Larry Hoover, anyone ? Chantix question

I've been off of cigarettes since July 2005, but think I became hooked on nicotine gum, I hate it, but I get some nico in my brain and I'm sure even though I've been on 2mgs, I still think I've gotten hooked on it too, otherwise why would I still be chewing it this long, eh? LOL!!!
My GP's PA mentioned Chantix, claiming many people are now getting hooked on the nico gum, wow, from one habit to another.
Now, if Chantix boosts dopamine (I think that's it's claim?), wouldn't that also help mildly with dieting?
I read this Chantix can cause weight gain, ugh!! Heck I think, 35-40lbs that I've gained in a couple of years is enough, I can't take being fatter.
I'll get to the point,is Chantix different than Bupropion/Wellbuterin, SSRI's? Is it a med that works on dopamine (feel good thingy) and would be sort of like a CNS? IT would be so very cool to get those side effects, I haven't had CNS's for a long time, they were great.
Doe's it really cause weight gain and constipation?
Anyone have any luck without weight gain, please reply.
Thanks in advance,
DE

darkeyes, I have been watching Chantix with interest, as my work overlaps with nicotine research. Chantix has a completely different mechanism of action from antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, which is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and the Paxil/Prozac/etc class (SSRIs), which are serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Of the ADs, only Wellbutrin is used as a smoking cessation aid. Chantix acts by binding to nicotine receptors in your brain. Normally when you smoke, nicotine binds to these receptors, which results in stimulation of the dopamine pathway, which gives pleasure! Chantix binds to these same receptors and blocks nicotine from binding. Chantix also causes those dopamine pleasure feelings, but to a less strong extent than what nicotine produces. But you get enough to help with withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking (or chewing the gum).

I don't have any information on Chantix and weight gain/loss.

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
My GP's PA mentioned Chantix, claiming many people are now getting hooked on the nico gum, wow, from one habit to another.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">Yes, but remember it is far better to be hooked on nico gum, which doesn't cause cancer, than on smoking, which does. The thought is that after being on Chantix for a few months and having the effects of nicotine blocked if you do happen to smoke or chew gum (Chantix binds the nicotine receptors and prevents nicotine from binding and activating the dopamine pathway), you will break this link between smoking and reward. With no positive reinforcement for smoking/nicotine (pleasure), you will stop doing it. This new drug has been quite successful. What remains to be seen is once people stop taking Chantix, do they revert back to smoking? If they can kick the smoking habit, then go off Chantix, and avoid smoking even a single cigarette at all costs, I think this could really, really help.

I think it is really worth trying for people who have had no luck with other cessation methods.

Chantix web site:
http://www.chantix.com

I was on Chantix for like 4 months, and did not have one bad side effect. No weight gain or constipation. The drug works really well, if you are commited. I have been off it for 2 months. I have slipped some because of emtional issues that have been going on in my life. I know that is a poor excuse. Its not like I am back to a pack a day or anything. I called in a refill for the chantix and will resume it for a month or two. I hope this info helps!

Thanks, sunrise and jennifer,
Maybe if I try it to get off of these pricey nicorettes, I'll not need the begining strength being I am on 2mgs of nicorette and haven't had a cigerette since July 2005, before I had nasal surgery?
I'm due for my checkup at GP so I think I'm going to inquire on getting Chantix, even my pdoc has suggested seeing if it will help get me off the nico gum.
I guess I won't know how it is for me until I give it a try.
I'm glad to be smoke free, but unhappy that the power of the nico still has a slight grip on me.
Oh well, we'll shall see.
Meanwhile, any other replies would be welcomed to my post.
Again, thanks in advance.

