Chantix: New hope for adults with asthma
Chantix: a new pill that could dramatically help half of adults with asthma
Singulair helps about 20% of adults with asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids help about 80% of those with asthma. A few weeks ago (May 2006), the FDA approved varenicline (Chantix from Pfizer), which enables about half of adult smokers to quit smoking.
Half of adults with asthma are smokers and smoking always worsens the airway inflammation of asthma. So I think that Chantix is the best new "asthma drug" to become available in the last ten years. In my opinion, every person with asthma who also smokes should finally decide to quit and then ask their doctor about Chantix.
Some people can quit "cold turkey" but most smokers are physically and psychologically addicted to nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as gum, patches, or nasal spray can help some people to quit; costs the same as smoking, but doesn't risk heart attacks, strokes, cancer, asthma, or COPD.
Bupropion (Zyban) increases the chance of successful smoking cessation to about 25%. In large head-to-head comparision studies, Chantix roughly doubled the success rate of Zyban.
More than 4500 smokers world-wide have enrolled in clinical studies of Chantix, and 40-50% quit smoking for more than six months. Chantix works by latching onto nicotine receptors in the brain, so its side-effects are much like nicotine itself: about 16% of those taking the low dose feel nauseous and about one-third taking the high dose, but fewer than 5% feel bad enough to stop taking Chantix. About 20% have some insomnia and 10% report vivid dreams. The pills are taken twice-a-day and can be taken safely for 3-6 months.
I have a personal conflict of interest to report with Chantix. I just started consulting with Pfizer on a study of Chantix in 600 smokers with COPD. I am responsible for the spirometry quality assurance program for the study, for which they will pay me hourly for my time up to $50,000 over the three years of the study. This could make me more enthusiastic about Chantix than if I did not have the contract. However, I've been involved in smoking cessation studies in patients with COPD since the Lung Health Study started in 1990, so I do get excited when a better method of helping smokers to quit is found.
Related Topics: One Cigarette May Hook Teens on Smoking, Design Your Personal Quit Plan
Technorati Tags: chantix, copd, smoking
Singulair helps about 20% of adults with asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids help about 80% of those with asthma. A few weeks ago (May 2006), the FDA approved varenicline (Chantix from Pfizer), which enables about half of adult smokers to quit smoking.
Half of adults with asthma are smokers and smoking always worsens the airway inflammation of asthma. So I think that Chantix is the best new "asthma drug" to become available in the last ten years. In my opinion, every person with asthma who also smokes should finally decide to quit and then ask their doctor about Chantix.
Some people can quit "cold turkey" but most smokers are physically and psychologically addicted to nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as gum, patches, or nasal spray can help some people to quit; costs the same as smoking, but doesn't risk heart attacks, strokes, cancer, asthma, or COPD.
Bupropion (Zyban) increases the chance of successful smoking cessation to about 25%. In large head-to-head comparision studies, Chantix roughly doubled the success rate of Zyban.
More than 4500 smokers world-wide have enrolled in clinical studies of Chantix, and 40-50% quit smoking for more than six months. Chantix works by latching onto nicotine receptors in the brain, so its side-effects are much like nicotine itself: about 16% of those taking the low dose feel nauseous and about one-third taking the high dose, but fewer than 5% feel bad enough to stop taking Chantix. About 20% have some insomnia and 10% report vivid dreams. The pills are taken twice-a-day and can be taken safely for 3-6 months.
I have a personal conflict of interest to report with Chantix. I just started consulting with Pfizer on a study of Chantix in 600 smokers with COPD. I am responsible for the spirometry quality assurance program for the study, for which they will pay me hourly for my time up to $50,000 over the three years of the study. This could make me more enthusiastic about Chantix than if I did not have the contract. However, I've been involved in smoking cessation studies in patients with COPD since the Lung Health Study started in 1990, so I do get excited when a better method of helping smokers to quit is found.
Related Topics: One Cigarette May Hook Teens on Smoking, Design Your Personal Quit Plan
Technorati Tags: chantix, copd, smoking
162 Comments:
I just learned I have copd. How can I get in the study?
The July 5 issue of JAMA has published 3 articles comparing the efficacy of chantix with placebo and bupropion. The results are very encouraging.
I have had asthma since i was a child. Over the years i have participated in many sports and through cardio exercise my asthma had subsided. I started smoking sophmore year in high school and now at 22 when i go to bed and lay down for prolonged periods i begin to have all my old asthmatic symptoms. I thought that by staying active and exercising I could control it but no luck so far. ps i dont smoke cigarettes.
I started taking Chantix one month ago. After the first week, I was only smoking 2-3 cigarettes per day. After 10 days on Chantix I quit smoking. I have been smoke free for 14 days and have no desire to smoke. I still get cravings occasionally, but nothing significant enough to make me want to have a cigarette.
I was a smoker for over 30 years and have never been able to quit before. I tried Zyban, hypnosis, cold turkey, none of these worked for me at all. However, with Chantix I know in my heart I will never smoke another cigarette again in my lifetime. I know it's only been 2 weeks, but there is no doubt in my mind that I am now a non-smoker.
I stopped smoking on day 7 of Chantix, I'm on day 13 today.I'm so suprised how little I really want to smoke. I do get a few rather large cravings but nothing like going cold turkey. I'm 27 and have smoked for 15 years. I was smoking 2 packs a day for a little over a year before I quite. All my coworkers are going to their doctors to get it too. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!
