not. Truthfully, I expected a magic pill - ya know, like Alice in Wonderland, swallow this pill and the addiction is simply gone. Dummy. I know better, so very well know better. So I gave my body 2 months to heal and clean out then started Chantix again the Thurs after Trink was diagnosed on Tues with COPD, about a month ago. I couldn't seem to do this for myself but I think I can for her.

It has been 35 1/2 hours since I had a cig! I smoked the last one at 9:30PM Fri. night. There are none in the house and even tho I have been out and in places where I usually bought cigs, I didn't even think about getting more.

This time around I approached this a bit differently and did not follow the directions with Chantix. You are supposed to take 1/2 mg 2x a day for a week then go to 1mg 2x a day. Since I got so very sick last time, I eased into the full dose this time. Starting with the 1/2 mg twice a day for about 10 days, then to 1mg AM and 1/2 mg PM for 2 weeks then to the full 2mg a day, divided AM and PM starting this past Thurs. I am still suffering the side effects of nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, aches, and general blah, but not as severe as last time (yet :D) nor as many side effects as last time either. As long as I can stop smoking, this agony will be worth it tho. My little Trinkertoo is so worth this and more!

I have to say, this is a grieving process. Cigarettes have always always always been here for me no matter what. When I needed relief, they were there. When I needed solace, they were there. When I needed comfort, they were there. When I needed companionship, they were there. When I needed courage, they were there. I am losing my best friend, one who has been by my side thru everything for over 40 years. I will be alone without them, nothing to fall back on, nothing to turn to that I KNOW will be there, that I KNOW I can count on regardless. I will be on my own for the first time in over 4 decades. It is scary and oh so sad. :eek::(:(:(

So ya'll send prayers, strength, courage, and anything else you think may help keep me on the right track, ok? ;)

[labblab]

Leslie, absolutely sending you deep, comforting hugs! This is a huge life-changer, with special emphasis on the life part. Emotionally this is so, so hard. But physically, for you and the babies, this will be so, so good :o. I know this is taking every ounce of strength and commitment, and I am so proud of you for giving it another shot. Hang in there, girl!!!!!!!!!

[Budsters Mom]

Really???? Hmmmmm..... Think hard........

Yes, you are the only one who can stop yourself from picking up that damn cigarette and starting again. However, you are never alone unless you want to be because you have your family here who always has your back.;)

You are worth it and so are your babies! You go girl!!!!!


I will be alone without them, nothing to fall back on, nothing to turn to that I KNOW will be there, that I KNOW I can count on regardless.

[SasAndYunah]

Oh Leslie, you are sooo brave! I so understand about losing your best friend... to me, my cigarettes are my sanitymeds :D And I have tried everything, the cold turkey appraoch (numerous times), accupuncture, Zyban, nicotine-inhalers, hypnosis, laser treatment, Allen Carr, E-smoking, "quit smoking" courses....you name it, I tried it :) You are one brave woman giving the Chantix another try :) You go, girl...my hat's off to you!!!

Sas :)

[Harley PoMMom]

Dear Leslie,

I surely understand the addition to cigs, I still smoke and have no urge to stop.

I am sending strength and tons of hugs with love, Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

106 hours and 50 minutes since I smoked a cig. :cool::cool::cool::cool:

EDITED TO ADD:
It just occurred to me that I was starved in the hospital with nothing but water allowed for 103 hours when they were trying to find out what was causing the then current problem (hypoglycemia was the result of those tests) and I thought that was FOR-FREAKING-EVER....but I have made it a bit further as of today without a cig - which creates a much bigger craving than food does for me. WOOHOO!

[Squirt's Mom]

2056 hours, 20 minutes without a cigarette. I am getting over the first respiratory infection since stopping and told my doc that by this time next year, my lungs will be healed enough they will be much less susceptible to these infections. ;)

This is what has been happening in my body the last 3 months - After I smoked my last cig,


Within ...

