Clarification About Chantix

[Conan71]

Lest I discourage any lurkers who want to quit tobacco from doing it, I thought I'd clarify some comments I've made about Chantix in the last couple of weeks.

Referencing the WSJ article FOTD found:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120338213743075691.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_pj

There are some side-effects people do need to be aware of.  Keep in mind 12 weeks on the Chantix is a "recommended guideline".  I took Chantix for about seven weeks and quit it two weeks ago.  I've heard of one person taking it nine months (?!!!!) but I've heard quite more anectdotal evidence of 3-4 weeks and people have not returned to smoking.  Pfizer would like to keep you on it as long as possible.

I have been nicotine-free since Dec. 31, 2007.

Based on some of the symptoms I have now, there are some side-effects to quitting nicotine which simply are not going to be pleasant for awhile.  I used smokeless tobacco exclusively the last three years I was on nicotine which means I pretty much had a steady flow of nicotine all day.  It takes awhile for your body to get used to not having it and to quit rebelling.

I seriously recommend if you do decide to try Chantix that you set bi-weekly follow-ups with your physician and keep the appointments.  If you start experiencing any anxiety or severe depression, be seen ASAP.  

Overall, the good has outweighed the bad by far.