I definitely had nausea and abdominal cramping

I have taken myself off champix and I'm still not smoking, but there is will power involved, I'm determined to kick them forever...

I do feel a lot better without champix, if you are having problems with the mood swings and depression you could try only having 1 tablet a day and not 2, it worked for me

I developed chaffing around the genitals. I just wanted to tell someone.

i myself am on champix and its a 12 week course not a month you need to go back for a repeat..
i also suffer depression and it is a symptom from taking champix you need to talk to your doctor about it because they may not be suited for you but it may just be a temporary symptom...
good luck

wow.. so many different opinions.. thanks all..
I started smoking again last May after 8 months off. STUPID ME.

I've set my date and am thinking I might give Champix a go, or hypnotherapy...
I'm not a depressive person so I think I'll be fine there..

well i have suffered deppression and champix hasn't made any deppressing thoughts happen to me but lets wait and see.. still early days

I have been an extremely heavy smoker for years. When I got down to a pack and a half a day, I considered it "cutting down". At the end of last year, for some reason, I just lost the desire to smoke. I had never tried to quit before, so thought, that perhaps, it would be a good time to try.

I decided not to use patches or meds as I wanted to off load quickly, and not prolong my withdrawal. Considering I also gave up heroin cold turkey a long, long time ago, I thought cigarettes would be a walk in the park.

I found the cravings and withdrawal symtoms pretty controllable but really struggled with the moods. I was becoming completely homicidal for the most trivial of reasons, and I am a pretty relaxed guy. This made me consider patches, but after two or three weeks, the moods just disappeared on their own.

I find I am not craving cigarettes at all. Infact the smell has begun to make me sick, and not spending 12 bucks a day on smokes, has given me extra drug money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbie

wow.. so many different opinions.. thanks all..
I started smoking again last May after 8 months off. STUPID ME.

I've set my date and am thinking I might give Champix a go, or hypnotherapy...
I'm not a depressive person so I think I'll be fine there..

I am not a depressive person either - Champix made me so uncontrollably depressed it was horrible, It will effect everyone differently .. just be warned and best of luck

This is a continuation of the Nicotine addiction and CHAMPIX thread posted on the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation Forum.
To read all previous post go here

The last two posts to this thread were:

From Liz on Sun 01 Mar, 2009 10:02 pm -
Hi there,

I am new and have just picked up my first packet of Champix. I am pretty excited and expect it to work .... I think if we believe in something it is more likely to come true. It is very helpful to me to read these posts and to know what to (possibly) expect. I take anti-depressants but my doctor has been very supportive re the Champix. I smoked from 15 years until about 28 when I had my children, then started again about 5 years ago (break of about 15 years) so when I do the smoking surveys I treat myself as just a five year smoker.

I will follow this site with interest and hopefully be able to recreate the great success stories of you guys.

From Northernnick on Tue 03 Mar, 2009 1:21 pm-
Hi Liz,
Welcome to our forum and sincerely hope we can help you thru the quit process this time.
Make sure to log in and let us know how you are doing on the champix.......this forum seems to be the only place you can get real feedback about the drug from people using it.
Marg is our WINNER so far being still smoke free despite many obstacles!
I fell off the wagon over new years and back on champix for the second time..............Was getting a bit worried as I kept having the occasional fag till four days ago when I stopped.....Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!! From the 9 months I was nicotine free I really enjoyed the sense of accomlishment and know I will again as smoking is no longer even a pleasant thing in my life.
Am sure that if you have decided to quit that you will succeed with Champix.......they can knock you around a bit for a few weeks but the benefits are that you become totally nicotine free very early in the process and like some may be able to quit using champix after around 8 weeks.................
This forum is being transfered to intigrate with same same forums later this week and am assuming you will all get notification to join up with same same.com and register a username to continue to access this forum..............Got me fingers crossed that we won't get lost in the process........Only a few of current posts will be transferred to new forum format at same same......but all we have acheived to date will still be archived......................Look forward to offering continued support in the new forum setup........catch you there ,
Hope all are doing well,
Hugs,
Nick

Please continue posting by clicking on "Post a Reply" below......

