Champix | ExpatWoman.com
 

Champix

610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 12:26
PS I CANT wait for the day I dont want to rush off an aircraft to light up .......... and I hope that wish keeps me going when going thro the nasty bit of quitting ... xxx That is SERIOUSLY an amazing feeling. Focus on it! I LOVE THAT PART OF BEING A NON-SMOKER NOW! Thanks CIDXB :-) :-) Next job, make a huge list of all things I hate re smoking and pin to fridge and keep about person at all times ;-) x
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 12:13
SueB - thanks so much, you've certainly given me some things to think about and now I'm seriously having second thoughts re Champix. And thanks for the web addy - seriously scary stuff eh!! I have a quit date which is after my folks impending weeks visit, I'll cut down throughout that week as my folks hate me smoking around them so 17th Jan is the big day, 1 week to get over the nasty bit before I commence my new job on the 24th. Eeeeeek. Wondering whether to consider the electronic fags ....... more research for me on all fronts!1 Thanks again for all your support - means loads ;-) LLx
409
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:51
PS I CANT wait for the day I dont want to rush off an aircraft to light up .......... and I hope that wish keeps me going when going thro the nasty bit of quitting ... xxx That is SERIOUSLY an amazing feeling. Focus on it! I LOVE THAT PART OF BEING A NON-SMOKER NOW!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 16:44
Is it sold over the counter or with prescription? I want to give it a go too..
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 09:25
loopy, I might be a bit concerned that every time you quit you go into a deep depression. If Champix also can make some depressed then why not look for an alternative? Often a short course of a couple of months of the right anti depressant can help you stay positive through the quiting experience. Smoking can hold at bay depression, I did not know that but it was one of the things I learned going through the last quit. So, when you quit you can get depressed. So, if you tend that way, protect yourself first and if you do decide to go on anti depressants you must know you will have to change the prescription after you quit smoking to a lower dose. Anyway, this site http://whyquit.com/ helped me get through the 1st 3 months. It was like a lifeline. There is so much information in 'Joel's Library' it will boggle your mind. Also the support is really great. It is a cold turkey site and they dont mince words, it is a tough site and does not let you talk your way back into smoking. I called it a tough love for smokers lol.... I had joined a few other site but found they helped in the excuse to start smoking again, they kept saying it was alright to give up and try again, etc and that just did not sit well with me, hence WhyQuit.com :). Anyway, it worked as a huge support for me and I can honestly say, one of the many reasons I have not picked up a cig in times of high stress is that I do not ever want to have to quit smoking again lol!!!! So, there you are, just another possible support for you :)
297
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 08:10
Seriously though, thank you all for such wisdom ........... I can see the dangers of Champix .... deep depression being one side effect ..... but then again I have launched into deep depression each time I have attempted to quit so can the side effects of champix be that much worse?? There will be some feeling drepressed after quitting - that is normal, quiting is a major lifestyle change and in most cases you give up something that has been with you through so much..... But normally it will be bearable and will go away You also want to watch your coffee and tea intake when you quit smoking - many a exsmoker lies in bed at night unable to sleep for the first few weeks. Nicotin helps to metabolize caffein so if you don't have nicotine anymore even your regular amount of coffee will have more effect on you. Happy quitting!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 06:09
I have a good friend who had tried to give up a number of times and eventually turned to champix. He has now been smoke free for nearly a year. We are so happy for him. Wondering about it now for FIL but don't think we could get him to try!!! Good luck LL.
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 00:26
PS I CANT wait for the day I dont want to rush off an aircraft to light up .......... and I hope that wish keeps me going when going thro the nasty bit of quitting ... xxx
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 00:23
Oh my lord...... so many wise words to take in having logged off for a few hours and logged back in again for a quick fag!!! Seriously though, thank you all for such wisdom ........... I can see the dangers of Champix .... deep depression being one side effect ..... but then again I have launched into deep depression each time I have attempted to quit so can the side effects of champix be that much worse?? My cold turkey will power is ......errrrr, well,,,,, non existent :-( Thank you again ladies for all your experiences & wisdom ..... again as said I'll update as my crusade begins xxxcxc
2262
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 23:59
3 days before my quit day I got very upset and weepy. It felt like I was giving up a friend who I could never have in my life again. I was not great the last creeping days and I smoked like a chimmney. I had only smoked 5 in the last pack, broke the rest in pieces and shoved them in the garbage, cried because I was terrified I could not do it :)...3 years on, I was much stronger than I gave myself credit for, because, I wanted to quit.
