I am quitting smoking at this time. The doctor prescribed Chantix. The first day I used it, I felt euphoric. Not over the top, but a real feeling of happiness. I had already quit the anti-depressant, Celexa, over the previous 2 months. I have now been taking Chantix for the last 4 weeks.
The reason I am bringing this up is because I haven't done the numb thing when I have been triggered. I haven't been taking ativan constantly. In fact, I have only had half an ativan in the past 2 weeks.
I have found out that chantix blocks the dopamine release that cigarettes give you. What I have been trying to find out isif it also is blocking the chemical imbalance that causes the over top feelings we get from our PTSD. No one can answer that.
Now, I have had some emotional crying, some small feelings of fear, but I didn't block them...I HANDLED THEM! You know, like before, when I used to handle things normally (I think LOL).
I would love to find a study or talk to someone, because this could really be important for us!!!!
I mean, I have been living with my sister and in a rehabilitation center part of the time for the past 3 years. I am now trying to get my own apartment. I would have never thought I was ready, but I feel so normal (well for me) and if this could help others, I want to find out because all the things they give us are standard "treat the symptoms" drugs.
This could be a whole new angle to look at our treatment.
Oh, and by the way, I haven't had a cig since last Thursday!
Please, respond to this and tell me what you think, because what BSBD is saying really relates to this, I mean, our unconcious brain will drive us to taking drugs to keep it on the same level of alertness and the pleasure response...even if it doesn't feel so pleasurable to us.