Hi friends!
I was watching a little television last night and I saw the commercial for a ‘quit smoking aid’ called Chantix. It was amazing to hear that the list of side effects was longer than the list of benefits. Here are the side effects stated:
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.
Really?!? But wait there’s more….
Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking CHANTIX, some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to CHANTIX, some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking CHANTIX and get medical attention right away.
The most common side effects include nausea (30%), sleep problems, constipation, gas, and/or vomiting. If you have side effects that bother you or don’t go away, tell your doctor.
You may have trouble sleeping, vivid, unusual, or strange dreams while taking CHANTIX. Use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how CHANTIX may affect you.
As always the commercial ends with “Call your doctor if you think CHANTIX is right for you.” With the number of potential side effects, is this right for you? The sad part is that the information on the side effects was longer than the rest of the ad itself!
Let’s try a healthy less dangerous solution to quit smoking! With the drug above, your chances of dying or having physical, mental and emotional damage are almost equal to the effects of just continuing to smoke.
Many of us are aware that smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. More than 440,000 Americans die from tobacco-related causes each year, most of whom began using tobacco before the age of 18.
Try some of the following:
- Keep busy! Try going to a movie or exercising. Spend your time in places where smoking is not allowed!
- Feel like you need to hold something…hold a pencil, marble or paper clip.
- Feel like you need something in your mouth…try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, lollipops, hard candy, sugar-free gum, or carrot sticks.
- Stay away from temptations. Drinking lots of water instead of wine and beer, as they can trigger you to smoke.
- Instead of a post-dinner smoke, try brushing your teeth after dinner.
We know this is not an easy feat for some, but your chances of living and making it through without pyhsical, mental and emotional damage are more important!
Until next time,
BodySculptMD
Changing the way you feel about you and your body!
Sources:
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http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/tobacco.html
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http://www.smokefree.gov/qg-quitting-quitday.aspx