I have been smoke free for a month now. Within the first week of taking Chantix I stopped smoking. I am really surprised that it was honestly that easy to quit. I was a pack a day (atleast) for 13 years. I think Chantix is a miracle drug (no side effects either!) I've been telling all my co-workers about it as well and they all are going to get a prescription too. I have to say it's really nice not to smell of smoke all the time (now that I can smell the people who smoke)
I just started Chantix today to quit using "chewing" tobacco. I am going to continue to chew 'til my quit date (1 week from today) Can you safely drink alcohol while taking Chantix?? Any help would be apreciated!!! Thanks!!
i had been on chantix for 3 weeks and was doing great.had not smoked .then i broke out with a rash and had to stop taking chantix but i am wondering what would happen if i took it anyway .it HAS REALLY HELPED ME NOT TO SMOKE AND I DONT WANT TO QUIT TAKING IT
has anybody gained weight since they quit smoking & started Chantix?
Could chantix be the cause of my urine having a very strong smell?
well i have been taken chantex for 5 days now and i am an asthmatic as well as having cronic bronchitus and i dont feel anything except the wonderful feeling of stay away or die, so when am i supposed to be free of smoking? i was told after 7 days if i dont stop i'll get sick, you call that help i call that nice try now lets get realistic phizer and come up with something less stressful please!
well i have been taken chantix for 5 days now and i am an asthmatic as well as having cronic bronchitus and i dont feel anything except the wonderful feeling of stay away or die, so when am i supposed to be free of smoking?
i was told after 7 days if i dont stop i'll get sick, you call that help? i call that nice try and horrable it's supposed to help us not hurt us!
now lets get realistic pfizer and come up with something less stressful please!
some of us didn't smoke only 3 cigarettes we've been smoking since 10 and up give us something we can use that doesn't have side effects and that will work.
pfizer try looking the reasons behind it, like stress/boredom that trigger a smoker's urge maybe that will give you some ensite on how to help us. but please do it soon before we all die without the help!
My husband was just told he has COPD. Can he use Chantix along with a Nicotine patch?
I had been smoking for the past 22 years and then I tried Chantix. I quit smoking on my 8th day and have been smoke free for 6 weeks now. It has been strange how I only want a cig. every once in a while and it is not hard to fight the cravings. Now my only concern is when I am through with the medicine. What happnes then? Will I start to want a cig. more or will it just be like it is now? Anyone been quit that long?
I have been taking Chantix for 4 weeks now and I was a smoker for 31 years at 28 cigs aday (carton week). I quit on the 12th day and don't think I will ever smoke again. One side effect is strong urine smell also, but that is not listed in the side effects to watch for. Should I call my doctor and this may be something else besides the Chantix making my urine smell real strong? Anyone else besides the person already on here having that side effect and if so what did your doctor tell you? Thanks!
Sheila, you are not even giving it a chance...at least they are working on getting something to help us to stop smoking, you are right not everyone started smoking at 10 but there are alot of us that would like to stop smoking and this pill has helped us to do that. you are angry and maybe you need other help besides stop smoking to deal with your issues. try to get other help too!
well i have been taken chantex for 5 days now and i am an asthmatic as well as having cronic bronchitus and i dont feel anything except the wonderful feeling of stay away or die, so when am i supposed to be free of smoking? i was told after 7 days if i dont stop i'll get sick, you call that help i call that nice try now lets get realistic phizer and come up with something less stressful please!
LESS STRESSFUL Ok how about you stating that you have serious problems with your respiratory system, I had THREE heart attacks within eight months and prayed for some thing that would aide me to quit, I have been on Chantix now for 12 days and quit on the 21st I did try on the 19th and 20th however I slipped on the 21st I awoke and NO craving at all, Dude get serious and either quit or die its up to you.
Sheila said...
well i have been taken chantix for 5 days now and i am an asthmatic as well as having cronic bronchitus and i dont feel anything except the wonderful feeling of stay away or die, so when am i supposed to be free of smoking?
i was told after 7 days if i dont stop i'll get sick, you call that help? i call that nice try and horrable it's supposed to help us not hurt us!
now lets get realistic pfizer and come up with something less stressful please!
some of us didn't smoke only 3 cigarettes we've been smoking since 10 and up give us something we can use that doesn't have side effects and that will work.
pfizer try looking the reasons behind it, like stress/boredom that trigger a smoker's urge maybe that will give you some ensite on how to help us. but please do it soon before we all die without the help!
Sheila,
YOU are ultimately responsible for your own habits, just as I am, I choose to use the tools that I am offered and call the cravings line, I enrolled in the get quit program and I PLANNED my anti boredom and anti stressors to help ME combat those issues, if your waiting for some magic pill that you take and have no effort on your part then all I can say is that your not even close to trying to quit. YOU are just like the rest of us who are seeking answers know that WE are to blame for choosing to smoke NOW we are just as responsible for ending that addiction, just like any other addict on the path to recovery. Learn and grow or stiffle.
i've been on chantix for a little over a week now and am still smoking, but less. i feel lousey...chills, headache, nausea, gas, just bad in general. is this common and if so, how long does it usually last?
karyn
I feel good about this new drug, no cravings so far. I chew on swizzle sticks and that takes care of the hand to mouth thing instead of cigarettes. Been on it for a little over a week
Chantix and the smell of urine. I saw no replys to the statement, but I too (on week 4 of Chantix) and smell urine. Any one else?
