| Key to ratings for chantix: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
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| 1 | smoking cessation | It took one month of ingesting this drug before I quit smoking entirely. The side effects while taking Chantix were: Loss of sense of pleasure from ANY activity!: Very Vivid dreams, (often unpleasant but not like nightmares); and constant insatiable cravings for carbs. The nightmare was the withdrawal from Chantix! I experienced mood changes on the order of 5 times that of my worse PMS episodes! I had never before had issues with RAGE, but within 5 days after beginning to wean off of Chantix those issues began. It has now been more than a year since I slowly weaned myself off of this drug and I have not yet returned to my baseline frustration/ irritation/ stress tolerance level. Also I have not regained a sense of pleasure from ANY activity. I feel doomed. On top of that, after all this time, I still have almost irresistable cravings when I see a cigarette. | I gained more than 30 lbs and became diagnosed with diabetes type II. If I could go back in time I would NOT take Chantix. I would rather die earlier as smoker than later as this obese, diabetic rage-filled human who no longer experiences pleasure from anything!!! | F | 56 | 90 days | 2/7/2010 | 2 | smoking cessation | severe nausea, gas from hell, out of the blue intense anxiety and a week later a very depressive state. Must admit, dreams were very cool though. | I would be VERY careful with this drug. These side effects came on very suddenly, without warning after being on drug for 4 weeks. Am now on anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds. It was VERY terrifying experience. No previous history of either. Can assist in stopping smoking, but is not magic pill. Will still need a good bit of willpower/desire to change behaviors to overcome the habit itself. | F | 55 | 30 days | 1/29/2010 | 1 | Quit Smoking | Two days after stopping Chantix I exhibited extremely erratic behavior including hallucinations, anger, aggression, panic, anxiety and confusion. It was so bad, I was taken by an ambulance in restraints to the Emergency room. I was transferred to a psychiatric unit where I spent 5 days with people with serious Mental Health Disorders from Schizophrenia to Bipolar to recent suicide attempts. At the same time, they were doing medical tests on me to confirm I did not have any more serious brain disorders such as MRI’s, Cat Scan’s, EEG’s, etc. After several follow up visits with my Primary Care Physician and a Psychiatrist, my official diagnosis is now a “Substance Induced Psychotic Disorder”. I have no history of depression or other mental health problems. They believe the psychotic episode is a result of STOPPING the Chantix and subsequent anxiety is due to the events from being institutionalized. | Do NOT take this drug. The trade off is not worth it, even if you do quit smoking. Find another way to quit. It's been 30 days since my release from the hospital and I'm not back to normal. Tell all your friends and family .... DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG! | F | 47 | 2.5 months | 1/25/2010 | 3 | Quit Smoking | Still have cravings, gas, some odd dreams, reflux may be starting, trouble concentrating | On day 12. Stopped smoking on day 9. Cravings are almost as bad as going cold turkey. It is really tough not go out to buy a pack for.. just one.. (Yeah, right) Have gas, some odd dreams, some acid reflux has started, have trouble concentrating. I am concerned about the reports of long term personality changes. I quit by taking Zyban about 10 years ago. I found Zyban to work much better with virtually no cravings and no side effects after the first couple of days and no withdrawal upon discontinuing Zyban after only 45 days. Sorry that I have to go through quitting again, and am sorry that I did not just use Zyban again. | M | 55 | 12 days | 1/20/2010 | 3 | Quit Smoking | Very Bad Bloating, Blah Feeling, Sleepy, | I am on Day 7 right now and feel like alot of you all feel. I found this sight looking for some side effects from Chantix. I am so bloated these last 3 days that I have to unbutton my pants. I just lost 70lbs and this medicine had me thinking I had gained alot of it back at first. I am not bloated in the am it comes about lunch time. It is very emberrasing and uncomfortable. I am going to hang in here for a while longer but do not know how long I can do this gas thing. Did anyone else on here figure out a way to actually get rid of the gas? I tried Gas-X earlier and still have not seen any results.. And my dreams are very sexual for some reason, not sure about that one since I do not even want sex since being on this medicine. I am too young for all this.. | F | 34 | 7 days | 1/16/2010 | 5 | quit smoking | Irritability, loss of taste/smell, loss of memory. Mild nausea the first week. | By day 13 I went down to one pill a day. Could not handle wanting to kill or the itchy/prickly skin. I have been off Chantix for 2 weeks tomorrow and I called Pfizer to ask them how long the side effects will last, they have no idea!!! Yes I have quit smoking but the side effects SUCK!!! Would I do it again.......not sure. | F | 49 | 38 days | 12/29/2009 | 4 | Quit Smoking | Have quit smoking thanks to Chantix for little over 1 year.. It’s my belief and two doctors that Chantix is responsible for my tendency to exhibit extreme rage over minor issues. Have been able to maintan the issue by internalizing the rage however, knowing what I know now I wouldn't take it if i had it to do over again. The constant fight from getting angry over small things is not worth it to me.. | Feel like I am a walking time bomb | M | 49 | 3 weeks | 12/27/2009 | 3 | Stop Smoking | Severe drug induced eruption on my arm after 5wks on chantix ( NOT a rash )-stopped chantix & still recovering 9 months later. Anyone else w/ this problem ? | If not for the skin condition I'm sure I could have stopped smoking using chantix. | F | 50 | 5 weeks | 12/23/2009 | 5 | smoking cessation | Always took with food, so no gastrointestinal issues. Vivid dreams resolved after awhile. Less able to tolerate people I didn't like anyway. Better to just avoid them while quitting. Just ask my brother in law.... | I was actually able to quit after smoking two plus packs a day for over forty years! I don't think I could have done it without the Chantix. I have now been smoke-free