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!

[Orion]

Thanks so much everyone for your kind and supportive words.  I have decided to drop down to one tablet a day to see if that helps.  I am going to keep close to this group and keep moving forward.  I really don't want to smoke again xx

[Reciprocity]

"I really don't want to smoke again"

 

That's great @Orion! Now that you've made that commitment to yourself, keep it uppermost in your mind, particularly when cravings come calling. Also, keeping a positive attitude throughout your quit helps a lot as well. Look for positive things you're gaining as you quit develops. There'll be great things ahead as your quit matures. Things you don't even realize early on. You could start with ... how much $$ have you saved so far? Also very important as well in the early days of your quit, make sure there are no cigs handy. Destroy all of them and get rid of lighters, ashtrays etc. You can't smoke what you don't have; right?

 

We're all here to cheer you on and help you when & where we can. Let's get this done!!

[DenaliBlues]

Hi @Orion. Congrats on the start of your quit! I’m very sorry that it feels like such a struggle right now. 

 

I agree with others who have suggested a check-in with your prescriber. But it’s also true that quitting entails some losses and sorrows to reckon with. It’s not just a chemical dependence that needs to be broken, there are also emotional aspects to addiction that arise as well. Sorrows, feelings of no energy, flatness, the sensation of being adrift, nothing gratifies… these can be part of the quitting terrain, with or without medication. 

 

The good news is that they pass. It gets better. One day you’ll laugh aloud at something. You’ll catch yourself singing in the shower or the car. You’ll find yourself really enjoying a meal, or looking forward to an activity. All without being chained to nicotine. Good things await you on the other side, so hang in there! 

[Doreensfree]

Welcome aboard @Orion

You have been given good advice , any concerns seek your doctors help 

Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking for good 

We have great information on our main board   Videos to watch 

Stay close to the board

[SD2026]

4 hours ago, Orion said:

Thanks so much everyone for your kind and supportive words.  I have decided to drop down to one tablet a day to see if that helps.  I am going to keep close to this group and keep moving forward.  I really don't want to smoke again xx

Seems like you're committed to this quit which will help you in moment of weakness.  I hope today has been a better day for you.  Day 20! 

[GonSo]

Congratulations with your quit, Orion. Almost three weeks. I quit last November and remember those first weeks very well. Not fun. I was hoping to feel already much better. What I learned here is that you need to put time in it. Physical and emotional improvements are not necessarily noticeable immediately. But looking back you will for sure notice improvements. An immediate improvement is more cash in the wallet! Not smelling awful.

It is so worth it and I do belief the people here that promise us it will go better!!

Keep up, keep busy. Do whatever it takes to keep this quit.