20 minutes
Your blood pressure, pulse rate and the temperature of your hands and feet have returned to normal.
8 hours
Remaining nicotine in your bloodstream has fallen to 6.25% of normal peak daily levels, a 93.75% reduction.
12 hours
Your blood oxygen level has increased to normal. Carbon monoxide levels have dropped to normal.
24 hours
Anxieties have peaked in intensity and within two weeks should return to near pre-cessation levels.
48 hours
Damaged nerve endings have started to regrow and your sense of smell and taste are beginning to return to normal. Cessation anger and irritability will have peaked.
72 hours
Your entire body will test 100% nicotine-free and over 90% of all nicotine metabolites (the chemicals it breaks down into) will now have passed from your body via your urine. Symptoms of chemical withdrawal have peaked in intensity, including restlessness. The number of cue induced crave episodes experienced during any quitting day have peaked for the "average" ex-user. Lung bronchial tubes leading to air sacs (alveoli) are beginning to relax in recovering smokers. Breathing is becoming easier and your lung's functional abilities are starting to increase.
5 - 8 days
The "average" ex-smoker will encounter an "average" of three cue induced crave episodes per day. Although we may not be "average" and although serious cessation time distortion can make minutes feel like hours, it is unlikely that any single episode will last longer than 3 minutes. Keep a clock handy and time them.
10 days
10 days - The "average" ex-user is down to encountering less than two crave episodes per day, each less than 3 minutes.
10 days to 2 weeks
Recovery has likely progressed to the point where your addiction is no longer doing the talking. Blood circulation in your gums and teeth are now similar to that of a non-user.
2 to 4 weeks
Cessation related anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, impatience, insomnia, restlessness and depression have ended. If still experiencing any of these symptoms get seen and evaluated by your physician.
21 days
The number of acetylcholine receptors, which were up-regulated in response to nicotine's presence in the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, basal ganglia, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum regions of the brain, have now substantially down-regulated, and receptor binding has returned to levels seen in the brains of non-smokers (2007 study).
2 weeks to 3 months
Your heart attack risk has started to drop. Your lung function is beginning to improve.
3 weeks to 3 months
Your circulation has substantially improved. Walking has become easier. Your chronic cough, if any, has likely disappeared. If not, get seen by a doctor, and sooner if at all concerned, as a chronic cough can be a sign of lung cancer.
8 weeks
Insulin resistance in smokers has normalized despite average weight gain of 2.7 kg (2010 SGR, page 384).
1 to 9 months
Any smoking related sinus congestion, fatigue or shortness of breath has decreased. Cilia have regrown in your lungs, thereby increasing their ability to handle mucus, keep your lungs clean and reduce infections. Your body's overall energy has increased.

The list goes to 20 years after you stop smoking.
http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Benefits_Time_Table.html

Over 4000 fewer chemicals are coursing thru my system today and I CAN tell a difference.

[Budsters Mom]

WOW!!! Congratulations!:D So much healthier for yourself and your babies. :p

[Harley PoMMom]

Congratulations Leslie!!

[apollo6]

Congratulation Leslie. Proud of you.
Sonja, Apollo, Karma, Ariel

[SasAndYunah]

Brave woman... :)

[budindian]

I'm going to try in May 2016, I'm starting with Chantix and I'm going to fight it with everything I've got.
So happy for you, keep it up ! you can't even think you can have one, that's all it takes to start again. You should be very proud of yourself.

[Squirt's Mom]

You can do it! If *I* can, anyone can! :D The first few days were the absolute worst as far as cravings went then that got much better very quickly. The behavioral portion was a bit harder to overcome but without the physical driving it, that was easier to cope with. I hope your tummy doesn't react like mine but if it does, grab a big bowl, hold it tight, and keep on plugging - it is SOOOOO worth it!

It will be 9 months for me the 3rd of April! WOOHOO!!!