for 9 months. | M | 60 | 6 weeks | 12/16/2009 | 5 | Smoking cessation | Nausea, some irritability, strange dreams. | Wow... this stuff is amazing. I have quit twice before; once with with patches and Wellbutrin and once (a sheer fluke) cold turkey. This last attempt has been months and months of struggle, until Chantix. To be honest, I didn't even feel 100% ready to quit when I started taking it... I was pretty bitter about the whole thing. The wonderful thing (compared to Wellbutrin) is that cigarettes still tasted good the first week... with Wellbutrin they tasted bad, which made me not want to take the medication. After a few days on Chantix, I didn't even notice I'd cut down from 1 to 1/2 a pack. I was still at 1/2 pack on my quit day, but since then I've hardly even noticed the cigs were gone... what more could you ask for? I never, ever thought it could be this easy! | F | 30 | 2 weeks | 11/11/2009 | 5 | to stop smoking | gas, gas and more gas | Could not have stopped without it. I took the drug for 4 weeks. Smoked the 1st week and by days 6 & 7 was down to 4-5 cigarettes a day. Been 45 days without a smoke and besides being a bit crabby, no side effects except for gas. | M | 58 | 4 weeks | 11/2/2009 | 3 | Quit Smoking | This medication definitely helped me quit. I was amazed but 4 or 5 weeks into it I began having paranoi and auditory hallucinations. Subsequently I was hospitalized for 2 weeks. Haloperidol eliminated symptons immediately and I felt fine then put on Geodon which had even worse symptoms than paranoia itself. | I would recommend Chantix with caution to ensure psychiatric side effects are closely watched. It worked for me but unfortunately the side effects will preven me from using it in the future. Here's to going cold turkey. | M | 29 | 3 days | 10/26/2009 | 1 | quit smoking | very agitated and agressive, depression, isolation, anger, thoughts of violence, crazy dreams | Decreased my urge to smoke, but almost made me unable to function in life. Tapered down and stopped taking it due to psychiatric side effects. Had pretty bad shortness of breath for about 2 weeks after stopping chantix. Would not recommend to those who have underlying depression or anger issues etc. Unfortunately started smoking again. Took about a month before smoking felt and tasted like it used to. | F | 30 | 1 months | 10/25/2009 | 4 | Smoking cessation | Strange dreams which stopped after I quit smoking and tapered down from Chantix. I got very lazy... did not want to do work or stuff around my house. I got detached and took an I do not care attitude most of the time.Had to actually take a nap of 20 min at work...I did not gain but about 2 pounds while on CHantix. When I tapered down, I exploded by 30 pounds. Still worth it... Working out now | Do not stop abruptly. I had uncontrollable rage. I went back to 2 mg per day and tapered to 1 then none and I survived. I still do not smoke. It works, but be very careful. Notify family and friends to watch you all the time for strange behavior. Do not drink on Chantix. | M | 51 | 3 months | 10/23/2009 | 5 | Quit smoking | Brief nausea if taken without food. increased energy. It works awesome!!!! | I took Chantix for 7 wks 1 yr ago to quit smoking. Horray! Yesterday was a full year not smoking :-)) It worked like an antidepressant for me & aside from a little nausea if I took the pill without eating I had no side effects. It completely took away all desire & satisfaction from cigarettes. This stuff saved my life. I smoked for 36 yrs and quit after 8 days on Chantix. I took Chantix another 6 wks and then just quit taking it. I don't think of smoking, don't care to smoke and am SOOOO thankful that finally a PILL was invented that actually made it easy (for me) to quit smoking. | F | 50 | 7 weeks | 10/21/2009 | 4 | quit smoking | none | really works! | M | 23 | 20 days | 10/13/2009 | 1 | to quit smoking | an increased desire to smoke | I was told that this drug (which here in Canada is called Champix, don't ask why; I am talking about the drug whose generic name is varenicline) would react with my dopamine receptors, the ones activated by nicotine, in such a way as to give me the satisfaction I got from smoking; and that, at the same time, it would, if I smoked, prevent the nicotine from getting to those receptors. Made sense. Didn't work. Yes, it did in fact prevent nicotine from getting through, yet it absolutely did not in any way give me the satisfaction I got from smoking. As a result, I smoked more and more attempting to get a nicotine hit. I quit the medication after 1 day; but it seems to have done something permanent, or at least long term: i.e., it seems to have reset my daily nicotine need level, so that I am now after many months smoking on average 11.5 cigarettes daily, whereas before I was smoking 8 daily. Whoopee. | M | 62 | 1 days | 9/13/2009 | 5 | Quit Smoking | All "side effects" I read about chantix are same as the side effects I read about when quitting cold turkey (and experienced many years ago when I did a CT quit) so any discomfort I had this quit was not from Chantix, just the adjustment my body had to go through to adjust to being smoke-free. | I am very greatful for Chantix. If not for help of Chantix I wouldn't be over 2 years clean! | F | 47 | 2 months | 9/10/2009 | 5 | stop smoking | mild/short nausea, EXTREMELY CRAZY DREAMS, blah feeling | THIS DRUG WORKS EXACTLY LIKE IT SHOULD. If you are pondering the thought of taking this drug--you will stop smoking. The best analogy is that smoking a cig tastes like you are breathing in campfire smoke. It's as if the "idea" of smoking is gross. I stopped smoking after day 4. I'm a 28 year old guy. Up until I started taking this drug, I would have an occasional (once every month or so) dream that I could only remember foggy parts of--if at all. After I started taking this drug, I would wake up tired--thinking that I have pulled an all-nighter!!! These dreams you have... I still remember every detail of every thing--just as if I were there. Some are very nice, some not so much. I think that this side effect puts one "out of cycle" for lack of better terminology. Besides the dreams, I experienced a little discomfort for the first 20 minutes upon taking a pill-like I want to yack all over the place. I recommend taking the pill with some food, and possibly lay low for the next 20 mins. It helps a lot. Also, little things at work and at home (with my roommate) would send me