I had chronic broncitus, heading for COPD. I had smoked for 28 years (on average 2 packs a day). I had tried the patch, the gum, nicotrol (the inhaler) Welbutrin and even hypnosis. Nothing had worked until now. Even when watching my mother die of lung cancer wasn't enough to make me stop. I've been taking Chantix for 7 weeks now, and for the first time I actually feel like it's going to work! I hate to admit I didn't exactly "follow the program". I just started taking it (like I was supposed to) but I kept smoking. After 2 weeks, I picked my "quit date" (March 17) By then I was ready and I've stuck to it. A few minor cravings here & there, but nothing like all the other times and methods I've tried. No noticable side effects except the strange dreams, and the urine thing (which I hadn't paid any attention to until it was mentioned here.) But it kind of makes sense with all the precautions mentioned for people with kidney problems. Probably also why they stress taking it with a full glass of water.
As far as I'm concerned, it's as close to a "magic pill" as they can get!
I have been on Chantix since January 30th and have not smoked any since February 5th. I have not really had that many cravings that could not be easily passed by doing something else at that time. I have smelled something that smelled like raw grands biscuits, not urine, as funny as that sounds but I also have chronic sinus infections so I guess that could be the difference. I hope that everyone will just continue trying even if you dont quit the first go around, you can stay on it up to 6 months.
Good Luck!
I have had copd and asthma for like 5 years now. I am able to keep it under control most of the time.
but...I keep getting infections; sinus, chronic yeast, and now uti!
any suggestions to get help ?
I have been taking Chantix since November 2006. About 2 months ago, my urine started to have a really strong odor. I asked my OB GYN about it and he said only a medication or something I was eating could cause that problem. My diet has not changed. He suggested I see a urologist. I have an appointment May 2. I saw the posts about this issue but no definitive answer. Strangely though, I quit taking the med for about 9 days and the problem did not go away. I resumed taking it and the smell is getting stronger. Please help!
Yikes!!! I am picking up my prescription this afternoon. I don't know what to think about the urine thing. I appreciate everyone's postings. The encouraging statements give me hope. Please be sure to post after your May 2nd OB-GYN appointment. I really want to know what the urine problem is. I have over-active bladder, so I already have urine issues. I do not wish to add smell to the mix!!
I haved been a smoker for about 30 years now. I have been told a month ago that I have the start of COPD and I have Ashma. I was in the hospital for 3 days I had to get my Lungs Suctioned out because I was sick for almost a year and the Antibiotics never worked. Every year I get Brochitis, Sinus Infections, the Flu. (EVERY YEAR) Well I am sick of it and I am trying Chantix. I have only been on it for 5 days but I have to say when I have a smoke it TASTES TERRIBLE. That is a GREAT START for me. And I need to say to the WOMAN WHO IS YELLING AND MAD AT THE MEDICINE PLEASE SHUT UP. IT IS YOU FAULT YOU SMOKE NOT ANYONE ELSES. SO PLEASE STOP COMPLAINING.
I have taken Chantix for 4 weeks now and I also have Asthma and an Autoimmune Disorder from a drug I took while hospitalized in 2003. Now I take an immunosuppressant drug to combat the autoimmunity. I stopped the Chantix this week because of a bronchitus episode and had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic that I have not taken before. Has anyone else had any autoimmune disorders taking Chantix? If so, any adverse effects?
I know someone who took chantex. I recommend anyone taking it to stop it. It causes psychotic behavior. Something they don't tell you about. This person ended up doing some out of character things. Nearly caused himself harm as well as others. All linked to chantex. All they are concerned with was did he stop smoking...well i got news for you whats the worse of two evils?? It causes vivid dreams as well. So if you experience this please stop the medication IMMEDIATELY.
Here is a link to information about Chantix -- if the dosing schedule is applied correctly it should not cause the side effects you describe. Any time that a medication causes extreme side effects, your health provider should be notified for advice as to how to discontinue the medication.
I have been taking Chantix for 11 days now. I am still smoking, but not nearly as much as I used to. For 33 years I have smoked 2 packs a day...sometimes 3 packs. I am down to about a half pack a day now. My quit day is Monday. I would like to use the tools on the Chantix site, but nothing comes up when I click on any of the pages like tracking your cravings and so on. Can anyone help me with this?
I just ran across this blog, and am so glad I did. I am on my first day of chantix, and have tried and failed all else, and have heard nothing but good things.
I have not had much support in the past, so have not told others I am quitting. Your comments are a big help!
I know there are always negatives, but I wish (us) all luck!
My parents have invited me on a cruise, and my plan is to repay them by quitting before then as a surprise.
I was on Chantex for 30 days and have not renewed my perscription. I am experiencing lapses in concentration, no patience, lapses of depression. This is not me, I am laid back. I have been smoke free for 10 days and feel that I will not have another smoke. Anyone having these effects?
I was a smoker for 27 years. I am very proud to say that I am now smoke-free 74 days and have finished the 12-weeks of Chantix! For those of you taking Chantix, try and stick with it. I also had a strong smell to my urine the first couple of weeks after I quit, but it went away. I read somewhere that was a side effect of nicotine withdrawal. The only side effects I had from the Chantix was mild nausea, constipation and some vivid dreams. I will say a couple of days after I completed the medication I felt very strong urges to smoke and felt as though I was back to square one. But I fought the urges and they are getting less and less each day. I commend anyone who quits. It has to be one of the hardest things I ever did, but I feel wonderful knowing that cigarettes are no longer controlling my life. I credit my success to Chantix and a strong desire to WANT to quit smokingt.
Good luck to everyone trying to quit!
I noticed less cigarette cravings...almost like "forgetting" to want to smoke....I still smoke, but much less, and I think the times I do smoke it's because I'm "used" to smoking at certain times and just do it because It's my routine....I don't feel I really NEED to smoke...but I'm not at my quit date yet, so we'll see how it goes. I've noticed a constant headache. If the med. is taken with food you will not get nausia. Just a tip to anyone who feels sick.
