Quit smoking timeline and Champix
Smoking cessation is difficult because when you get addicted to nicotine, your body starts depending on it. Overcoming this dependence factor is the most crucial challenge in defeating the urge for cigarettes. If you are a smoker and thinking about putting an end to this deadly habit, you should know what to expect after you stop smoking. Smoking cessation timeline given below may also help you plan your anti-smoking treatment better just in case you are trying Champix or Zyban.
20 minutes after you quit smoking
20 minutes after you smoke your last cigarette, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. Temperature of your hands and feet also return to normal.
After 8 hours
Level of carbon monoxide in your bloodstream will decrease, and the level of oxygen will increase. This would ensure that the brain, the body tissues and muscles do not suffer from oxygen exhaustion which smoking causes.
After 1 day
A day after you had your last cigarette, the risk of getting a heart attack will decrease.
After 2 days
Most smokers report problems in coping with nicotine withdrawal symptoms a couple of days after they quit smoking. This is because this is when you start fighting the temptation for nicotine. You may be very temperamental and experience mood swings. Damaged nerve endings start to regrow and you also get back your sense of smell and taste.
After 3 days
Your difficulty with coping with the nicotine withdrawal symptoms may continue for up to 72 hours. You may feel very restless as the chemical withdrawal symptoms will be very intense at this moment. Majority of the smoking-related problems begin to heal by now and most of the nicotine residues start to pass from your body through urine. Your lungs also start to work smoothly, improving your breathing.
After 2 weeks-3 months
Now you are about to experience the benefits of a healthy living – things that you missed out for so long. Blood circulation in your body improves dramatically, increasing your level of energy and enthusiasm. You are now able to walk or run without breathing heavily. Nicotine tars deposited in your lungs get cleared by up to 30% by this time.
After a year
A year has passed and now the chance of you experiencing smoking-related problems such as coughing and wheezing is significantly less. The risk of coronary heart disease decreases by 50%, compared to a regular smoker.
After 5-15 years
The risk of stroke may be the same for you compared to a non-smoker, but the good news is that the risk of mouth, throat, lung and esophagus cancer is very low 5-15 years after smoking cessation.
Anti-smoking medicines
Champix and Zyban are among the 2 most popular quit smoking pills available on prescription. The Champix vs. Zyban debate has been brewing for a long time among people who seek medical help to stop smoking, but it is safe to say that the former has shown more impressive results than the later. Varenicline tartrate, the active ingredient of Champix, can help you say no to cigarettes and yes to a healthy life. To find out how to use varenicline, talk to your doctor. The availability of Champix in the UK is sure to make your smoking cessation program convenient.