over the edge (i.e. extremely short fused and crabby). I'm generally a very happy go lucky person. I can not say this was from this drug, but it is, at the least, a coincidence. Bottom line: it's worth it. Yeah, life may be a little rough for 2 weeks, but, you stop smoking, slowly stop taking the drug, and life goes back to normal without cigs!! | M | 28 | 14 days | 8/28/2009 | 5 | smoking cessation | I had mild stomach discomfort and slight nausea but this usually went away after 20 minutes or so. | This drug works wonders. If you want to quit smoking I highly recommend this. It takes away the physical cravings and makes quitting much easier. | M | 36 | 8 weeks | 8/24/2009 | 2 | quit smoking | Only threw up once, but I forgot to eat before I took it. That's the only problem I had with it, other than it just didn't work. Not even afer two prescriptions. | F | 62 | 12 weeks | 8/23/2009 | 3 | Quit smoking | SEVERE, gut-wrenching bloating/puffiness, constipation times a Million, sad/weak/pathetic/lethargic/unenthusiastic about anything & everything, anger, aggression, bitchiness | I smoke a lot of cigarettes. I use them as a crutch for frequent hard-core dieting (1200 calories per day). Taking this pill for 5 days ruined everything I like about myself. Even with the 1200 cals/day, I gained weight. My stomach, in the mirror, looked like I had swallowed a whole watermelon (NOT OK FOR ME). I couldn't poop, I couldn't sleep (when I did I felt like I had just lived an entire week in a dreamland), and I consistantly freaked out over nothing. This drug made me second guess everything and fight against myself to prevent my own happiness. I wanted to work out but couldn't get off the couch. I almost broke up with my boyfriend who is the only thing I live for otherwise. Screw this pill - not worth it for me. | M | 22 | 5 days | 8/21/2009 | 5 | quit smoking | The usual - nausea, nasty/stinky/rotten/foul gas, vivid dreams, blurred vision. | This is my second ride on the Chantix-go-round. The 1st time I quit on the 8th day and stayed butt-free for 7 months. I fell off the butt wagon when I went on a family cruise and drank way too much. I thought i could handle just smoking 4-5 a day, but within 1 month was right back up to 1-1/2 packs per day. The second time around, quitting was just as easy on the 8th day, but now I know that I cannot even smoke just 1 butt. I truly believe that nicotine addiction is as bad or worse than a heroin dependency. This truly is a great drug for smoking cessation. Also, when done with the 3 month supply, I plan on slowly weaning myself off the chantix due to a rage incident coming off it the first time. I would also like to start a Chantix Dream blog website for people to share the crazy ass dreams related to the use of Chantix. I could write a book about some of these wild nightly adventures!!! | M | 45 | 75 days | 8/20/2009 | 3 | To quit smoking. | Depression, dreamlike state, weight gain, eyesight issues. | During my 10 weeks of taking Chantix, I did have relatively minor bouts with depression. After I stopped Chantix, however, and my body got used to not having 2 pills a day, I have been plagued by a dreamlike, out-of-sync feeling. At my best, I only feel slightly out-of-sync; at my worst, it feels very much like having a beer on a half-empty stomach. My eyesight has also appeared to suffer, as focusing takes considerably more focus (!) than before. All things considered, I really wish I would have gone another route. I like not smoking, but I have replaced a habit with being fat, blind and stupid. And I cannot help thinking I'd rather be thinner, visual and smarter and risk cancer than be this schlub I've turned into and - because I smoked for some years - *still* risk cancer. -Vincent Truman | M | 44 | 10 weeks | 8/13/2009 | 3 | To quit smoking | Nausea, very vivid dreams, feeling detached/dopey, feelings of depression and hopelessness, severe bloating, horrible flatulance. My husband also taking the tabs also seems to be always angry/aggressive. | I am now 3 wks smoke free, but quit the tabs 3 days ago. I found giving up smoking very easy on this medication(remarkable after 25 years smoking, around 50/day for many of them). I have found that I am unable to function properly (everything seems just off normal) and have been sinking deeper into negativity and depression. Painful bloating and foul smelling constant flatulance is still a problem even though I am no longer taking the tabs. I am yet to shake the negative feelings, and the "dampened" perception. Luckily I do not drink, so I have no feedback on the effect of alcohol for me. I have a wonderful marriage and two beautiful kids, but have found myself having negative thoughts ie "why do I bother", though not suicidal. I immediately stopped the tablets but am still working through these feelings. Please note that I am proud that I have stopped smoking and fully intend continue with quiting. I am not feeling depressed about the loss of the cigs, and the tabs have helped me kick them easily. I would think that if depression is related to withdrawal, a component of that would surely be regarding how hard it is to do without your "fix"???? This drug does the job, but am concerned about what else it is doing at the same time. So many people state that the side effects of smoking far outweigh those of this drug. WAKE UP, a life ruined by cigarettes or by any other source is a life ruined. How big is the risk for severe side effects really? The | F | 40 | 5 weeks | 8/3/2009 | 1 | Quit smoking | Aggitated, Tired, very sad, crying, trouble sleeping with vivid dreams. | I was so upset and depressed for no reason! Crying, overwhelmed and extremely sad. It was horrible! Not to mention the complete exhaustion. I couldn't get out of my own way. Only took meds for 1 week. I haven't smoked but struggling! | F | 47 | 7 days | 8/2/2009 | 4 | Stop smoking | Vivid dreams, constipation & nausea. | Chantix helped me quit smoking after only 7 days! I feel great. No mental health side effects like some of the others on here. The nausea I can tolerate and the dreams I love. The only thing I must say is it does cause constipation and I don't like feeling constipated. I must say that Chantix has decreased my appetite and that I don't mind either. Today I see my doctor and I do want to stop taking Chantix and see how I do without it. I do believe I will be successful without it because I don't even want to look at another