time to quit

[Akcowboy]

That's right it's time to quit being the Marlboro man and quit smoking, my doc finally gave me the rx for chantix so I guess this is day one and I should see how good it works in about 7 days as it tends to taper off the well to smoke

  Wish me luck

  Cowboy

[Rena705]

Congrats my dear!  That is really good...week 6!  How are you feeling?  Breathing better?

House smell better, Car smell better, You smell better?  YEAH!!!

Keep it up honey and keep us posted ok?  

Now if we can just hear from that Cowboy!

Rena

[LLWB]

I am on week 6, have only bought 1 pack, so am doing good. Actually went in and bought a carton for a friend today, and didn't buy me any! I do have gas, but the worst for me ae the nightmares...of course, I do like to ride, LOL Some are really wiggie. But worth it. Let us know how you're doin' Marlboro Man!

[marez]

Hi I did the chanix last year and it was a miricle but the doses are for one size fits all and I am a small person so I cut them in half and I still was able to quit for the first time in I don't know how many tries. I did have lots of gas...sorry drink lots of water and found out I was really sleepy so then I went to night time dose only. BUT I am the only person that quit taking it due to sleepiness maybe that was possible MS thing. So bad news I am smoking again I need what little energy I have now but will try again. I think they need to think about one size does not fit all.
Also I had no bad dreams and all my friends then tried it only 2 out of 4 did have the nightmares no one got sleepy some got the gas and only me started again!

they also have a chat room for support and phone support but on day 9 of the pills I no longer thought about a smoke I did it out of habit then one day I stopped. it was good for me that way.
Good luck to all
Mary

[Rena705]

Hey Cowboy,

It's been what, about 9 days now...how's the quitting going?  Good I hope and if you need any positive energy you know where to come!

Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[Rena705]

Hey Cowboy...I don't want to be a wet noodle here but I want to ensure that you have discussed all the possible implications there are in taking this med...especially after your response of "But I can't say that I have not had them (suicidal thoughts) before but I keep on going".  I think that most of us have had those thoughts but we are on an even enough keel that of course we don't act on them.  However, when you are on a medication that can exacerbate (make worse) those feelings, you need to be aware that it is the meds that are causing this.  I copied a blurb from the newest patient insert from Pfizer and it reads as follows:

"If you have ever had depression or other mental health problems, tell your doctor before taking CHANTIX. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, or have thought about or have tried to hurt yourself while trying to quit smoking with CHANTIX, or if your family or caregiver observes these symptoms."

This quit smoking aid has worked for people and I don't want you to think that I am saying you should not take it...I REALLY HOPE IT WORKS FOR YOU...But I also want you to be aware of the possible side effects if your doctor didn't as he should have ok?

Best of Luck to you Honey!

Rena

[Rena705]

Hi Heather...just wanted to clear up that Santana8 didn't say that the information about the possible connection between Chantix and thoughts of suicide came from the information she received from her pharmacist.  She stated:

"I ALSO GOT A PERCRIPTION FOR CHANTIX. I ALMOST FILLED IT, BUT SAW ON THE TODAY SHOW THAT THEY ARE COMING OUT WITH SOME WARNINGS ABOUT THE DRUG  JUST CAUGHT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE HAD, BUT I DO REMEMBER SOMETHING ABOUT SUICIDAL THOUGHTS."

I would think that the Chantix company would have had to do extensive testing to find proof that their drug causes suicidal thoughts and perhaps what Santana saw on television had not yet reached the point of being on the medicinal insert.  I don't believe that she was implying that EVERYONE taking this medication has suicidal thoughts.  I believe she was just giving Cowboy the information that she had heard to ensure his safety...it's up to him whether he wants  to further investigate this information for his own safety.

Rena

[Amyloo]

Hi Cowboy,  First congratulations on your decision and I truly wish you sucess.  Just wanted to share with you how I did it three years ago:  Wellbutrin (which alters your brain chemicals) and Nicotene gum....lots of gum.  I still chew it.    Quiting stinks but it can be done.  I also love the "wait five minutes" idea above.  God bless you, Amy

[gemni]

BE CAREFUL WITH THE CHANTIX, I USED IT AND IT CAUSED ME TO HAVE SEVERAL PROBLEMS THE ONE THAT BOTHERED AND UPSET ME THE MOST WERE SOMETHNG THAT FELT LIKE ELECTRIC SHOCKS IN MY LEFT CHEST. IT SCARED ME INTO THINKING I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK.  I REALLY BELIEVE THIS DRUG IS DANGEROUS

[Heather3418]

I was on the drug for three months and I NEVER had thoughts of suicide.  I don't even think that is mentioned in the phamplet that comes from the druggist....

Heather

[Akcowboy]

  I'm on day two now and I still feel no different yet but I will fill you all in on how it go's and if I do have any feeling like that I will let you know and I know that I have the support of all of you if need be

But I can't say that I have not had them before but I keep on going

  thanks again Cowboy

[santana8]

HI, I ALSO GOT A PERCRIPTION FOR CHANTIX. I ALMOST FILLED IT, BUT SAW ON THE TODAY SHOW THAT THEY ARE COMING OUT WITH SOME WARNINGS ABOUT THE DRUG. JUST CAUGHT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE HAD, BUT I DO REMEMBER SOMETHING ABOUT SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. ANYWAY MAYBE YOU CAN CHECK THIS OUT FURTHER BEFORE YOU TRY IT. I DECIDED TO FIND ANOTHER WAY TO TRY TO QUIT. LET ME KNOW IF IT WORKS OK FOR YOU IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE IT.

