As far as the hit from a cigarette, there are hard hitting atomizers available that can give you that from. Look into those online and I'm sure you could find the right one. The vapor is heated.
I haven't heard any bad experience from anyone using e-cigs.
As far as medication like Chantix, I've read all about people's experience with it and it scared me away from it too. The side effects easily outweigh the good to me, atleast with what I've heard so far.
I'm actually wanting to look into Zyban/Wellbutrin soon if I can't kick cigarettes for good soon. It was originally introduced as an anti-depressant but later was found out to have had users stop smoking. Read up on it here and do some extra research but it truly seems to be the best option for me. Good luck man!