struggling

[micheala73]

im on week 3 of taking champix my quit day was last Saturday so im on day 7 smoke free ahhhhhhhhh but today and the last 3 days ive smoked one cig a day and I really enjoyed it do you think im not trying hard enough or are the champix the wrong tool for me to stop smoking

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome micheala73 - congratulations on making the best decision of your life to stop smoking - we have had several members here successfully stop with the aid of champix and reached their 1 year and more smoke free milestones.

I stopped cold turkey, but from what I read here from other members champix just takes the edge of the withdrawals from nicotine, you still have to work very hard to resist lighting up as our bodies and mind work hard to rewire, repair and recover.

Are you still taking the full dose of the pills each day? If so, it is surprising after going 3 days smoke free that you got the urge to smoke?

[micheala73 1 Day Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thankyou

[KathieO 100 Days Smoke Free]

I would have to make a choice. To smoke or not to smoke. That is the daily question through this journey. Whether you are taking chantix or not. Next time you decide to smoke try an alternative like a walk Or writing. I’ve been in your shoes before and it’s so easy to keep smoking 🤔

[micheala73 1 Day Smoke Free in reply to KathieO]

Thanks

[LizzieQ]

It is so hard. I'm afraid I did smoke one a day up to six weeks of Champix. Then I was finally brave enough not to have a packet in the house. I'm now on week 11 and am still struggling. I'm just taking it one day at a time. Reading this forum helps - at least we know we're not alone!

[micheala73 1 Day Smoke Free in reply to LizzieQ]

Thanks

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

Good to hear from you LizzieQ - I promise, it will get easier and better as each day passes smoke free. Keep that mindset of 1 day at a time, below is also a pinned post of estimated recovery timescales worth a read if not already done so, but it varies for everyone:

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin...

[LizzieQ in reply to RoisinO1]

I read the timescales Roisin. Really interesting actually. Makes you think just how much the cigarettes affect the body. My one regret in life is that first cigarette so long ago!

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

All in the past now LizzieQ

[micheala73 1 Day Smoke Free in reply to LizzieQ]

im ok smoking one a day while on champix but know sooner or later the tablets will stop then what will one a day grow to 20 a day like before ive cheated myself and failed not sure what to do know start treatment from the start of day 1 ………………….

[LizzieQ in reply to micheala73]

Hi Micheala. I’m really struggling too still. I finished the 12 weeks of champix on Tuesday last week and haven’t had a cigarette. The cravings are still powerful. I’m irritable, feeling anxious, and generally unwell. Nicotine is such a powerful drug. I just keep reminding myself of the pros of not smoking but it is incredibly hard. I’m lucky in the sense that I’ve got no smokers round me, and no nearby shops so to actually buy some cigarettes would be a fifteen minute drive. Otherwise I do think I might have failed by now!

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

Hey LizzieQ - you are effectively just over a week cold turkey as the champix just took the edge of the nicotine withdrawals - the feelings of anxiety, irritability is perfectly normal and will be around for a few weeks but gradually ease and be less frequent as each day passes. Your body and mind is working very hard to rewire, repair and recover. To help with this, drink plenty of water, lots of fresh fruit and veg, avoid caffeine (major trigger for anxiety) and alcohol and sugary foods until this passes. Bit of a walk every day to clear the head will help too,

Also, a trip to your local health food shop for herbal supplements will be worthwhile, explain your withdrawals and they will be able to advice best supplements for you.

Keep fighting, you are doing so well

[LizzieQ in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to micheala73]

Hey micheala73 - keep plodding along, if after the 12 weeks, you still feel not ready to finally stamp out the final cigarette, if possible, extend the dosage until you are ready - set your new stop date as soon as you can and work towards that, you CAN do this.

Also, maybe speak to your doctor who prescribed the champix on your options and struggles. Wishing you strength

[Sarah_star 6 Months Smoke Free]

I have tried to quit in the past like 10 years ago with champix... they made cigerettes taste discusting and made me feel really sick which was funny because the devil in my head was telling me to smoke but the actual smoking was horrid 🤣🤣 they didnt work but i believe that was more me not 100% dedicated to quiting at the time anyway. Im now using e-cig and 2mg lozenges... and willpower! Lots of will power. Im on day 10 now... I have to say no and i have to battle with my brain quite allot which is exhausting. You have to want to quit and be kind to yourself in the process this is not easy 😔

[micheala73 1 Day Smoke Free in reply to Sarah_star]

Thankyou

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

How is things now micheala73 ?

[Hidden]

I used Chantix to quit .

I stayed with one cig a day for almost 29 days ,but then cigarets started tasting really bad then I easily quit .

You can past the first week but I think not longer than a month

Try to get off that one cigarret you still smoking .

Safe your life !

Keep it up 👍

[micheala73 1 Day Smoke Free in reply to Hidden]

Thanks