Quitting Smoking - Atkins & Chantix

[Lynsey]

Has anybody taken Chantix to quit smoking while doing Atkins? The reason I'm asking is that a side effect of Chantix can be kidney damage (or maybe its the same thing like Atkins, can make it worse if you already have problems). I had my levels all tested at my last bloodwork and everything was fine, so the doc prescribed Chantix, but she never asked about my diet (which I hadn't started back on Atkins yet). It's one of those things, its easy to say "call the doc", but I'm not even sure yet if my doc is an Atkins supporter, so not sure if I would get an appropriate response. I have 3 more months of Chantix refills and was thinking about giving it another try, but don't want to overload my kidneys.

[*Emma*]

see if you can grab Higgies, he gave up a coupla months ago on those tablets i think! he's usually around journal chats so you may hafta go there to ask him!

He said hes had no problems!

[ValidRouge]

I quit without using drugs or cessation aids of any kind. My sister started her quit on Chantix and after looking at the website I used to help me through my quit, threw away the chantix and just quit without it.

www.whyquit.com

Never take another puff!

[higgies]

Hi there! Well, I don't know anything about kidney damage, the only side effect I read about was the nausea and stomach pains.

I started Chantix about 2 and a half months ago. I took the first week as prescribed and still smoked like normal. By the second day of the second week I cut down from 1.5 packs a day to 4 cigs. That lasted for 3 days...every cig I had tasted disgusting and I didn't have the same feeling like I needed it. On the 3rd or 4th day of the second week I just stopped. I haven't had a cigarette since. It's been 2 months. I feel this drug is a major blessing. I tried on my own once before and it didn't go so well. Taking the Chantix was like a mind eraser. I really don't even remember smoking or feeling the need to smoke. I'd highly recommend it. Everyone I meet who's been quitting is on Chantix. The only warning I'll give ya is that you should take it right before breakfast and dinner. When you take it, drink lots of water and then eat. Otherwise you'll likely get some bad stomach pains or nausea. Best of luck with whatever you do!

[Discolemonade]

Geez Higs, I admired you tremendously for your weightloss, I had no idea you quit smoking too! You're my hero!!

All of you who quit, I admire that. I'm close.

[sillygirl]

Chantix rocks!

[spirittalker]

The Easy Way To Stop Smoking By Allen Carr. No drugs, no moodiness, no cutting back. I quit cold turkey on June 9th, 2005 and have never looked back. I have turned 10 others onto the book and 8 of them have quit cold turkey without looking back. Number 9 restarted and requit. Number 10 never finished the book. Give it a shot Best of luck to all you quitters!

[LessofLisa]

I have been considering Chantix also...gonna see doc next month to discuss this.

[tulsanurse1]

Im taking Chantix. Started chantix the same day I went into Induction (what? am I crazy?). My quit day is September 29, thats two days, Im scared to death. Im not ready. I dont have a plan but I cant handle failing at this. I dont even have a buddy who knows anything about being a smoker. Im working so hard on my menu's and exercise and being positive that I havent given Sept 29 much thought. Im scared Im going to be in trouble when that day starts. Since 14 years of age, I have never gone more than 10 hours without a cigarette. I honestly believe that if I could do just 24 hours, my courage would sky rocket.

[higgies]

Hey there tulsanurse! So how many days after you started taking Chantix is your quit date? One week or two? The packages say to take it for one week and then quit. The way my doctor positioned it was take it for a week, then cut down. If I smoked, just try not to smoke again. What happened was I took it for a week and smoked the normal amount. By the second week I cut down to about 4 per day, but by the 4th day I couldn't stand smoking anymore! It's really amazing if you take it as directed. You just won't feel like smoking. The warning I've given and why most people quit taking the drug is that it does make your stomach hurt. So make sure you eat immediately after taking it. Best of luck quitting and on induction!!