Lest I discourage any lurkers who want to quit tobacco from doing it, I thought I'd clarify some comments I've made about Chantix in the last couple of weeks.
Referencing the WSJ article FOTD found:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120338213743075691.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_pj
There are some side-effects people do need to be aware of. Keep in mind 12 weeks on the Chantix is a "recommended guideline". I took Chantix for about seven weeks and quit it two weeks ago. I've heard of one person taking it nine months (????!!!!) but I've heard quite more anectdotal evidence of 3-4 weeks and people have not returned to smoking. Pfizer would like to keep you on it as long as possible.
I have been nicotine-free since Dec. 31, 2007.
Based on some of the symptoms I have now, there are some side-effects to quitting nicotine which simply are not going to be pleasant for awhile. I used smokeless tobacco exclusively the last three years I was on nicotine which means I pretty much had a steady flow of nicotine all day. It takes awhile for your body to get used to not having it and to quit rebelling.
I seriously recommend if you do decide to try Chantix that you set bi-weekly follow-ups with your physician and keep the appointments. If you start experiencing any anxiety or severe depression, be seen ASAP.
Overall, the good has outweighed the bad by far.