In about 20 minutes I will be 24 hours smoke free. I can’t say enough about how Chantix takes away the physical cravings. It does not, however take away the psychological ones. I didn’t sleep well last night and I’m not sure if it was taking the pill at 10pm or just the anxiety of knowing today was the day.
I’ll be glad when the cravings subside. I understand day 3 is the worst so I’ve still got that to look forward to. One day at a time.
They say it takes 21 days (or times) to form a habit, so you are well on your way! Glad to hear you are doing well. On day 3 have some pretzel sticks or carrots around for some munching. Maybe that will help!
Way to go Dad!
Love ya!
Comment by Heather — Tuesday February 13, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
How is Day 3?
Comment by Heather — Wednesday February 14, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
We congratulate you and totally empathize with you. Dayna is trying to quit as well and is having an extremely difficult time. She’s on anti-anxiety & anti-depressant medications. Will the program at Boeing provide them as well if needed? As it’s a total life-change (psychological, social, physical, etc.) we know it’s probably the hardest thing anyone can do. Best of luck to you! Your body and family will appreciate it soon.
Comment by Dianna — Wednesday February 14, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
Hegs: I’ll post day 3 a little later.
Dianna: I suspect Dayna is on Zyban. That’s an alternative to what I’m using and is what Betty used. The main difference is Zyban is exactly what you described it is and Chantix is made to help stop smoking. With Zyban they don’t know why it works, just that it does. They know how Chantix works. It blocks the nicotine receptors and also stimulates them so the body thinks it’s already had a smoke. There is no need to use both medications. Only one or the other.
Comment by Don — Wednesday February 14, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
She got a shot of something (don’t know it’s name) behind each ear to help curb the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It’s the emotional ones she’s having problems with and thus is on the additional meds. With Chris about to be out of work (March 1) and trying to finish up her last four classes she may have bitten off more than she can chew – but she’s determined and that’s half the battle.
Comment by Dianna — Wednesday February 14, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
I found that quitting before day 12 was pretty much impossible, so I kept taking the Chantix. By the second week of taking Chantix I was up to two packs a day of smokes, but did start getting the ‘why am I smoking’ feeling.
So I just didn’t buy any and threw away what I had on a Sunday night, to start my week.
I did however use some negative reinforcement techniques, which included a rubber band around my wrist. If I thought about smoking, I pulled it far enough back and smacked my wrist hard enough to make it sting.
Good luck, glad to see that you’re still trying. It’s never too late to get more enjoyment from your life.
Comment by phreaki — Wednesday February 14, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Oh yeah, and the chantix always made me hyper, so I took it first thing in morning, then around 6pm every day. The nausea was gone by 7, and by 9 I could sleep.
Comment by phreaki — Wednesday February 14, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
I don’t notice any hyper-ness with the Chantix. It’s not one of the main side effects. I do notice I’m not sleeping quite as well because of the dreams.
Comment by Don — Friday February 16, 2007 @ 7:34 am