Darkeyes..
I'm glad to see this discussion of Chantix. I'm still a smoker, but my doc gave me a prescription for Chantix, which I have yet to fill. I too was wondering if it is effective, and also side-effects as well as weight gain. I'm already 50 pounds overweight!
I have tried everything...patches and gum, as well as cold turkey. I found that the gum really did havoc with the gums in my mouth, so I'm wondering how you have fared being on the gum so long?
This nicotine addiction is a *****!
I asked my doctor if the Chantix would interfere with the Paxil I take, and he said "No." I would like to hear more about this, though.
Patty

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seeker1950 said:
I asked my doctor if the Chantix would interfere with the Paxil I take, and he said "No." I would like to hear more about this, though.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">Pharmacologically, I don't think there would be an interaction (although my training is not in pharmacology). Paxil inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. Chantix binds the nicotine receptor and mildly stimulates signaling through the dopamine pathway. Serotonin and dopamine are two completely different neurotransmitters so there shouldn't be any interference of Paxil by Chantix, or vice versa. You can also ask your pharmacist when you get the prescription filled.

seeker, the Chantix won't make you gain weight, but it is well known that when people quit smoking, many gain weight. So no matter what smoking cessation method you use, you would need to be vigilant for weight gain. The average weight gain after quitting smoking is 8 lb.

Thanks so much, Sunrise, for your information!
Patty

Why Quit's take on Chantix: http://whyquit.com/pr/082506.html

Thanks, Perna, for offering this link to opinions on Chantix. One thing they mention that really concerns me is joint pain, even after cessation fo using the drug. I already have pain in joints, and so I'm rethinking filling this prescription.
Patty

I am new here , but I thought I would pipe in here. I took Chantix for about 7 week or 8 weeks. I did quit smoking with ease. I have however stopped the medication as I did have side effects. I had the worst nightmares that were so real. I didnt sleep much either and finally had to quit. But still have no desire to smoke and hope it continues.

Has anyone using this found it also helpful in side stepping food cravings?
Also, has anyone found it to give you a little stimulant type lift, the way nico does?
It would be interesting if the craving part of our brains for nico, and food, would be positively affected with Chantix,eh?

***** BUMPING this up *****
Similar post

I just filled my prescription for Chatix today. I will let you all know how it goes when I start taking it tomorrow.
Patty

Patty is it working? how expensive is this medication? I don't think my insurance will cover it.

I just had a note in the mail today from my insurance saying they will cover Chantix for free. It saves them money, I guess, if their insureds are non-smokers.

Nicotine helps prevent Alzheimers and Parkinsons (and something else that I forget). Nicotine patches are sometimes prescribed to people who are at high risk of those conditions in the UK.

Nicotine works as a stimulant. Helps you focus your attention and remember stuff better. Similar to caffine.

Sometimes... People might crave nicotine because they are self-medicating. Smoking is terrible for you (because of cancers and the like) whereas nicotine... Might be... Fairly good for you at low doses...

If you chew gum then do you get a hit from chewing? It might be that psychologically you chew instead of smoking.

Patches are more constant (no hit if used as directed). Maybe... Move to the patches and gradually taper down from those if you really want to quit nicotine?

Bebop, and all here...
Well, I started taking the Chantix, but then my mother was hospitalized and then diagnosed with terminal cancer. Wanting to stick with the Chantix, I kept taking it for a week while she was in the hospital. They start you off gradually with only one Chantix a day, but by the day I started taking two a day, I started not sleeping...at ALL! I wasn't that stressed about Mom, as I knew of her condition and she was accepting of it, but the lack of sleep for 36 hours, due to the Chantix really sent me into a major bout of anxiety. I stopped taking the Chantix for now, as Mom is here in my home with the help and care of Hospice and my sister.
Maybe when all this is over, I will reconsider taking Chantix again, but it really did cause me not to sleep and gave me anxiety. I'm still struggling with the anxiety symptoms.
Patty

I hope you get some relief hon! sounds horrible!

i just started taking chantix. will let you know as time goes on. it's just too early to notice anything, since i'm on the 2nd day of taking it.

good luck hon. since I will start getting my ssdi hopefully my dr with give it to me. let us know hon