[Rena705]

I just wanted to mention that I used the Nicoderm patch and it worked well for me.  I didn't start on the 21mg dose though...it was too strong so I started on 14mg.  The patch will give you very vivid dreams which will alleviate as time goes on.

The doctor told me that she would write a prescription for the patch for as long as I needed it, she felt it was better than smoking!  

My hubby tried the Chantix and he quit for a while but then started up with the habit cigarettes...you know, the ones that you don't really want but smoke out of habit?  I believe that once he did that the Chantix stopped doing what it's supposed to and the habit takes over.  Before you know it you are back where you started at the beginning again and that is very frustrating and expensive!  I personally don't believe in a stop smoking aid unless you STOP smoking.  I have not heard of too many that have actually completely STOPPED on Chantix...not that it won't work for you Cowboy.  I certainly hope that you are able to stop on your quit date and stay stopped!  It is never easy and you have to find out what your triggers are and learn to avoid them ok?  This it the most important thing in quitting smoking I believe.  Again I wish you luck and if you need any help, you can always personal message me too.  I am here 24/7 and if you are running into trouble and I am not here...REMEMBER, WAIT 5 MINUTES HONEY!!!

Rena

[spastic]

How wonderful for you! Good luck. If you find it hard to not have one in your hand, cut a pencil down to the size of a cigarette, it helps. My mom did that when she quit, she has more will power than I.  I commend you for quitting.  Way to Go!

Big Hugs,

Spazie Ada

[dowma]

As a smoker myself, I know how hard it is to quit.  I've done it before for long periods of time and know it can be done.  I wish  you all the luck in the world.  Be strong and what wonderful advice you have been given by those in this forum.  Lots of luck.
Mary Beth

[LLWB]

I slip up on Chantix on week 5, but have made it another week. It was more mental try it than physical craving. The 5 min rule works too. If I can do it you can. You smoke for the first 7 days on Chantix, cutting back. Then 8th day quit. It really does work, but be prepared for some horrible dreams.I have been visited by my deceased monther, my ex-husband, lost my work car, wrecked my work car....if you can thiink it up, I've probably dreamed it in the past 7 weeks!  But it's worth it!  Keep us posted!.And I'll take that last beer please!.Maggie

[Heather3418]

We all wish you great success.  Please keep us informed of your progress.  And don't beat yourself up if you slip once in a while.  Chantix will eventually makes ciagarettes, taste like ****.  You'll see.  It really works wonders for those that truly want to give it up.

Lean on us buddy....

Heather  

[Akcowboy]

Thank's y'all I'm going to give it my best try to quit for good

  Cowboy

[Heather3418]

I tried the Chantix.  It works well, but you REALLY have to have a strong desire to quit, even with the drug.  Get ready for some "excess gas," and some strange dreams.  That's what happened to me and my better half.  

I went down from 3 packs a day to around 5-10 cigarettes, than my father passed away and I went back to the bad habit.  Am gettingready to try again.  Again using Chantix.  It really does help those cravings.

I wish you all the luck in the world.  If you need any support, we are here for you.  You can do this.  

Best Wishes,
Heather

[Rena705]

WooHoo!  That is absolutely WONDERFUL!  

I am behind you 100% and I agree wholeheartedly with Erica that you need to get rid of those Triggers!

I quit last year and these are my stats;

My Quit Date: 7/17/2007
Smoke-Free Days: 225
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 7,897
Amount Saved: $4500
Life Gained:
Days: 23 Hrs: 5 Mins: 3 Seconds: 46

I joined the Canadian Cancer Society's online support group and although it seemed kind of corny at first...they are really behind you there and someone will always answer your questions and get back to you!

If I were to give you one hint to success I think it would be the 5 minute rule:

If you want a cigarette (and start this now before your quit day) WAIT 5 MINUTES!

You can do something else, you can try to think about something else, pet the dog, get a cup of coffee, look for something to watch on tv, anything BUT lighting up that smoke...you will be amazed at how quickly you will forget about that smoke.  It will take a bit of time to get the hang of it but if you stick with it you will succeed.  I still get the odd craving...like after a stressful situation but I just say to myself...well wait 5 minutes and if you still want it then, go for it!  I haven't had one yet!

If YOU want to do this and if YOU are ready and if YOU are doing this for YOU...you will succeed!  Don't do it for anyone else!  Don't do it because someone in your life has asked you to!  Don't do it because the doctor said you have to!  ONLY DO IT IF YOU ARE READY AND YOU WANT TO!  This way...YOU WILL SUCCEED!

Best of Luck,

Rena

[ELT]

Ahahah, watch it, I am right beside my fridge, LOL

Erica

[Akcowboy]

hay you might have a fight on your hands for that last beer lol

  Cowboy

[ELT]

Good for you, mate.  You know what helps?  Try changing, or at least losing for a while, as many smoking triggers as you can for the first week.  

I had a lot of lifestyle changes when I quit smoking, as the other smoker in the house had moved out.  I wasn't going to the same places, I wasn't talking on the phone, I didn't drink coffee.  Lots of things trigger the automatic response.  Light up.

It works, honest, I've been cigarette free for over ten years.  Now, just don't take my beer out of my hand.  LOL

Good luck with it

Erica