I started taking Chantix on April 4th. I had a little nausea the first week, and I have had a few strange dreams. Nothing bad, just a bunch of unrelated events all jumbled together! During the last couple of weeks I have broken out in a small red rash on my face, scalp and ears. It itches, especially when I sweat. I am going to go to the doctor today to see if it is ok to keep taking Chantix. I have been smoking since I was 14 and I am 54 now. This drug make it very easy to quit, but I am concerned about what will happen when I stop taking it. Has anyone been on it long enough to know what happens when you stop?
I know of three people now who have suffered strokes from using Chantix. One person is my brother. We don't know yet if he will recover or not. He is unable to walk without a cane, cannot drive, cannot work. It took three weeks to get the Chantix out of his system in order to get accurate labs on him. The Chantix caused all sorts of abnormal lab results.He is seeing a team of doctors and is scheduled for many more tests to see how extensive the damage is and what can be done.The doctor who prescribed Chantix for him had no idea of all the side effects. He had never seen the list that comes in the package.If he had, he wouldn't have prescribed the drug for him.
The stroke occured within a week to a week and a half after switching to the "blue" pills. Same in the other two cases I know of.
This is a dangerous drug...more dangerous than smoking. More research should have been done before it went on the market.
FYI..
If I am not mistaken quitting smoking increases your sense of smell. This may be a possible reason for the perceived strong smell of your urine. There are other possible causes of urine odor including diabetes and keto-acidosis. I would reccommend consulting a doctor just in case. Its probably nothing serious but better to be sure.
During my 3rd week of Chantix, I too have had a rash break out. Doctor said go off Chantix, see if skin improves and then back on Chantix to see if rash appears again. Been off Chantix for 3 days now, rash still there, and the urge to smoke is AWFUL!! I'm very discourged and down in the dumps....
I have been reading these blogs and was wondering how much the medication costs? Most of the blogs sounds pretty promising as far as helping you quit! I have been a smoker for 40 yrs.about 2packs a day or less would love to quit!!! If anyone could tell me the cost it would be appreciated
Thanks!!!
I have been taking it 10 days. I stopped smoking with the first pill. So I have not smoked for 10 days. I have had a few urges I guess but nothing intense or even what I wouls call a craving. As forrhe last post. My insurance didn't cover it. First pack for 4 weeks was $112.00 But i spent double that to smoke each month. I do feel I miss it at times but than somebody else lights up and then I know I made the right choice. It is hard to explain but it is like nothing else I have tried, patch, gum, zyban....this does actually work.
Ok, time to throw my hat into the ring, I started to take chantix last week, I am on day 7, I am a 28 year smoker as high as a pack and a half a day. I have asthma, and I have major back issues, I must quite smoking end of story.
Yes I am having strange dreams, yes my urine is stronger smelling, but you have to remember, you are adding a chemical to your body, when you excrete it you will have more odor with the toxins comming out.
One thing I havent seen anyone mention, and that was mentioned by my Pcp (Primary Care Provider) is that we are supposed to have liver enzime tests and kidney function tests done while we are taking the chantex. I was also advised to take my time quiting, it may take more than the 7 day's especially since I had been smoking more than 2/3rds of my life. And we have to think about the consiquences, we are using a drug that inhibits the resptors in our brains from reacting to our detox from nicotine, we will have side effects, Now, we can whine about it, smoking while we are caughing and having to use an inhailer, or we can take the time to allow our bodies to detox with our physitions help. You all should have been advised to come back in "x" amount of weeks, it should be on your invoice/billing from the dr. for follow up. If you have conserns, call your Dr. tomorrow. Don't wait, that is what you pay them for.
There is no majic bullet in all this, but there is finally something out there that is showing us promise.
Ask your DR if you have questions, forums like this is just that a Forum of opinions.
Day 10 on Chantix
Day 3 being a non-smoker
I followed the system of setting a Quit date and then began to take Chantix 7 days prior.
I found myself on Day 6 smoking just because it was my last day smoking.
I have been a smoker for nearly 40 years and Chantix is a miracle pill For me.
I have had few side effects (slight headache and nausea first day, sleeplessness Day 8) and hope that remains.
Yep, I am still scared! (of failure) but days march on!
I'M FINISHING MY LAST WEEK OF CHANTIX. IT'S A MIRACLE PILL BUT THERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS. I'M GLAD TO HEAR THEY'RE NOT ANY DIFFERENT THEN OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING. MY URINE HAS BEEN REALLY STRONG, CRAZY DREAMS, A LITTLE NASEAU BUT I GOTTA SAY IT'S WONDERFUL TO BE A NONSMOKER. I'M 29 YEARS OLD AND SMOKED SINCE I WAS 16. I WASN'T EVEN ABLE TO QUIT THROUGH TWO PREGNANCIES. THIS PILL MADE IT VERY EASY AND I HOPE ONCE I STOP TAKING THE PRESCRIPTION I CAN CONTINUE TO FIGHT OFF ANY URGES.
Today is my 15th day and I missed my quit date. I am 59 yrs old and have smoked for 40yr.I have been on the patches,gum, shots behind the ears and this pill has worked the best.The cost of my RX was $96. at Eckerds.
My smoking has slowed to about 10 cig. a day and I really don't want them it is just being around other smokers.The smell makes me sick. My skin is drying out and I use alot of lotion,The urine smell is strong but can be handled by drinking alot of water. I take ambein to sleep so no bad dreams. I believe this pill is the answer.
