CHANTIX Review

I have just completed the Chantix program. I only took the pill 4 weeks. I started with the 5 mg. pack and followed it to a "T". But when I started the 1 mg. pack, I took the morning pill every day and I alternated the evening dose to every other day. I was very nervous about taking Chantix because of the potential side effects and reading negative reviews. But as my husband and doctor said, "just take the pill!" I needed to realize that everytime I lit a cigarette I was taking more risks and exposing myself to deadlier side effects! The key for me was to have a support system in place. My husband and my doctor know my personality very well and made me feel confident and comfortable enough to take each day one at a time. If I showed any signs of a serious side effect, we had a back up plan in place.  The three side effects that I did experience were nausea, vivid dreams, and mild insomnia. The dreams were not scary. They were more 3D and in real-time. I highly recommend that you eat a balanced meal before taking Chantix. I found that if I just ate cereal or a breakfast bar only, I still experienced the nausea.  For women who have experienced a pregnancy, it was a lot like morning sickness without the vomiting.  I chose to end the program early because Chantix worked immediately. After starting the 1 mg, my cravings ended within the first day. I was not irritable; nervous; anxious; etc.  I also had preplanned a workout program prior to my quit date. I asked two friends to be my morning and evening work out buddies. This was key and instrumental with the entire process. It gave me something to look forward to. I did not drink any alcohol while taking Chantix. I don't think drinking alcohol while on any medication is safe. But removing myself from that social atmosphere really benefited me and my success.  I live in an area were smoking is still permitted in bars and restaurants.  We go smoke free in December of this year. My goal is to reintroduce a more active social life at that time.  I have had alcohol since quitting the Chantix, but it was in a smoke free environment and the temptation to smoke was abscent.  I can't say I haven't thought about smoking.  But you have to deal with the cravings sooner or later. You just have to remember...YOU WANT TO QUIT!  FIGHT THROUGH IT! I have already received compliments about my skin; hair; and overall well being since I've quit smoking and I don't "stink!".  If you feel Chantix is not for you, there are other options available (Wellbutrin or Zyban). I have had friends quit with both of these medicines and are still smoke free.  If you truly want to quit, you need to schedule an appt. with your doctor and review all your options. Put together a support group.  Nothing big...you don't have to broadcast to the whole world (because as we all know, if you fail at quitting you have more guilt in numbers).  Keep your support group small with a family member and a friend or two.  I wish everyone luck with your quit smoking journey! :-)