How to Quit Smoking With Chantix

By Tonya Nash

Overview

Most people try multiple times to quit smoking before they are successful. To aid smokers in their quest to be tobacco-free, the drug manufacturer Pfizer developed Chantix. This popular medication is the first pill designed specifically for tobacco cessation, and it does not contain nicotine. Chantix boasts a 44 percent success rate after 12 weeks of use, which is the highest success rate of all tobacco cessation medications. Chantix works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain so that when people smoke, they do not receive the same enjoyment out of it.

How to Quit Smoking With Chantix

Step 1

Pick a quit date. Count back 7 days from your quit date and start taking Chantix. For example, if your quit date is January 8, then count back to January 1 and start your first day of Chantix on that day.
Step 2

Enroll in GetQuit, a program sponsored by Pfizer. Enrollment information is listed on your prescription. Support is given by coaches that will help you achieve your goal of being tobacco-free. You will receive daily support messages and calls, progress trackers and tips on how to break habits associated with smoking.

Step 3

Take 1 white pill in the morning with food on days 1 through 3. It's important to eat and drink plenty of water with this medication, because nausea occurs in about a third of persons taking this medication.
Step 4

Take 1 white pill in the morning and 1 white pill in the evening on days 4 through 7. It is best to separate the pills by at least 8 hours. Remember to eat and drink plenty of water when taking the medication. You may start to notice that you desire to smoke lessens during this time period. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip it and take your next pill at the scheduled time.
Step 5

Quit smoking on day 8. Take 1 blue pill in the morning and 1 blue pill in the evening with food and water. These pills are stronger than the pills you took on the first week. Continue this for weeks 2 through 12. Take this medication for the full 12 weeks, even if you have quit smoking between weeks 2 and 12.

Skill: Moderate
Tip: This medication can be taken for an additional 12 weeks if you are still having problems with quitting smoking. Consult your physician if you believe that you need an additional 12 weeks.
Tip: Ration out your cigarettes so that by the time you reach day 8, you will not have any cigarettes left.
Tip: Wash or clean anything that smells like cigarettes so that you will not be continually reminded of smoking.
Warning:
This medication is not recommended for persons under the age of 18 or pregnant women.
Persons with a history of mental illness should consult a doctor before taking this medication.
Use caution when operating machinery, as this medication can cause drowsiness.

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