I started chantix the end of Jan. and i quit smoking on feb. 5th. i took chantix for the three month duration even though i was not smoking. I did stop taking them about two weeks early and it is now may 29th and i am still smoke free and do not want them. i smoked for 22 years and it was that easy to quit. the only side effects for me were in the beginning i did get a little nauseated while i was still trying to smoke and then i was sleepy almost the entire time i was on the pill. i did not just have to sleep all of the time but if i sat down, i would fall asleep. i recommend to anyone that they try it. start the pills, set a goal, and stick to it. it is a choice you will have to make every day just like a drug addict or a whino not to smoke but it is well worth it!
One draw back i did have was i have asthma and i have had several flare ups with that since i quit smoking. my doctor told me it was because smoking kinda put a barrier around your lungs by paralyzing them and now they are awake so they are experienceing the effects of my allergies and in return, having issues. make sure when you quit if you have asthma or bad allergies that you doctor knows that you have quit and can help you get through it like mine did.
I have just finished week four of the program and I have been smoke free since day 6. I am here because I drank heavily for the first time since I started taking the medication. While intoxicated I did some things that were completely out of character for me. It is probably in my best interest not to share all of the details here even when posting anonymously, but the police were involved. I just want to make it clear that I did not hurt anyone or anything like that. I apparently just made a few bad decisions even after I was apprehended by the police. I am not saying that it was the Chantix that caused this abnormal behavior because for the past few weeks I have been under a great deal of stress. When I called Pfizer though, they told me that there have not been any studies on the effects of alcohol on people taking Chantix. Has anyone else experienced any abnormal behavior involving Chantix and alcohol?
I am on the 10th day of Chantix and today is my 3rd day quit. I feel pretty good..some cravings are strong but they don't seem to be physical ones. More psycological. And they go away. I am hoping they get fewer. I am 31 and have smoked for about 15 years. I have only tried quitting once before and I din't make it throught the first day. I did notice the stong smelling urine that everyone is talking about but I am not worried. I also have slight nausea every now and then and dreams are definetly wierd but hey better than smoking. I thought it was time to quit when everyday I woke up and wished I didn't smoke. I thought this is so stupid...to be controlled by something like this. I want to quit and figured it cost- for me -about the same as smoking. I feel even 3 days in that I will never smoke again. But I do wonder how long it will be before I stop thinking about it.
i dont think that you will ever stop thinking about it. i have been quit now for four months come june 5th and i still think about it everyday. i told my son this week that it is just like a drug. you wake up everyday and make a choice to smoke or not to and so far i choose not to. the cravings are not there and i do not really want them but i do think about them often and i guess i always will.
I was just wondering if anyone had tried it for spit tobacco? My husband is on Chantix right now for dip(Skoal) and it is curbing the cravings for him but I have not talked to anyone that quit that with it yet. Do any of you out there know of anyone that has? I pray everyday that he can quit, I quit smoking on Chantix and I hope he can have the same result.
Chantix........love it, hate some of the side effects.......but oh, sooooooooo worth the inconvenience! I am in my 7th week on the drug....smoke free for over a month after nearly 30 years of a pack a day habit. I had tried Welbutrin twice (made me incredibly psychotic/anxiety ridden both times)and got nowhere except real close to a breakdown. Chantix has made me nauseous- my Dr. dropped my pills to the .5mg/2x's a day from the 1mg/2x's a day. I still get a little 'green' every so often when I take a pill, but it subsides quickly and isn't enough to not take the meds. I have had a few vivid dreams, a little dizziness & maybe some stronger smelling urine.............but boy howdy, not smoking and not having to go crazy to get there is SO worth the price of admission!! I have recommended Chantix to every smoker I know!!!! As a previous poster asked.......does anyone know what happens when you stop the pills?? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
I took the starters pack of Chantix and only 2 weeks worth on the second pack. I have been smoke free for over 70 days with 2 slip ups (due to drinking). But, as time goes by the thoughts of smoking are less and less, even if I have a few drinks. I feel that it is all behind me now and I am able to move on without anymore cigarettes or anxiety from not smoking. I AM FINALLY FREE!!
I've been taking Chantix for 2 months now and am smoke free. I have only been taking the morning dose because I couldn't sleep with the evening one. My question is would Chantix also be a 'caffeine' inhibitor also? I've found that if I drink coffee - I get a headache. Any ideas? I really don't want to quit coffee too.
I've been on Chantix since May 17th, i quit smoking on my 13th day, I have been smoke free for 13 days, i too have noticed a stronger urine smell, my doctor or no where else have i read about the strong urine, I like the Chantix, stong urine isn't going to make me quit taking it. It has helped me quit, i just after i'm done taking the pill, i still stay quit.
I need to talk:
I smoked for 22 years. I'm 36 now. I started Chantix on 05-14-07 and smoked through the entire 7 day starter pack. My quit date was supposed to be on the 8th day (05-14), but it was not the last time I took a puff!
A month later, I'm still taking the 2 blue pills a day (06-13-07), because every now and then I take a puff of someone else's smoke on "drinking weekends." For some reason on weekends when I get around my Brother/family (& he's on Chantix too, in fact longer than me)--they eventually begin to light up after a few beers. His wife failed at Chantix (stop taking it), so she's smoking around everyone.
