Champix or me? and the e-cig...

[nsd_user663_53267]

Hello, 1st post here and I’m looking for some advice – definitely looks like there’s plenty of good advice to be had here, so here goes. I am day 46 smoke free after 27 years, from 15 years old never had a day without and at about 30 a day when I stopped. I am on champix (no side effects except the vivid dreams and even they are stopping now). Also I have a ‘prop’ which is a low dose e-cig, I use it mostly in the evening. My worry is that I am feeding the nicotine “monster” with the e-cig and will get the cravings back when the champix course is done. I think it’s a prop in the armoury, but worried I might be deluding myself. And generally terrified at coming off champix because I can’t believe it seems to have worked, I never thought I could do this and I think it’s me doing this, but know champix is a crutch. Anyway, any advice GREATLY appreciated.

N x

[nsd_user663_52779]

look into what Champix is doing to you and also how the physical addiction to nicotine works and you will see that to use NRT alongside Champix is not the best strategy, its counter productive. ditch the e fag as soon as you can, those nicotine receptors in your brain need to shrink down and the process can take 12 weeks, thats why Champix is a 12 week course.

can you try to do something else instead of the e-cig? eat something, chew gum? try to get your mind focussed on something else, do a puzzle, go on facebook, read this forum anything but nicotine.

you gotta be tough with yourself which I know aint always easy.

be lucky

[nsd_user663_53202]

I think Fazzer is right about cutting out the nicotine. I'm quitting with Champix and was taking it for 30 days before I finally stopped smoking. The last three of those days I was smoking 2 rollies a day. I was really nervous about finally stopping smoking completely, feeling that I just couldn't do it. Then I just tried a day without smoking - and it was OK! Why not try a day without using the e-cig, and see what happens? You could tell yourself "it's just an experiment". If it's too much to stop using it, then you could try cutting down using it for a few days, before having another go at stopping using it.

Don't forget: You have gone 46 days without a cigarette. That is a great achievement! Very well done. Champix is helping, but it is you who is actually doing it.

[Unah]

If you feel you need the e-cig why not use one that doesn't have any nicotine.

[nsd_user663_53267]

thanks guys. you have confirmed my suspiscions. i'm going to start phasing it out as I am due to wean off champix shortly. onwards and upwards, and thanks again

[nsd_user663_52076]

I agree with Fazzer.... and also your time on Champix IS limited. One doesn't get to be on Champix for an unlimited time. Some people stop Champix easily after just a month. That didn't work for me. I think my nicotine receptors are at least 10 times as active as anyone else's. . I have been completely nicotine (and all the other chemicals!) free for 45 days now. I smoked 40 a day for over 20 years. If I can do it so can you.

Fazzer I find your post really reassuring! Thanks for that!

Shanita

[nsd_user663_53267]

thanks for the feedback. I have got the nicotine free option now and trying not to use it. I'm annoyed though as the smoking nurse said NRT was fine, but after some internet research clearly it isn't - i've spent the afternoon feeling a bit like i could be back at square one, but feeling more positive tonight - and i did the maths which helped - after nearly 10,000 days of my life smoking, getting to day 47 is an achievement! It feels great too. Onwards and upwards.