FabSwingers.com forum: Stopping Smoking

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Hi all,

I'm due to get my first pack of champix today from the docs, has anyone on here used it? I've done a lot of reading about it and have obviously seen some of the perhaps more worrying stories, not putting me off though as I do really want to quit. If you have used it, was it successful and what was your experience of it like?

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

Hiya Doc, 20 months off the fags with Champix, most successful I've ever been with any method (hypnosis, Alan Carr book, patches, Zyban) and I've been a smoker since I was 13....like any tablets there are potential side effects which your Quack or quit smoking counsellor will tell you about - the only effects I had was a touch of insomnia for a coupla weeks and some quite lucid dreams (there were a couple of sexy dreams in there and wow they were amazing....but I digress) I will say, take the whole course of tablets as several folk I know who didn't finish the course have gone back onto the fags....My kid sister is also smoke free coming up 3 years from Champix, it was her success encouraged me to give it a go - gonna count myself a non-smoker once I hit my 2 year anniversary but I can honestly say that up until last Saturday (when I had a bit of a stressful end to my evening) I've never had the urge or inclination to pick up a ciggie....

One final thing, put your fag money aside and treat yourself every so often

Good luck!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Cheers, I saw in your profile that you had managed it, fantastic that you could do it. I have tried everything, actually managed to give up with zyban about 10 years ago, then stupidly started again. Hopefully this will work for me. Did you find it reduced the craving dramatically?

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

It was weird, I just seemed to smoke less and less the 2nd week I was taking the pills and I was stubbing them out half way (when I used to get the last drag out of the fecking things). I'd planned my quit date to coincide with a holiday to my fave Health Spa so I was gonna be pampered for a week - the times I missed the fags while I was there was when I was slonking in the relax rooms and I'd think about one, but it was more the habit of getting up and going to the smoking area I think, so make sure you have something to occupy your hands (mind you, you lads can always play with your goolies, seems like it's fairly common pmsl)....anyhow, I've asked my family and friends to put a bullet in my head if I ever start again - kill mesel quickly rather than slowly

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Think its during the day when I'm not at work when I'm going to miss it the most. But hopefully I'll manage it. I might even be able to mail all those people I've not been able to that don't meet smokers!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Your over the addiction of nicotine in 24 hours then it's all in your head!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

That's what the champix is supposed to help with!

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By *irtydanMan
over a year ago

Blackpool

was great for me 30 a day smoker not had one for three years i didnt even finish the pills the only side effect i had was a bit of blood pressure the most important thing i think when having these are you want to give up good luck and think about the money you will save

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"was great for me 30 a day smoker not had one for three years i didnt even finish the pills the only side effect i had was a bit of blood pressure the most important thing i think when having these are you want to give up good luck and think about the money you will save "

Cheers,

Had my first tablet after tea, obviously too soon to feel any effects yet, but feeling quite positive about doing this and have actually smoked less than I normally would this evening. So that's a good start. Having said that, I'm off for a big before bed! Think I might use this thread as a kind of diary. Might be therapeutic, who knows?

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

Anyone got any spare rizlas?

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By *uby In StockingsTV/TS
over a year ago

Cheadle

I got every side effect on the leaflet, so when I went back for the next load of tablets I said "no thanks" but I gave up the fags at the same time, I think regardless of the medication, you can only give up when you know it's right for you to do it, all the cures are just crutches for you to lean on, good luck sweetie, I can guarantee you it's the best thing you will do for your health........xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good luck with them op,and well done all you who have stopped the dreaded things,wish the oh would give up,bloody hate em ....but once again good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I got every side effect on the leaflet, so when I went back for the next load of tablets I said "no thanks" but I gave up the fags at the same time, I think regardless of the medication, you can only give up when you know it's right for you to do it, all the cures are just crutches for you to lean on, good luck sweetie, I can guarantee you it's the best thing you will do for your health........xxx"

I think I am beginning to see that too as one can still smoke with patches on, have used lots of other methods but going to try Alan Carr's giving up smoking for women and cold turkey as I have seen research that shows people get addicted to some of the things they used to give up

