Anyone know anything about Champix for stopping smoking?

Question

I stupidly started smoking at the age of 25 and I hate it! I tried to give up last year using Nicotine Replacement patches - I lasted four months and then started smoking again - so angry with myself!

I really want and need to stop due to health risks and the financial side of the habit - but feel I need some sort of crutch to help me along the way.

Does anyone know if Champix is any good if someone really wants to give up?

Is it an anti-depressant?

Answer 1

You will only get Champix if you have a history of depression. It was made to be an anti depressant first then they found it helped with smoking.

Answer 2

Actually, Chantix was made specifically to quite smoking.  Honestly, the pills work great! I quit on them (although it caused me nausea).  A doctor will give them to you without a history of depression.  Just ask.  The problem is that some people are having a bad reaction when drinking alcohol.  It causes them to become violent or attempt (or complete) suicide.  Before taking these, make sure you ask the doctor about this.

Answer 3

It is an anti- depressant with the added side effect of assisting you stopping.

If you can handle the side-effects which for me were vivid nightmares and dreams, bloated feeling and poor s*x drive they work!

I smoked 40 a day for 35 years and managed to stop with them [6 months now] and I have tried every other method and failed miserably!

There has been a lot of rumour about linked suicide to this drug, in reality there was only one confirmed suicide and the body also contained crack cocaine!

Very best of luck, and it does get easier.... just!

Answer 4

Chantix (partial nicotine agonist) is the best med. However, it can have serious side effects in a minority of patients, including depression and suicidal ideation. (I took it for six months with nothing worse than mild nausea and vivid dreams.)

Happy Man is thinking of Wellbutrin/Zyban (dopamine reuptake inhibitor), which is both an antismoking med and an antidepressant. Its success rate is only half that of Chantix, but if you've suffered from depression it might be a better choice for you. It can also be used in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapy.