Paring Down Chantix - A LEAP OF FAITH

[Stac2]

Saw doctor today and told him about all my insomnia and disturbed sleep and my repeated tireds.  Initially we planned to keep me on Chantix for 3-6 months.

Well, today we decided I will cut my dose in half starting today, then in two weeks, if still doing ok, drop to zero.

For a few fleeting moments, I felt fear about this because I have done so well, come so far.  And, my cravings have been better than previous quits. BUT THEN, after I left the doctor's office I pulled into the parking lot at Academy to get a heart monitor for my workouts.  In the parking lot, I got that great feeling I get after I've done a workout (good trigger).  I was able to put nicodemon down.  I thought "hey, how cool is this that I'm doing so well, that the doctor thinks I'll be just fine cutting my med in half, several weeks/months ahead of schedule.  What an accomplishment.  Yea me!"  I felt proud, excited, not fear. 

I also knew that soooo many have done this successfully without Chantix or nico replacement or anything like either that I really do have nothing to fear at all.  I have the best tools of all - this site, my family on here, and the readings.  Those are the real key, not pills.

So, off I go...

I humbly ask that my friends on here say a prayer for me as I venture into this new part of my journey.  It is a leap of faith, but I am going to take it.

Love to all,

Stacie 

PS - Yes, I'm taking a rest here in a few hours.  Guilt free! 🙂

[YoungAtHeart]

You may find that you will not really notice much of a difference off of the Chantix.  I only took it for three weeks and really didn't notice any difference when I went off of it.  Just have your plan at the ready (just in case) of what you will do during a craving to distract yourself for those three minutes.....and then DO it.  If you are prepared, it will not be a problem. 

I am sure you'll be fine.  Your body has had time to adjust to not having any nicotine, and you have relearned your life pretty much as an ex-smoker.

Enjoy your nap!

 Nancy

Quit 7/4/12

[Joan_01-02-2015]

I too am working on tapering my Chantix.  I did not discuss it with my doctor, but am only taking morning dose and then intend to break pills in half and take half a dose in the morning until this box is gone. I did the full three months this time and feel great.  No cravings.  I feel like if I have cut it back as I have - no problem when I go off.  I am done with that darn nicodemon

I will be praying for you in the sucess of your journey.  It sounds to me like you have a lot to teach me!!  Y:ou should be proud of all you are accomplishing.

Just got home from a long 16 hour drive home for Missouri - so I am taking a nap too.

Peace and Blesings to you Stacy.  You are an inspiration!

Joan

[lyzw82-2]

Hey Stac-

I also tried chantix I had the worst nightmares on them so I quit them only after like 1 week and switched to the patch. Kuddos to being able to come off it early. I have found that the best thing that has helped me quit smoking so far is working out. I love that I can breathe better and am not breathless 10 minutes into a work out. As Nancy said just be prepared for those odd moments when you'll have that one intense craving your not ready for and you should do just fabulous. Plus if you ever need any help know that we are here at a moments notice 🙂

Lyz

[Rick_M]

Stacie you my friend are going great. I weaned myself off the chantix and never missed a beat. I found nothing changed after cutting the dose and no problem when I quit taking the meds. Just don't smoke and live free.......

[Newfound_Joy]

Good for you for turning that fear around into looking at the positive, good things you are accomplishing.  It is all about how we choose our thoughts and our own self-talk. WTG!

I tried Chantix, hypnosis, acupuncture, Welbutrin, e-cigs - just about every single "treatment" out there.  Each one of those resulted in failure.

Little did I know until I arrived here, that I had the ability in my brain the entire time.  I did not need something on the outside of me to "fix" me.  After doing all the readings and educating myself, I found out that I had the ruby slippers the entire time!!

And so do you!  You will be fine as you decrease your Chantix.  Enjoy your TLC for today, Stac.

NOPE

NEF

[SmokedOut041412]

I love that---"way ahead of schedule." Way to go Stacie.

You really are doing well:-)

Prayers sent.

♥

[tinkerbell23]

I also took chantix did 11 weeks on it . Chantix works great but the side effects they suck . Insomnia , depressions, anxiety attacks. I now take meds for all that but at least I'm smoke free. Don't take it for long if u don't have to

[Patty-cake]

Hi Stac,

Every time I read your blogs, I see a steady improvement in your confidence. Each day that you don't smoke, you get stronger and the nicodemon gets weaker. Atta girl. Keep doing what you're doing and as you decrease and eliminate the chantix, your non-smoking routines will be continue to get more comfortable.

🙂

[nanawendy]

Hi Stac, I took chantix for about 2 months, then I broke my ankle in a skydiving accident. I kept forgetting to take the chantix either in the morning or at night, so I just stopped  taking it at all. I could not tell any difference when I stopped taking it. I have been smoke free now for  112 amazing days. You can do this. 

[lisa319]

You've come this far, " YOU GO GIRL" My heart felt  prayers & support are always with you. Please contine to be an inspiration to us..You can do this, I BELEIVE IN YOU.

[chia]

stacie i use the patch 6 days and gave it up so far will be 10 weeks the 25 of may 2 yearsago iwent back to smoking after accupunture after 7 weeks i think im doing good this time after 44 years of smoking 

[Valerie30]

Hi Stac, you can take that leap of faith....it's that first step that's difficult, but once you do you will discover that "you can do all things through Him that strengthen you".  I have a testimony as well.  I was using the patch (I found that it was helping me to not be so "touchy".  There were days I used one and there were days that I didn't so I know that I can handle this through Him.  So I will pray for deliverance for you and you pray for deliverance for me!