Headline news today was the story of the 2 year old Indonesian boy who successfully quit his 40 a day habit.
I know a lot of people who have recently successfully quit smoking using the new drug Champix (known as Chantix in the US). However, its only been available here since Jan 2008 and reportedly some longer term studies in the US show that around 80% of Chantix users relapsed within 12 months.
Champix works by blocking the effect of nicotine on the brain, thereby reducing the urge to smoke. The makers of Champix, Pfizer Australia, claim it can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but only if the smoker is committed to kicking the habit. Smokers continue to smoke during the first week or two of treatment and then quit whilst taking the remainder of the 12 week course of medication.
Prior to Champix there was another drug available called Zyban. Zyban was a re badged version of an anti-depression drug (bupropion hydrochloride). Zyban worked by suppressing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Users of both drugs report a variety of side effects, most commonly nausea, but also anxiety, head aches, frustration, anger and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
I’d be interested to hear about other’s experiences and whether any employers are offering to subsidise this treatment in the same way that some do for other quit smoking methods such as hypnosis and nicotine replacement.
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A friend of mine was violently ill for first few days then was fine. Could be that your side effects are due more to withdrawal?????
Hi everyone, I’ve taken champix for two weeks, and could not stand the side effects. I feel very tired and very depressed, i don’t want to do anything, can’t concentrate at work. It also feels like some how I’m emotionally numb.. This effects still continue even though I have stopped taking the drug nearly a month ago. I have quit smoking but I’m on nicotine patches at the moment. Does anyone knows if the side effects get better with the time? I just want to go back to being my normal self..Good luck to everyone!
Quit Smoking – Champix (Chantix) side effects http://www.safetyrisk.com.au/2010/09/03/quit-smoking-champix-chantix-side-effects/
I used champix for about 3 weeks but had to give up on it cause the side effects where to severe i had thumping headaches all the time and constantly felt like i was going to throw up i could barely function i spent the whole time i was on it on the couch feeling like i was dying. I would try every other avenue first before using champix
Quit Smoking – Champix (Chantix) side effects http://t.co/5LLUHdq via @Riskex
Quit Smoking – Champix (Chantix) side effects http://t.co/8bCKr5M via @Riskex
i quit smoking with champix but the side affects for me were quite strong. Still to this day i suffer from very painful gums/mouth and sore joints and more. Think seriously before you use this drug.
Quit Smoking – Champix (Chantix) side effects: I know a lot of people who have recently successfully quit smoking … http://bit.ly/cjFpkb
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