Itching with Chantix?

[persnick38]

I am now on day number 8 of taking Chantix - still smoking but have cut back.  Yesterday, I started the 1 mg twice per day dose and within an hour of my a.m. dose, started itching like crazy. Benedryl gives some relief. It continued throughout the night and this morning. I do not have hives, difficulty breathing or anything like that - just itching that is driving me crazy.

Anyone else had this problem with chantix?

[kathyjo]

Read the post by Joanna564 dated 3/11 titled  "Is itching a symptom of nicotine withdrawl."
It's hard to say what is or isn't normal but I'm quite sure that it does have to do with with your cutting back or the Chantix even though it isn't listed as a side effect. I had itching also but mainly my nose and scalp. I had finished taking Chantix by then so I didn't think to blame it on that.
You said that you were having headaches a few days ago. Have those subsided?  I'm sure this will go away soon so hang in there.
If it continues you can always write to them. The website is Chantix.com.
Good luck on your quit and stay focused.
Kathy Jo

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[persnick38]

Thanks, Kathy Jo. The headaches are better. My desire to smoke really hasn't diminished. I'm on day 8 and still smoking. I've hear people say that by the second week their desire to smoke was really diminished and they weren't even craving a cig. I'll tough it out awhile longer and give it a good run. Thanks again. Amy

[kathyjo]

I didn't stop until the 2nd week of the second month so please, don't listen to anyone else. It is up to the individual as to when they are ready. I think that it was about the 3rd week that I noticed myself tapering off. The beginning of the second month I was smoking about 10 a day and it gradually decreased. You have the full 3 months to do it so make sure you are physically & mentally ready or it may not work. To mentally prepare you might want to read the articles on whyquit.com. It really helped me with the mental/emotional quit. It's been 5 months, 1 week & 3 days.....there are times that I want one, but not often and when it happens I remind myself of all the positive things that have happened since I stopped.
Hang in there and post often.....we support each other : )
Kathy Jo