I have a Dream... (My Champix Story)

I am 28 years old and have been smoking for about 1/12 years now. The stress of university exams and 2 children (not to mention a husband) sort of took its toll and one day, after quitting in 1999, I went to the convenience store and bought a pack of cigs. (My cute pet name that makes me feel like I'm not poisoning my body). When school and family calmed down a bit I decided that I should quit while I was ahead before any more years go by - but it was much harder to quit than I had anticipated. After about 2 months of on again off again smoking and serious mood swings, I figured I wouldn't be able to quit on my own without committing some sort of murder-suicide first. My doctor gave me a prescription for Champix (the "miracle smoking-cessation drug") and after reading all the negative things about it I let it sit in my drawer for another month - until yesterday.

I have decide to log my progress here so you all can decide if Champix would help for you. I live in Canada so the cost was about $75.00 but with my benefits plan (most plans cover smoking cessation)I only paid the dispensing fee of about $15. I went to Shoppers Drug Mart so it was a little more expensive. I thought that would be better since they give you all the information on how to use it, but the Champix pack actually comes with very good instructions so a cheaper local pharmacy would be just as good.

The side effects on the package list: nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, abdominal pains, gas, depression, anxiety and a few others that I can't remember right now

The first pack comes with enough pills for two weeks and the dosage gradually increases the up to the 14th day. I have until the 14th day to stop smoking cigs altogether or the medication will not work properly. I have decided not to smoke another cig after th 7th day...wish me luck!



Day 1 - One low dosage pill in the morning

I took the medication early, at about 5am. I had woken up out of my sleep and had decided to go out for a cig since there was nothing to watch on tv. It was pretty cold out and I got to thinking that I should just start the pills and get it over with since I probably already suffer from insomnia anyway and the thought of sitting out in the snow smoking a cig all winter was not very appealing.

Side Effects: I felt a little bit of nausea (probably cuz I didn't eat) and a little gas but that was about it. I actually went back to sleep eventually as well so no big deal

Cigs: I smoked 1 1/2 cigs yesterday

It is now day 2 and I only took the pill an hour ago so I will have to update you tomorrow. I already had a cig. I hope this helps somebody.