I suppose I'm still testing myself when I grab that puff while drinking (just a puff...). My Brother justifies it by saying it's the weekend and "It's ok to mess up, just get back to it on Monday...don't give up." I don't get pleasure from the puff like I think I will. I breakdown and grab a puff of theirs to prove to myself that it's worthless. I see I have a 'behavioral smoking' addiction now. Last week, while grilling, I tried a 'Black and Mild' (DID NOT INHALE), only to replace the physical act. It worked fine in my hands, but it smelled horrible as well as the taste (even from not inhaling it!). So, that's OUT--
The SCOOP:
I smoked Carlton 100’s (.01mg nicotine/cig)..."like smoking air" they say. I had a 'fabulous' routine of smoking about 1/2 a pack a day. Like clockwork: 1 in the morning, 1 in the car on the way to work, 1 on the way home from work (in car) and finally... "Game on," at home on the patio. I'd enjoy my evening cocktails & cigs while grilling out...cooking, talking on the phone, playing with the dog etc... This entire routine made me happy and I looked forward to it daily.
I've been living alone in a rental home for a year now (with my dog). My career was repositioned from GA to FL. Unfortunately, my partner is still in GA at our home (Still smoking "our" brand of cigs too!)
So, I truly believe my addiction to smoking was mostly a routine-(a routine that I STILL miss and am feeling a huge loss from). I continue with my routine now, but without the cigs (doesn't seem as fulfilling though, quite depressing). I suppose I should change and start a new routine (something entirely different--even though I miss the one I had). I've gained weight too. Going into month 2 of Chantix, I believe it's time to hit the exercise routine and hopefully be completely off Chantix (and sporadic puffs) no later than 08-31-07. It's funny how this drug works--I really don't think about smoking until I'm around it for a long period of time. Smelling the smoke only sparks a brief thought, but no nic. urges in any events!
I must stress, I have not bought my own pack of cigs since the first week I began Chantix. I went on vacation for Memorial weekend and completely finished my last pack of Carlton 100's box on May 26th! I will not buy a pack of cigs for myself ever again!
Sorry so long, thanks for reading :)
-Kim
My husband started taking Chantix for spit tobacco. Took it for about 9 days and quit using tobacco. It has been two wonderful weeks of no tobacco and he has actually quit taking the pill as of yesterday. The only problem I have seen is he has had some AWFUL GAS. He stinks to high heavens and it is all of the time. Has anyone else had this problem? I took it for the three month duration, quit smoking, and the only side effect I know I had was being really tired so this gas thing is new to me. If you have had this experience, I am wondering if it really is the medicine or something else?
I QUIT!!! 8 weeks today!!!
Enough said.
My husband is on his second month of chantix and it has been over 30 days since he has had a smoke. I am vey proud of him, but there are some very strabge side effects.
He has had a few bad episodes while drinking where his choices have not been the best. This behavior did not ocur before the meds. I had a feeling it was related to the meds, but could not find anything anywhere about it on the Chantix page. Does anyone have any links or ideas for me to look at?
I have read the entire blog list looking for unusual side effects. While no two people are the same, some of us are predisposed to certain behaviors. If you or some one you know has suffered from depresion, or has a personality disorder of any sort, please watch them closely. I have not found any studies yet on the interaction of alcohol and Chantix on persond with a predisposition to emotional problems. It may be a larger version of the vivid dream effect; it is very difficult to tell. If you have any advice, please let me know.
I am on my 9th day of Chantix and I am only smoking on 2 or 3 cigs a day and don't enjoy them. The side effects I have noticed is a feeling of fatigue and sleepiness all day long, the vivid dreams were not all bad. I have had a loss of appetite and vomiting and nausea with every pill I take. On the plus side my sense of smell is returing and I don't have to use my inhaler. I had smoked for 29 years about a pack a day and for me it is wonderful to be almost smoke free. My concern is years from now will we have problems that did not come out in the initial drug trials.
Heart palpatations?
First off, I want to comment on Kim's blog(4:32pm). Kim, I totally understand the "patio scene". I, like you, am an avid BBQer, love to sit out on my lovely patio with all my plants listening to the fountains and watching the birds, sip my wine and smoke that cig. It's pleasant and I enjoyed it so much.
I'm on Day 14 of Chantix and Day 6 of not smoking. I'm 52 years old and had been smoking since I was 16. Quit off and on over the years (like when I was pregnant), but it never stuck. I have a good friend who is about 10 years older than me who is also on Chantix, although about two weeks ahead of me in the program. She had tried EVERYTHING to stop smoking, sometimes twice. She's very confident that this time she'll be able to stay quit.
One of the (many) pieces of advice she has given me is to play little tricks with your mind when you get those feelings of depression and loss. She immediately makes herself think of whatever she's doing at the time -- gardening, drinking a glass of fresh brewed ice tea -- as a reward. If you're like me, after working hard in the yard, or as I finished cleaning the house, my reward was to go outside and smoke a cig with beverage. Now, I try and still go outside with a beverage, and I "trick" my brain into thinking that this is all the reward I need. Honestly, this works most of the time, but not always. I still have those bouts of longing for my old passtimes...
Because smoking is a habit, it is controlled by the unconscious mind. I know Chantix is helping with this, but it doesn't "erase" those "patio" memories/thoughts.
I've heard about something called Neuro-Linguistic Programming, which helps us to transfer the pleasure derived from smoking to a healthier habit of choice. I've tried hypnosis before, and I failed miserably, but this type of "re-programming" makes sense to me. I have to change the way I THINK, not just get over nicotine withdrawls (which I should be overwith now), and cravings.
Anyway, on to my subject line... I've noticed my heart doing little flutters many times a day since about 4 days ago. Comes and goes, so I've hesitated making an appointment with the doctor as I'm not sure it would do it on command in her office. Has anyone else experienced this?
