I'm 45, married with two teenage girls. Originally from Newcastle, now in Kent but still passionate ...
I'm 45, married with two teenage girls. Originally from Newcastle, now in Kent but still passionate Newcastle fan.
Member since:23.01.2001
Reviews:101
Members who trust:28
I had been a smoker for well over 20 years - I knew the damage it could do but I actually enjoyed the smoking sensation. I'd tried to give up on several occasions before, although somewhat half-heartedly it has to be said.
As a result of an accident at home (sounds ominous doesn't it? - I cut my hand on a rusty nail - not very exciting I know!) and went to my GPs for a tetanus. While I was there, the nurse mentioned a brand new drug that literally had just become available for smokers via the NHS. My GP was keen to see if the claims made by the manufacturer were anywhere near true - I also later found out that the local Health Trust hadn't at that point authorised payment for this drug from their budget and that it hadn't yet been authorised for prescription in the UK but that's another story.
So, I was introduced to Champix (generic name is varenicline). It works differently from other smoking cessation products. There is a two fold effect - firstly by physically reducing the craving for nicotine by blocking receptors in the brain and secondly by reducing the pleasure received from smoking a cigarette.
The regime is also quite different. For the first 3 days, you take 1 x 0.5mg tablet, then for days 4 to 7, this is increased to 2 x 05mg daily, and from day 8 until the end of the treatment 2 x 1mg daily. In my case, the treatment last 9 weeks but it can be extended although 12 weeks seems to be the recommended treatment length.
You are also 'allowed' to smoke whilst taking these tablets - you are told to set a date for quitting approx one week after beginning the course and stick to this.
So, does it work? Like all smoking cessation products, it does require willpower, but by reducing the craving and withdrawal symptoms and by reducing the pleasure of smoking, the process is bearable and not as tough as I had expected. Of course, it probably wont work for everybody, but clinical trials have shown that 44% of smokers taking Champix had stopped after 12 weeks as opposed to 11% of the placebo group.
In terms of side effects, those most commonly reported are all mild cases of nausea, headache, sleep disruption and changes in dreaming patterns. (This bit isn't from experience as I suffered no side effects whatsoever)
The tablets are coated for easy swallowing, are slightly smaller than an antibiotic capsule and do not leave an after-taste.
If you are serious about giving up smoking, I can't recommend this method highly enough. I still find myself wanting a cigarette, but that's more habit than anything else I suspect. I've not had a cigarette now for nearly 5 months and suspect that I really wouldn't enjoy it if I did!
Update
Okay, so I'm now officially a non-smoker. I haven't had a cigarette now for almost two years!! In that time, I've left my job of 16 years, moved house, become a landlord and despite all of these stressful times, still haven't really been tempted to take up smoking again. I haven't had a cigarette, although I can't deny that the smell of a lit cigarette still isn't unpleasant to me.
I've put on a bit of weight, but I've always been told that I could do with a bit more meat on my bones, so that's not a major issue. I can tate and enjoy my food so much more and generally feel much healthier. No hacking cough, sore throat and struggling for breathe - I wish I'd done it years ago!!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Fools your brain into thinking it's had a cigarette. Makes cigarettes taste foul. Disadvantages: A few side effects but nothing that can't be dealt with
nickgilbert183 06.05.2008 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Pfizer Champix
Advantages: Fools your brain into thinking it's had a cigarette. Makes cigarettes taste foul. Disadvantages: A few side effects but nothing that can't be dealt with
nickgilbert183 06.05.2008 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Pfizer Champix
Jun 15th, 2007
(Oct 24th, 2008)
very helpful by (86%):
helpful by (14%):
