Varenicline Champix Chantix

[Orion]

Hi All I am new to this site but I used to be on the old quitnet and the 365 one.  I have given up smoking before and started again.  I normally do well and do a year or so and then I will get over confident an think I can have one.  We all know there is no such thing as 'just one'.  I am back again and determined this time.  I am on day 19 of my quit and I have been using varenicline.  I have used this drug before when it was called champix.  it normally causes low mood but the one I have now does not seem to be shifting.  I feel tearful, no motivation, don't want to see anyone, don't want to get out of bed (but I do).  Each day I keep thinking I will feel better tomorrow but then I don't.  Part of me is wondering if I should lower the dose as some people say that helps but then I also know from experience that lowering the dose brings back cravings and can also make you feel worse still.  Part of me is even wondering if this is just the nicodemon trying everything to get me smoking again.  I just feel a bit stuck guys - can you please reassure me that I will feel more myself again soon, thanks xx

[Reciprocity]

Welcome to Quit Train @Orion!

 

Can't say I have any experience myself with the drug you're taking (formerly Champix). I've only hear many mixed reviews about Champix from those who've tried it. Some have said it was fabulous and made quitting fairly easy for them and others have had issues with it than caused them to abandon taking it and try other quit aids. Seems it really depends on the person.

 

The one thing I can tell you is that quitting is hard, no matter how you approach it and in the end, whatever mathod you choose to quit by it will always boil down to desire & commitment. I found that those are the two things that I had to rely on during heavy cravings in the early part of my own quit. Basically just had to grit my teeth and ride out the storm. It doesn't last forever and ya know what? It didn't kill me either! Right or wrong, I firmly believe that ultimately those two mental qualities (desire & commitment) are what will get you through.

 

And, no matter how you do it, yes things will get better and yes, you'll get back to normal and even better that you're old normal  Life is too precious to snuff it out by smoking.

[SD2026]

Welcome @Orion and well done on 19 days smoke free so far!   I don't have any experience with Varenicline so I can't offer any advise on that I'm afraid but I just wanted to welcome you!  Would it possible to chat with your doctor who prescribed the medication and see if they can see if adjusting the meds is needed or if they can come up with other alternatives?   

 

I'm sorry you're feeling the way you do, it sounds awful but know you're doing amazing for not smoking for a whole 19 days! 

[QuittingGirl]

Hi @Orion Welcome! 19 days is great!  The first time I quit I used Chantix but didn't have the side effects you are describing.  The worst effect I had was nausea that lasted for about 30 minutes or so each morning.  I also had vivid dreams but those didn't really bother me. For me, Chantix was a wonder drug as it made me forget to smoke.  I was quit for 6 years and then unfortunately I went back, but I believe if I found this site back then, I would have gotten the support I needed and probably wouldn't have gone back.  My advice to you is speak with your doctor and tell them what is happening. I can tell you though that the cravings, if you do get them with a lower dose, will eventually go away, they certainly don't last forever.  If you are looking for a support group, this is the group to be in because our members are great and you will get a lot of support!

 

Good luck to you!

[johnny5]

Welome to QuitTrain @Orion and congratulatios on 19 days smoke free.  Keep up the great work!