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.

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

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Jan 26, 2011
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My Experience Thus Far
by: Anonymous

I am on day 13 of the pills, day 5 not smoking. Only side effects I found was day 1 and day 8 (the increase in dosage) I had insomnia, terribly bad those nights. Incredible gas those days and a couple days after. Other than that, I don't really think of smoking, or have an interest in it. Great product, I have tried Zyban a couple of times and was just a very happy smoker.

Oct 01, 2010
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4 weeks
by: Anonymous

feel like an epideral. all good. it a mirical as far as i am concerned. no cravings what so ever. like i never smoked. all side affects gone. maybe i'm lucky.

Sep 01, 2010
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a DREAM
by: Anonymous

I have smoked for 42 years ,at approx 40 to 50 a day,I was certain these would not work ,but i have have not had a cig for a month ,my medication kicked in at 16 days,as all our metoablisms are different, hope im still smoke free in twelve months time, i have tried all,nausea is a factor ,eating before and after taking it helps or suck on a lolly

Aug 16, 2010
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Champix
by: Anonymous

I have smoked for 40 years ,tried and failed before,what relief breathing better,thanks champix,no cigs for 14 days,and a stressful week ,last week

Jun 04, 2010
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ok its been well over a year
by: Anonymous

Are you a non smoker? They have come out with pretty heavy warnings,personality changes and aggreassive behavior,did you have any? How long did you use the meds?

Mar 01, 2010
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Champix
by: Anonymous

Hi. I just got my prescription for this and have not filled it yet. I was wondering about the cost before I go and do it. I do not have a benefit program...I live in Ontario. You said yours was about $75? (I know that's before your benefits) I am looking forward to seeing the rest of your blog on this. Please email me and let me know how it is going for you. klaks17@hotmail.com. Let me know about the price and such. It will depend where you live right? Im not gonna stalk you. LOL I just don't know if you want to post your town on here. I live in Barrie Ontario Canada...just wanted to know where you lived to compare if the price would be the same or not.

Thanks so much.
Kelly

Nov 24, 2009
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Only day 9
by: Anonymous

Would be more beneficial if the daily log was continued beyond day 9.

Dec 23, 2008
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I have a Dream... (My Champix Story)..continued
by: Anonymous

So it took a while to update you, but I've been keeping a record of my progress in my day timer.

Day 2 ended with me smoking about 7 cigs and not sleeping very well. No real side effcts, except for the gas seems to be kicking.

Day 3: smoked 5 cigs (my new daily limit) and suffered no side effects...except of course the gas...oh the gas! I was still having trouble sleeping at night so I decided to adjust the medication times so that my morning dose was at 8am and my evening dose was at 8 pm. I find that right after I take the medication I get sort of a body buzz, which was making it hard to sleep. Taking it earlier left me in a daze of awakeness and sleepiness at the same time, but I fell aslep by about 1am

After the first 3 days my body was pretty much used to the medication. By Day 7 I was only smoking 2 cigs max and my interest in them was wavering.

Day 8:

Time for the increaesed dosage (From .5mg to 1.0 mg). The results...disasterous! I was soooooo sick. By now I have realized that taking the medication with food has a nicer effect on my stomach (and the gas) than taking it without, although the instructions say it doesnt matter. I dont know if I didnt eat enough that day (as I recall I scarffed down a slice of raisin bread and took the pill with some questionable red juice from the convienience store). I spent the morning on the verge of throwing up. I felt better as the day went on...the nausea lasted a couple of hours. But as soon as I took the night pills...it started all over again. I eventually fell alseep at 2am...still feeling sick.

I skipped day 9 medication because the thought of feeling like I was dying for another day was not very appealing. My husband wants me to stop taking the medication but I wont because I havent smoked a cig since I started on day 8. I tried to in the morning, but only took a few puffs before I gave up. Maybe the meds are working now.

Im on day 10 (day 9 according to the pill schedule)...still no cigs...the nausea is still kicking around but is not nearly as intense as it was...i will keep you updated

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