Giving up smoking

Re: Giving up smoking

Phrin Vernon RVN — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:10:12 GMT

Well done Arlo, and anyone else that has managed to kick the habit!

I am trying at the moment - This time I'm aiming to cut down over a few weeks using the lozenges, and then... well... I haven't planned that far ahead! If I can manage to cut down to just 2 or 3 a day then I will have met my current goal!

Then it will be time to think about quitting for good. I'm slightly apprehensive about trying to 100% quit at the moment, as I'm pretty stressed with work etc, and have exams looming, so don't want to set myself up for failure!

The champix (sp?) stuff sounds good, but as I have a history of depression I think I'll give it a miss!

Re: Giving up smoking

Caro Laithwaite VN — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:38:13 GMT

Monster .. smoking .. yup ok nother excuse.

Re: Giving up smoking

Dippy — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:18:36 GMT

Firstly, well done Arlo and keep it up - (I tried a few weeks ago but as it was at the same time as splitting from my other half, moving out of my own home and leaving the job and area I loved, guess what, it didn't work!

Just wanted to say to anyone thinking about trying Champix, do speak to your gp properly first as I know about 4 people who have had to come off it due to side effects - one with horrendous stomach upset and three due to feeling almost suicidal. Whilst I know that quitting smoking can make you feel extremely depressed in itself, I believe there haven't been a huge amount of long term studies into the effects of Champix used in people with a history of or tendencies towrads depression (similar to those mentioned with Zyban). Two of my three pals had previously suffered with depression anyway which their gp's hadn't picked up on when prescribing Champix and the other hadn't but started to feel very very down and like she didn't want to get up in the mornings she felt so low.

Don't want to put anyone off as I also know 3 more people who have successfully quit using it, including my brother (and when he has the odd lapse, he just gets prescribed about a week's worth and it's enough to stop him again now) but as with any drug, just make sure it's the right one for you and don't be tempted to buy on the internet without taking medical advice first.

Re: Giving up smoking

Kerry Spain — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:21:44 GMT

Congrats if it has worked for you. I've heard horror stories about Zyban causing strange adverse mental effects resulting in suicide and a friend of mine took the Champix stuff and was a complete weirdo to be around for a few weeks

Re: Giving up smoking

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:30:44 GMT

Thanks, although I don't really feel like I deserve any congratulations ... the pill just makes it so easy!

You're supposed to use it for 3 months. I'm not sure whether it has an anti-depressant kind of effect, and I'll be back to being a grumpy old bugger when I stop taking it.

But yes, you're right, it is a saviour for my family...

Re: Giving up smoking

Mrs Dot Dot — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:20:50 GMT

Congratulations! Keep it up.... it is one of the hardest things to do ever.... have not heard of Champix but I gave up about 6 years ago, using the lozenges (my sweeties!!) .... I was on them for 2 years and then had to wean myself off them as well but that only took about a month.... haven;t even had a drag for nearly 3 years now... still get a sweet wiff of ciggie smoke occassionally but most other times it stinks!

Sounds great stuff especially if you haven't been grumpy... a saviour for your family!

How long do you use it for?

Good luck!!