Coming off Champix

[nsd_user663_5438]

Hey Guys

Something I was meaning to ask some of the more experienced members on this website. I've been on Champix since the end of September but I've only been a fully non smoker 9 days. I'm finding it extremely easy. In fact I've developed this attitude where I actually hate cigarettes. I love being free not to smoke.

I know that you're supposed to stay on them for 6 weeks, and I intend to, but what sort of side effects are commonly experienced coming off the pill ? Do cravings return ? I always thought that the cravings not coming is not down to Champix but it's down to how Champix has made me perceive what a cigarette is. I'm still going to have the same negative opinion on cigarettes with or without Champix so I'm wondering what what I can expect

Thanks

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Irishlad

Well done amd pleased to hear it's all going well for you on champix

I also used it and found it was great

Although the complete course is supposed to last for 12 weeks just like the NRT courses I stopped taking it at 8 weeks that's 6 1/2 weeks not smoking and 8/9 days smoking with it

I stopped as I kept forgetting to take it for 2/3 days at a time so just stopped taking it altogether and nothing happened as in I never felt the need to smoke, no withdrawal from it nothing

I had no problems at all as champix works on the receptors in the brain that made us want to smoke in effect making us forget we smoked if that makes sense

So when you come off there is no need to fret about it and you'll not get any craves to cope with I didn't and I can't recall anyone on here having problems coming off it either

Keep going and enjoy your smoke free life as I am

Love

Marg

[nsd_user663_6165]

My GP wants me to start reducing the dose 4 weeks after I quit, by taking the starter pack in reverse, so that will have been 7 weeks on Champix altogether.

However, like Marg, I am forgetting to take some of them (usually the evening one at weekends). GP says that a great sign, so I'm hoping I will have similar experience to Marg.

[nsd_user663_3140]

i've personally gone for the reduced dosage approach.. I'm on day 15 of no smoking (24 ish on champix) and I'm right down to 1/2 a blue pill a day (0.5mg/day) and I'm very happy with that at the moment.. no side effects from champix and as its a pretty low dosage I reckon coming off the last bit shouldnt be too tricky.

I'm planning on continuing with the 1/2 pill a day until I reach about week 5 or so, then down to 1/2 pill every 2 days and see how that goes.. then prob stop all together after that.

btw: I'm doing this without GP as I live in Spain and had to buy the champix myself!

[nsd_user663_5438]

I had no problems at all as champix works on the receptors in the brain that made us want to smoke in effect making us forget we smoked if that makes sense

So when you come off there is no need to fret about it and you'll not get any craves to cope with I didn't and I can't recall anyone on here having problems coming off it either

Keep going and enjoy your smoke free life as I am

Love

Marg

Hey Marg

Yeah I totally know what you mean regarding the receptors. My wife was worried because I decided 3 days ago not to renew my prescription. It's difficult for those who have not been on Champix to fully understand how it works. In any case I have noticed no difference at all. I don't have cravings, and smoking whilst having a pint is quickly becoming a thing of the past for me thank God ! So yeah, happy days. It's onwards and upwards from here. Going to start taking exercise now. I'll be a new man in a few months time. Just not even thinking about smoking. It's in my past now and that's where it's going to stay

Thanks for all the support on here. It's invaluable

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Irishlad,Lily and Mikeduk

Irishlad

I'm really pleased to hear that it's going fine for you without the champix but it's as though it makes you forget you ever smoked I think I kept a few of the last pack I had just in case but never needed them and in the end flushed them down the loo

Lily

It's good that your Dr wants you to start reducing them already and as you're like me forgetting to take them at times that's a sure sign that they're working well for you as well

Mikeduk

If reducing the dosage is working for you that's great it is after all a matter of choice and how you feel about it that matters and there seems to be no hard and fast rule for coming off it

Love to all and a Hug each

Marg

[nsd_user663_5401]

I've reduced mine and I'm now only taking the evening one. Personally I could not cope with my mood swings anymore and as soon as I reduced the dose I'm much more even tempered and I have not seen an increase in cravings either.

[nsd_user663_3140]

I've reduced mine and I'm now only taking the evening one. Personally I could not cope with my mood swings anymore and as soon as I reduced the dose I'm much more even tempered and I have not seen an increase in cravings either.

I was the same Christine, really didn't feel right on the full dosage but since dropping right down to 1/2mg a day I feel absolutely fine.

On a side note, I left my Champix at the office this weekend so didn't take any sat or sunday. I did notice a slight craving both days as well as thinking about ciggies a bit more but nothing too strong. I was tempted to stop taking them altogether but though I'd better not tempt fate too early on so have taken my regular 1/2mg again this morning.

Hope everyone else is doing well on this hot an sunny monday (cant believe its still in the mid 20's in the middle of November here in spain!)

[Cyprien]

Hi, I cut down early on also. Did the full dose for about three weeks, then one tab a day, now half a tab a day. I was sick of feeling sick - but I feel much better for cutting down and no changes in cravings. And, like Margaret, I intend to keep one or two hidden at the back of a drawer with a sign 'To be used in case of emergencies'

Sue

[nsd_user663_2040]

Hi

I think it is wise to cut down gradually. I cut down to 1 tablet a day but stopped completely this weekend...however, my mood became very black very quickly and I was so angry all the time. Not normal angry, I wanted to hurt someone!!!This morning was hell....very scary but feeling a bit better since I took my tablet tonight.

Going to try half a tablet twice a day and see how that goes, but I am going to have to come down gradually.

Basically everyone is different.