Champix??

slinky · 28-01-2008, 01:39

Ok I've got a dilemma.

I spoke to 2 members on here other night that have given up smoking with Champix.

The 2 members said that it is wonderful, and that they have given up easily with them.

I have a doctors appointment tomoz for these Champix pills.
Now, the dilemma is, I have been reading another forum about these pills and, believe me the feed back doesn't sound good.

A lot of people are reporting that they get very very bad pains in hands, feet, arms, legs chest etc....
Some have said they were so lethargic, they couldn't get out of bed for 2 days.
Some have even said that they got very very depressed and they even had suicide thoughts!!

( apparently, the EU have added the warning of this for Bipolar sufferers not to take Champix, because of said reaction ). Severe nauseous feelings.

Now some of these symptoms have stopped once they have finished the course. BUT some have never gotten over the symptoms.

Now whats a girl to do??

very confused.

Yes I want to stop FOREVER .... but I think going cold turkey would be better than having to put up with " wanting to kill myself "

I know this drug is still under testing! BUT do they really know about any long term implications of this drug??

very confused now.

hmmmmmm what do you lot think??

slinky · 28-01-2008, 01:43

Oh forgot to mention the visual disturbances.... night sweats....bad dream/vivid dreams. Actually there was loads, but the main thing people are getting is the lethargy, severe pain in limbs and stomach, bad dreams and depression and nausea.

nikkival · 28-01-2008, 09:15

I'm taking them at the moment Slinky, started at New Year. I haven't had a cigarette for over 3 weeks, and don't even want one.

The only side effect I've had is that the tablet in the morning makes me feel nauseous if I take it on an empty stomach. I was expecting it to be worse as I have lots of allergies and reactions to food & medication.

I asked the counsellor about the suicide & depression reports in the press and she said that this is only a concern for the mentally ill and they keep an eye on you regularly throughout the course of the tablets to manage any side-effects. The tablets start on a low dose and you gradually build up over 2 weeks.

Definitely give them a try, the clinic will give you really good advice and help you manage your dosage. Good Luck!

panther · 28-01-2008, 09:31

its a bit much to try and give up smoking isnt it?

, wouldnt it be safer to carry on smoking?...lol.

in the end its willpower, iv given up for 8 yrs this year and not had one single fag....how did I do it??.......pregnancy!!...yep my little boy wouldnt allow it

, i threw up everytime i lit one up when the little sod was inside me, but after the pregnancy i was determined not to have one again, and i did it....with willpower

MargaretR · 28-01-2008, 09:48

So Slinky the effects of the 'Easy Way to Stop Smoking' book wore off then

I have downloaded (free) his latest book from his website, but not read it yet.
That 'self hypnosis' method did help you for a while - so perhaps - read again

cashman · 28-01-2008, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkival

I asked the counsellor about the suicide & depression reports in the press and she said that this is only a concern for the mentally ill

give em a miss based on that statement slinks.

, seriously ive tried many things but not those,all failed.so if ya want advice from a complete failure WILLPOWER. good luck.

AccyLass · 28-01-2008, 12:47

I gave up smoking on Champix.
Gave up in September 07
Was only on the tablets for 4 weeks, but had no problems while I was on them

slinky · 28-01-2008, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

So Slinky the effects of the 'Easy Way to Stop Smoking' book wore off then

I have downloaded (free) his latest book from his website, but not read it yet.
That 'self hypnosis' method did help you for a while - so perhaps - read again

His latest book?? he died years ago lol.

MargaretR · 28-01-2008, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinky

His latest book?? he dies years ago lol.

I didn't know that - should have said his last book

slinky · 28-01-2008, 14:36

Well I didn't go to the doctors, mainly because I want to know what I am pumping into my body before I start. I am not one of these people that hang on every word my doctor says.

Ginger went, the doctor said that he has given at least 300 prescriptions out last year for champix and he hasn't had any complaints. As I said, I don't just hang on their word.
The doctor told ginger that he would have to go to meetings at the hospital for a while before they will issue him with a prescription.

As for me, I will use willpower. After I read the Alan Carr book, I gave up quite easily for a week. And even though I failed after this time, I am still only smoking about 5-7 cigs a day. I still cannot smoke a full one either.... so I am getting there on my own really.

slinky · 28-01-2008, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I didn't know that - should have said his last book

Yes he died some time ago...... you know what from??

Lung cancer.... Ironic really isn't it.

MargaretR · 28-01-2008, 14:42

I am not going to ask for Champix for 2 reasons
I had a bad reaction to Zyban when I tried it a few years ago.
I don't think the doc would give it me because I have had spells of depression (not without good cause

men

)

slinky · 28-01-2008, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I am not going to ask for Champix for 2 reasons
I had a bad reaction to Zyban when I tried it a few years ago.
I don't think the doc would give it me because I have had spells of depression (not without good cause

men

)

Well I don't have depression ( just the occasional PMT )

But I still feel they don't know enough about this drug and its long term effects. So its a no no from me.

Just imagine if in 20 years time people are walking round with a tail.... we'll all be like " oh look their goes someone that took champix again "

MargaretR · 28-01-2008, 14:52

When I was pregnant I put up with morning sickness - others took thalidomide

slinky · 28-01-2008, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

When I was pregnant I put up with morning sickness - others took thalidomide

That's exactly what I mean!! And no doubt all doctors were claiming " oh no dear, go a head, its safe as houses "

I like to weigh up pro's and con's, and thankfully we have the wonderful internet to help us make INFORMED choices about risk factors, that doctors sometimes don't want us to know.