cigarette. | F | 27 | 3 weeks | 7/23/2009 | 3 | smoking cessation | My blood pressure went way too low, 95/65 and my resting pulse rate slowed down to 56, was feeling so dizzy while resting that it scared me, the whole room was just turnign around and could not keep my eyes sraight, they went inwards, was the craziest experience, this happend when I was on day 7 taking still the 0.5 mg dose. Gas, nausea, tiredness fogginess, insomnia but badly. Cravings went away, on day 9 taking the 1mg dose, but feel that this pill is messing with my blood sugar level that is by the way used to be normal. BP went way down ! | taking it for 9 days severe side effects but desire to smoke is going away, can easily go for 4 hours without smoking, but feel foggy, BP went down way low from it and stomach sollen and have gas issues that never had before. | F | 39 | 9 days | 7/19/2009 | 5 | To stop smoking after 52 years | I had nausea for the first week until I made sure I took the medicine with food. I was more gaseous than usual. Dreams were slightly more vivid but very positive. | I am grateful for the drug. I was off cigarettes on the fifth day and have not had one puff since. I was smoking a pack and a half at the end. I am non-smoking for 87 days. Occasssional urge to smoke is very manageable. | M | 64 | 12 weeks | 7/14/2009 | 3 | too quit smoking too expensive | major bloating, hunger, gas, vomiting,headaches, a weak felling | i stared chantix 5 days ago and stop smoking on my 5th day beacause of all the nasty side effect i threw up my head hurt i felt weak. my stomach looks like it grew two size. so now im trying it cold turkey and it is working pretty good. | F | 22 | 5 days | 7/1/2009 | 2 | Smoking Cessation | Nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, mood changes, "busy" dreams that left me exhausted, all over body aches and pains. | I really hoped the was the answer for me, but as of today, I have stopped taking Chantix. At first, I would experience some nausea immediately after taking a tablet, but it would pass fairly quickly. First week, I was plagued by a lot of stomach pain from gas and bloating, but hung in there. My mood has been rather neutral - not particularly happy or depressed - just kind of blank. Vivid dreams were okay until they got so busy that I felt exhausted upon waking. 9 days in, it finally made me vomit. This was followed by all over body aches which made me entirely useless. | F | 43 | 10 days | 6/30/2009 | 5 | Pack a day + smoker 15 years | -Very gassy -Constipated -Extremely vivid dreams -Can't sleep through the night -Nasuea immediately after taking pill -Occasional leg muscle cramps | Don't let anyone tell you that Chantix doesn't work. I was afraid to stop smoking after 8 days on it, but I stopped. Cravings were still there, but they were mental (habit) not physical, and I haven't smoked in over 2 weeks. I still want to smoke with coffee, after meals, etc, but it's completely manageable. Noticed nausea immediately after taking the pill, gives me gas and makes me constipated. Worst symptoms are the crazy vivid dreams (so vivid I think my dreams really happened the next day)and waking up every night around 3. General feeling of being "not right" and mild racing of my pulse. I've also noticed cramps in my thighs, but not unbearable. All in all, not nearly as bad as cold turkey or still smoking. Took my last pill (30 days) today and i'm off it. Wish me luck! | M | 31 | 30 days | 6/18/2009 | 4 | stop smoking | NONE IN FACT IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD. NO SIDE EFFECTS | HAVE BEEN SMOKING WHILE ON CHANTIX...I THINK YOU MORE THAN JUST THE PILL. | F | 56 | 19 days | 6/17/2009 | 5 | Quit Smoking | Nausea after taking tablet until I realized I should eat first Very vivid dreams Visual hallucinations when waking during the night (still evident) | As a 50 year 1-2 pack per day smoker I used Chantix per instructions and never varied dosage until I was slowly weaned from the drug per my physician's instructions during month 5. The drug was effective on about day 10 for me. I have now been a non-smoker for 17 months. I have some concern regarding hallucinations when waking druing the night which are still present. | F | 68 | 5 months | 5/26/2009 | 5 | stop smoking | After the first few days, there was headaches, and just feeling sick. I stopped smoking and everything went away. By the end of the one month supply of Chantix I was done and haven't smoked since. | Now I have 2 big problems, When I stopped smoking, so did my sence of smell and taste!! When will it come back if ever???? | F | 53 | 30 days | 5/14/2009 | 2 | to quit smoking | Nausea, foggy, numb feeling, jolting dreams, depressive thoughts of 'life having no worth', sore joints and muscles which progressed, some gas and stomach bloating | The first day of taking Chantix, my ankles were sore. Over the next 2 weeks (stopped smoking at day 6) it progressed into an inability to move my body(esp. legs) and I could hardly stand up or walk. My body was numb with sporadic shooting pain, mainly in my low back and lower. I went to the doc and stopped Chantix. Doc called it MYALGIA and I have been to one theraputic massage and the therapist couldn't believe the condition of my body. For weeks, I felt like my body was 95 years old. The paranioa/anxiety was wierd too, but not nearly as bad as the physical adverse reaction. I stopped Chantix 6 days ago and have felt VERY IRRITABLE and uptight. I feel no pleasure in anything yet. | F | 36 | 16 days | 5/9/2009 | 5 | to quit pack a day habit | I didn't seem to have any of the gastrointestinal side effects so many others seem to be experiencing. I did have the vivid dreams but nothing disturbing. I kind of enjoyed that part of it. I don't know if it was the Chantix or not, but once I was at optimal dose, I completely lost my desire to gamble. I enjoy going to the casino or playing on line poker and have no desire to do either. May have something to do with the dopamine reward receptors, not sure, but darn, I hate to give up all my vices at once. | M | 48 | 2 weeks | 4/28/2009 | 5 | Quit Smoking | Slight nausea right ofter taking pill. Vivid dreams. | I had tried quitting my 15 year smoking habit several times with no luck. My doctor suggested Chantix due to its success rate and minimal weight gain. I was totally off cigarettes in one week and haven't looked back. I haven't gained any weight and I feel like a free woman! I would recommend