14
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 22:16
I stopped smoking using Champix. It worked really well for me but DH hated the side effects when he took it and decided to go cold turkey instead - but i was willing to put up with some nausea, nightmares and sweats etc in order to quit as I have no will power. You still have to decide on a date when you are not going to light up, but before that date you start not enjoying smoking or just don't want to smoke and forget to smoke too. When you love 'not having a cigarette' as much as you used to love having one, the feeling is fab!! Good luck with whatever you decide upon.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 22:04
Glitter gave up smoking with the help of acupuncture and a harsh juice detox.
409
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 21:55
It's different for every individual. I had the same problem as a female relative of mine - Champix gave us nose bleeds. Not run-of-the-mill nose bleeds but awful ones - will spare the details. I've known others who were enormously successful with Champix (although the wild dreams seem to be common). You just have to be really self-aware when you start taking it. Best of luck to you. I am a quitter and one of those terrible reformed smokers now. You truly don't know how much you stink until you don't smoke for a couple of months. You THINK you know now, but you don't. It's enough to make me never go back :)
297
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 20:37
Be very cautious before using any drugs like champix - like the poster before said you could end up with depression. Consult your doctor before using any drugs to quit smoking. Pharmacisits here try to sell you the stuff and tell you it is as harmless as candy - I know from first hand experience (' mam, no problem , no worry very harmless drug, help you quit smoking....') I quit smoking a couple of years back (I was a pack a day smoker for many many years). I ended up quitting cold turkey. It is possible, there are plenty of strategies and tips for quitting online. (see bellow) You can do it! The first few days will be hard, but once the physical withdrawal is over it gets better and the cravings get less and less frequent. And soon you will feel very happy and content that you don't have to find a place where you can light up or you don't have to dread long distance flights where you can't have a smoke for eight hours or more.... http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/junkiethinking/a/junkiethinking.htm http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/stages.htm http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/cravingsandurges/f/IMissSmoking.htm http://www.stop-smoking-tips.com/quit-smoking-frustration.html http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/cravingsandurges/a/halt.htm http://www.heartpoint.com/smoking.html#Why%20is%20it%20so%20hard? http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/cravingsandurges/a/copingskills.htm http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/healingthemind/ss/tenthings.htm <em>edited by Lilli34 on 03/01/2011</em>
384
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 20:10
champix sent me into deep depression...it was awful. Watch out for the signs and be careful. Saying that, my friend used champix and had no problems, unfortunately her quit only lasted 2 months.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 19:21
Btw GOOD LUCK LOPPY LOTTI! :)
37
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 19:20
I don't smoke but my OH does and he wanted to quit so I went to the pharmacy and they recommended Champix, he told me a guy use to smoke 3 packets a day and after he took Champix he quit smoking immediately. I brought it for my husband and he hasn't even open the packet yet :( gutted.
322
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:58
LL - Thank you for the good lucks, being a non smoker is for winners. I also turn 40 in Feb which was another factor in me giving up. Good Luck you go girl.
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:57
Oh sh*t, grabs lighter and cig .................... Give me a week & I REALLY hope to be on the road to recovey ....... The Champix folk say take the drug for a week before you stop ............... I'll update as it occurs ..... visiting the chemist for my champix fix tmrw ............ I truely hope and pray I have the strength to quit ..... thousands do against the thousands that dont ....I really want to to join the thousands that do stop and would like to enjoy latter life!!! thx again XXXXXXX
2262
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:39
whatever floats your boat Loopy, thats the way you will go :).....just remember, every inhalation of a cigarette poisons your body and every puff, takes you closer to death and away from your children and grandchildren, parents, sibs and beloved friends. I am sorry to hear why you started again and you can do it...you can do it now or do it later but....you can do it. Give yourself credit, make this your last quit while your skin is still good and you can breath lol...
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:31
SueB - Have actually printed your post to stick on my fridge as my mantra :-) Thank you again :-) x
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:24
So to continue my rant .....I'm not sure I have the guts nor confidence to go cold turkey ..... I've had way too much cold turkey these past 2 weeks without quitting nicotine on top. I'm gonna give Champix a go and will update those that are interested re how I'm doing. Thx to you all again and any further insights always most welcome!! LL xxx
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:19
Oh SueB thank you so much for your support. Why did I stop (or rather start again) after 3 weeks? ......... hmmmmm a combo of all your reasons I think!!! I was forced into stopping because I found myself with child (how lovely and old fashioned does that sound ;-) I unfortunately lost said child at 3 mths (but this is NOT a sob story!!!). Altho I was devestated ....and theres time for me yet just - IF I give up smoking!!!!) The confidence to stick it out tho is very poingnent.....its an insipidus horrible drug and i SO wish I'd listent to my heavy smoker parents at aged 14 ... luckily they both gave up many years ago, Dad was a heavy heavy 60 a day man ...who now at 69 is one of the fittest chaps I know & Mum at 64 is even healthier having given up some 15 years early than Dad ........
