Question: When is it ok to quit the Chantix?

[Bobbi Billard]

I started taking Chantix a little over a month and a half ago. What I would like to know is how soon can you quit taking the Chantix? I have been smoke free for a little over a month and I quit taking the pills completely. I'm not having any cravings for cigarettes. Am I in the clear now?

[SaraSmile]

I don't think I will ever be in the clear. My guard is up to stay!
My pharmacist reccomended that I stay on Chantix 12 weeks.

[Bobbi Billard]

So 3 months then? I wonder if I should start taking it again...

[barbara]

i took it for one month and got off, i figured that it did what it was supposed to do and the rest was up to me, so far i have 58 days of non-smoking. you do what you think is best PEACE! YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP

[Bobbi Billard]

Ok thanks for the feedback. I will definitely keep my guard up. I don't ever want to smoke again. :)

[Donna]

Bobbi, what did your Dr. say...did he give you a 3 month prescription? I don't think I'll ever be in the clear either....my Dr. said some people take it up to 6 months....I believe 3 months is the norm but I've seen people here take it 1 or less and then stop it.....I don't know if you should start taking it again...why would you if you aren't having any cravings....now I would say it's up to you to keep yourself from smoking....

[Bobbi Billard]

I think she gave me 2 or 3 months. I'm not sure if I have a refill on it or not and I don't remember discussing how long I should be taking it for with the doctor. That's why I asked here instead of having to go back to the doctor just to ask.

[~Rosa~]

Definately ask your doctor. If you quit and you have not been taking the pills, then you're there. Just keep your quit strong using some of the distraction ideas on this website.

[Donna]

I've actually been taking it 3 months but I quit taking the one in the evening after the 1st month so just the one a day...what I was wondering and you can tell me is, did you just stop taking it or did you taper off, any problems when you first stopped? I hope it's crazy, but I just keep thinking that when I stop the Chantix I'm going to get hit with huge cravings or whatever....thanks for any info...

[Bobbi Billard]

I just stopped taking it abruptly. I didn't taper off and I didn't notice any cravings either.

[Miriam]

My suggestion is that you complete the treatment. The treatment is 12 weeks on chantix. You dont "quit"; you just complete the treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

[Bobbi Billard]

Miriam... I wasn't aware what the doctor's recommendations were, hence the reason for the question. My doctor didn't give me a set in stone date of how long to take it. That is why I asked.

[Miriam]

Bobbi, Chantix offers a wonderful support program called "get quit". Please sign on you will be glad you did. It also offers an extensive FAQ on Chantix contraindications, treatment and side effects. membership is good for a year and its part of the prescription package. Good luck and keep it up. It really works. ( Let me know if you found the web site)