update on chantix

[chris0531]

Oh my.....Chantix messed with my vision ,got paranoid,spacey & had panic attack ,felt like I couldnt breathe ,only took it 4 days....now have to figure out another oppinion.

[annalittlebit]

I know alot of people who tried Chantix---For the most part they had side effects that made them quit taking it----mainly sleep disturbances and personality changes---I react badly to most medicines so am on day 55 with no meds----Just strong determination and support from my friends and alot of help from my Higher Power---I can't say that my mood had always been the best but I've made no real enemies so far--- LOL -- So I'll continue to trudge on this way!!!!!

[chris0531]

How did you quit ,cold turkey Anna?I'm a long time smoker ,so frustrated that I cant quit!

[annalittlebit]

Well--I'm 63 and have smoked for most every year since I was 16---That's alot of cigarettes---I just put it in my mind---Got alot of good advice from people here--Signed up on Quitnet and trusted my Higher Power---I still have bad moments but find it all to worthwhile to go back now---I'll never say never---But I will say--Not Today!!!!!!!!!

[annalittlebit]

I'm gonna add that I didn't quit the day I decided to----I set the date for a few days in advance and got things in order---Smoked up whatever cigarettes I had left--Found and cleaned all ashtrays---Made certain that for the 1st few days I didn't have to leave the house (so as not to be tempted to stop somewhere and buy smokes) Washed down the walls in my computer room (where I smoked in the house) And read everything I could get my hands on---I've gained 4 lbs but think that's not bad considering the holiday eating I did--Up to 116 lbs----And I've never felt healthier----Good Luck!!!!!!!

[amyster]

Hi,

I have had several clients who are drug/alcohol as well as mentally ill try Chantix to quit smoking and it is a very bad experience. It makes their mental illness worse as well as other things such as sleeplessness, etc. The psychiatrist won't prescribe it to anyone anymore. A lot of my clients chose to wear the nicotine patches because of the side effects of Chantix. Thank goodness I have never smoked but my dad did. He quit cold turkey but it is very hard because of the cravings. Mostly, the nicotine patch seems to work but some people even try hypnosis or the nicotine gum. You just have to try to find out what works for you. Not everything will work for everyone but do keep trying. Don't give up. Quitting drugs/alcohol is hard enough but doing both is even harder. One day something hopefully will kick in.

[janbear]

I understand what you are sharing about amyster. My Psychiatrist said i had no business on chantix with my particular diagnosis espeically after i ended up hospitalized again.

I havent tried again to stop since that experience. But like you said, there are other ways to stop, we just have to see what works for each of us.

[FunnyGirl]

I tried Chantix soon after it was released, and I had a horrible experience as well. I have bipolar disorder, and it sent me into manic episode (with psychosis). I had to discontinue it. I'm still smoking, but by far the best thing was the patch - I was able to quit until I became allergic to it.