Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Dear god, another post from me...Well, it's right there on the official Chantix.com website:
"Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment..."
So hasta la vista, Chantix. It's been nice and then suddenly not so nice knowing you. Fingers crossed I can remain smoke-free without this drug...
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BlueCowGirl---Please call your doctor ASAP--if this is related to the Chantix, stopping it may not help. Or it could be the depression is a nicotine withdrawal symptom. Most MD's don't know that only taking 1 dose a day instead of 2 have almost the same efficacy rate, so your MD might just have you lower the dose unless he thinks it's related to the Chantix.
I know several of the top researchers on Chantix and I belong to a professional organization of the top cessation specialists around the country (Assn for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence ATTUD). There has been a lot of discussion about Chantix and the reports that have come out. They are giving more weight to the 2 new FDA studies that have just come out that have found NO increase in these problems. The other latest study about the increases---was only a study on self-reporting problems and not a double blind study----part of that problem is that many people with alcohol/drug/mental illness problems are heavy smokers--this subset population of smokers is at a higher risk already.
It also has been pointed out that many of the negative studies of Chantix have all been by the same researcher--and his results have not been duplicated.
Good luck
(PS for full disclosure, I am a speaker for Pfizer, the maker of Chantix).
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Thanks so much for your replies and support, VJ and Robo. Unfortunately, my RO knows next to nothing about Chantix (had to look it up when I asked him to prescribe it) and my primary care is 3k miles away and not returning my calls. Ugh...Can it actually be harmful to just stop taking it? Other than making it more difficult to stay smoke-free? Because if there is even a chance it is contributing to this depression, I want it gone NOW.
Edit: FWIW, VJ, I am taking 2 pills/day. Perhaps just drop myself down to 1/day? Like I said, I believe prescribing doctor knows less about this drug than I do at this point...He calls it "ChantRix" and says it has nicotine in it...
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BlueCowgirl: I second VJSL8. Call the doc. I quit with Chantix but never went to 2 a day - stayed at one dose. I also agree about the questionable cause of depression. I was already depressed about quitting & missing "my friends", so it was hard to tell why, but I made it through by going out for a walk everytime I wanted a smoke. I've now made it 4 years & 4 months (today). I once quit cold turkey for a year 30 years ago and spent much of that year sitting on the couch crying, so what is the cause?
Good luck either way & hope you can stay the course.
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Robo my doctor suspects my cancer started growing 4 years prior to us finding it. That would mean it started about 6 months after I quit smoking. That's not fair either.
BTW my husband smokes… but not in our place. There are times when he has to walk on the other side of the street because of the wind. I don't want to breathe that stuff. I quit. I want full benefit of quitting. It's not easy.
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MinusTwo, thank you and congratulations on 4 years 4 months...WOW!! Yeah, it's strange because I've never been a depressed person AT ALL...until BC. And this has been an especially rough week with family, work, finances, etc. So who knows if the Chantix is even a factor...It's just my gut instinct to eliminate anything that might be a factor, and god knows I can't eliminate BC, family, work or financial woes.
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Lago: Yup - I've been pretty pissed that it appeared the nicotine kept the cancer from growing & I only got BC after I quit. Faulty logic, but... Seems like lots of things aren't fair.
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Here's some more faulty logic:
My dad has NEVER smoked - he has Stage IV glioblastoma
I smoked pack/day for 20 yrs - I have Stage III BC
My mom has smoked 2-3 packs/day(!) for over 50 years - cancer free, fit and healthy as can be.Seems totally backwards, right?
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Cow girl, some medications you cannot just stop taking them, but need to wean yourself off, I'd call my pharmacist to make sure this isn't one of them. Take care and you can do it without the Chantix, you did it with bc, and can do this also. take care, Karen ps Dear Jo, aw shucks, just acknowledging what a strong person you have been throughout this journey
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BlueCowgirl,
Lol, at the comment of returning to 'my normal, only slightly bitchy self'... You've got a great sense of humor... Must be that's my normal state as well because when I jokingly told my teenage son that I was dressing up as a mean Mom for Halloween, he replied, "Gee, I would think you'd want to switch things up a bit and go as a nice one!" Lol....
It looks like you have a whole lot going on right now any of which could be causing depression..... Could be the Chantix but also ABSOLUTELY can be from radiation and/or completing treatment, quitting smoking itself can cause you to go into almost a mourning period and family/financial problems are right up there too!
When I walked out the door after my final treatment, I expected to be the happiest person on the planet and for a week or so I was...
Then I don't know what happened but, I went into a bit of a funk for a little while (I was still smoking so it wasn't that)...
I really think it was due to a combination of things but, mostly diagnosis and treatment had been such a whirlwind of activity and just looking ahead to the 'next thing' for the better part of a year that I don't think I really ever mentally processed all that I had been through... Couple that with the lingering exhaustion from Rads (which lasted may weeks) and, yeah....
If you are worried about the Chantix, definitely try to reach your Dr again... It may be you can just lower your dose and see if that causes the depression to ease...
Hoping that things ease up for you... You are through the hardest 2 weeks!0 -
Lisa,
Choosing a time that you think will give you the greatest chance for success is really a very important part of getting a plan in place! You are most likely right, in that the holidays can be stressful and my not be the right time but you can start by beginning to cut back...
I quit smoking in January 2010 but started cutting back around the end of October... The plan was to have a big Tada moment and quit at midnight New Years Eve... Well... When I realistically thought about it, I had a lot of stuff going on in the beginning of January and didn't quite quit till January 18th!
The point being, don't get all caught up in the date... Start with just little things now... Like the cigarettes that you may smoke when you don't even really want one... I know I was guilty of lighting a cigarette ony to discover, I already had one lit parked in the ashtray... My first baby step was to at least check the ashtray before lighting up....lol Then I moved it outside... No more smoking in my nice warm house... I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you are in NY... lol I am in NY as well.... As you know, it's pretty cold here come Dec/Jan... That alone helped in cutting back.. It was another step in the right direction... I could still smoke whenever I wanted, just had to go out to do it!
You have made a start by getting angry at all that smoking has kept you from doing! That, and money wasted, were my 2 BIG reasons for quitting... I had a lumpectomy this time around but, if this crap ever comes back, I will need a Mx and after all the things I couldn't do because I smoked and couldn't go without, I was D@mned if cigarettes were going to dictate what surgery I could have!
Post when you need to!!0 -
Karen,
You feeling any better today? Hope that bug is on it's way out the door!
Jo and Robo,
Glad that you both are doing well!!
dfrro,
You still hanging in there?0 -
My goodness, this thread got really active all of a sudden. That is great - we are helping and supporting each other.
Can't help with the Chantix questions. I used Zyban several years ago and could not stay on it. I broke out in hives and could not sleep. Both are the same medication. So Chantix was not an option for me.
Karen - Are you feeling better today? I could send more hot tea and perhaps some good old chicken noodle soup.
Seaside - Hope you are having a good day.
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Seaside and Jo, feeling mounds better, it was a bear to get rid of. I have limited myself to 3 errands so I don't let it back in. Thank you for all the care and concern, that, the tea and honey, and above all the hugs went a long way to helping me feel better. It never ceases to amaze me of the level of caring I find in the women on this thread. Just wish we all lived in the same geographic area, or that I could do a journey like Chrissy B. robo and dfrro, how goes the battle, stay strong, if we can tacklle breast cancer we can tackle smoking. A double salute to those doing it in a smoking household. hugs, Karen
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Leaving in just a bit to visit my sister for a day or two...
Hope everyone has a good couple of days. Will check in when I get back home!0 -
Karen,
Glad you are doing better!Thanks for the feedback, encouragement, and support everyone. The first 2 (3?) times I quit, even for months, smoke still smelled *really* good to me. Now when I smell it, it is nauseating. I have no idea why, but that sure makes it easier! Although every time I finish a meal, I still think, "time for a cigarette..." and like many others have expressed, that's the hardest.
I am going to try and spend some time out of bed today. The sleeping all day/tossing and turning all night cycle really needs to stop. The only advantage is, when I'm asleep, I'm not craving a cigarette
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Zyban is the same as Wellbutrin not Chantix. Both Zyban and Chantix have the same FDA black box warning about increased depression/suicide etc...
buproprion (generic name) has been used as an anti-depressant for over 20 years and it was noticed that smokers using it started quitting. So Wellbutrin is used for depression and Zyban for smoking cessation but they are the same drug (but difference diagnosis's--different insurance coverage). Interesting that for over 20 years, buproprion did NOT have a black box warning--it was only once it was being used as a cessation medication that these side effects were noticed--hmmmm? Why it helps smokers quit is unknown.
varenicline (generic name) was specifically created as a anti-smoking drug. It was based on a drug used in some eastern european country that is not available in the US. Chantix has a dual action of blocking certain nictoine receptors in the brain and also releasing some dopamine.
While both zyban and chantix work in the brain, they work on different receptors. I have heard of a preliminary study using both zyban and chantix together and they are getting a 60% quit rate.
I had posted this before and continued with explaining the correlations I've seen between personality types and which med works the best but I hit the wrong button and lost it all--so I'm going to post it on my blog if you are interested in reading about this. www.StopSmokingStayQuit.blogspot.com
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I was surprised to see Wellbutrin and Chantix being described as the same drug - thanks for clarifying, VJSL8. I tried Wellbutrin years before BC diagnosis and felt like it did nothing for me except give me a stomach ache. The Chantix really seems to help. Off to read your blog - definitely interested in the personality type information, please post it!
