Hey Brian...more words of support from a former 3-pack-a-day guy. Quit in mid-November, 2007 after 42 years as a dedicated nicotine addict. Like most smokers, I tried an number of ways to break the habit, but will-power never worked and different forms of nicotine just got me the "lift" in other ways. (Let's see, how many pieces of Nicorette can I chew in an hour...?? What's the effect of five nicotine patches lined up and down your arm...??? Like you, I finally wound up with my Chantix prescription and a lot of questions as to whether or not this would get me to kick the habit.
Fortunately I had a doc who gave it to me with "the bark off." Sooner or later the cigarettes will most likely kill me...not good for me or my family. Yes, there may be side-effects to Chantix, but be aware and go forward. And, while you're on Chantix, cheat a few times. That's what will tell you it is cutting the connection between nicotine and your brain.
So, I cheated a bit when I started the drug. But, after a week or so, when I cheated, I no longer got the nicotine kick that had beat me so many times before. And, like a dumb-ass, I kept trying to get that kick from my occasional cheats. Eventually, the reality became that, without the lift I got from the nicotine, the act of smoking really smelled and tasted pretty bad....sorta like inhaling volcanic ash. Once that nicotine high got separated from the act of smoking, I was finally able to put the stupid things in a drawer and never touched them again.
Now, my family will tell you I was not pleasant to be around for a few months, but they'll also tell you the benefit outweighed the cost. I did not become a drooling paranoid or axe murderer, at least not due to Chantix. If this is the course you take, just be aware of any mood changes that seem out of the ordinary...and try cheating for a while.
Like other "quitters" have noted, its like being any kind of "-holic". Long off Chantix, I still sidle up to smokers just to savor the smell. I wake up sometimes having dreamt of smoking a cigarette. All I can suggest is, remember when the nicotine no longer worked on you...when inhaling cigarette smoke was just a hot and dusty experience without that kick. Then, walk away and be glad you might live just a little bit longer, have more time to enjoy your family, and save a hell of a lot of money to boot.
All the best, Y. It's tough, but it can be done. Let us know how you're doing, and I'm sure you'll always get support from your MOM and DF brethren.
Tom