Reader quit smoking with Chantix
Q. I know there is controversy over the stop-smoking drug called Chantix. I started smoking when I was 11 and just turned 60. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be able to quit smoking, nor did I want to.
My doctor told me firmly I should try to quit. The next year, he prescribed Chantix.
I filled the prescription, but in my mind, I had no intention of quitting. The information with the pills said I did not have to stop smoking immediately; I could pick a stop date and start the meds and work up to that date.
I never picked a date because I didn’t think it would work. I would just have to tell my doctor and family that I’d tried again and failed. You can’t imagine my surprise when it started working!
After several weeks, the drug took away that absolute panic I felt when I thought I couldn’t have a cigarette. That panic is what kept me from quitting in the past.
I gradually started to lose interest in lighting up or would light up and take two puffs and then put it out. I moved my smoking area outside and just never went out there to light up.
It has been more than two years. I do not smoke anymore. That is a downright miracle! So when you report the side effects, keep my story in mind. Chantix can help some people quit without causing suicidal thoughts or other bad side effects. I am still in shock that it worked for me!
A. Congratulations! Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
Chantix does help people stop smoking. It has some potentially serious side effects, however. They include suicidal preoccupation, depression or panic, agitation, anger or violence, paranoia and hallucinations.
Q. I’ve had a cold and have been coughing and stuffed up for days. I have read that using nasal sprays can be addictive. Cough medicines are not helping much either. I would prefer some natural approaches that don’t cause rebound congestion. What can you suggest?
A. The usual ingredient in cough syrup, dextromethorphan, is no better than placebo for children and only modestly effective for adults (Journal of Family Practice, October 2009). Natural alternatives that may provide some relief include tea made of thyme or ginger. Elderberry and Chinese herbs such as Andrographis or Astragalus also may be helpful.
We are sending you our Guide to Colds, Coughs and the Flu for more details on these and many other natural remedies. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. Q-20, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q. I have been treated for an overactive bladder by two urologists. I took several prescription medications with no relief but many side effects.
I told my doctors that I have noticed (like the runner in your column) that if I take two Advils at bedtime, I get through the night without going to the bathroom.
The urologists had never heard of this, but they said there should be no problem with two Advils daily. Do you agree?
A. A double-blind study in Urology (October 2008) determined that men with enlarged prostates had half as many nighttime bathroom trips when they took Celebrex. Advil and Celebrex are both NSAIDs. However, they could raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart attack or cause stomach ulcers if taken long term.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”
2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.