Cold turkey, NRT .Vs Champix

[nsd_user663_34426]

New to the forum. 23 year old male, been a smoker for 7 years, 20 per day. Tried ways of quitting, NRT, cold Turkey. Nothing worked.

Heard about champix, giving it a shot. On day 6 of champix and have a feeling something is starting to kick in. Smoking is usually the frst thing I will do in the morning literally 1 minute after getting out of bed. quite shocked - sitting here this morning at 10.55am (got up at 9) and have not had the urge to smoke until about 5 mins ago. first time in 7 years that I have been calm and not smoked first thing in the morning. I know I am craving now but for that 1 hour and and 45 mins it felt like I was mildly cured. Feeling positive yet I will go for a cig now, quit day on day 11. Just out of interest did the cravings completely subside for anyone?? cheers

[nsd_user663_32978]

Hi,

Well done on trying again.

I am now on day 26 (smoke free) and quit using Champix. You have to force yourself to be strong and dump the last few cigs but to be honest it wasn't as bad as I had feared. I still get cravings but I can easily say ' Yes I would like to smoke a cigarette but I am choosing not too' and it goes away. It isn't all easy. I forced myself to cut out a cig every day and to go longer in between so I wouldn't suffer too badly on the first day. Partner didn't do that and his first day was a lot harder than mine. Not to say I didn't have the odd day where I felt desperate but I managed them better.

Using a bottle with a spout to suck water through helped with the dragging sensation and i made sure I had gum to chew on.

I will say I have tried NRT which didn't work and also hypnotherapy which worked for 6 months but then I had a lot more friends who smoked then. This time I feel differently and I have everything crossed as well as being determined that I will never have to put myself through this again.

Good luck, it is all worth it and there are plenty of people on here to help if things get tough.

Lingy

[nsd_user663_34485]

hi new to the forum,im a 30 year old mummy and ready to quit have an appointment on thursday the 22 and am thinking of using champix,have tried before with nrt and it didnt help,my main problem is mood swings and i become a complete nightmare when i have tried to stop before but im really determined to do it this time for my kids,any advice please?

[nsd_user663_32978]

Hi Mrswills and welcome to the forum.

Well done on deciding to quit.

My experience of Champix is as follows:-

Don't be scared by all the side effects - most are rare but do keep an eye on your mood. Any problems don't be afraid to call your nurse for advice.

Taking the tablets - make sure you take them with food preferably a good sized breakfast for the morning one and take it in the middle of eating. This helps to reduce the feeling ill sensation that can happen. Usually only lasts about 15 mins and stops after a while once your body gets used to the pills.

At first you don't think anything is happening because you smoke for the first two weeks with a plan to give up in the second week. Suddenly you realise that the number of cigs you have smoked is less and you don't feel the need for one.

After the first week try to go longer between each cig as this helps when you stop altogether. I stopped smoking at work and only had one in the morning and a couple in the evening.

Use a water bottle with a spout to suck through as this helps when you feel a crave.

Don't be afraid of stopping the cigs. I was petrified that I couldn't do it but it is easier than you think.

Be strong, the nicotine monster will nag you but you have to say no and try and find something to take your mind off it. The first 3 days being smoke free are the worst, mine was day 3. I wanted to do something bad like let down someones tires although I didn't. Day 4 was much better. I am now on day 27 and feeling great, less smelly and healthier.

Part of me says, I still wish I could smoke, I still wish I could have that sensation of satisfaction by puffing but I know it will kill me if I go back to it.

It is now easier to say No I won't have one because I don't need one and I don't want one. Take one day at a time and be proud of each day you achieve your goal.

I got quite bad heartburn after quitting but the nurse can help with that.

I do have dreams some have been upsetting but not nightmares (last night I dreamt I was a hostage in MacDonalds - must have wanted a big mac :D).

Use the forum to help as we have all been through the same feelings at some point. I know this was the best part for me. Not only the help but the support and general feeling of togetherness as well and knowing that as I grew stronger I could help others that were just starting on their journey.

This is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.

I wish you lots of luck and determination - even with the few odd side effects I feel Champix is worth a go. You can always come off them if they don't agree with you.

