Chantix, is it really a magic pill?
Some people have found that when all other medications have failed, that Chantix was the one medication that effectively helped them to finally quit. Chantix works like a nicotine blocker, for the brain. Chantix attaches itself to the nicotine receptors within the brain, which blocks that absorption of nicotine. Over time, it lessens the desire to smoke, because there is less feel good receptors available for the nicotine to attach to, making you want a cigarette less and less.
A lot of folks have quit relatively easy using this method. And on top of that, there has been amazingly few withdrawal symptoms. Surprisingly, even two pack a day smokers are at times successful. But the first thing is to check and see whether your insurance company will cover it as Chantix is only available by prescription and many companies are reluctant to cover stop smoking products in general. If it is indeed covered, expect at least some level of pharmacy co-pay.
The first two weeks of taking Chantix are simply to allow the medication levels to build up in your system. However, since Chantix contains no nicotine, quitting smoking before you start taking it it not necessary.
Whether you pick a quit day two weeks or three weeks out in order to allow the medication to build up even further is unimportant. The important thing is that you do pick a quit day and stick to it.
Several side effects to Chantix have been recorded. Naturally they vary from person to person, but are normally short-lived. These effects can be anything from headaches, excessive gas, nausea or in some notable cases, extremely vivid dreams.
Chantix comes with a very good, free online support system and is designed for you to start receiving support even prior to beginning medication. Daily e-mail updates are sent to your inbox that direct you back to the site for further support with projects designed to help you keep on track.
Chantix is not for everybody and although it is a very promising medication, some people have more of the psychological addiction to nicotine, than a physical one. In the latter case Chantix could work very well and does offer some behavioral support. However if you have more of the psychological addiction to nicotine Chantax may not be the right medication for you and your doctor may recommend a different medication better suited to your needs.
So is Chantix a magic pill? Not even close. But then again, nothing is. It is only with a strong desire to quit smoking to any of the stop smoking aids work. For without the desire there is nothing that is going to MAKE us quit. We have to make that decision on our own.
