Pfizer’s approach on this smoking cessation drug that is not covered by many health insurance plans. It goes for about $112 a pak (it comes at a starter month pak followed by two continuing month paks). About the same cost of a monthly supply of cigarettes.
Related posts:
- Chantix and social marketing
- E-cigarettes are not safe, and here’s why
- Chantix for alcohol abuse?
- Is Chantix safe, and why Zyban, or bupropion, also received a black box warning
- Does Chantix increase suicide risk?
- Tobacco dependence and disease mongering
- Chantix a blockbuster?
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{ 51 comments }
I’ve actually noted the same thing to patients when they were confronted with the “high” cost of Chantix. (Which is really not that high at all relatively speaking.)
I don’t think it’s evil and underhanded to put things in perspective. Patients often look at things the wrong way.
almost 3 weeks into smoke free – after 27 years!!! Much more will be heard about this one.
Let me start off by saying, first of all, that I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist … and a smoker who is wanting to quit.
While it may be true that the cost of Chantix is perceived as high by smokers, you have to understand the “economics” faced by many smokers. And being a smoker, I feel qualified to speak on this issue. It is NOT that your patients are “looking at things the wrong way.” It’s simply a matter of the economic situation they are faced with.
We are all well aware of the addictive qualities of nicotine … not to mention the addictive qualities of all the other additives put into cigarettes to keep smokers addicted. As such, I know MANY smokers who will forgo purchasing a large number of necessary items just to insure they have money for cigarettes. The “instant gratification” they receive from the nicotine intake from the cigarette makes it difficult to see how that (the instant gratification) can be replaced by a pill that may or may not work, and that takes several days to build up to a steady-state plasma levels of a substance designed to curb the nicotine cravings.
Many, many smokers purchase their cigarettes a pack or two at a time. As a result, the money they spend on cigarettes is spread out over a long period of time. This is in contrast to the “$112″ up-front cost of Chantix. (BTW, a quick web search shows that the average up-front cost of Chantix from AMERICAN online pharmacies is around $170. The only way to come close to the $112 cost specified here is to order from a CANADIAN pharmacy). Many smokers, because of the economic impact of buying cigarettes being spread out over a long period of time, literally NO idea of how much they spend on purchasing their cigarettes every month.
In the smoker’s mind, and in many cases their economic situation, it is inconceivable for them to spend $112 or $170 all at one time, to replace a similar expense that is spread out over the course of a month. And certainly, many of these people do not have the economic means to come up with such a large amount of money all at once.
Since Chantix is not currently being covered by the insurance companies (it’s amazing that they’d rather pay for treatment of smoking related health problems than something that is preventative and will ultimately reduce the amount of their payouts), this limits Chantix availability to those who are a little better off and who are not living paycheck to paycheck, as many today do.
So YES … the cost of Chantix is high. Unfortunately, many physicians often have a huge inability to perceive how costly this is to their patients, since many of them are faced with economic situations vastly different from their patients.
Is Chantix a good thing? It sure is! I can see a lot of benefit of helping people cut their nicotine dependence. But if it is priced in a manner that precludes its availability to a vast majority of its target population, then the potential benefits are stripped away because those that need it most find it to be inaccessible.
Wow, maybe they have reduced the price since the post that said it cost 170.00, I just purchased it at a large pharmacy chain in Florida for 109.00.
Starting chantix tonight. I am very excited. Insurance won’t cover, but I expected that…funny enough, my husbands insurance company which usually provides little benefits actually covers this medication. Ironically, I am not under his ins. anymore because mine was so much better. At any rate, mine will cost 97.00 for the first month without any insurance, which looks cheaper compared to some of the other prices people are paying. I have been a smoker for all most 13 years. I have tried quitting several times, but the thing that always gets me is the severe headaches which I get after 12-24 hours of not smoking. I am hoping that Chantix can prevent the headaches. The cost is like everyone said, pretty high for a person to come up with all at once, but if it means that I won’t smoke anymore, and that I will be able to live a healthier life and make everyone else around me healthier, then it’s a small price to pay!