Saying dreams are lucid is a bit of an understatement for me! At first they were just a little more vivid, but recently they have full blown vivid nightmares! My husband had to wake me up twice the night before last. Last night I took 1/2 of an Ambien and slept like a baby. I notice that if I take something like Tylenol PM I cannot wake up in the morning, so I try not to take sleeping aids.
Gaining weight too. Have been trying to get back on my early morning exercise routine but the mornings I wake up groggy and in a fog have gotten the better of me.
Sorry for the long blog. Interested in hearing from anyone on these topics.
DB
Have smoked nearly a pack a day since I was 17 and I am now a 38 year old non-smoker thanks to Chantix. Throughout the 12 weeks had very minor side effects(mainly constipation or gassy and weird dreams) but SO worth it. Today is day 2 without any pills; Yesterday on Day 1 I did feel like I was going to freak out in the morning, but I felt better by noon. Today was absolutely fine. We'll see what tomorrow is like. My feeling is that I really love how I feel as a non-smoker. I can breath and I don't smell like smoke, and I don't have to hide it from my kids. I hope that I can resist the urges to go back to the crutch. There is never a magic way to make temptation disappear all together; just have to choose to ignore it. Good luck All!
I am on my 2nd box of Chantix and have missed all of my quit dates but still take the pills, I am down to 4-6 cig. a day. I just can't take the leap of faith yet.I have no urge to smoke don't think about them all day never have any on me. One pack will last me over a week.
I do get a few heart bubbles but I think that is from still smoking, I have gained about 10lbs. and can walk a lot better. I will continue to take the pills forever if I have to because I believe they will work, I don't have the edgy side effects like I had with the patches.If you could chew the nic. gum I might have it made.Liny
lori said....
I,ve been on chantix four wks now.I tried other things and nothing ever worked like chantix.I have had a problem with the loss of appetite being that i,m 5,10 and only weigh 125.I can,t really afford to lose any weight.
I also had the headaches,and strong smell of urine.
The only other side effect that i,ve had that no one else has mentioned is the my sex drive has changed,no not changed i have no sex drive now,since i,ve been on chantix. Anyone else experianced this.Still a great drug I,m very proud of my self.Good Luck to all!!!!
This comment is specifically for those of us who are on SSRIs, ADD meds or bipolar meds. I'm 23, have mild rapid cycle bipolar and ADD, and have been on chantix for 6 weeks after being a 5-25 cig a day smoker for 5 years. Before I started smoking, I had mild asthma. I stopped smoking after the 3rd day of taking Chantix cause smoking made me sick. Chantix really works, honestly. If you are totally serious about quitting, you should get it. If you are not serious about it, you'll be really sad when you try to smoke and you don't get that fuzzy, calm feeling. I tried the lozenge ( made me sick cause I sucked on it too often) the patch (worked so well until I got violent skin allergies the first time, and hypomania the second time). My doctor was hesitant about chantix b/c she didn't want me going crazy(I'm pretty normal, but certain medicines have made me go nuts). She made me wait till school was over to quit. Thank goodness. So, with chantix, there are mild cravings that are usually related to trigger areas, and pass very easily, and I haven't gained any weight. BUT
: I am sooooooo sick all the time. Right now, I am in bed, trying not to throw up, cause I had to leave my summer internship after I turned green. I've had all kinds of nasty "bowel issues" lately. All this started after the 4th week. I can't stand it I haven't even taken it today cause I feel sick already....it's getting worse each day...I hope hope hope it goes away, cause I have absolutely no intention of discontinuing the medicine. not when it works, and I'm not smoking. So, good luck to all of you who are taking charge and fighting nasty nicotine! oh and by the way, I'm not pregnant...I've checked. thanks so much for bearing with me on this rant.
I'm posting about my above comment. I feel so much better since my doctor reduced my prescription. About the urine thing: drink more water
I finally made the leap of faith and quit 8 days ago. Now the pills are making me feel bad so I have quit taking them.I have been taking the pills for 8 weeks.If the urge to smoke comes back can you just start on your pills again or do you have to start over? Liny
men - are you having trouble reaching orgasm on chantix?
I am on my fifth week of Chantix and I am noticing some things that are out of character for me. I am having sever mood swings. I have also noticed that I have no sex drive at all and I no longer get that rush from the first cup of coffee in the morning. Has anyone else noticed mood altering? I still can't seem to not smoke but I know it is psychological more than craving. I only smoke 1/2 cig a day.
8th day on Chantix. So far, it hasn't reduced my urge to smoke ONE BIT but my first large dose this morning made my brain feel like crud; it felt like being really drugged up without the fun. I hope it gets better than this; damn.
Additional comment: "Brain felt like crud" - What I mean is that after I took my first 1 mg dose, it made me extremely moody, BAD moody. So far, my opinion is that this drug is psychoactive and not in a way that I can tolerate.
This is making me so nervous. I've read all of these blogs and tomorrow is only my 4th day (time for the 2 pills). I've experienced headaches (wondering now if it's related to caffeine) and smoke does smell really yucky, yet I continue to smoke because my quit date is not for 3 1/2 more days. I'm also concerned because it hasn't been out for that long yet and now I'm thinking about long-term side effects that haven't been studied yet. Anyone else heard anything about strokes or heart attacks. I have a slight ache right below my sternum. I really want to have a drink tonight, but now I'm worried that I'll do something terrible and outrageous that could get me into trouble.