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Not me though I used Zyban but wasn't able to use the whole lot. The side effects for Champix puts me off using it, especially the sleeplessness as I already struggle with that as it is

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By *appy101Woman
over a year ago

Telford

best to give up by your self if you can, i used to smoke 30 fags a day and gave up 16 years ago by my self..

i just went whole 7 days without any cigs then on the friday i would light a fag, have one puff then put it out and then go without for another 7 days, and do same thing for 6 weeks, after the 6 weeks my brain told me that one puff would make me feel sick and want more, and just didnt need it anymore...been 16 years and 6 months since i had a fag..

good luck in quitting, one off hardest things to do, but once your there you caant belive how much money you can save.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Four years without a smoke now after quitting with champix. I found that I was actually looking forward to my quit date after about 3 days of taking the tablets and that when I did light up I was soon stubbing it out and not smoking a complete ciggie

Worse side effect for me was a couple of days where I was feeling so spaced out i wasn't fit to drive. Other then that and a few days of nausea I was fine. A lot of peeps seem to give up on the pills once the nausea hits but trust that it will pass and you will be fine

Good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you have successfully used Zyban, you should be ok with Champix...

I had a horrendous experience with both, suicidal breakdowns... BUT... make sure that you are backed up by your medical team, just in case, and you should be fine.

Good luck...;-)

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Cheers for all the messages. Actually probably helps to have a place to talk about it. Not telling family and friends as I've done that before and whilst it may suit some people to have that support network around them, I felt under too much pressure from it.

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

Got to say, not a bad idea not to tell your nearest and dearest - sometimes it's almost like they're just waiting for you to slip up.....much better to wait till they notice you haven't had a fag/your fingers aren't yellow/you no longer smell like an ashtray/your skin looks better and then say "yeah, not smoking at the moment, but I can go back to them any time I fancy"

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Just a an update, now on day 8 of the champix, started the higher strength yesterday. Not noticed any bad side effects. I'd say I'm dreaming more and they tend to be quite lucid. They aren't bad dreams though so don't bother me. I'd say I'm feeling hunger more often. But I'm definitely hornier a lot. Something that may have only given me a slight twitch, is now giving me a full on, angry erection, a real strainer. If only I'd had the chance to do something about it! On the downside though I've noticed when I've taken matters in hand, the orgasm is much less intense.

The great thing is though, I am smoking less and still feeling positive. I certainly notice in the mornings where previously I couldn't function at all until I'd had a smoke, now I can get on with things before I have one. The desire to smoke is still there, but by no means as strong. Have set my quit date now, but not told anyone so there's no pressure. Only problem with that is my mum just came back from holiday with a big pack of baccy for me. Certainly enough to last way beyond my quit date. Ah well, ill just have to sell it!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If Champix doesnt work for you then dont worry there are other options.

Dont beat yourself up if this method isnt for you.

I didnt quite with them in fact still smoked through the course

I quit smoking 2 years ago after smoking 40 a day for a long time but Im still on the Nicotine lozengers!!!

Good luck!!!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"If Champix doesnt work for you then dont worry there are other options.

Dont beat yourself up if this method isnt for you.

I didnt quite with them in fact still smoked through the course

I quit smoking 2 years ago after smoking 40 a day for a long time but Im still on the Nicotine lozengers!!!

Good luck!!! "

Cheers Lady,

I'm feeling massively positive about giving up this time, which is completely different to other times I've attempted, so hopefully, this will be the time I do it. Certainly positive messages like yours really help though.

