Focus on Chantix

Chantix, or its identical product Champix as it’s known in Europe, is a fairly new drug on the market intended to help smokers quit. It was approved for this purpose by the FDA in just the last few years and is available only by prescription from your doctor. This drug attaches itself to some of the same receptors that nicotine would. Chantix is generally prescribed for a 12 week course and it should be taken with a full glass of water and only after eating. This course is typically started a week before your set quit date. By day 8 in your treatment you should have stopped smoking. For more information on how this drug is administered visit the Chantix website at www.chantix.com. With the help of behavior modification or counseling Chantix has reported a success quit rate of about 40 percent (Chantix.com). Without these habit reducing tools, your chances of quitting with Chantix may only be about 10 percent (whyquit.com).

As with any drug, Chantix comes with a list of common side effects including nausea, vomiting, gas constipation and sleep problems. A recent warning by the FDA details some rather severe neuro-psychological effects including suicidal tendencies and there have been several reported suicides with the use of Chantix. These effects were noted in patients before taking, weeks after starting and even after stopping Chantix. One blogger details a warning about this potentially dangerous drug at http://surrealitytimes.blogspot.com/2008/10/do-not-take-champix-chantix..... Also, Why Quit’s editor John R. Polito asks and answers, “What if my Chantix or Chamipx attempt failed?” at http://whyquit.com/pr/101807.html.

While many of us are desperate enough to try anything to quit smoking, you must always weigh the risks with the benefits. Many people have quit with the help of Chantix, but try to quit first by developing a habit-breaking plan with your doctor before introducing another drug into your system. Knowledge is power. Simply knowing you can quit means you hold the key to your own success.