I am on day 13 of not smoking. I did not take a pill last night -- I've had terrible sinus headaches since I started taking Chantix. I feel better today. I also do not feel so tired. I smoked first week on the pill, but have not have any since my quit date. I am going to see how it goes without the pills, but I do know that it helped get me through to the point where I believe I can stay quit -- it is now just a matter of my mind - the nicotine is out of my system, now I just to have get over the urges and they really aren't physical - they are phsycological. I am determined to stay quit, I like being a non smoker. I don't think I could have done it without the CHantix, but I am taking my Xanax to keep m calm -- if I need to start Chantix again, I will -- I have about 1/4 of my starter pack still and will reduce it to 1 pill per day if necessary.
I am on day 13 of not smoking. I did not take a pill last night -- I've had terrible sinus headaches since I started taking Chantix. I feel better today. I also do not feel so tired. I smoked first week on the pill, but have not have any since my quit date. I am going to see how it goes without the pills, but I do know that it helped get me through to the point where I believe I can stay quit -- it is now just a matter of my mind - the nicotine is out of my system, now I just to have get over the urges and they really aren't physical - they are phsycological. I am determined to stay quit, I like being a non smoker. I don't think I could have done it without the CHantix, but I am taking my Xanax to keep m calm -- if I need to start Chantix again, I will -- I have about 1/4 of my starter pack still and will reduce it to 1 pill per day if necessary.
I'm on day 3 of the two blue pills. No cigs in 3 days either. I had big cravings on day 1--did think I'd make it, but I did. Yesterday was almost easy. Today is bearable, but I still find myself reaching for them in normal situations. I'm so very tired often (not normal for me). I also wake up with sore muscles (including my neck and a light headache). Anyone else had soreness?
I'm on day 10. I am still smoking, although I've gone from 1 1/2 packs per day down to less than a half pack, and going down every day as they don't taste good anymore. I also wake up with neck pains and muscle soreness. I also have the strong smelling urine (so glad to read on here that a lot of people have that!). The worst part for me has been the nausea. I feel positively green after I take my pill. For me, I can lessen the effect (although it is not eliminated) by taking it on a full stomach.
I intend to keep taking the pills and hopefully go totally smoke free within another week. I've smoked for 35 years, and through two pregnancies. I pray this works!
To the last anonymous post:
Don't pray that it works--decide that it will work. I had a very rough time for many days (Oh, god, I've only been smoke-free for 9 days today) it feels like a very long time. The pills made me so very tired that I moved down to 1/2 a pill in the morning and 1/2 pill at night. Now, I'm down 1/2 pill only at night. The cravings continue, but I have energy during the day. The cravings are already shorter duration and less intense, but have already caused tears when I reach and remember. The joint pain continues with only .5 mg per day, but no other side affects.
I am on day 11 of chantix. I have cut down from more than a pack to 6 or 7 a day. I feel like a failure, want to quit, cigs taste awful, but still have not quit completely.Side effects mild, drinking a ton of water helps a lot.
Has anyone had experience with Chantix taking longer to quit?
I have had problems with falling asleep. Many nights without being able to sleep so I stopped taking the 1mg twice a day, only taking the one in the a.m. Anyone else having this problem? Oh, on day 14, have been smoke free 7 days and I think it's working just fine.
I go to the Dr. in three days to talk about Chantix...reading all of these blogs scares me. I mean headache, tiredness, weird dreams(not sure what that means), skin rashes not cool,then some ppl feeling moody at times, I'll tell you I don't need help with being moody at work. I guess all I can do is try I have failed on my own too many times. I started at 13 and am 28 now with at least a pack a day lately been stressed with drama at work and have managed 2 packs/day, way too much money for me. I wish you all luck and hope the side effects ar minimal. :)
I have taken Chantix for seven weeks now and have not had a cigarette for six weeks. I smoked 21/2 to 3 packs a day for 30 years. I use to cough for a about ten minutes every night before I could get to sleep, within a week that totally stopped. I can breath so much better now. I can go up and down the steps all day without getting tired. It is true that after the first week or so all the craving are psychological. However, every week it gets easier.
When I started Chantix I was getting nauseous also. What worked for me was to make sure I took the pill right before I finished eating my meal. I wasn't use to having breakfast, but I started to eat a small bowl of cereal or a couple of pieces of toast to see if it would help. Since I started this practice, I haven't had any nausea.
I also have problems sleeping but since I've quit smoking I've had so much energy that it hasn't really affected me.
Could someone please elaborate on "weird dreams", and what is this kidney testing thing that is in one of the other blogs? I talked to my Dr about trying Chantix but nothing was mentioned besides nausea, and insomnia. I appreciate any help with this.
I haven't heard anything about kidney testing, however, my friend's doctor told her that he only wanted her to take it for 3 months. The prescription I received can be refilled for 6 months. I'm not sure if that has to do with the kidney thing or not, she has a lap band.
I have been on Chantix for seven weeks now. I had some vivid dreams the first week or so, but none since then. I call them "vivid" because when I woke up, it took me a few minutes to realize that they actually didn't really happen (they were so life like).
Okay, I'll be day 7 tomorrow.... I used to be able to lay down to go to sleep, fall asleep in 15 minutes or less and then wake with the alarm. Since I started Chantix (even at the low dosage) I wake up more than half a dozen times a night with dreams. I would call them vivid dreams because I remember the feel of them, but not necessarily the detail - all I know is that they wake me out of a sound sleep and it takes me awhile to get back to sleep. I am really concerned about increasing my dose on Wednesday (the day after tomorrow)..... I really want to quit, but am starting to feel fatiqued and actually a bit altered state with all these odd and strange dreams. And this is effecting my family as well.... should I stop before increasing the dose? I am very worried.....