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Can I Restart Chantix Without The Starter Pack?
Question: I've been on what I was told a Chantix starter dose. I made it through that okay, taking it as directed. I also was prescribed Abilify with it, but did NOT take it, for I don't have Bipolar disorder. I've been OFF the starter dose for multiple wks. Do I need to start all over, or can I go to what I was told a MAINTANANCE DOSE during the next phase which I was told was called a continuing month box "your next four wks". I'm hoping it's okay for me to go to that dose and not to have to start all over, for I know it's been 8 to 12 wks since I took the starter dose. I've been told it's a higher dose and I think maybe that's better, since I'm wanting to quit smoking. Please tell me what I should ask for when I call my physician tomorrow morning.
I should add I was doing pretty well during the starter dose, but I developed cravings again, so that's why I'm asking.
I should add I was doing pretty well during the starter dose, but I developed cravings again, so that's why I'm asking.
Brief Answer:
Restart with initial dose again.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
You took the starter dose of CHANTIX.
Now you want to start it again as you have cravings again.
In my opinion, you should restart with the starting dose again.
The drug comes with the warning of causing neuropsychiatric side effects like suicidal thoughts, depression, mood swings and agitation.
There is always a risk of precipitating such symptoms if the drug is directly started with the higher dose (even you tolerated the drug well earlier).
Take 0.5mg once daily for three days followed by 0.5mg twice a day for next four days and then 1mg twice a day for 12 weeks.
So, you should your physician that you want to restart with chantix. Begin with the starting dose again as it more than 8-12 weeks since you last took chantix.
Discuss the above issues with him.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
I wish you successful quitting.
Regards.
Restart with initial dose again.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
You took the starter dose of CHANTIX.
Now you want to start it again as you have cravings again.
In my opinion, you should restart with the starting dose again.
The drug comes with the warning of causing neuropsychiatric side effects like suicidal thoughts, depression, mood swings and agitation.
There is always a risk of precipitating such symptoms if the drug is directly started with the higher dose (even you tolerated the drug well earlier).
Take 0.5mg once daily for three days followed by 0.5mg twice a day for next four days and then 1mg twice a day for 12 weeks.
So, you should your physician that you want to restart with chantix. Begin with the starting dose again as it more than 8-12 weeks since you last took chantix.
Discuss the above issues with him.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
I wish you successful quitting.
Regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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