I have been using Chantix for the last 65 days and have been smoke free for 60. I was a 35 year 1 pack a day smoker. I have tried many stop smoking programs and drugs. This is the first one I really think will work.
I too orginally had sticker shock when I went to fill the prescription. But considering I have saved 60 x 1 pack/day x $5.00 = $300.00. I am way ahead.
I have tried to quit several times but always fell back within a day or two. Chantix has kept me nicotine free for three weeks now and I am very confident about staying clean. My only concern is what happens after I stop taking the Chantix. Do we go through withdrawal? Does anyone know?
I am proud to say that 2 1/2 weeks of Chantix cured my nicotine addiction. I am now concerned, however, that I am somewhat moodier than I was when I smoked. Has anyone else observed this side effect?
Has anyone actually finished with the Chantix yet? I keep trying to go of it and I instantly want a cigerette. Anyone else having that symptom?
I just got my prescription today but can’t fill it until payday. Yeah, It’s a little pricey but hey, in the long run I’m hoping it will be worth it! Current or past users please keep us posted as to any withdrawl symptoms after completion and I’ll do the same! Good luck everyone!!!
I am at 5 1/2 months of not smoking taking Chantix. After 30 years and 2 packs a day, this is the only product that has kept me smoke free for more than a day or two. I tried patches, gum, wellbutrin, nothing worked, this has. I did take the Chantix 2 times a day as prescribed for 4 months (I felt I would have a better chance at success taking it longer than 3 months) but the last 1 1/2 months I just take one tablet in the morning and am doing well,in some ways this has been easy and in other ways it has taken commitment and will power not to give in asnd have a cigarette. I do have some concerns about how it will be when I quit taking Chantix completely. I haven’t seen much feed back on this issue, but I am totally commited to not smoke ever again (though I told myself when I hit 75-80 I could smoke again, because at that age I can do what I want to.) and I realize this is not only a physical addiction but also and emotional and behavioral addiction, so I am sure there will be cravings in the future, my mantra is SMOKING IS NOT AN OPTION. And you know it has been great to be smoke free!
I used Chantix for 3 1/2 months. I quit with no problems, no withdrawls and no (almost) cravings. It is truely a wonder drug for people who wish to quit smoking. I had smoked for 37 years. I am thrilled and have other family members who have quit using it..we are all thrilled. I have been off of the Chantix for 3 weeks with not problems either. Good luck to all who quit.
I’ve started Chantix today and look forward to a smoke free life. I wasn’t surprised that insurance wouldn’t pay (guess they’d rather pay the claims for my heart attack or lung cancer) but the price was okay by me ($112 for the starter pack). In comparison to the cost of cigarettes, it’s a fair deal. I’ve smoked for 35 years and will be so glad to toss them down the garbage disposal(actually I already have). Good luck everyone
I am on my third day of the single pill. (starter pack). The first and second day was a normal day. I smoked my usual one pack a day. Today, however, today I smoked 1/2 a pack, and had some headaches. Tomorrow starts the two a day pills. It seems that when I have my cocktails in the evening, I am more prone to wanting a cigarette. I am still hoping for the best, I want to quit, and will keep you posted with my journey. I am hopeful.
I was a pack a day smoker for about 15 years. I have been taking Chantix for 9 Weeks and hava been completely smoke free for six weeks. The first couple of weeks were terrible as the drug made me very nauseous every time I took it. I even vomited a few times. It also made me feel “out of it” all the time. The dreams at night time were out of this world. They were so real, that I was not sure if I was awake or asleep…not nightmares just very intense dreams. Occassionally it was difficult to fall asleep too. I stuck with it, and slowly, but surely, the side affects went away. The dreams are still intense, but I actually kind-of like it. I am not going to sugar-coat the drug. I stil have cravings, but it is somewhat different to other times I tried to quit. The cravings are not nearly as intense and are bareable. Similiar to what somebody else said, I have committed to the notion that smoking is just not an option. I am very proud of myself so far. I don’t think Chantix is a miracle drug, but I think it helps alot. It still takes alot of willpower. If anyone else if having the same terrible side affects that I had when I was first taking it, stick through them…they do go away. Good Luck to everyone!!!!!
I took a month’s round of Chantix (last pill taken today!) and right now, I fell like I do not need to continue taking it. I hope I’m right. I’m gonna try my best. I was a smoker for 13 years. I do not rememeber ever feeling as good as I do now without cigarettes. My skin looks better, my sinus’ have cleared, I can take big deep wonderful breaths….
The dreams were fantastic!! I was a bit nausaus but no big deal…It was worth it. Im gonna hang in there…
I am on day 3 of taking Chantix and my side effects thus far are a watery mouth (not nausia so much but close) and a sort or metallic taste in my mouth. I have had some crazy dreams too – but not really nightmares. I can see my cravings diminishing. I think I see some light/hope.
It has been just day three, but the pills makes the voice insead of my head that screams at me to “go ahead and smoke” go away. I still want to smoke, but I can say no much easier now. My father inlaw, a very long time smoker, has been going strong since lent started. The stuff works. I figure when I stop with the meds, it’s going to be tough. But a lot easier than cold turkey(which did not work).
Chantix is a drug. So it won’t work for everyone.
With that said, it works for me. I’m 60 days with no nicotine of any kind, and I only have an average of one urge a day… an urge I can generally work through in a very short period of time.
My wife is smoke-free too (56 days, 8 weeks! w00t!)
Truth: it worked for me because it made smokes taste bad and it took away the high that cigarettes gave me. It also made me not crave the smokes quite so badly. It did initially make me a little queasy from time to time, especially when I was still smoking while taking Chantix. Once I got past the first week, things were on the up.
My insurance company did not cover Chantix – my insurance company puts smoking cessation in the same bucket as ee dee meds and diet meds. Economically ($124 a package/mo), it has been no fun, but we’ve found ways to get the money together.
Is it worth it? Yes. Will it work for you? Don’t know… Would I do it again? Absolutely. I’m so happy to be a non-smoker that I built a web site full of free music to share with others who are struggling along with me to fight nicotine addictino.
At $7.50 a pack, Chantix is cheapter than cigs in Chicago but luckily my insurance covers it! My experience has been similar to others – cigarettes started tasting bad after a couple of days and when the quit day came around stopping wasn’t the big deal I thought it would be.
The thoughts about smoking are more habitual than chemical now – all those times I “always smoked” like after a meal or on my walk to work I still think about it, but the thought comes and goes pretty quickly. This is after just one week cig free.
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who had withdrawls symptoms from Chantix and about anyone’s craving toward the end of the three months or after they stop completely.
Always take it after food to avoid nausea and the earlier in the evening, the better as it may make falling alseep more difficult. And the dreams are a nice side effect – not violent insane dreams like I had when I wore the patch at night.
My opinion: This is a miracle drug.
I’m a Registered Nurse (so I should know better) & a 1 pack a day gal for 39 years (the last 2 of those were 2 packs a day) After years of chronic bronchitis & sinus infections and a recent hospitalization with pneumonia, I am proud to say that with Chantix I have been smoke free for 8 weeks! I’ve tried to quit many times without success. For me Chantix has been a miracle drug. There are still those times when I automatically reach for that smoke & think “Man, I’d kill for a smoke right now” but as soon as I think it, the need is gone.
The only side effect I’ve experienced is extreme nausea if I take the Chantix on an empty stomach.
Chantix doesn’t stop the craving 100% but it absolutely makes it easier to say “NO” when the craving strikes.
My only worry is that it’s been too easy & when I stop taking the Chantix I won’t be able to keep it up.
I’m 42 and have been smoking since I was 15 or 16 years old.I have t ried to stop smoking about 4 times already.I’ve tried the patch and everything else out there.Then along came Chantix!! I still get some small cravings but nothing that isn’t overcome quickly.It really does work!! By the way I have Blue Cross Blue Shield P.P.O.They cover it.It’s costs me only $30.00 for a months supply of pills. Good luck to everyone!!
I have been smoke free for 3 months after having a pack a day habit on and off for 30 years. I had a relatively easy time quitting with Chantix. Cut my dose down and decided to wean off as the 12 weeks is over, however I am concerned about how I will feel after I am completely off Chantix. Anybody been there yet?
I quit w/ Chantix 4 months ago after having smoked for 34 years, 2 pks a day; tried to quit numerous times using every other method. Chantix worked like a charm. However, after stopping taking it last month, I noticed I was a lot moodier and was easily irritated. Last week I slipped and smoked a cigarette so I started taking one Chantix a day. Everyone is different so I may need to take it a little longer than others. I do hope that the moodiness does not happen again when I stop taking it. Has anyone else gone thru that? God luck to all. Chantix rocks!
Chantix has helped me quit smoking. My insurance covered it all except thirty dollars. Apparently they can see the benefit of me being off the smokes.
AWESOME DRUG!!! 30 yr pack a day smoker now smoke free 8 weeks plus a few days! Buy stock in this one!!! ALSO- very important*** Call insurance provider- mine would not pay if I took it to local pharmacy, but does pay for mail order perscriptions. 3 months for 15 dollars!! Medco thru United health care! Check it out! Good luck! I love Chantix! No unwanted side effects, pretty safe drug, safer than smoking for sure!!
9:41 PM
I’m on day 16 or is it 17 anyhow.. this really really is a wonder drug..
I think it will save more lives than anyhting other than antibiotics… anyhow about the cost… I live in Wyoming and through the American Cancer Society and the WY-quits program I can get it for like $9 ya nine dollars a month… I talked my mother into trying it.. they make well over 100k a year and the state still pays for like 3/4 of the cost. So anyone who can’t afford it should call the American Cancer Society and check and see if they can get it through some program.. After all those coffin nails paid the taxes to fund the stop smoking programs.
I START MINE TODAY along with my husband were chain smokers hope it works i’ll get back to you all winnie6262@comcast.net
I have blue cross and it does not cover chantix. My husband is on it. He has been on it for two weeks and he is still smoking the same. Has anyone else been on it and still smoke the same after two weeks. I think it is going to take him alot longer than most to quit. He has been smoking from the time he was six and he is 57now. The reason he started taking the medication is because he has lung disease. He really never had a desire to quit but because of his lungs he is trying now. He says at this time he feels no different.
Anyone else been taking the pill for two weeks without having any luck cutting down?
I am surprised to hear people say they are moodier than usual while quitting smoking and blaming it on Chantix. It is not unusual to be “out of sorts” while quitting something, either its cigarettes, drinking, or drugs. Everyone reacts & metabolizes drugs differently, but the moods may be due to the quitting, not the Chantix. Now, the dreams, that’s another story, and seems to be the case for many people. I have never had more vivid or crazy dreams in my life. The first night I was sure I was going to die of suffocation, the next night I had a dream so surreal & awful I could write a horror story, the next night wasn’t so scary as it was vivid. I’ve decided I’m going to keep a dream journal while on Chantix since I dont usually remember my dreams. One side effect I was wondering if anyone else had are goosebumps, all the time, that come & go with my thoughts. If I get aggitated or worried the goosebumps come on instantly & stay for a while. That is a side effect I have not heard anyone else mention, and like I said before, everybody will metabolize differently. I have had wonderful success quitting smoking while taking Chantix and have decided the side effects have to be better than lung cancer, chemotherapy, and eventual death.
Good luck to everyone quitting.
I’m in week 3. Week 1 I took it as directed. On day 10 I decided to smoke and have smoked 2 a day since. Today, my morning cig tasted lousy and I really didn’t want it. I started out with weird, semi-vivid dreams and they have toned down. (I don’t usually dream.) I wait until 10 minutes after a meal and have avoided the nausea. For the first two weeks, I was depressed and couldn’t get anything done at work. Then, one day I just felt better! Chantix only helps with the cravings, not the physical addition — but that was gone in just a few days. I don’t like to take drugs and would like to stop at the end of 30 days. We’ll see if I have the will power to continue nonsmoking.
I started taking chantix on Tuesday and today is the first day with 2 tabs. Some recent news stories got me a little freaked out about suicidal ideation and aggression, anger and depression. I have not felt anything like that and am excited to be smoke free next week. I have quit twice before cold turkey and was fine but then just got stupid with drinks one night. Both times I quit I had really freaky vivid dreams and that was without chanitx. It could just be a side effect of quitting and not necisarily the drug. Wish me luck.
Keith
I’m on my ninth day of Chantix. I’ve smoked a pack a day for 14 years. So far, Chantix has dramatically taken the edge off the usual withdrawal symptoms. I eat a nutrigrain bar right before taking mine to avoid nausea. Even before I made it to the 4th day, I noticed I was “forgetting” to smoke. However, now on my 9th day, I’m only down to having 1-3 cigarrettes per day. Instead of pressuring myself about that, I just focus on what an improvement that is and hope to whittle it down to 0 per day within a month. If it means staying on Chantix longer than planned, so be it. Good Luck to all!
I’m on my third day. i am 36yrs old and a pack a day. I’m down to two smokes a day. hopefully soon down to none, but i feel pretty good, it’s a lot easier this time. my only concern is what I will feel like after I stop taking the chantix, but for now i”m very happy with my smoking only into the third day!!!!
Medicare now pays for this with a varying co-pay..In my instance( due to all my smoking related health problems) it will cost me $3.10 a month…WHEE
I had been smoking for 9+ years, and failed trying to quit several times. With Chantix I was able to quit. It was still an unhappy experience, but not the misery of the other times I tried.
I would like to note that I waited to two weeks to let the drug build up in my system, and was able to quit.
My only fear is what happens when I stop taking the Chantix.
Day 8, first pill of 1mg packages. I’ve smoked 24 0r so years. The dreams started the first night, crazy, wild, vivid, scary so far. My insurance did not cover the expensive cost. I chose the pills, and some cigs, over food for the week. I’m still smoking, but they don’t taste very good or smell very good. I need to move away from the computer, because sitting here with coffee is the habit time to smoke. Good luck to all. Is anyone else trying to use the Chantix get quit support? I’m ready to be done smoking, but don’t like that they chose the day to quit. I’m not ready to stop completely forever today.
I’m a 47 1/2 y.o. who has been smoking all my adult life, ranging from 3 packs a day (back in the day when it was acceptable to smoke in your office and in your home) to a minimum of a pack a day for the last 15 years. Like many, I’ve tried Wellbutrin, patches, gum, inhalers, cold turkey, hypnotism, all to no avail. I have tried to quit unsuccessfully at least a dozen times, feeling guilty, weak and ashamed that I couldn’t quit. I adopted the theory that, while bad for me, cigarettes were like a best friend. I smoked when I was happy, sad, depressed, elated, nervous, excited, cranky — you name it, and there was a need, a reason, a purpose to smoke. I know you know what I’m talking about, don’t you!! I loved my cigarettes and I loved smoking. With so many failed attempts, I just knew I was doomed to smoke the rest of my life, a shortened life of course because of smoking and complicated by whatever smoking-related disease I would surely contract. But, alas, I can finally proclaim that I am truly a non-smoker thanks to divine intervention, support of family and friends and CHANTIX. I do think it is a miracle drug!! I am in my second week and have been smoke-free for 4 days and haven’t even been tempted to sneak a drag – not even once. I have friends lined up with their scrips to be filled, waiting to see how I do because they know if I can quit, anyone can! Well, I am more than pleased to encourage them to get their scrips filled. It is such an exciting time in my life because I know I AM smoke-free, a feeling I have never experienced before. As for the side effects, if I take Chantix on a full stomach I have zero nausea – if I take it on an empty stomach, I am headin for the fridge and after eating, the nausea subsides. I have vivid dreams, some bizzare, but a price I am more than willing to pay — some are quite interesting, too!! No nightmares, just really surreal and vivid. Urges and cravings — they are so minimal that for the first time in my life and can redirect my thinking and be over the urge to smoke — it just goes away and I’m not sad, depressed, cranky, irritable or any of those other terrible feelings I have had with prior quit attempts. As for the cost, my insurance paid half. Even if I had to pay the whole scrip, it would be the real close if not under the price of what I was spending each month while I was a smoker. It goes without saying that the health benefits far outweigh the cost both now and in the future. For those without insurance, there was a great suggestion to check with your local agencies – try the Lung Association; Heart Association; and Cancer Society. One of our local hospitals is offering free Chantix, but you have to attend the once a week smoking cessation program, so check with your local hospitals, too. For those still smoking while taking Chantix, you may have to up your dose. One of my friends, who is a 3-pack a-day smoker, started off with 1 mg a day instead of the 1/2 mg – so check with your doctor. Good luck to all who are taking this exciting step to be smoke-free. I am happy to be there with you! I am more than elated to be smoke-free and I feel incredibly accomplished to have finally done what has been the hardest thing in my life – quit smoking! This ranks right up there with the top accomplishments of my life, and I wish you all the same success. Thank you, Chantix!!! I AM a non-smoker now and YOU can do it, too! Good luck!
I’ve been takeing Chantix for exactly 2 months and quit completely about a week ago. I find that my biggest side affect is a splitting headache. Is there anything I can do?
My mom spends more on inhalers for Emphysemia a month then the cost of Champix.
I took Champix for 50 days ( had an allergic reaction to it)..the first 3-5 days off were a little rough..no wanting to smoke..just anger issues..sort of a hard landing.
I am now 262 days quit and no thoughts of smoking..other than I can’t believe I was stupid enough to continue smoking when i knew better… but addiction is addiction.
Champix works great.. but it will not do the quit for you so find some support and work your quit on the good days.
If you are strong in your quit then coming off Champix is a non issue.. if not , speak to your doctor about continueing the meds.
I started my “second week” card of Chantix today. Was anyone still smoking on their second week? When I began the treatment I was almost a “2 pack/day” smoker. Today, I have had two cigarettes, and that was fighting off A LOT of terrible urges. Except for today, it had been easy sailing…and I really had not noticed how much less I am smoking until three days in to it. By my third day I had smoked a half a pack.
My side affects are fatigue, headache, dreams in HD, dry mouth, metallic taste. some of those are probably nicotine withdrawals.
I’ve read some of you being smoke free after the first week.. I was just wondering if anyone else had smoked after their first week.
Thanks to everyone who posts about Chantix.. it really does help!
Has anyone experienced Mania while taking this drug? I know someone that is taking it and got caught shoplifting. This is someone that would not even take a pencil. Is there anyone out there that knows these kind of side effects? Please help. Thanks.
I am a 14 year smoker and on have been smoke free for about 25 days. I had severe aggression and anxiety and decided to stop taking the medication about 5 days ago. Now I am extremely nautious, tired and have been sick to my stomach. I am headed to the md’s tomorrow. The good effects of this drug outway the bad though – because now I don’t even crave a cigarette at all! It’s the best I’ve tried. I am just hoping that will power will help me through the rest!
I quit using Chantix 14 weeks ago. I have been smoking since 1965 and tried unsuccessfully to quit many times. It was easy on Chantix. I took it for 2 weeks longer than recommended before quiting, but I finally quit because I forgot to smoke. Amazing stuff. I quit taking the drug yesterday and am very nervous about withdrawal and starting again
I’ve been a pack a day smoker for 35 years and have tried EVERY method in order to try to stop. My longest quit was 9 months. I started Chantix two months ago (New Years Day) and stopped smoking after three days. I have had urges to smoke but nothing like in the past. But I have had anger issues while on Chantix that I never expierenced with the other methods. Actually, I almost lost my job after threatening one of my customers. That said, I have been faithful in taking Chantix and the side effects have been minimal. I think it is important to follow the directions and take the medication well before bedtime to avoid the dreams. Today is my last pill, as I’m not willing to part with another $100. I’m just hoping to get off the Chantix as easily as the cigarettes. I don’t want to trade one addiction for another, like I did with the gum (chewed it for two years between smokes!.
I have to say that I am very glad that my insurance covers chantix, otherwise I wouldn’t have taken it. I noticed nicotine withdrawal symptoms on day two of taking the drug. I took chantix as was recommended and had my last cigarette one week in. The cravings were horrid, but other than that I didn’t suffer many symptoms and was able to remain smoke free! Then I stopped taking the chantix after 3 months and I got all of the symptoms that are associated with nicotine withdrawal, except I don’t really have the physical, visceral craving for a cigarette. It has been 4 days since I went off of the chantix and I am irritable, fatigued, light headed, depressed, and having the feelings of anxiety that are some of the trademark symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
All I can say for chantix is that I don’t really crave a cigarette right now, but I feel like crap. I feel like all chantix did was delay the withdrawal symptoms, not prevent them.
I am only on my second day being smoke free, but I have to say, Chantix has saved my life. I’ve smoked for 17 years, and ended at two packs a day. For the last 5 years of smoking, I hated the fact I smoked, but accepted the fact that I would be smoking for the rest of my life, and it would most likely be the cause of my death when it came. Well, I feel great, no cravings, no side effects, and in my mind, I already know I am done with cigarettes.
Chantix has helped me quit, and I smoked for 25 years. It does have side effects, but I was able to handle them well.
At first, the dreams were great but those have tapered off. Other than that, yes, nausea and a general feeling of just not wanting to do anything.
However, compared to the hard core cravings that a cold turkey quit would bring, these side effects were quite acceptable.
I tapered off smoking by the 8th or 9th day, and completely quit on day 10. I’m 8 days without nicotine now and I feel fine. No cravings to really speak of, maybe a slight want for something I can’t quite put my finger on, but a cigarette is not desirable. (And other smokers stink! I can’t stand to be around cigarette smoke right now.)
Yes, you are going to need a bit of will power. This drug is not going to do it all for you. But it really does make cigarettes uninteresting (and quite nasty tasting – like sucking in car exhaust).
I’m already weaning myself off of this drug now. I don’t see the need to continue as I am past the immediate ‘jonez’ of quitting cigarettes. I’m not sure what quitting Chantix cold turkey would do, so I’m basically coming down on dosage in the same pattern I began the drug. A one month ‘pack’ is all I’m going to need.
I was a pack and a half smoker for 12 years. I LOVED TO SMOKE!!!I have been smoke free for three months now. It took me two weeks on Chantix to finally become smoke free.. I still had the cravings, but overcame them. Chantix is NOT a miracle drug.. you won’t quit smoking just because you’re on the drug, it helps immensely yes, but you need a bit of will power too. I suddenly decided I didn’t need Chantix anymore after a month of not smoking, and stopped taking the medication! HUGE mistake! My head was cloudy, I had the shakes, very irritable, and wanted to smoke badly. I started back up with one pill a day dose. I then began to taper off… one pill a day for a week, then a half pill for a week, them all together off. I do not like taking medication every day, and was having bouts of insomnia, that is why I was wanting off the Chantix. I am on my third week, completely smoke free and Chantix free. I’ll have the occasional cravings.. but it’s like a craving to have a piece of cake at midnight.. I tell my self no, and it goes away. Hang tough…SMOKERS STINK!!!!!!!
I just finished the 12 week course of Chantix. I am happily 82 days smoke free. I am now also 5 days Chantix free.
The side effects from Chantix were noticeable but manageable. I was nauseous each and every time I took the pill. It only lasted about 20 minutes. I tried with food, without food, before eating, after eating without much difference. It did have an effect on my mood, beyond the usual mood changes associated with nicotine withdrawl. For a time I considered stopping the drug, but I muddled through, and the effect lessened. I was very irritable – blamed that on the nicotine withdrawl – but I was also depressed and anxious to an abnormal degree. That effect also subsided in time. I also experienced dreams. I suffered from constipation throughout the course of treatment.
Now the Chantix withdrawl has begun. I find my cigarette cravings have increased and I am a bit more anxious than normal. I also am experiencing the “I could eat anything that doesn’t move” feeling that is normally associated with the first few days without a cigarette. However, the anxiety and cravings are not so intense and can be managed.
All in all, I would do it again. Although, if they released a study today showing tobacco safe, I would be first in line to buy cigarettes. I suppose I will always feel that way.
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