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 18:01
Doh, 3 replies whilst I was composing my reply .... thank you so much ladies .......... going back now to read properly the replies!! :-)
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 17:57
Ahhh Shazman thank you so much for your reply. I'm looking for some inspiration which you've given! I've also read about weird dreams side effects, but then again I tend to occasionally have weird dreams anyway so if that is the only side effect of Champix I'm up for a go! I've also read that nausea can be a side effect, and that I would struggle with ...........but different horses for different courses & I'm hoping my internal horse is capable of jumping this particular course!! I am due to start a new job in January so new pastures and with a 40th coming up in Feb the time is definately due to give it my best go at giving up ..... in fact dont they say dont give up just stop ...... a pyschological brain thing :-) Good luck Shazman into your latter months of being a non smoker .... I so hope to join the ranks of non smokers soon!! x
2362
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 17:54
my other half (long term smoker) tried everything and the only that worked was champix. it very cleverly works on the neurotransmitters in your brain so that the pleasure you get from cigarettes eventually goes away. yes he had a few side effects (nausea) but said it was so so worth it for the end result. i am very happy happy to have a smoke free partner!
2262
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 17:52
congrats Loopy on giving it another go :). Your last quite to 3 weeks...darn good. You had gotten yourself over the worst week, got through the 2nd not so bad week and were cruising your 3rd of being an exsmoker. What happened? Was it: 1. you thought just one smoke would be fine? 2, you hit the bars with friends without a backup plan? 3. You were not drinking enough water and did not make plans on what you were going to put into your mouth other than a cig (dont get rude here lol) 4. You never gave up the wine for awhile? 5. you did not have enough confidence in yourself to stick it out? You know you can quite cold turkey for 3 weeks. You can do cold turkey again. Why drag it out. The 1st week is the hardest, make plans to cope, do accupuncture, massage make the whole month about Me Me Me. Inform everyone you quite, ask for support even from the kids, especially from the husband. Remember, Me Me Me. It is tough but you have already proven to yourself you can do it :). I am over 3 years quit and cannot still believe it sometimes. Breath Breath Breath, drink water, no alcohol, stay away from smokers and no one smokes in your house, ever!!! Clean all your clothes and pay attention to how smokers smell, not nice.....so, that is it in a nutshell, at least for me. Make it all about you and dont waiver, pamper yourself, walk 30 min a day, watch what you eat...stay away from the sweets, start running if you can, anything to remind you you need good lungs :). I was diagnosed with COPD a year after I quit..thank goodness I did quit before that shattering news :)....so, clean lungs, no reason to poison your body, make it your last quit, respecct you, care about you. You dont need luck, but you need determination that you are important enough not to let the poison of cig enter your body and control your life. :)
322
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 17:30
Hi LL, I have given up now for just about 3 months using Champix. I had the starter pack and chose a day to give up, i finished the 2 week pack then got the next pack. I only took for the first week then as and when I remembered. I now take one if I am going out with smokers, i think it is probably all in my imagination but I think it helps me. After about a week of being on Champix, I had the most strangest and felt so real dreams, but apart from that I did not feel any side effects. I must add, i was also at a point in my life where I was ready to give up and i got a new job that was keeping me busy, so I can not 100% say it was all down to Champix. Although i have tried many times before to give up and this is the longest I have been off the fags so Champix probably helped an awful lot. Good luck LL, if you are ready to give it a go - go for it. You never know it might just be the right time in your life to give up.
610
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 17:16
Hi lovely ladies ...... how many of you out there still smoke or are ex smokers??? My smoking career is so overdue to end & I am historically rubbish at quitting the distusting weed (3 weeks is the most I have managed over the past 10 years & 5 times of trying to quit). So, I'm now looking at a drug to attempt to quit ...... have any of you any experience of Champix???? It supposedly deadens the receptors in your brain to make you believe you do not actually enjoy the smoke any more .... I'm all for make believe but would love to hear any of your stories of quitting with or without Champix. Help!!! I want a 2011 nicotine free life!! x
 
 

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