Hi Nick,
I found you, think this forum will take me awhile to find my way around, its so much bigger.
Welcome Liz and good luck with the quit.

Hi Guys,

Just making sure I have done all the right things to switch over.

Hi Liz and good luck. Keep us posted. I gave myself the two full weeks from start before stopping smokes. I was a heavy smoker, about 30 a day of Peter Jackson 16mg, but I found the first week I cut down to half and the second week down to about 5-8 a day. Then stopped on the day 14 of pills. The pills really made you not feel like smoking. My husband was about the same as me and he smoked 30 - 40 a day of Peter Jackson 16mg. Good luck.

How are you going Nick with the smoking? When you started back on pills did you go straight to 1 per day or 1/2 a day first.

I haven't decided whether to go back on them or not. Sometimes I think I am starting to give in to the want for a smoke as I will have a drag or 5 and then next minute I dont think about it for about 2-3 days. So not sure what to do yet. I tell myself each time I have a drag of my daughters that I am a fool and I dont need it so I dont have anymore then a couple of days later I will do the same. Honestly - no will power. My only thought is that I know I dont want to start again especially for the money sake and it pulls me up. I actually spoke to Chris today about how he is going and he says that he still wants to have one but he wont. I am glad as he was the one the doctor wanted to give up as he has the heart problems. He has put on so much weight now that he is hating it. Hopefully he wont give in and start again. I didn't tell him I had had a few puffs here and there as I dont want him to do it as I think he would more prone to starting again.

Marg, how are you going with the second lot of pills? I have tried to keep up with mostly everything but I have forgotten some of the things everyone writes. Are you Talking to your husband yet? That in itself would drive me nuts and give me the thoughts of smoking. I find that if I start to stress on something is when I think about it the most. Its a bit hard to say dont worryabout something as its not that easy hey. Your doing good and have the will power and congratulations on it.

I have to go now as my kids just turned up so I will check in again tomorrow. Have a great night every one

Julie

Hi guys ,
Gr8 to see you managed to manouvre and follow us here and to hear that you are still going well.
I took half a champix twice a day for a few days before taking the full dose.........am doing Ok for the past few days at least but have to tell you do NOT start smoking again as champix are knocking me around a lot more this time round and finally quitting aint the breeze it was last year.......
How you going Liz?
How are you going Marg? getting some rain down there yet? Had a few dry days so was able to get some mowing and gardening done but expecting more rain from the cyclone off the queensland coast
Will check in tomorrow,
good luck and hugs for all,
Nick

Hey there

I am about to start a course of Champix and am interested to know whether anyone has had any experience with taking recreational drugs such as ecstacy while on this medication. I am fully aware that it wouldn't be the ideal thing to do and it would be different for everyone, just interested to see if there is anyone that has already done this and if it had any major affects on them.

Ciao

Hey Robbie,

I'm not a depressive person either, in fact quite the opposite. I had mood swings which I took out on people around me more than depression. On saying that I've just finished my 3rd month without cigarettes, I've already saved over $960 by not buying cigarettes in only 3 months ... that's a big incentive to give up...

I'm into my second month of Champix, 23 days without smoking. No bad side effects apart from dreaming more often and the occasional restless nights' sleep. Not sure if it's the Champix or just me. No cravings at all but ridding myself of the habit is the hardest part. I would highly recommend this method to stop smoking. I've been a smoker for about 38 yrs, I loved it and I hated it. Now I plan to buy more jewellery and take more holidays with the extra money I have.
I would definitely NOT recommend mixing this drug with anything else, no matter what others may have experienced. Way too dangerous to even think about.

Hi All
Just a quickie, Julie Im not talking to Hubby and dont think I will. we work together so its hard. That sometimes gets to me and i then think of smoking. I have a personal trainer at the moment and I keep trying to remind myself how much fitter i am, but to be honest the way she makes me work i feel anything but fit.

