Gosh rinkpa, sound like someone didn't do their job right. I do not have any experiene of Chantix, I went cold turkey, but I know there are a lot of memebrs who do...so hopefully they will be able to hep....I'm just shocked that a Doctor can prescribe a drug and n ot explain to you how it works and what side effects (if any) to expect.
As for the crying...ride the wave...crying is natures way of handling depression..therefor perfetly normal. Good luck...keep coming here every day.....CJ

Thanks CeejayLo I just read some old posts and I think it was Sheevie who talked about rewards and the brain and what smoking has done to our brains. I'm still waiting for posts from others with chantix advice this site is my lifeline right now. Have a nice day

I there, Well I have been on Chantix and its working great with very little side affects. I took it for one week and then quit smoking. I noticed by the end of that first week the cigs started to taste nasty and the urge to lite up started to go away. I think after you quit and stay on the meds it keeps that urge of nic plessure from your brain and it just doesnt make any sense to smoke. At least for me and many others that I have talked to thats about how it went. As far as side affects the big ones for me were difficuly sleeping which got better after about 2 weeks and upset stomach which I still have a little bit but not enough to quit meds. I alway eat a meal and drink a large glass of water or milk. The milk works better for me although some people do better with water.
I also have the book by Allen Carr named The Easy Way To Stop Smoking which has been my bible lately. Keep strong and love yourself enough to be a NONSMOKER like so many others of us on DS.

Good Mornng. I am taking the Chantix and can suggest to u unless you are having side effects do not quit taking it...It is your mind playing tricks on you and u will realize how much it helped once if u stop taking it...I have went down to just one pill in the AM and can feel the difference. The only way I can put what Chantix does for me is,,,It has taken away the CRAZIES a quitting..U still desperately want a cigarette and have to work thru that but helps keep the mind under controll..Good Luck with the chest X RAY. Joanna

Hi there rinkpa. I know how hard is right now but keep taking your Chantix and moving forward. I also have "the Easy Way to Quit" by William Carr after so many referrals on here and it's a great book. It helped alot. As for the crying, it hit me on day three and at work of all places!! But I think it's just a way of your mind & body cleansing itself. I always feel better after a good cry. You have found a group of wonerful people here and 2 days is awesome!!!

May I ask a question to those who are taking Chantix? I'm a little confused (nothing new there then CJ:-) No, seriously, when do you stop smoking when taking Chantix? Quiting has to happen at some point...and how long after quitting do you stop taking the Chantix? CJ

You are to smoke the first 6-7 days taking the low dose. On the 7th day (I think) is your quit day. By this time you are taking 2 pills a day instead of one. I want to say it is a 90 day program. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me..But by week 1 or 2 your not supposed to want to smoke.

U are correct Chtel it is a 12 week program...But like anything u have to want to quit cause I have gone on the Chantix Website and people are still smoking at week 3 of the Chantix,,,Joanna

I am in Australia... the instructions that come with the Champix (Chantix) here say to quit somewhere between day 7 and day 14 of taking it (your choice). I went all the way to day 14 'cause I theorized that would give me a better chance. I also did a number of other things to prepare myself, but experienced virtually no cravings once I did quit... rather I was having to deal with stopping the habit of smoking which is not the same as cravings. I would certainly recommend taking the full course of the meds... it does continue to make a difference.

Thank you everyone for your comments it is very helpful! I took the chantix for 7 days quit on day 8. I di think anyone who wants to try and quit this way if you are a heavy smoker I would say quit after 2 weeks I think the chantix blocks the nicotine from reaching the brain therefore you would have most of your physical withdrawal symptoms while still smoking making it a little easier. I still take chantix but this is still a very rough ride.

Welcome to the DS family Rinkpa
I too am taking Chantix. My Dr had me take it for 1 month before my quit date. It works with the brain to stop the craving impulses. It is a 3 month program. I have only 2 days left on it.I quit on 2/14 and for the first time in 35 years.I am smoke free and craving free.Lots of luck and stick close to us.
SMOKE FREE IS THE WAY TO BE

Hi
Iam on chantix as well I did the whole 3,4,8 day dose change, what I did was continued to smoke for 3 weeks but only doing it at night, amybe 6-10 cigs in a6 hour period. Then 19 days ago decided that I was done smoking entirely and just quit. I have no cravings or fits of any kind. My way may not work for everyone but its working for me. Smoke free after so many quit attempts, just so satisfying.

You can do this give the aid a chance it will work. Drink lots of water.

JC

Hi, rinkpa. I didn't take Chantix, so I can't give you any information on that. I just wanted to congratulate you for quitting and to encourage you to hang in there. Quitting smoking is a major life change no matter how you do it. It takes a little while to get through the rough parts at the beginning, but they will smooth out. The early days of the quit can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Take very good care of yourself. Make sure you eat properly, do at least some light exercise if you are able to, drink lots of water, and get plenty of sleep. Baby yourself. Just keep not smoking. There is a ton of great information in the old posts on this site. I encourage you to read through them, and to use your journal, make some friends, etc.