Chantix. I am a little concerned about how I'll feel once I am off it, but my doctor suggested staying on it for 6 months so we'll see. | 40 | 1.5 months | 4/17/2009 | 4 | smoking cessation | side effects varied as time went by i will try pass these along as they occured | 01-07-09 start chantix program 1mg per day and [also set up and started the get quit support plan that chantix has this was a nice pat on the back/crutch at times] within 1 or 2 days had nasty headache and night was alive with dreams,day 8 started full dose 1 mg early 1mg late, headaches and did not change [by the way doses always taken with food]and continued smokeing MORE than ever! i thought surely smokeing would stopped by now, after about 10 days i got scared and stopped takeing chantix.after a few days headaches/dreams stopped.after a few more days talked to friend [non medico]i was told chantix was working and get back on it,i did 1mg for 3 days and then full dose.HELLO no headaches, dreams very minor if at all,FEB.14 FREEDOM! have not smoked since.absolutely beautiful a stroll in the park.i did know what awaited me.last week or 10 in march this gentle medication turned into a beast. i stunk 2,3 showers a day, my urine stunk awful, bad,my world is doom/glume , i wanted to crawl out of my skin,i felt i needed to go 100mph,but felt to lazy to get out of a chair. march 29 some must be done NOW!,march 30 half dose,no relief,march 31 half dose,no relief april 1 this cannot continue COLD TURKEY the ensueing crash lasted for 5 days,finally relief back to normal and smoke free. if i had this to do over after 2 weeks with no smokeing i would have started weaning process at that time. | M | 58 | 80 days | 4/12/2009 | 5 | quitting smoking | nausea, gassiness, dreams | I have been taking the Chantix for nearly a month, and I'm very happy with it. The worst of the side effects, for me, is a feeling of unpleasant nausea for about 30 min after taking my pill. I have not actually vomited, but come close. Also I am having plenty of vivid dreams but none have been bad. Actually they are kind of fun! And I'm off cigarettes! | F | 31 | 28 days | 4/9/2009 | 4 | stop smoking | terrible withdrawal after quitting chantix - as bad a nicotine withdrawal | I stopped smoking and initially took the 12 week course of chantix. After being off chantix for about a month I asked the doctor for refill of more chantix because I felt really crummy. After taking 8 more weeks of chantix I went off chantix about a week ago and I feel HORRIBLE. I will see the doctor tomorrow, and request another month of chantix to wean off slowly. I FEEL LIKE CRAP - ANXIOUS AND IMPATIENT AND SHAKY. However, I have no desire to smoke. | F | 53 | 5 months | 3/31/2009 | 3 | stop smoking | nausea, depression,low libido,mood swings | My husband and I both started chantix at the same time, 20+ years of smoking. We have used many different things to try to quit, and all without success. He is having a harder time than I am. I am very pleased myself, with this product, it has definitely took most of the panic out of not having a cigarette. Although I have been very depressed, and emotional the entire time I have been taking it. On the other hand, my husband has lost all sex drive, to the point of impotence. We have never had a problem in this area before taking this medication. Just to see if it had anything to do with the pills, he quit taking them for about 5 days, during his 3rd week and it started to improve, started back on and it hit full force again. We are trying to deal with it in hopes that the quitting smoking benefits will be worth the wait. I hope its all good in the end. | F | 41 | 21 days | 3/28/2009 | 4 | stop smoking | nausea,bloating,bad gas | I have been a smoker for 15 years and had enough. Started taking chantix and by 1 1/2 weeks completely quit. The first 30 minutes after taking the pill I had extreme nausea. It got so bad I stopped taking the pill after a few weeks. I still have some cravings but have not smoked in 2 weeks. Now I just have really bad gas that smells horrible and some constipation. I would take the pill again if needed. | F | 35 | 2.5 weeks | 2/25/2009 | 5 | stop smoking | I had a bit of bad gas and some vivid dreams but these were nothing compared to the effects of smoking | When I started Chantix, I was already addicted to wearing three patches, and smoking 2 packs a day. Chantix worked likeacharm. And I was not really that motivated because smoking has already given me terminal stomach cancer. But I just did not want to die a smoker on oxygen. I really pitty those of you who who cannot tolerate Chantix because IT WORKS GREAT and I cheated a lot on the program. I have been off cigarettes for over a year now/ There was not problem with Chantix withdrawal because I just tapered over a month and never missed it. | M | 61 | 5 months | 1/24/2009 | 1 | Smoking Cessation | Nausea if meals were skipped, depression, mood swings, mania, psychosis. | On day 7, I quit smoking and felt like I was on top of the world. I was amazed at how well it curbed the cravings, I completely FORGOT to smoke. It all went very well until I started week 6. All of a sudden I was very emotional, had mood swings, had manic and then depressive phases, even thoughts of suicide. Fortunately my spouse immediately recognized that something was wrong, and contacted my doctor who slowly weened me off the Chantix over a 2 week period and on to Welbutrin. I had no history or depression before, but it does run deep in my family. Unfortunately I did return to smoking, but please use caution... this is a great drug and definitely helped me quit while I was on it, but if you or ANY FAMILY MEMBERS have a history of mental illness or depression, it is very risky to try Chantix. | F | 27 | 8 weeks | 1/19/2009 | 1 | to quit smoking | nausea,abdominal pain,weakness,tired,gas,bloating,etc... | I started taking chantix in nov. of 08,ihave been smoke free for a little over 2 months now.taking chantix would prove to be the worst thing i have ever done!recently i ended up at my doctors office with the left side of my face completely numb,I was confused,and i couldnt speak right.Immediately i was sent for a cat scan. I told my Dr.i didn't think i needed the ct scan,that i thought it was the chantix!well as you can guess i had the test anyway and it was fine.Little did i know the worse was yet to come.I was told by my Dr.she didnt think it was the chantix but she took me off