Im still taking the extra course one a day, but must admit some days i forget, but then want a smoke, not sure if its the stress or what makes me think i want one, so at 5mths i must be the longest champix user ever

But at least im smoke free, for now and i hope ever

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick check in. I have still been busy with my mum and dads house but finally finished cleaning it now it is only mowing and to take certain pot plants out. Cant wait till its finished.

Nick, I am scared about taking the pills again as I certainly don't miss the sleepless nights. I am just watching myself and trying to control the smoke urges but so far I have in the last 2 weeks been wanting more. On average I would say maybe 2-3 a day. I started back at gym today to get fitter and stop the weight going on as much. I think that is what I cant handle anymore. I have only put on 5 kgs now but it feels like 50. Chris is still not smoking but he says it has been hard. He has cotton on to the fact I have had a few but he still hasn't . He has now put on about 23 kgs and says he has given up one bad thing to become obese and probably give himself a heart attach. I told him the weight would eventually stop and come back off but he's not so sure. I told him the other night that I was proud of him for doing it and not giving in so I hope it sinks in to him. Everyone tells him as well.

Marg, I don't know how you are doing it, not talking to your husband. I couldn't stand it. But if it makes you a stronger person for it, good on you. Every thing I read says excercise is a stress relief so keep going with it too. I haven't had a personal trainer as I have seen them at the gym and they really work people and of course I think, "not for me" so I do it at my own speed. Probably would do me better if I had one but I'm lazy. Still I look at it like this, if I still go to gym and do 1 hour at my speed eventually it will show. I went 3 years ago and in 3 months you could see a difference so I am hoping for a miracle now. I more so want to feel healthy again and be able to play with the grandchildren rather that say I have to stop because grandma's too old to do it.

Liz, how are you going? After you read all our post don't let us deter you. It is just us being a bit weak at the wrong time. I find my weak time is when I am not busy as I start to think about smoking so I try then to find something to occupy myself. I have been doing a family tree for years but I am right into it now so that helps.

Will check in again probably next week when the house settles on the 23 March.

Julie

Hi Julie,Marg and Liz,
Got me champix and some sleeping tablets now and been fag free for a week...yippee!!!!!
Was feeling a bit like you Julie re not wanting to continue on champix and that a few fags weren't really an issue but hey......who are we kidding?LOL Started drinking a lot more water again and fruit juices instead of snacking out every five minutes which seems to help with feeling hungry.........am sure the weight does come down again in time as long as you don't swap nicotine with food too...............I have some sleepers which I'll only take every few nights to ensure I'm getting some physical rest and can cope as long as i can sleep......No dreams this time round either! Sleep deprevation can cause disorientation and anxiety which when giving up can really amplify any cravings you may have..............I feel bad enough for starting to smoke again but know I can quit and don't think I'll relapse this time round.......My younger sister(who I'm very close to) in UK was diagnosed with parkinsons and it was hearing her in tears that tipped the emotional scales for me and bought the old smoking as a coping mechanism galloping out of the closet!.....good news as of last night is that she saw a specialist who is advocating for her to go on new treatments strait away and that she may not progress with parkinsons for around 10/15 years ......Bummer is she has to find the funds to pay for the meds till it's available on the pbs or is granted compassionate access..........She has now told the rest of the family which makes it easier now for me as we don't have to keep the secret any more as i couldn't talk to anyone in the family about her........Gr8 to hear that Chris is still fag free....congratulate him from us here!
Gr8 to see you have gotten some rain down there Marg at last.........So glad that you are still our winner and soooo proud of your acheivements to date.........Hope your mum, daughter and all are ok.....they are all the better I'm sure for having you around.
How you going Liz? It's Ok to log on and tell us you are feeling like crap!LOL This is all about trying to quit and you don't have to be a success story to get support here.
got to go and get me car serviced but wanted to say hi and wish you all a gr8 day,
hugs all round,
Nick and dexter x