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

Hey there Doc, great to hear you're not getting any of the bad side effects - I def noticed the lucid dreams but with the wet ones I counted those as a positive! Hopefully by your quit date, your smoking will have tailed off and it'll be easier to just bin the papers and sell your left over baccy....Another good idea is a pros/cons list....Pros - so many more people on Fab to potentially meet, more money for Travelodges

....the pros will so outweigh the cons and once you do quit, keep putting the money to one side....keep it up (figuratively speaking) fella xxx

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By *irtydanMan
over a year ago

Blackpool

pma positive mental attitude thats all you need and get the calculater out and see how much you will save good luck

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Hey there Doc, great to hear you're not getting any of the bad side effects - I def noticed the lucid dreams but with the wet ones I counted those as a positive! Hopefully by your quit date, your smoking will have tailed off and it'll be easier to just bin the papers and sell your left over baccy....Another good idea is a pros/cons list....Pros - so many more people on Fab to potentially meet, more money for Travelodges

....the pros will so outweigh the cons and once you do quit, keep putting the money to one side....keep it up (figuratively speaking) fella xxx"

Keeping it up isn't a problem, its getting the bastard to go down!

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By *ick and tockCouple
over a year ago

wigan

i smoked for 27 years and stoped just like that with nothing else than will power to me it was the only way to stop

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sorry about a negative here but Champix did me no favours at all, I suffered many of the side effects especially anxiety and quiet depressed even tho I was still smoking, I told my doctor and stopped them immediately, guess they are not for everyone but I wish you all the success with them.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Tick and tock, I've tried just will power so many times and I must just be incredibly weak willed!

Got my two week follow up appointment today. Think I'll mention the viagra like side effects. The nurse is pretty sexy so, you never know!

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Well done doc!! Hope it's all going well. Hypnosis worked for me like a treat, if you ever get stuck.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well Yesterday was the big day, and despite seemingly encountering numpties and the hard of thinking at every conceivable turn, I managed to remain abstinent and other than a slight craving on waking up today, still don't feel like I need one. So feeling pretty good about it so far.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well Yesterday was the big day, and despite seemingly encountering numpties and the hard of thinking at every conceivable turn, I managed to remain abstinent and other than a slight craving on waking up today, still don't feel like I need one. So feeling pretty good about it so far."

well done - keep it up

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well done you xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Cheers Minxie and Moody x

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By *Ryan-Man
over a year ago

In Your Bush

well done mate. I am in my 10th week and gagging for one today

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

Well done Doc....if you're a pack a dayer, that's £7 or so stays in your pocket rather than the Government's.....keep it up chick! xxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Well done Doc....if you're a pack a dayer, that's £7 or so stays in your pocket rather than the Government's.....keep it up chick! xxx

I smoked duty free baccy, but still better to have the money in my pocket! Anytime you want to give me some one to one therapy though, I won't complain!

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By *arnaclebillMan
over a year ago

Robin Hood County

"Hi all,

The only way to stop smoking is will power. I was a heavy smoker, and got my cigarettes duty free as I was a seaman. On 26th July 1966 I threw 50 cigarettes over the ships side and said to myself f**k it I've smoked my last fag, and I've never had one since. The only way - will power. Patches are a waste of money. The only way a patch will stop you smoking is if you stick it over your mouth

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Hi all,

Hi Barnacle, and well done for giving up using will power alone. However perhaps some of us aren't as strong in that area as could be and maybe need a little help. If only we could all be as strong willed as you. Whichever way some one chooses to quit then if the end result is a success, then that is the be all and end all and shouldn't be belittled for using help. In fact posts like yours probably do more harm than good in helping people who are trying to stop smoking. I would say I hope you are proud of yourself, but you blatantly are.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well, I've done over a week now, had a few intense cravings, but all in all, it hasn't been too bad. Helps that I haven't been drinking whilst giving up. That will be the next big test. It may be premature, but I've been confident enough to change my profile to non smoker. So all you northwesties who haven't appeared on my searches due to not meeting smokers, you aren't safe anymore!!!!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Is this a free treatment on the nhs ?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Is this a free treatment on the nhs ?"