it anyway.I was so excited finally i might feel better!boy was i wrong!Since being off,i have never felt worse in my life.I feel as though my life is falling apart,like im crazy.Somewhere i lost who i am.Idont have any excitement in my life or anything to look forward to.I cant thnk straight half the time,and i think things and hear things that arent there.If there is anyone out there who knows if this ever g | F | 41 | 3 months | 1/18/2009 | 1 | To quit smoking | The Death of my Daughter, Suicide by Chantix Danielle was 32 years old, born on March 7, 1976. She was my heart & soul. At five years old she tested out at near genius level. Danielle had lapis blue eyes, natural ringlets’ curly auburn hair and a smile that would light up any room. She got married at 18 years old to a wonderful young man. He joined the USMC, while he was gone Dani developed severe mental illnesses, unbeknownst to anyone. We did not know the signs and would never have guessed that she was so ill. They divorced when he got home. Then came alcohol & drugs - she went through several treatment centers, even had 6 ECT's done on her. Since she was "an adult" under the law, I had no say so with her care. Danielle was diagnosed with PTSD, severe depression, agoraphobia, Board Line Personality Disorder and board line sycophantic tendencies. This all took hold of her between 18 and 20 years old. Several times I had her live with me but she could not l | Dani had been on SSI since she was 20 years old, therefore the mental health care was at no cost. We live in the country and I suppose she was rather isolated, just me, my husband, three dogs and three cats (counting hers). I would take her to all her appointments, as she would not drive anymore. We gardened together, enjoyed the same type of TV shows and she had chores to do on a regular basis. Due to Danielle being on SSI the state of Kansas appointed a primary care doctor to her. Three times we went to her office, never did she see my child, only ARNP's. The first nurse "shooed" her out of the room and would not answer a list of questions that she had written down. Danielle smoked but cut down so much here, smoking is allowed only outside, so she decided she wanted to quit altogether. The second nurse wrote out not one but two prescriptions for the drug by Pfizer - CHANTIX. The nurse never told her any possible side effects and who reads all that little tiny type on the d | F | 32 | 28 days | 1/14/2009 | 1 | quit smoking | COMPLETE personality change, emotional, sadness off the charts, etc. | I quit in September of 2006 (15 MONTHS AGO)and I'm still not the person I was. I hate life. I JUST WANT TO BE ME AGAIN! If I was depressed because of withdrawals, it would be over now. I don't have insurance anymore and I can't afford doctor visits. "Chantix blocks nicotine from reaching key receptors in the brain" is how it works. Yes, it does that. But now all my key pleasure receptors are blocked - apparently forever. Even smoking again won't bring "me" back. I would have rather died from smoking. At least I would have still been "me" during life. P.S. I have no history of depression. | F | 12 weeks | 1/5/2009 | 1 | to quit smoking | VERY SEVERE ACID REFLEX!!!!!!!! Ended up in the Hospital. | After leaving the Hospital, I had quit Chantix because I wanted to feel better before going back on, not realizing it was Chantix that gave me or added to my Acid Reflux. After 2 weeks I was feeling a little better, so I went back on Chantix. A week later my Acid Reflux was just as bad as the day I went into the Hospital. Bad Chest Pain & Burning(disabling). Very Uncomfortable!! So I looked up Chantix, & I decided to stop the Drug. It's only been 2 days off, I'm hoping I will feel better soon. I was wondering if anyone else as experienced this...& did it get better? If you have Acid Reflux, don't take Chantix, it only gets WORSE!! | F | 51 | 1 months | 12/28/2008 | 1 | To quit smoking | Vivid dreams, gas, bloating, constipation, terrible abdominal pains, extreme aggressiveness, detachment at times..other times extremely emotional, lethargy, paranoia, anger and irritability, nausea, shoulder pain and joint aches, acid reflux | I started taking this medication from November, 2007-January, 2008. My doc doesn't believe all these symptoms were caused by Chantix, he's convinced it's just depression. I've had awful abdominal pains and my OB/GYN now wants to remove my ovaries...I NEVER had probs before Chantix. I'm STILL having horrid symptoms; anger, irritability, aggressiveness, detachment then over sensitivity, paranoia, anxiety. I'm just a shell of who I used to be, is there a "normal" life after taking this horrid drug? Please, email me to let me know what's helped you. Thank you!! | F | 39 | 2 months | 12/9/2008 | 1 | smoking cessation | Extreme tiredness. Messed up taste buds. Vivid dreams. Extreme anger and agitation. Gas & heartburn. | The side-effects were bearable until the day I actually decided to quit smoking(day 13) and within 12 hours of stopping I felt so agitated, and couldn't concentrate on anything to the point where I felt worried that I might do some harm. Within 16 hours of not smoking I was feeling so angry and agitated, I felt like I was going to explode. I was snapping at people for no reason. I wanted to punch holes in the walls and I felt like I could have killed somebody. I'm not usually agressive. I had a cigarette, calmed down and threw the pills in the rubbish. | F | 37 | 13 days | 11/19/2008 | 5 | Quit smoking | None | Chantix is a miracle drug. I was smoking a pack a day for 6 years. I've tried to quit many times cold turkey, also tried taking nicotine gums but I had no luck. My doctor mentioned Chantix and I accepted it, and I quit smoking. I would recommend this to everyone out there who wants to quit smoking. | M | 24 | 3 weeks | 11/16/2008 | 1 | Tried to quit smoking | Horrible panic attacks; paranoia; nausea and vomiting; vision problems | Took for two weeks, then stopped smoking for 12 hours. Had an angry outburst at work, lost the ability to perform simple tasks, went to the doctor at the urgency of co-workers. Was hysterical and in tears for no reason by the time I arrived. Doctor told me to go off Chantix. Ended up in ER for paranoid delusions and severe panic attacks the following night. Have been off Chantix for 2 months and am still having problems with vision, cognitive function, memory and anxiety. I've lost my job, still can't concentrate