Hi All,
Didn't manage to get on online much over the weekend as I took advantage of the dry weather and caught up on all me mowing.
How are we all going?
Had contact with Pam who was in our thread a while back and she hope s to rejoin us soon.
Have now been having fantastic sleeps with the help of hypnodorm and also have the champix dreams back......yippee! Good news for me is that i haven't had a fag for well over a week now and although thinking about them am not craving them......Have been drinking plenty of fluids and also found that instead of gorging out on food that packs on the kilos I've been having 1/4 -1/2 rockmelon, water melon instead.....still fills you up!LOL........Also found drinking a 250ml glass of warm water also stops the hunger pangs too.
Feeling much more positive this week and hope you guys are still going OK.
Must be good Marg to have had all that rain down there and some cooler temps eh?.......I have been loving the cooler nights after months of balmy humid weather..
What's happening Liz?...........Let us know.
Julie and Chris.............you guys have done sooo well to date and have me fingers crossed that you can keep it up despite the weight issues.
My fall off the 'No Smoking Wagon" really caused a major wobble in my self confidence but having now got back on the right track feel it has taught me a lesson and only just strengthened my determination to remain nicotine free, wealthier and healthier.
Have agr8 week guys,
Nick and Dexter x

Hi all
Used champix succesfully last year and quit for 10/11months.......Didn't experience depression or stomach upsets either but did suffer sleep deprivation and got some sleepers to assist me with that one.......last year had amazing dreams (not nightmares) too which made the whole experience enjoyable.
However I got a bit emotionally upset over an issue with a close family member over xmas/new year and started having the occassional fag which (a) I didn't enjoy , (b) didn't think would start up a habit again, (c) made me feel a right burk!
Started on Champix again and was amazed how differently they affected me this time round.......feeling 'zoned out", anxious and no enjoyable dreams this time round either! .........Feel lucky that I've been involved with the nicotine and champix thread (that has migrated here from bgf's on line forum) and formed some good supportive on line relationships to discuss issues with..........Have now remained nicotine free for coming up to two weeks and confident that I won't be going thru this a third time!...........have been feeling down but definately not severely depressed and have just put a few post it notes around the place which just read.......It's only the champix! .....found this helps when I find me mind wandering and looking for reasons why I'm feeling like shit in other areas of my life.......Lucky also that I got a gr8 mad boxer pup Dexter who makes me laugh a lot and that helps heaps.
A bit frustrating for anyone trying to quit that most forums just mention all the negative facts about champix and non of the good stuff..........Would just be gr8 if more people actually posted how they coped with champix side effects and what's worked for them........Of course if you have not made that critical decision "I want to quit" save your money and don't bother trying as champix only assists you and doesn't do it for you.
As mentioned in an earlier post here Doctors are not recommended to give champix to anyone who has diagnosed depression or on antidepressants as this drug alters your brain chemistry for a while...........
Have known several people who have tried to quit using champix who also drink lot's of alcohol, take ecstacy and party drugs and felt so bad that they stopped the champix! .........Booze, party drugs stuff your brain chemistry around too but of course it's the champix that's causing the problems!
If your using Champix let us know how you are doin!
Nick

Hi Nick!!! I found you!!! YAY! can't seem to find Marg yet and having problems navigating the forum...but I shall persevere!! hugs from me and Eddy the dog (((pam))) REMEMBER: it's ONLY the champix (LOL)

Hi MARG and NICK!!!



we found you!!!

luv pam & eddy

still trying to navigate this forum...(doh!)

