I have just started taking this. I only smoke when I drink but when I drink I binge drink and binge smoke. Two bottles of wine in one go at least every 3/4 days accompanied by a 20 pack of cigs. It is basically a dual binge addiction. I cannot drink without smoking and I never smoke without drinking. Weird I know. Anyway even though I dont smoke every day I still thought I would try the champix as I noted that it was also supposed to have a similar effect on alcohol cravings and my addictions are completely intertwined. I read all about the bad side effects and it scared the crap out of me but I have never suffered from depression (other than hungover depression that is) and but if I start to feel depressed I will stop taking it. Anyway thats the background. Now the effects so far.
I took the first tablet yesterday and I did feel a little weird afterwards but thats probably because it stimulates the nicotine receptors to think they are receiving nicotine. My body was probably thinking huh how come we are getting nico with our deal friend alco.... but anyway there was no real unpleasant side effects. I didnt have any alcohol (or cigs) but that was no big deal as it was only 2 days since the last binge (Monday - 9 hours of solid drinking and chain smoking). I took the 2nd tablet today at same time with water and food. Today being day 3 since the previous binge I would usually be hanging out for drink and cig in the evenging and I also had a mad busy day which tends to makes me hyper which makes me want to drink and smoke but come 5 o'clock nothing....
absolutely no desire to drink or smoke whatsoever. Tonight I went to watch my son's late water polo game (normally I get someone else to do it if its late as it will eat into my drinking time), took the dog for a walk and had tea and toast when I came home. I am now typing this. Its thurs night which is usually a big night for the other booze hags that I hang around with (like finds like) and I am jober as a sudge for once!
Anyway I know it is early days and I may just be imagining all this but I might even have a new life if this continues. I dont think I will up the dose from day 3 seeing as I dont smoke except when I drink and see what happens.
Will keep you posted.
BH