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BlueCowGirl--I just finished the post.
http://stopsmokingstayquit.blogspot.com/2011/11/can-personality-traits-tell-which.html
I've been helping smokers quit for over 20 years and writing my blog since 2008 and often I don't know what else to write about--so please I would love your ideas ---what is your craziest question or one you think is too simple? What have you always wondered about? I'll answer every and all questions. Thanks, VJ
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Hi all!
I am going to the local smoke shop tomorrow or Thursday to see if they sell the e-cig. I'm pretty sure they do. I really, really, really want this DIEP surgery and need to focus on that for my reason to quit!
I had a consult with one of THE top rated PS's offices here in NY today via phone and realized, "Wait, I don't need to travel all the way to NOLA! He is in NY too!" I need to be nicotine free for 6 weeks and SOMEHOW I need to get it in my head that I can do this! I need to make it happen - for me. I am hoping that the step down with either the e-cig or nicotine inhaler will give me the confidence to do this cold turkey... I say e-cig or inhaler because I feel the hand-to-mouth simulation is something I need to help me break this habit.
Seaside: Yes it is COLD in NY!! I am not "allowed" to smoke in the house as DH can't STAND smoking! It's amazing we've been together for 13 years...He despises it! So yes, I brave the elements every time I go outside.
Jo: OK, so like those of you who quit while other family members smoked - AMAZING!!! Really! I don't think I could EVER attempt to quit if I lived with smokers! I so admire you all!!
I am off to read about my personality type! lol Pretty sure I already know what that is...OCD...anxiety....OCD....OCD....OCD....OCD....
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Lisa, you are sounding good and strong, that is the first step and you are there!! I too needed the e cig for the hand to mouth habit, in the very beginning I rarely had it out of my hand. I was like a baby with a binkie, but so be it if it helps you quit. I also chewed really strong cinnamon gum right after a meal, Dentyne is the strongest I found. Go for it girl, trying the e cig is your first move, as is cutting back on the real thing. You go Girl!!!!!!!!!! hugs, Karen
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Another thing to know about quitting is that nicotine interferes with the absorption of many drugs--including caffeine. So after quitting, smokers who also are heavy caffeine users can experience caffeine overdose (nicotine cuts the efficacy of caffeine by 50%). so if you drink 4 cups of coffee, it's like drinking 8--which can cause anxiety, jitters and insomnia (which all can be withdrawal symptoms too), so that the combination of withdrawals and caffeine overdose can be really difficult phsyically.
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Wow, VJ - I didn't know that about the caffeine! Since I have anxiety already, I definitely do NOT need a caffeine overdose!
Karen: "Baby with a binky!" - now that's FUNNY right there! I am praying that the e-cig will help me! I may ask my MD for Wellbutrin again as I didn't really give it a fair chance. Chantix - no go for me. I do hope I can get to the smoke shop this week. In fact, I am now making it a goal to have this purchased by Friday. I need to start somewhere! :-)
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thanks Lisa65in NY.
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VJ - Why is it you have to attack and discredit everything I say. You have done that since I first started posting here. I don't care if you like me or not - just please stop making me sound like an idiot as I am not. I did not use YOUR program because I felt I did not need it. I'm sure it has worked for many and that is great. But, I am my own individual and MY methods worked great for me.
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JO-- It's unfortunate that when I provide information that you feel it is a personal attack.
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You don't put down anyone else and I have read the posts carefully. You don't put down anyone else it seems. Case in point, when I used the Filtrim you had something negative to say about that. the post was quite lengthy. When I used my natural spray and the natural pills- also negative comment. Same with the e-cig even though it has no nicotine in it. No words of encouragement from you at all. Too bad you can't just let up and leave me alone. I can usually let things like this not bother me but you just won't go away.
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Jo, I haven't responded to you personally because since the beginning, you are the one that has had the problem with me. You even wrote me this PM:
"Good Morning,
I really own you an apology for the outburst the other day. Having smoked for over 40 years and numerous failed attempts to stop I think I was reacting to information overload.
I have this "gut feeling" that this is my time to quit and I am really committed this time. I do have a plan B on the back burner if the Filtrim system does not work. But, for some reason, I just know this is going to work - I am going to make it work.
Again, I hope you can accept my apology and am always looking for new ideas.
Jo
I believe in giving smokers ALL the information they need to make their own personal decision. I don't feel I have attacked you at all but have provided additional information--the information that you don't want to acknowledge since you have made your decision but others need to be able to have complete information to figure out if it's OK for them too.
And you were completely wrong about Zyban and Chantix being the same drug, as a professional I can't let that go by. Take the chip off your shoulder.
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I keep dreaming about smoking.
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djfrro - That too shall pass.
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