CHANTIX Review

I began Chantix on July 21st, 2008.  I advanced to the 'blue pills 2X per day stage', but never took more than 1 per day.  I was having great results taking only one pill and figured why take both if I don't need it?  My doctor agreed.  I smoked for nearly 30 years, I am currently 47 years old.  My OBGYN would not presribe Chantix based on the side effects they 'heard about', not even one personal testimony.  I had to see a urologist because of some bladder infections that would not clear up and I had some blood in my urine.  Turned out to be a kidney stone, but the information I learned from this doctor regarding bladder cancer in relation to smoking was the eye opener I needed!  I stopped smoking on my 8th day of Chantix and haven't had a cigarette since....but more importantly...I haven't wanted one!  There have been very subtle 'urges' now and then, but they pass so quickly I hardly notice.  The only 'side affect' I experienced was a change in my dreaming.  I was worried about that because I tried the patch once and the dreams I had using that were...in one word....HORRIFIC!  But, this was not the case with Chantix.  If/when I woke I was always concious that I'd been dreaming and could remember them very well, but they were very garden variety and overall I slept better on Chantix than before I took it.  I began taking 1/2 of the 1/2 dose I was taking my 3rd week on Chantix and then stopped the medication completely the 4th week.  I did not want to quit the medication abruptly and it's been one week since I stopped taking it and I've had no ill effects at all.  I understand that my results are not typical and while I was taking Chantix I made the mistake of reading things about it on the internet that scared me to death. But I have had NO bad effects from this medication.  The most amazing result to me is that I just DO NOT care about smoking..at all...even at the 'most stressful' times (and there have been many!)  I also think that the support program offered with this prescription has been great!  My daily emails give me great info and a little 'lift' everyday knowing I DID IT!!!  I hope people who are considering taking Chantix consult with a doctor who will monitor their progress and experiences while taking this medication.  I agree with my doctor's philosophy regarding Chantix, "As long as I monitor you, if it works, it's GOT to be better than smoking".  I will not be a smoker ever again.  I am thankful everyday that I had the Chantix option.  Best of luck to all who want to quit and try.  The mental fear was my biggest obstacle and now I'm in control.    YES!!!!!!!!