and wonder how I'll ever get through the rest of my life, whick is an absolute hell now. Used to be a normal, functing, happy, creative, intelligent person. I still smoke and will quit cold turkey when I am feeling better. I've done it before and it was hard for a few days, but nothing compared to the 2 month hell I've been through after taking Chantix. | F | 47 | 14 days | 11/10/2008 | 5 | Smoking Cessation | Anger and nausea | I cannot say for sure if the Chantix caused the anger issues or if it was just the lack of cigs. I tend to think it was the latter. The nausea happened every day for about 20 minutes right after taking the pill but was not too bad. I was only on the pills for 2 weeks and have been off smokes for 13 weeks now. | F | 33 | 14 days | 10/27/2008 | 1 | Smoking Cessation | Had intolerable side effects the first day and had to stop. Lost feeling in my feet and had trouble walking. Blood pressure also dropped too low. | Called the Pharmacist a few hours after taking my first pill because my feet went numb and that's never happened to me before. Peripheral S.....something is listed as an "infrequent" side effect the Pharm. said. Hypotension is also a "infrequent" side effect and I got that also. My normally low blood pressure (95/60) went into the 80/50's range and I couldn't think clearly. With the Peripheral S...- I couldn't walk well because my feet were numb. For me, this drug has to be a 1/5 stars. But, my Dad and one friend took it with NO side effects (but wild dreams) and they would rate it a 5/5! Both are still not smoking at 6 months and think Chantix is a miracle drug! | M | 44 | 1 days | 10/21/2008 | 4 | Quit Smoking | Nausea, happy mood,extreme thirst, frequent urination at night, palpitations, headache | I took Chantix for four weeks with no problem except for nausea. In fact, my mood was so good I didn't want to stop taking it! I Slowly tapered off smoking about week 1.5 after that it was fairly easy to quit. By week four I got a bad headache that wouldn't go away with any meds, had extreme thirst, spent the night going pee and got bad heart palpitations. I started feeling too strange so I quit the meds and went to the doctor. There, they did many blood tests and xrays and I had nothing wrong with me. (?) I did notice that one day when my palpitations were really bad I ate a banana and then felt okay. I have a suspicion that Chantix messes with body enzymes and postassium and glucose levels. Too high or low potassium levels result in many of the side effects people are describing. This said, Chantix helped me quit for sure. I suggest people make the decision to quit and take it for no longer than a month. I often took my Chantix with OTC anti-nausea meds & also vitamin D with magn | F | 32 | 1 months | 9/27/2008 | 4 | Quit Smoking | Vivid Dreams (If taken after 6), Very strong/foul urine smell, Gas and Bloat. | It took me almost a month to really quit, but I tapered my smoking after the first week. I have quit in the past (Zyban) and I know how easy it is to get hooked again. This medicine will only help you if you really want to quit. I would still love to have a cigarette, I don't think that part will ever go away. Does anyone know how long it takes to get out of your system? I am weaning myself off the drug now, taking only half the dosage (1/2 MG 2 times a day) but side effects are still there. | F | 39 | 12 weeks | 9/8/2008 | 5 | Quit smoking | Horrid gas, extreme bloating, sleep disburbance, severe shoulder/neck pain. Weight gain 12 lbs. | I would repeat it all again side effects and all. I'm smoke free after smoking 1.5 packs per day for 30 years. The bloating bothered me the most, but I am so grateful for Chantix and the ability to quit smoking. I'm on Day 43 of my quit and only on .5 pill (1/2) every two days. | F | 48 | 52 days | 7/13/2008 | 5 | Quit Smoking | A little fuzziness, very vivid dreams, serious acid reflux. | I am very happy with Chantix. After having been a pack-a-day smoker for over 25 years, I can't believe that I've been smoke free for 12 days! I won't kid anyone by telling them that this is the miracle drug, because you still have the cravings. They just aren't as bad as going cold turkey. I know I'm going to make it happen this time! My only real problem is the severe acid reflux! I'm not sure if it is from the quitting smoking or from taking the Chantix. I've discussed with my Gastro doctor, and he says it's from quitting smoking... I just hope it gets better soon... I'm very grateful that my side effects aren't as severe as most, that I've read on here. | F | 40 | 20 days | 6/12/2008 | 5 | Stop Smoking | Sleep disorder, intense irritability, depression. Sometimes felt like I was in a fog. Thought patterns were sometimes jumbled for the first couple of weeks. | Although I did experience some side effects this medication was very effective in controlling my desire to smoke and I've been smoke free since last Thanksgiving (November 07) | M | 62 | 90 days | 5/27/2008 | 4 | To stop smoking | The gas/constipation was the absolute worst side effect. I also had some stomach pains if I did not eat before taking it, and I could not sleep at night if I took the second dose after 6 p.m. The dreams were vivid. | I did not seem like myself the entire time I took Chantix. I could not think clearly and making decisions was very difficult for me. It seems like I was either laughing or crying most of the day. My husband, who is also a smoker and still smokes, was NOT happy with me but I was determined to make it work. And you know what? It did! I stopped smoking after 37 years. I can't say it was easy but I was amazed at how quickly my craving for nicotine went away. Since I was such a long-time smoker, my doctor suggested I stay on the med. for 6 months but I stopped after three months. Actually I weaned myself off the p.m. dose after 6 weeks. The most difficult part was breaking habits, and I just took those one at a time. Chantix may not be for everyone but it worked for me. | F | 55 | 12 weeks | 5/26/2008 | 4 | To Stop Smoking | Extreme gas and moodiness. | Smoked for 26 years, this is my second quit, I stopped for 6 months with the patch 2 years ago, but it didn't work this time, Chantix helped and I've been smoke free 12 days now, the withdrawal is a bit intense the first few days, but slowly gets better... I will not put myself through this again!!! As for the side effects, seriously, my farts are what you imagine the