Yeah, just pay the prescription charges.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well done for giving up x John had a stroke in march 4 days after his daughters 12 th birthday x so give up the smokes and have your cholesterol checked and I'll be happy xx

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By *rs and mr sanddancerCouple
over a year ago

Boldon

Both MrShields and I have started using e-cigarettes - not real giving up I know as we are still getting the nicotine but there is no tar and none of the other harmful chemicals - plus no more stale ciggy smell - the aim is to work from high strength down - we have just worked out that between us we will be saving approximately £50 a week, possibly more. Initially I was sucking on it like a dyson (lol as my old username hehe) but now I'm just having a bit now and again. When I lived in Liverpool I didn't smoke as much because I was in a non-smoking house and had to get off my arse to have a cigarette outside. Up here, there was no restriction and I found I was smoking over 20 a day

. I gave up 11 years ago using patches only to start again about 3 years ago due to severe stress. Life is on the up now and hopefully this will be the beginning of the end for our smoking habit

So, good luck to everyone trying to pack it in and Congratulations to those who have managed it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

16 months without smoking thanks to Champix, only extra advice I would give is cut them down slower than recommended... my GP just said keep taking them to the last day then stop, but 2 weeks before the end of the last packet I cut them down to 1 a day (from 2) then the last 5 tabs I cut in half and had half a day, gave me a longer treatment time and I was gradually balanced out to no support probably 99% placebo effect on the half tab a day but it worked for me, 35 years of smoking stopped hopefully for good.

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

well done all who quit... great job done

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well, I've done over a week now, had a few intense cravings, but all in all, it hasn't been too bad. Helps that I haven't been drinking whilst giving up. That will be the next big test. It may be premature, but I've been confident enough to change my profile to non smoker. So all you northwesties who haven't appeared on my searches due to not meeting smokers, you aren't safe anymore!!!!!!

Well done u, keep it up - ure doing great

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

But now I find out, it wasn't my smoking putting people off after all, its my bloody ponytail!!!!

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By *ENDAROOSCouple
over a year ago

South West London / Surrey

"But now I find out, it wasn't my smoking putting people off after all, its my bloody ponytail!!!!"

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

You're doing brilliant Doc....I thought it would be a bit of a nightmare going to the pub with the girls for a drink, but as my kid sis had given up a while before me I wasn't Billy No Mates left inside while the lasses went for a cig....now quite often me and our kid join the rest of the girls for a passive as the craic with the smokers is often better than in the fecking pub!

One to one therapy - no probs, it'll only take you an hour and a half to get to Arse End from Preston

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

"Is this a free treatment on the nhs ?"

There is free stop smoking support that's available on the nhs - sometimes they'll prescribe certain medications to help - then the price depends on what you'd pay for prescriptions.

Most NHS trusts have drop in clinics, no appointment needed.

Also, hypnosis has helped a few of my friends quit for good, but this isn't free of course, but they saved in a week or so what it cost them.

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By *ansue35Couple
over a year ago

yorkshire

I gace up on money, can't use the pils your talking about.

But am on the patch's and they working really well. No mood swings.

Still think about having a smoke but that goes when am busy.

Good luck.

Ian

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By *ex.IncCouple
over a year ago

Castleford

We're on our 4th week now since we stopped. Doesnt stop us wanting one though sadly and its not getting much easier but we have abstained.

Not really many side effects at this end apart from nausea at times but we'd recommend them to anyone.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"You're doing brilliant Doc....I thought it would be a bit of a nightmare going to the pub with the girls for a drink, but as my kid sis had given up a while before me I wasn't Billy No Mates left inside while the lasses went for a cig....now quite often me and our kid join the rest of the girls for a passive as the craic with the smokers is often better than in the fecking pub!

One to one therapy - no probs, it'll only take you an hour and a half to get to Arse End from Preston

Is that on foot, cos my car's gone to the big car park in the sky!

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

One to one therapy - no probs, it'll only take you an hour and a half to get to Arse End from Preston

Is that on foot, cos my car's gone to the big car park in the sky!

Oh blimey, if you set off now, you should get here for early July then

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By *ethany10Couple
over a year ago

falkirk

I gave up for 20 years and started agin three yrs ago, seemed like a good idea at the time.....

Steve

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