Hi there; hope everyone had a good Christmas. I did okay on not smoking and over-eating, but last night was tough. I went to my sister's for Christmas Day supper. Everyone was drinking wine, eating desert and the baked goods were on display. After supper I had an urge to step outside away from the noise and have a quiet smoke with my coffee. Of course ... I didn't. But driving home around 10:00 pm, I felt the same desire and a lot of sadness.
I guess I need to talk about what's really going on. Champix is really depressing the heck out of me. It's disrupting my sleep, I have dark circles under my eyes, and I find myself crying for no reason. I'll take it in January so that will be 3 months. I don't want to take it for 4 months like the doctor suggested. Especially because I'm going to Costa Rica mid February and don't want to be a sleepless cry baby while there. I'll wean off the first two weeks of February. Other than that, I'm happy it's been over a month of being smoke free and extra money in my pocket.
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Quit4Money
1 Year Smoke Free
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Reading your post made me feel sad as we both started on Champix about the same time didn’t we. It’s so great to have my freedom back but like you there are moments when I really want that cigarette. Fortunately they are improving my sleep but I understand how difficult this must be for you as I’m hopeless if I don’t get me sleep. Please see your doctor before making any decisions as I have heard so many people coming off Champix early and they are back to square one and smoking again. Perhaps he can give you something to help with the sleeping which in turn will help your depression. Thinking of you and stay strong.
Quit4Money1 Year Smoke Free9 Months Smoke Free in reply to 2217
Thanks 2217, for such a supportive post. Just sharing this with you guys has been helpful. I'm going to take your advice and see my doctor tomorrow. xo
I wouldn't put everything down to champix as though if you were not taking it you'd be ok. People need to understand that they underestimate cigarettes and how you build up a reliance on them as a support in your life. They are an antidepressant, they lift you up. When you have a hard time you have a cigarette, when you want some me time, a cigarette and a coffee and it's bliss just like a glass of wine and a cigarette, it eases you and lifts you.
Now, you have it no longer and you have to survive without it. People under estimate just what stopping smoking means, you are quiting a drug habit and the longer you done it for the more it's habit forming ways have you.
It's very hard, very long and very easy to just give up and just go back to smoking.
Champix may be affecting your mood but don't put it all down to it because you'll find you are like this even without champix.
Very wise, thanks for your insight, gggg. Over the years, I've frequently felt sad after visiting my sister's place. And cigarettes DID give me that boost. My crutch is gone now. And instead, I just have to feel the feelings, acknowledge them and let them go. My late mother also told me she sometimes felt lonely after visiting my sister. I think it's because she relates on a different level (my mother and I are deep little souls) ha ha.
If you ever feel the need to smoke try to imagine a cigarette like a pill in a packet, would you take it to get your hit of nicotine or woukd you try and quit these pills once and for all ?. After all you weren't born smoking, it's just something you picked up along the way, you can live without them just like you once did.
I’ve been in your shoes at social gatherings and it seems sad because that part of your life isn’t the same. You see every one having fun but you? But you should celebrate that you didn’t need cigarettes to enjoy your time. If you are missing the smokes that could be why you are sad all the time. Your friend is gone but what kind of friend takes your money and is bad for you? You can always talk to your doctor before making decisions. Good luck
Thankfully, I don't miss the smokes. I was just taken by surprise that I actually wanted one! I have noticed Champix is affecting me and not having sleep will affect mood. So a trip to the doc's office is in order. Thanks for your support.
I really hope your GP comes up with a solution to help you. I was under the impression that you were having no problems with taking the Champix. I agree with KathieO that this addiction will raise its head in many forms of disguise as it’s so powerful. It will creep up on you when you least expect it to and before you know it your asmoker again.
What you must remember is that it is you who has done most of the hard work to get to where you are, that “blue tablet” is merely helping you out.
Hey there! Well done for coming so far! I took the Champix too but was having some issues with them, like they cancelled my enjoyment of everything lol food etc tasted different to the point i was eating a lot of sweets so that I could taste anything.
I took it until a couple of weeks ago, I did stop and found my dopamine levels crashed so I weaned myself off. I had been having some issues with breathing but I can’t be sure if that was the tablets or something else. I should have finished the course but I had like 3 weeks to go so don’t feel I missed out on much.
Honestly I would see your doc ASAP if you are feeling depressed on them. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t sure what the cause is just go see your doc. I have taken these a few times and that would set my alarm bells ringing if I felt like that, thankfully I never have apart from the dopamine drop which was of my own making.
Super appreciate your sharing this, Sollana. I booked an appointment for January 11th which isn't too far away. Being off work this week is helping enormously and I'm making sure to get out and see friends and family so that I'm not isolated during this weird time.
I agree, weaning off before the 3 months is not a huge deal. Like everyone keeps telling me, the Champix only takes us so far .. the rest is on us. Thanks again - if I knew how to make a heart on this site I'd sign off with that
Hi quit4money ,and congratulations for quitting smoking .
I quit with Chantix 18 months ago ,and I can guarantee you is the same for everyone who stoped smoking .Years ago they related Chantix with depresión just because a couple of people reported intense depresión .
I’ve been part of smoking support and quitting smoking communities ever since I quit ,and I’ve learned everyone one here goes trough obvious behaving changes .
Now I believe Chantix is the easiest method to quit smoking.
No matter wich way we quit as long as we stop forever to hurt our health .
A few advises :distract your mind , herbal tea ,no caffeine , exercise , breathing exercises , keeping interested in new proyects ,helping others to quit ,and basically stay positive .
If you think the depression it’s to much to hurt your life consult your doctor or ask for reduced dosing .
Hey Quit4Money - 50 days smoke free now! Apologies for only getting around to replying to this post. These feelings of sadness and like missing out is normal, especially celebrating Christmas smoke free for the first time. I promise, next year will be a doddle to you!
Have a read of below pinned post worth a read if not already done so.
Thanks Roisin. I have to miss work today because I've literally not slept and it's 4:30 am. Starting today, I will only be taking my Champix in the morning. Doc appointment in a week to wean off even more so that I'll be off Champix when I'm on my vacation in Costa Rica. Luckily, I'm going with two non-smokers and I barely drink alcohol so it will be a restful and healing time in nature.
Hopefully with taking the morning only pill will help with the sleep disruption Quit4Money For me, going cold turkey I suffered big time with the sleep disruption for the first 3 months I would say - wide awake at 02:00 in the morning and would fall back asleep 5 minutes before the alarm went off If no improvement, maybe pop into your chemist to ask for advice or even your health food shop for herbal supplements before your doctors appointment
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If no improvement, maybe pop into your chemist to ask for advice or even your health food shop for herbal supplements before your doctors appointment 
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