Life after 1/2 a year Champix

[Roosje]

Hi! I have stopped smoking now for more than a half year with the help of Champix. Used it for 5 months straight and last month of pills I used weaning off the medication.

I am 4 weeks without Champix now, I don't smoke! but am back towards overeating. It is just like I need some kind of fix. Is it normal that one get rid of one addiction and go back towards, in my case, an old one?

Can somebody share with me their feelings when you stopped Champix?

thank you very much!

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Hello and welcome Roosje

Well done for making it 6 months without smoking and for the last 4 weeks without Champix.

Unfortunately I do not have any experience with Champix but there are other members on here who do, so hopefully somebody will be able to offer some advice.

[JodiG 2 Years Smoke Free]

Hi Roosje.

I am now about 2 weeks off Champix after a 3-month course. I am also a happy non smoker . It really is a magic pill!!

I too have found however that since stopping Champix i want to eat more/ appetite increase.

I do however watch my diet quite religiously and will not allow myself to eat excess food. I also exercise daily, twice a day when i can.

You got this - not smoking and not eating more really is possible.

Good luck!

[Roosje 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to JodiG]

Thank you very much for your reaction and your input!

good luck to you too (:

[Burgeb22 1 Year Smoke Free]

Hi firstly let me say well done being smoke free! I too gave up using Champix however I only used it for a few weeks as I didn't like the nausea and low mood feelings, however I do recall having an increased appetite. Personally I just gave in and ate what I wanted for a few weeks just to get me through then my mood picked up and the cravings for smoking eating ect seemed to disappear. I allowed myself to eat what I wanted as I knew it was better than filling my lungs full of poisons, the binge feelings passed quite quickly I put on 5lbs but this soon came off once my mood changed and now I'm feeling happy and fitter than I have in years! Smoke free for 5 months (I think) good luck and well done again x

I think just go with it don't punish yourself by denying yourself nice foods and worrying about your weight, get through giving up the fags then look at cutting down on the fats xx

[Roosje 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Burgeb22]

Thanks so much! Good luck to you too 😊

[Tryingtquit]

Hi Roosje,

I've just recently finished a 3 month stint on Champix and am also interested in others' view on stopping the drug. I have noticed a slight increase of cravings but am able to cope with that. It may have been other factors but I'm glad to be off champix; I felt like I was a little moodier on it and am looking forward to being 'back to normal'. Regarding weight gain - yep I hear you. However, the weight can always be shifted with a bit of exercise/healthy eating. One thing at a time!

All the best for now,

George

[Roosje 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Tryingtquit]

Thanks so much and good luck to you too.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Hi Roosje..I am a happy 2 year plus quitter with the initianal help of Champix ....Did the 12 weeks as perscribed and had a pretty nasty flu like attack when I stopped...It lasted three days...and after surviving that I was ready to take over the world...I only ate more chocolates and being one of those lucky ones I did not gain weight...!!

I gained 1 kg in 25 months and hope it to be little muscle weight...!!

You are doing extremely well ..... keep up the good work..!!

[Roosje 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Hercu]

Thank you!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome Roosje and congratulations on well over your 1 month smoke free! Be proud as it is a huge milestone achieved

I quit almost 2 years ago cold turkey but think the increase in appetite and tendency to overeat is perfectly normal no matter what way we quit and can be addressed later on if needs be when you are stronger in your quit, I found drinking ice cold water with fruit and herbs great to stop snacking (get can water juicer bottles in any supermarket), my favourite concoction was mint, cucumber and lemon

Stay close to us and post anytime especially if struggling...

[Roosje 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks for your reply. I am 7 months smoke free, but 4 weeks without champix and the last 4 weeks are more difficult than before with tbe meds thats why I ask to share with me "your life after champix" story's.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Roosje]

Apologes Roosje , I misread your post (I am the administrator and just back from a weeks holidays and trying to catch up )

Over 7 months quit is a great achievement - as said above, I quit cold turkey so would not know about life after champix but know many members here who used it complained of the nausea while taking the pills, now that you are no longer taking them it may have caused your increased appetite that we experience when we quit, below is a pinned post I came across that may be helpful to you

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin........

[Roosje 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you! (: