Giving up smoking - Champix?

Hi 

I am determined to give up smoking but I have not been very successful in the past and recently I was told about Champix a medicine that mimics the effect of nicotine on the body. A colleague swore by it and said it really helped him but that is just one opinion. However I have been reading up on it and there seem to be mixed opinions and some pretty scary side effects, but then again all medicines have side effects....but basically I was wanting to know if anyone here has taken Chamix and what were the results/side effects if any?

thanks, appreciate any feed back 

Hi Mac75

I used it after several attempts over the years to give up, and have to admit within 2 weeks I had stopped using them and so far am still off the 'dreeded weed' 6 years on, but on the other hand my other half started them the same time but stopped after a week as they made her feel constantly sick, so with us it was a 50% sucess

but I think it is just as important to be in the right frame of mind to pack them in.......

As an ex-smoker I wrote an article on the best methods to kick the addiction, for that is what it is. Why did I succeed on the last of umpteenth attempts? In a word, FINALITY.

If your approach is to see if you can get to the end of the day, week or whatever then you are already beaten. You have conceded the possibility of surrender.

You have heard the expression, ‘burning one’s bridges.’ The Romans, when invading, burnt their bridges as they progressed. It was their way of explaining to their legions that the only way home was to defeat the enemy and rebuild at their leisure.

On the fateful morning that I stubbed my last one out I had determined that there would be no taking it up again whatever the suffering. I was prepared to bear withdrawal all my life if need be. I was simply not going to take up smoking again.

It was in that attitude of finality that I succeeded. There was a remarkable end to that pledge. The pangs were less and more short-lived than ever before. Was it the finality of the approach?

By the way, it is a copout to convince yourself that the longing lasts forever. It does not. After six weeks I would have thrown up had I put a fag in my mouth. Furthermore, I never added to my weight. Good luck with it.

Mike thanks for taking the time and effort to write your article about stop smoking.

Smoking is a really bad habit, an expensive one too, and one which slowly kills you.

Well done!!!

Thanks Wencra for your contribution and opinion much appreciated.

Michael I would also like to thank you for you great words of wisdom. You hit the nail on the head, I think it is that state of "finality" that one needs to adopt. You described it wonderfully. Thank you for going to the effort.

I stopped smoking 6 weeks ago, the cravings are getting less and I am determined to succeed this time. I used a vapour e-cig for two weeks then stopped that and carried on with pure will power!!! Best of luck to anyone attempting or currently giving it a go to quit!

I should have mentioned. I was given a thorough medical six years ago. The consultant asked had I ever smoked. I told him I packed in smoking over twenty years earlier when I had been hooked for 25-years. Some think the habit is too ingrained and the damage has been done at 40-years of age.

Not so. The specialist replied that my respiratory system was as clean as if I had never smoked. Your body begins the repair process as soon as you stub the last one out. That empty chest feeling you get is nice fresh air reaching the essential parts earlier denied to it. Love it for what it is. It is a positive, not a negative.

Thanks Mike for that note, it is very encouraging.

Another good attitude is to say 'I´m a smoker who doesn't smoke.'  This acknowledges that you have decided to quit and that you CAN go without, plus the awareness that it's a very compelling addiction...that you can live your life without!  It looks very out-of-date and 'uncool' to be sucking on a little white stick these days...strictly only for teenage idiots...so save your pennies for something more long-lasting.

Well put, Linda. It is a tough call. I recall a doctor who specialised in addictions saying that it was harder to get someone off ciggies than heroin. Cynical? Maybe he wanted more money for what he as doing. But, I take the view, as you know, that given the right attitude the impossible becomes doable. As a consequence, for me it was on my umpteenth attempt, a walk in the park.

I was a teenager in the UK in the late 60's, we all used to smoke. Smoking was permitted at work, in public buildings, & even hospitals & Doctor's waiting rooms. The only places where you did not smoke were in Synagogues, Churches etc. Of course it was always polite to ask if you could smoke in someones house.

My wife came home from work one day & stated that it was disgusting as they were putting up cigs. to £0.34 for 20. She finished the packet & has not smoked since.

I gave up years later, & found it remarkably easy, I just told myself that I would not buy anymore fags. In any case after 48 hours your body in clear of nicotine, & cravings only last for a minute or so at a time, especially if you are busy doing something.

A few months ago in the UK I looked at the price of tobacco in a shop, & calculated that if my wife & myself still smoked then we would be spending £7,000.00 a year on cigs.

Out of all of our friends there is only one who still smokes, so you see giving up is not a problem, if others can do it then so can you!

I just thought I would drop by to say that I have finally managed to give up smoking. No nicorettes, no champix, no substitutes, nothing. 5 months now and still going strong with no effort at all. Don't miss it in the slightest. From time to time I remember it but I barely even think about it now. In fact I have taken up sport and this has become my substitute I need oxygen and fresh air!  By the way for anyone trying to give up I recommend NOT using any substitutes!

Thanks for all your advice, some of it was in fact very helpful. 

Personally I think you are better carrying on smoking it has been proven to delay the onslaught of dementia and why you would want to live till you are 90 and spend 6 or 7 yrs in a home on liquidised food i will never know

Just smoke three a day like me very pleasurable.

Love Hugh

Well done Mac.

My mum did her last 10 K sponsored walk 'for the old people' when she was 85

She lived a full life until she was 96 when she died.     Never smoked but ènjoyed  ' many glasses of sherry ' every day in her latter years.

My dad, smoked 20 a day Woodbines,  died of lung cancer at 67.

I don't smoke, reduced my daily intake of alcohol considerably a few years ago, now very little.  Cycle 25 K (in under 55 mins) 4 times a week.

  I am 74,  aiming to beat 96 !

If you are really ready to quit here is a good book (Allen Carr) free donload

I know a few people who said it worked for them

Good luck

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

Yes, that book really helped me. I highly recommend it too.