Former Smokers. . .

[lilypad300]

I have a question for anyone on synthroid who used Chantix as an aid to quit smoking.

Have you had any reactions between the synthroid & chantix?
I really want to quit smoking. . .I quit for 2 months prior to my surgery and for about 2 months after, but alas I started again. . .I checked a drug interaction web site and it didn't list any interactions, but I was wondering if anyone had any personal experience.

Also, former smokers who didn't use chantix, what worked for you?

thanks!

[lilypad300]

p.s. my surgery was a total thyroidectomy for graves not cancer
(not that it really makes a difference)

[AfricanGrey]

Good for you!  I was a 22 year smoker, and what worked best for me was the patch.  It completely took all the edge off.  I tried it all- even prescriptions, and the patch worked the best for me.  I've been smoke free for 6 months and it feels so good to just not think about cigarettes any more.

[Me967]

I tried Chantix for ~ 3 weeks or so.  It caused me a lot of pain and BP/HR issues.  Below is a couple of links you should read.  If you can go it without Chantix I would.  There has been a lot of questions concerning it's safty with people that have thyroid issues.  Best of luck to you.  ;~)

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/531269

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/394473?post_id=post_2934309

[lilypad300]

thanks for the info!

[Barb135]

I had smoked for 41 years and had to quit due to excess tissue growth (not cancer) on my vocal cords.  The tissue was caused by a combination of smoking and acid reflux and I had gotten to the point where I could hardly talk.  

I used Chantix and breezed right through the whole ordeal.  That was before I was dx'd with hypothyroidism/Hashi's (not necessarily before I had it - just not dx'd).  The only  side effects I had were constipation (which could have been a thyroid symptom), dry mouth and some (but not a lot) trouble sleeping.  I was fatigued (another possible effect of thyroid) and the chantix gave me more energy.  I eased into the chantix and when I was near the end of the treatment, I weaned off slowly.  

My husband also took Chantix, but right after he started, he read some of the articles about some possible side effects and he panicked and in spite of my warnings, stopped it cold turkey.  At the same time, he quit taking his anti-depressant and I can't describe the problems he had.  He did eventually stop smoking for 6 months but has since started again.  

I have been smoke free for about a year and 1/2.  I had tried other types of stop smoking aids (zyban, wellbutrin, lozenges, etc) and nothing worked.  

Everyone is different and meds could affect each of us differently.  I always firmly believed and still do, that the key to stopping smoking is a true desire to do so.  For me, I had to make a choice between continuing to smoke and not being able to talk!!  

Good luck

[Rnrsq]

I became hyper while took Chantix. I'm not sure if it was the drug or just happened. I started the drug about 3 weeks prior to my TT. So the surgery could have been the culprit on the the drug.
If you have nausea in the morning be sure to drink juice or eat some fruit with the pill. I had a full glass of grapefruit juice with the Chantix and it stopped all of the nausea. Without the juice I tossed my cookies.
Taking one more medication was a pain but it was worth the results. I have been about 10  months smoke free.

[lilypad300]

thank you for your stories. . .I appreciate all of the feedback!

[KixNgo]

My Dr, prescribed Chantix,  for me to quit smokeing, but with all the other Rx's I am on (Synthroid, Warafin, Dilantin, Keppra xr, I decided against it, of course still smoking, i did quit once with hynotizm, but after a real bad sz, I woke up craving again, and been smoking since, tried hypnotizm a few more times, but apparently I'm no longer hypnotizable,

Synthroid should always be taken on empty tummy in the morning, at least an hour before eating, or else you are not getting the entire benefit from it, it'll bind with the food and exit the body, nearly unused..

[Smilerdeb]

I smoked for 31 years on average 40 cigarettes a day.
I used the patch for 6 weeks and havent had a cigarette in nearly 2 years.
My anniversary will be March 7th.
I wont lie...it was hard but if you really set your mind to it that no matter what...you wont smoke.
Then you wont.
I used distraction as the key....
And yes I still had cravings up until 6 months ago but not like they were for the first 5 weeks.
I dont think I could ever smoke again now as I cannot stand the smell of smoke (which is a bonus).
Personally I'd say use the patches.
Let us know how you go and dont forget...its not even worth trying to give up unless you are doing it for YOU.
You have to want to give it up for you for you to succeed.