has it been hard to stop smoking.

[acurtsinger2]

When my dad and his sisters were growing up, their parents told them that if they could make it to their 21st birthday without smoking cigarettes, they would get $100.  My dad's three older sisters had all smoked by the time they got to 21 (and luckily have quit since then), but my dad stuck to it and had the same rule with his kids.  Even though $100 is significantly less impressive to most kids today, it was still enough that my sister and I both earned our $100 on our 21st birthdays!    I think if you can make it through the teenage years and most of college without trying cigarettes, it makes it much easier to avoid the habit even after 21.
[/quote] I quit both times when I was pregnant.  But like a big dummy, I started back doing it.  I've tried several times since then with no luck.  I can understand that you may be frustrated.  Keep trying, smoking one less cigerette is better than nothing.

[goldensoul]

I stopped smoking when I started trying to think more about the next person and stopped being self centered. It took my mind off the cravings but I think they were still there because whenever I thought about it I would feel like smoking. I think 'oil pulling' solved this problem of chemical imbalances for me with apple cider vinegar in my water first thing in the morning.

[loiselle]

I have Asthma and COPD. I've tried to stop so many times. I was just given an RX for Chantix and I'm scared to take it. Does it really work? Is it worth the horrible side effects?

Please do extensive research before taking this.  I was going to take it... had the pills, called the number, went through the registration (took about 30 minutes), and at the very end of the call, she gave her little disclaimer and that scared the crap out of me.  I hung up.. did some further research, then called back and spoke to the SAME person and asked her to remove me from the registration.  Also, if you have a history of depression, this is not a good thing to take, IMHO.  Good luck to you whichever route you go.

[squirrelgirl44]

I have Asthma and COPD. I've tried to stop so many times. I was just given an RX for Chantix and I'm scared to take it. Does it really work? Is it worth the horrible side effects?

Please do extensive research before taking this.  I was going to take it... had the pills, called the number, went through the registration (took about 30 minutes), and at the very end of the call, she gave her little disclaimer and that scared the crap out of me.  I hung up.. did some further research, then called back and spoke to the SAME person and asked her to remove me from the registration.  Also, if you have a history of depression, this is not a good thing to take, IMHO.  Good luck to you whichever route you go.

Chantix was the only thing that worked for me. Every single thing in the world can have "complications" - to me, the risks of NOT quitting smoking were much greater. I did not use Chantix for the fully recommended dosage cycle, I only took for about 2.5 months.

[loiselle]

I have Asthma and COPD. I've tried to stop so many times. I was just given an RX for Chantix and I'm scared to take it. Does it really work? Is it worth the horrible side effects?

Please do extensive research before taking this.  I was going to take it... had the pills, called the number, went through the registration (took about 30 minutes), and at the very end of the call, she gave her little disclaimer and that scared the crap out of me.  I hung up.. did some further research, then called back and spoke to the SAME person and asked her to remove me from the registration.  Also, if you have a history of depression, this is not a good thing to take, IMHO.  Good luck to you whichever route you go.

Chantix was the only thing that worked for me. Every single thing in the world can have "complications" - to me, the risks of NOT quitting smoking were much greater. I did not use Chantix for the fully recommended dosage cycle, I only took for about 2.5 months.

Oh, I agree... Chantix has been very effective for a couple of my friends, if you can get past the nausea stage.  However, if you do have a history of mental illness, I would suggest you proceed with caution.  I would rather deal with the itchy, tingling feeling of the patch than to have episodes of hallucinations lol.

[arms1977]

I applaud all of you for quitting. I also admire you! I want to quit, but I have not yet found the strenght or willpower to do so. You all have inspired me though! I only smoke about half a pack a day. I will finish the pack I am on tonight and will try my best not to buy another pack! I guess I had better buy more groceries for the week lol. A few years ago my husband and I talked about quitting. I did a cost analization and found that we would save OVER $2300 per year if we both quit. That was before all of the tax hikes and prices soaring. Now I figure if I quit I will save $1140 a year with a ballpark figure. That is reason enough for me! Not to mention all of the health benefits from quitting now! Thanks you all for the inspiration! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers! Good luck to us al!

[samrhett2]

I am the one who posted that I quit by using Chantix.  Someone posted to do your research before using because of the possible side effects.  Whoever posted that is correct.  I have suffered from depression for 25 years so Chantix was not my first choice, but after trying everything else and not even being close to quitting, my psychiatrist allowed me to try Chantix.  Because I knew of the possible side effects, I only stayed on it for two weeks which was plenty long enough for me to stop smoking.  I would say I didn't feel the need to smoke after about five days on the  drug.  The only bad side effects I had was  being really tired.

I have been taking meds for depression and have dealt with it for so long, that my doctor felt confident that I would call her if anything started to change for me.  I have had the same doctor for over 13 years.  With me it was kind of a last resort and thank goodness it worked, but the poster is correct about being cautious with Chantix or any other medication.

[bulter9]

i dnt