My Champix blog - kicking the death sticks
My Champix blog - kicking the death sticks
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Discussion

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Wednesday 13th July 2011
quotequote all
So... Monday I had my consulation with the NHS Stop Smoking Nurse and got my prescription for Champix.


13-7-11
I took my first 0.5mg pill this morning after breakfast.

So far so good. Ish. Felt sweaty and antsy all morning, minor headache between 9-10am which has now thankfully passed.

Ate lunch, went to smoke post lunch ciggie, got halfway through and wasn't enjoying it so stubbed it out.

No nausea to report, stomach has been a bit gassy and I'm peeing more than normal(?)

MacGee

2,513 posts

259 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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Keep up the blog as good to get inside info on Champix.

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
quotequote all
Ok - well....

Yesterday afternoon was horrible. Mood swings, still sweating up and feeling antsy. Got home and there was a massive black cloud over my head, i.e. more than just irritability. Felt really crap all evening.

Had horrible vivid dreams all night and broken sleep.

Thought about it long and hard last night and decided that there was no way I could put up with this for 3 months or more.

Cop out? Maybe, but my mental health is more important. The sweats and antsyness I could deal with.

Frankly I'm amazed that 0.5mg of this substance can have such strong and tangible side effects!

Edited by Marf on Thursday 14th July 09:04

BigJonMcQuimm

975 posts

241 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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I really wanted to try this but the downside risk do not seem worth it.

Heart attack risk was my worry.

jas xjr

11,309 posts

268 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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Keep up with the tablets. Gave up smoking almost as soon as I started on the champix. Stopped those six weeks early. Have not smoked for a few weeks. Often get a weird feeling that I would like a cig but that is easy to ignore.
My worst side effect was the runs smile

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
quotequote all
jas xjr said:
Keep up with the tablets.
I'm not sure I can, the other side effects I can deal with, but (I hesitate to use the word but since its in the list of side effects I will) the depression is a big no no. Been there before and it screws me six ways from sunday, affects my work etc which is unnacceptable.

I only smoke 4-6 per day, usually after meals. So I'm going to skip my lunch time cig and my after dinner cig tonight, then taper off to nothing over then next few days.

I will quit one way or another, but I think champix is not for me. Annoying as both my mum and my sisters other half had had no side effects other than a bit of a dicky tummy.

Edited by Marf on Thursday 14th July 09:54

SkinnyBoy

4,635 posts

287 months

jas xjr

11,309 posts

268 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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The list of possible side effects is long. Never had an actual problem with depression. It has made one or two people I have spoken to very violent

MacGee

2,513 posts

259 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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I know of one lady who attempted to stab her husband. Doesnt remember it at all!

Special K

893 posts

188 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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I quit using Champix. I started a course from the doctor but managed to kick the cigs and tablets before the end of my 2nd pack of pills. I didn't suffer any side affects that I noticed and haven't looked back. I still get the occasional thought about having a cig but the thought is much nicer than the reality, I enjoy the smell when standing with someone who is smoking but find the stale smell on a smoker repulsive. I quit in November last year and can't see myself ever smoking again. Do it any way you can would be my advice and good luck smile

T84

6,941 posts

223 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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I used Nicorette Nasal Spray, it was brilliant because it gives you an instant hit and takes the cravings away straight away, rather than waiting minutes for the gum to work, which was my big downfall.

Honestly, try the spray, it make giving up REALLY easy for me. I did the spray for 3 months, and then about 2-3 months of the gum, and then I just stopped.

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
quotequote all
Well, I didnt have my lunch time ciggie, 6 hours on and I'm not craving one.

Let's see what tomorrow brings. smile

Will call the docs tomorrow and ask if my second consultation can be brought forward a week so I can keep the nurse up to date.

T84

6,941 posts

223 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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Good luck anyway mate, if you don't succeed I probably owe you about 200 B&H anyway :P

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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laugh All cash donations gratefully received tongue out

Hows it going in Canada eh?

T84

6,941 posts

223 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
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Awesome mate smile Montréal is an amazing city. Settling into my Condo now smile

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Thursday 14th July 2011
quotequote all
Cool beans, glad its all working out for you. beer

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Sunday 17th July 2011
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OK - my last ciggie was on Thursday morning. Can't say I've craved, but a couple of times I've thought "hmm, I'd quite like a cigarette now" but the thought is easily ignored.

So far so good. smile

Special K

893 posts

188 months

Monday 18th July 2011
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It will only get easier from here, well done

Marf

Original Poster:

22,907 posts

270 months

Sunday 31st July 2011
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Big test last night, first outing for a drinky session with friends. Successfully resisted temptation!

davido140

9,614 posts

255 months

Sunday 31st July 2011
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MacGee said:
I know of one lady who attempted to stab her husband. Doesnt remember it at all!
yeah yeah, jimmy reckon!!!