Lingy

[nsd_user663_34485]

thanks lingy,im quite excited now and believe i can do it, just so daunting thinking my lifes going to completley change, just 1 more question if you dont mind but how long on average do you think it will take for me to stop on champix , i have been told coming up with an actual quit date may help.

[nsd_user663_32978]

Hi

I took it to day 14 and I have heard people say they have gone beyond that but I would look at setting yourself in the last few days of week 2 as being the goal.

Everyone is different so don't bash yourself if you don't manage to do as everyone else does. I think the main issue is being scared to let them go. Really there is nothing to be afraid of. Just think to yourself that you are making the best decision of your life. I come on here Mon to Friday during the day just to see how everyone is getting on so just post on here if you need help. Someone will always reply.

All in all you should be on the Champix for 3 months although some peole go on longer.

Oh and I forgot to say that after week one the cigs begin to taste awful

Good luck you know where we are

Lingy

[nsd_user663_32615]

Good luck TriXta. Don't be worried about stopping earlier than planned if that's what you feel like doing - I had intended to go through to day 14, but felt ready to quit by day 8. Quitting on Champix is a very different experience to doing it by CT or nicotine replacement, and seems to vary enormously for different people, so go into it with an open mind. Good luck.

[nsd_user663_34426]

Cheers for replies everyone. It was strange because the following day my cravings seemed to come back and it felt as though the champix effect was non-existent. Still going to stick to my quit date of day 11 but just stumped me how on and off I feel like cigarette. Better than craving the whole time though I suppose. I start the 1mg tabs tomorrow so hoping that will up the ante slightly!

[nsd_user663_2399]

The wonder of Champix

Hi everyone I used Champix to stop smoking and it worked and after smoking 30 a day for 40 years I couldn't believe how easy it was with Champix to stop. I had tried every method going to no avail.

I had stopped smoking for 2 and a 1/2 years and then I stupidly started smoking about a year ago. Well on the advice of my doctor I need to stop now! So I have started a course of Champix and my hope is it will be as easy this time as last! I will let you know my progress.

PS. I used support groups to help me the last time! Because the support and encouragement was equally as valuable as the Champix.

[nsd_user663_21134]

Yes,I really think that champix is best anti-smoking medication used for people who want to quit smoking.I have read number of experiences and reviews about champix..one of my friend had good experiences after regular consumption of champix pill.

[nsd_user663_34321]

I have stopped with Champix. I was told I had to quit by day 14 or I wouldn't get to stay "with the program". I wasn't sure I was going to stop as I was still enjoying cigs well into the second week, but in the end I chose day 12 and I did stop. The good thing about Champix is there is no nicotine so you can get that out of your system right away, rather than prolonging the agony like you have to with NRT. As for CT, great if you can do it but frankly I am not strong enough. Champix reduces the craving and irritability and agitation ALOT but not altogether in my experience. You still need some will power and the right frame of mind

[nsd_user663_35121]

Hi,

I stopped on Day 15 of Champix. The day before I felt SO miserable and smoked almost normally (10-15 roll ups). I had loads of doubts about why I was even considering giving up. Come quit date however..it was much easier than expected.

The thought of stopping smoking was worse than the reality.

I am only on day 4 so I know there may be lots of difficult times ahead, but I'm glad I took that one decisive step.

I think we fear we will never be "happy" again without our fags, but non-smokers don't need to smoke (obviously!) and they seem to get through life ok!

[nsd_user663_2399]

Update

Hi everyone I used Champix to stop smoking and it worked and after smoking 30 a day for 40 years I couldn't believe how easy it was with Champix to stop. I had tried every method going to no avail.

I had stopped smoking for 2 and a 1/2 years and then I stupidly started smoking about a year ago. Well on the advice of my doctor I need to stop now! So I have started a course of Champix and my hope is it will be as easy this time as last! I will let you know my progress.

PS. I used support groups to help me the last time! Because the support and encouragement was equally as valuable as the Champix.

Day 19 and going well the Champix is doing it's job so far it's been quite easy I hope it continues! My circulation has definitely improved which is a relief! Good luck everyone.

[nsd_user663_37042]

Does anyone know what happens when you stop taking Champix?

Do cravings return?