Hi Pam,
Welcome back sweet thing.......We are all int other champix and nicotine thread,
Hugs,
Nick and Dexterx

11.30 am and I just got up........How slack is that? Had me coffee and fighting Dexter for me last hot cross bun!LOL
Still fag free....yippee! So glad that everythings smelling better again and no urges to smoke either...........We had HEAVY rain last night which kept me awake even tho I had a warm glass of milk and honey with a nip of scotch when I took me champix and a sleeping tablet.........didn't think I had any sleep or dreams and at one point ( aound 4.30am) got up and had another glass of milk and to my amazement found a little rainforest frog on the wall in the kitchen (such a rare occurance). Got me camera out and tried to get some pictures but for some reason it wasn't working......I changed the batteries and still no luck! ......The rain got heavier and the noise of the rain on the tin roof got louder and louder which freaked Dexter out so decided to go backto bed and put in some ears plugs.......Woke up late this morning to the sound of heavy rain with Dexter curled up on the bed, no ear plugs and me camera was still in it's case hanging nr the kitchen door!LOL.........Yippee a champix dream! .........
Got some good results yesterday which just reinforced the benefits of quitting nicotine......after several years of fluctuating problems with liver functions all have returned to nr normal...........The only thing that I have done differently was to quit for 10/11 months last year .......Hearing this has just increased my determination to stay off the fags as me Hiv meds already put enough burden on the liver 24/7.......Am hoping to be able to quit the champix earlier too but not getting ahead of myself at this stage as I still have a way to go..............
For all who are reading these posts saying champix doesn't work?
We now know our Pam is safe and sound but what's happened Liz? We'll still love you if your skin goes grey and wrinkled and you wreak of fag smoke!LOL
Have a gr8 weekend guys,
Nick and Dexter x

Hi guys,

I wrote this when reflecting on some unhealthy relationships I had in my life...thanks to friends like Marg and Nick...I will never veer too far from the path...I've missed you both very much...

I look forward to making new friends here...

There will always be those who seek to sway us from our chosen path. Skilled in illusion - they distract us with sleight of hand and blind us with dazzling displays. Their magic is enticing and seductive. Focus on the path. Make your own magic. Be strong.

Shes back (Pam) damm i cant find my way around this site i wanted a big smile

so good to see you have returned to us Pam, hows eddy???

The success story hell i wish i was Nick, Yeah im not smoking, but i really want to at times, Im going to see a solicitor tomorrow morning so that tells you how great my life is at the moment

Just lost you on facebook Hi Pam, Liz,Julie too)
You totally deserve a better lot!
Good luck with the solicitor tomorrow and hope you got some support from friends down there right now thru these times.......just bet some of your cravings are just for happier times with people who talk and not only fags.
As I said on facebook I'm now two weeks fag free but not shouting too loudly yet as it's early days still........Have been getting some sleep at last but feelin a bit flat during the day but me post it notes around the place are working ( a bit taxing for the virgo house proud brain tho!LOL)....... only joking as the place is a bit of a mess right now as there are little muddy paw prints everywhere........hope they are paw prints as i've never seen skid marks that shape! need me glasses!
We are rained in yet again and everything is getting mouldy from weeks/months of wet weather but at least got me mowing done before our last deluge.
Hugs,
Nick and Dexter xxxxx

((((((((((((((((((((MARG)))))))))))))))))))))))))) )))
Yippee I found you!!!!
And you found me!!!!!

shriek of joy!!!

Eddy is good - I quit work 10 days ago - and we spent this morning in the park socialising with other dogs...we met an absolute princess ... another Jack Russell (female named Sidney)

Ed is besotted... (proud mama smile)

You are my HERO!!!

You've stayed off the fags in challenging times and that is strength!!!

i'm not ready to try again - YET

but being back here is the best thing that's happened to me in 6 mths!!!

wish I could give you a bunch of flowers like i could at BGF
but I'm sending you ecstatic kisses instead...

pam...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

((((((((((((((((NICK))))))))))))))))))))))))
Feeling really protective of you in your first 2 weeks...
You've been such a leader for all of us...
and I've always thought you were stronger than me...

Hearing you in your first 2 weeks off smokes has challenged me to forget my shit...and think about how you're doing...i'm sending you lots of love...and gratitude for being in my life...

love you heaps mate...

gotta go
early dentist appt 2moro
blech!

check in soon!!!

pam & eddy

PS:

NICK: I did not remember you were a VIRGO will check it out IMMEDIATELY!

pisces pam...