Chantix - stop smoking

[demonbuttercup]

Hi
Ok this is mainly for Brandye and Sera...but maybe someone else has had some experience.
I just got back from my yearly exam...and of course my DR was talking to me about smoking. She's good though, she doesn't make me feel like a total dirtbag LOL

Anyways, she mentioned this new medication called Chantix. I literally just walked in, so I haven't really had a chance to do much research. She was saying that it blocks the nicotine receptors in your brain... so even if you do smoke, you aren't getting anything from it.

I've said I was going to quit for years.. so I have never actually hardcore tried too...such as going cold turkey, gums, patches, etc.
So I am not sure if I should use a prescription method first off... and try something else. Or if I should just bite the bullet.
I know for someone to quit something they HAVE to want to!!!

Any advice on this med...or just other people who've gone through the same thing would be appreciated
My DR gave me a script for it... and told me to come back in 3 mths to see if I really quit, LOL.

I am also curious as to how much this is going to cost. She mentioned if you notify your insurance co. that they might cover it. I can imagine it being a new drug and all that it's probably pretty expensive.

Luckily I work at a specialty pharmacy owned by my insurance co. so I have access to run test claims for myself to see what my copay would be, lol, that way I won't be totally shocked and have a heart attack right there at CVS...no not Walgreens

[Brandye]

Yes, it is a new medication and I have had little experience. About twelve percent of the people stopped during the testing because of side effects - mostly intestinal such as flatulence, nausea and tummy ache.

The warnings include drug interactions with insulin and blood thinners. It is new enough that the effects of overdose are unknown and the stuff I have received have emphasized taking the precise amount and do not double up if you miss one.

A major question I have is that it is recommended for a three month regimen. But some people in the tests continued for a year. That seems terribly long for an addiction drug.

There are currently three patients at my clinic who are on it and we are monitoring quite closely because none of us (three doctors) here know what to expect beyond the write-ups on the tests.

Demon, do whatever it takes. Just get yourself stopped; Your doctor is expressing real concern for you. If your b/f smokes, have him join. No sex on days either of you cheat!

[sera300]

I had the whole thing wrote up and the computer froze. The Varenicline is worth a try, a few have tried it with good results. Brandye describes the same as I was going to say for side effects and drug interactions.

It will not be covered by insurance, much like Zyban, this is why we had switched to writing scripts for Wellbutrin SR (same drug) and insurance will cover that b/c it's an antidepressant. The cost monthly is about $130.00, perhaps you can get a wholesale cost through work?

You have to take it for a week prior to wanting to stop and you really need your b/f to stop. When someone around you smokes it's almost impossible regardless if they do in your presence or not.

I smoked off & on for years. Tried hypnosis (no luck), acupuncture (quit well once with this), herbals (no luck), Xanax, Wellbutrin & Zoloft, and finally the patch. The patch worked well but the first two days are tough.

The side effects of the Chantix are nothing compared to the side effects of quitting cold turkey. The physical withdrawal is horrible; I vomit, cold sweats, horrible mood swings, a true addict. So the side effects of the med? Don't worry.

When it's done & over physically you feel so much better and you'll say why did I smoke. Be certain to remove all smells of cigarettes from your clothes, car, home, etc. this helps a great deal. Most likely time to go back? During times of frustration! I found always remember you are an addict--to nicotine.

Also 3 months is enough time, a year? I think they just want the money! Once you are weened, the receptors adjust. If you fail with it, let me know, they are other ways but not really suggested. Try these first. Also, if you cheat, like Brandye said a punishment. If you hit milestones, reward yourself. When I quit, I bought a nice piece of jewelry I had wanted. It serves as a reminder.

[demonbuttercup]

Thanks so much.
Yeah the DR said the most reported S/E people said was nausea.
Gas doesn't sound too good either, LOL. Another weird S/E it says in the brochure is "changes in dreaming".... Hmmm I am not even sure what that's supposed to mean?!?

The PA asked her if they had samples and the DR said they didn't.. which sucks b/c I don't want to fork out $100+ for a script and then not be able to take it if the S/Es are too harsh on me

My b/f does smoke and we also live w/ another roommate and he smokes too... so it's going to be tough no matter what I imagine.

I think mainly for me it's just breaking the habit. I notice I smoke mostly when I am at work or in the car. When I was in school I was always having to smoke inbetween classes b/c there didn't seem much else to do.

When I am at home on the weekends. I will wake up around 9am or so... do some stuff around the house, watch tv, play on the computer... or whatever.. and I can go to like 3-4pm in the afternoon before I realize I haven't even smoked yet. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, lol. But like as soon as I get in the car, I light up.

I did notice that when I ran a test claim it came back "Product not covered", it's another one of those insurance things that doesn't make sense. It's like ok lets not cover a drug that in the end can make our customer healthier and in the long run save on medical costs... but I know they don't see it that way.

Same w/ a lot of drugs, oh lets not give a prior authorization for this person who has Hep C... it's not bad enough yet?!? I see that all day long....argh!!

[sera300]

Demon:

The changes in dreaming generally are a tendency for nightmares, very real type dreams (you recall them much more easily), and will dream more then before.

As far as the script cost, ask the pharmacist to do a partial fill only. They can sell you only 5 if you wish. If they want to be a stickler, have your docs office call in a 5 day supply only. Do a trial on it, if no side effects fill the script you have in your hand. Or ask the office to call in a 5 day supply, and then 2 week doses only. Instead of getting 30 pills with no refills go for the 15 pills with 1 refill. Or ask the doc to do it on a week by week basis, dispense 7 days worth with 12 refills.

Also, look around your County to see if they have a quit assistance program. Many times you can get it at a much lower rate if your County (often the health department) receives Federal Funding to assist those who wish to quit. The tobacco companies in a settlement (law suit) had to give money back to the government to help those who are addicted. Often it gets ear marked for block grants and highway development (lots of help huh?) but some does go for this program.

Get your b/f on the patch if he is willing or on the meds through his doc to quit w/you. Check with your insurance co, call them directly ask for the QA or Quality Management division (the approval departments) see if they cover it if it's "medically necessary". If it is call the doc's office & let them know, they can find a reason. The insurance co. does not want to cover it since 1 out of 6 people return to smoking; therefore, they see it a waste of money.

[demonbuttercup]

Ahh ok
Thanks for the advice
I am going to do some more research as far as looking at quit asst programs like you said....and see about the insurance thing. I am sure there is someone at my work that works in the Ins dept that can steer me in the right direction.


thanks again!!!

[Brandye]

This is a non-scientific approach but I seem to remember that "Those who really want to quit are successful no matter what technique is used; those who are less motivated, fail."