I just finished taking CHANTIX after six months, and lived to tell about it!
I wasn’t going to share this, until I realized that I apparently stared down the Grim Reaper without knowing it.
CHANTIX is Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug, and it’s back in the headlines because the FAA has banned pilots and air traffic controllers from using it.
Previously, it had been linked to depression and suicidal behavior. Months ago, the FDA said the connection between CHANTIX and serious psychiatric problems is “increasingly likely.”
I’m not revealing this personal information because I’m rooting for Pfizer, and I hold no stock in the company. Nor should this be construed as any kind of endorsement.
But with all the hand-wringing and fear-mongering over CHANTIX, let me just say that it worked. Or at least, it helped. And I didn’t want to kill myself, or anyone else.
After many unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking, I haven’t had a cigarette since I started taking the drug in October. And I have been in many situations, and in many places, and with many people where it would have been oh-so-easy to fire one up. The only side effect: funky dreams. Not good dreams, not bad dreams. Just strange dreams. And when I finished using CHANTIX a couple of weeks ago, the dreams went away. I tried and failed to quit several times before. I feel this drug has given me my best chance.
Of course, there is added incentive when your doctor threatens to reach down your throat and rip your lungs out himself if you don’t quit.
Look, if you’re interested in quitting smoking, and interested in taking this drug, don’t let these reports you see and read scare you off. Talk to your doctor, then make an informed decision.
And good luck. It’s not easy.
Congratulations, Gerry, on quitting smoking and surviving Chantix. Everyday, there is something new to be “afraid” of. Pretty soon, we won’t be able to eat, drink or take any medications for fear of the side affects or dying from it. People need to sort through all the “stuff” being reported out there and do what is best for them. Thanks for sharing your experience with Chantix – it might save someone’s life. You will still need to stay strong to resist the temptation of just one last cigarette. I quit 30 years ago and every once in a while (usually during a stressful time) I get a little tingling in the back of my brain saying “I could sure use a cigarette right now!” But, I haven’t. Good luck!
I’ve learned the hard way that I can’t have “just one.” I’ll be day-to-day forever, I suppose.
People need to read and watch health stories very carefully. Take nothing as gospel until you talk to your doctor.
And beware of any story (as so many do) that end with “more study is needed.”
So glad to read that you have had success in quitting that horrid, health-stealing habit, Gerry. My dad did it the hard way – on his own with no med help – about 20 years ago, but sadly, not before the damage was done. It took him 6 attempts over the course of about 5 years before he was successful in beating the habit, the long term effect being advanced COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema). I pray that you’ve quit soon enough to avoid residual effects, my friend!
Congratulations and continued strength to you – and anyone else trying to quit – regardless of the method you choose.
Thanks. Having failed before, I’m not looking for congrats, but they are encouraging. As for actually quitting, it all comes down to “Ya gotta wanna.”
Hooray for you! I quit quite by accident; long story and not worth taking up the space here to relate. It’s got to be about 10+ years ago, and I still, for no apparent reason, will suddenly want a cig! Very odd. It passes in a flash, so don’t worry; I know you’ll make it!
Have a great weekend!
Gerry, no congrats here from me, then. But I will say this. We need you in our lives every week, every day, for a very, very long time. And I’m happy for you. And for us!! Peter
Gerry – Congrats on quitting. I smoked my last cigarette on 8/18/07 and also with the help of Chantix, have quit. I also was surprised how relatively easy it was while on the drug but as you say the dreams were something else. As I tell everyone it is a decision I make everyday not to smoke after doing it for 35 years and I also have been in situations that I could easily start again. Gum and M&M’s have helped get over the rough spots.
Continued sucess, Jill
[...] I digress. As I posted previously, you would think I cheated death taking Chantix, but the bottom line is that I quit. And this time, I’m saying “I [...]