My Personal Experiment with Chantix

Like many others before me, I am going to give Chantix a shot in order to curb my tobacco use. I received a prescription from my doctor a few months ago, but never filled it due to the high cost. However, a friend of mine who had success with it gave me roughly 40 of his remaining pills to try. My friend has been relatively smoke free for a number of months, but will sneak a cig occasionally when we are out for drinks and whatnot. He considers me one of his triggers and therefore feels I should quit so as not to tempt him. But, regardless of his reasoning, it works for me because I get the pills for free and get to give quitting a chance.

I have never tried any type of quit smoking medicine or NRPs (nicotine replacement products) before and I was a little hesitant to try this. But, my nicotine consumption has gotten a little out of control and has become pretty expensive so, I'm about ready to try anything. I smoke nearly a pack a day and chew/dip nearly a can a day. And nothing is more disgusting than waking up with a hangover and seeing a house full of spit-cups and ashtrays.

Before taking the pills I decided to do some research on the drug Chantix, also known as Varenicline or Champix (in Europe and Canada). I actually did the research AFTER taking my first pill, but who's counting. Anyway, to my surprise, there are loads and loads of outrageous stories about the side-effects of this drug. They range from homicide and suicide to extremely vivid and lucid dreams to causing some kind of rare diabetes and everything in between. Instead of being mortified and ditching the idea all-together, I became more intrigued and curious about how I would be affected. The quitting tobacco part is now just an added bonus to all the other fun I can have. The whole, "take the pill and see what happens" experiment has always seemed like a good idea as far as I'm concerned, why should this be any different? I've never had any health, mental or physical problems

However, based on all the crazy stories out there, I figured it would be fun to report, on a daily basis, how my body and mind are taking to the drug. In my mind, this little drug induced adventure will be like some kind of metamorphic tale full of action and suspense. Will I totally flip out and try to kill my dogs and cats by drowning, or will I break down in tears when someone asks for the time, maybe I will ransack my own home and not remember. By the way, those are all actual claims coming from users of this wonder-drug.

So, my adventure begins today and I am anxious to start writing about some of my fantastically wild experiences in my quest to kick the habit. So, stay tuned and hopefully I will take us on a wild and exhilarating ride of chantix-fueled fun and misadventure. I feel like I just signed up for the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, how exciting!!