gates of hell would smell like... and the bitch switch is mainly "on"... no wild dreams, maybe the first 2 nights, but am following the prescription and dosage as recomended. | M | 41 | 3 weeks | 5/25/2008 | 1 | Stop smoking | Sickness, anger, dizzyness, heart racing | I would never again take this drug, it turned me into a raving nut-case.. I was angry having horrible nightmares to the point where I was scared to sleep, and dizzy and sick constantly. I would rather die from a smoking related illness. The racing heart almost near heart attacks were the worst.. I even had my doc check me out.. he gave me a full workup and told me my heart was 100% normal and has no issues.. but this drug set it off. BEWARE this drug, it is NOT a "Quit smoking" drug.. its a deep psychological drug and is very dangerous. | F | 24 | 2 months | 5/25/2008 | 2 | Quit Smoking | Depression, irritable | I've been on Chantix for 8 days. The first week was ok, I was constipated and gasey which I can deal with if that was the only side effect. Starting the 7th day it finally hit me - depression and agitation. I totally flipped out on my fiance and totally feel bad. I call my doctor today and she told me to keep going, but I feel more relieved if I just stop. | M | 29 | 8 days | 5/8/2008 | 5 | To break a 41 year habit | I had a little nausea right after taking each pill. | I have tried everything to quit and nothing worked. When my doctor recommended Chantix, said why not I've tried everything else. Today I have been a non-smoking smoker for 30 days. Chantix worked for me. Of course my desire to truly quite was important. With Chatix I stayed calm during the initial days | F | 57 | 37 days | 5/1/2008 | 2 | Quit Smoking | Nausea, bloated, gas, constipated, and having weird dreams. I have cut back on my smoking to just 3-4 ciggies a day, but still have cravings to smoke. | I had alot of feedback from people telling me not to take Chantix because of the mental side effects but I figured to do so instead because I really need help to quit smoking. I am not having any violent/suicidal tendencies as some have posted on here. I am a little anxious at times and feel shaky. | F | 31 | 11 days | 4/23/2008 | 3 | quit smoking | 30 days on Chantix, quit smoking on day 5, with no bad side effects. 5 days after ending the drug, I began to feel a little "down". 20 days later, I had a full-fledged anxiety attack--blood pressure dangerously elevated, could hardly stand as all my muscles felt weak. Previous mental history was 1 period of clinical (floating) depression 1st year of college--42 years previously. Dr. prescribed anti-anxiey meds which I took for 6 days--and anti-depressant, which I'm still on. I also use Nicorette, which helps. I'm so pleased that Chantix made it easy to quit smoking, and I guess the terrifying period I went through was worth being an ex-smoker, but I can't rate the product a 5. | F | 60 | 30 days | 4/2/2008 | 1 | To Stop Smoking | full blown agression and anger, a pathological compulsion and impulse to steal, speeding 90 miles an hour, everyday. | F | 43 | 3 months | 4/1/2008 | 1 | To stop smoking | Full blown depression, anger, rage | I stoped cold turkey before and the nicotine withdrawals were bad. But, I would rather go threw that again than what I went threw on the Chantix. Be very careful. Pay attention to the side effects. If you start feeling the depression and anger. Stop taking it IMMEDIATELY. I know many people have been successful on this medication. But I don't know of any that did not go through horrible withdrawal when they came off the Chantix. That withdrawal lasts longer than the nicotine withdrawal you would have if quiting cold turkey. | F | 44 | 10 days | 3/23/2008 | 3 | Quit Smoking | Bad gas, nightmares, acne | Worked like a charm til I came off of it cold turkey. I had horrible depression and suicidal ideation and couldn't figure out what it was from. This is an absolute miracle drug for quitting smoking, but I wouldn't let my worst enemy come off of it cold turkey. I didn't smoke once while taking it. | F | 25 | 4 weeks | 3/19/2008 | 4 | to quit smoking | fogginess, heart palpatations, moodiness, vivid dreams, ended up going to the emergency room with severe ear aches around week 2 while on vacation in Atlantic City. One thing that I am wondering about is this: I used to gamble alot, regularly, but now I have no desire at all which is wonderful because I spent a lot of time and money in the casinos. I quit smoking after just 2 weeks and had to quit taking it around the 3rd week because my supervisor was on the verge of firing me because she said that I was showing a lack of committment to my job and was acting erratically. I work for an organ procurement organization which is already a highly stressful and emotional job because I deal directly with the donor families. I still feel like I'm in a fog at times and have a hard time making decisions, getting motivated and still moody but i'm wondering, how long will these side effects lasts? It's been around 3 weeks since i took my last pill. | F | 36 | 3 weeks | 3/15/2008 | 5 | Smoking cessation | Nausea and vivid dreams | It's been 11 months since I quit smoking (see comments on 6-5-07 and 8-25-07) and I'm still recommending this drug. I tried ONE cigarette when I was quit 9 months because I wanted to see what had addicted me in the first place ........... all it did was give me heart pittapats and confirmed my promise to myself to never smoke again. My metabolics have calmed down (could have been messed up by the simple fact of depriving my body of nicotine) and I feel good. Had coronary bypass in January and am soooooooo glad I had quit smoking when I did 'cause that means I don't have to go through it now .... ;o) Good luck all ---- if your fortunate this med will work for you without all the side effects that people have complained of. IT DOES WORK! | F | 69 | 12 weeks | 3/8/2008 | 2 | To Kick 30 yr. Smoking Addiction | Bloating, constipation, foul gas, along with very foul smelling urine. Vivid dreams to start, then recently turning to nighmares after lowering the doseage. Constant headaches, blurred vision which causes serious anxiety and panic attacks while driving. After 5 weeks ... depression. | Three or four days in I noticed the issues with going to the bathroom. The smell was so unbareable. Then on the 5th day I notice that I was unable to see the tv when I had had no problem the day before. I went and had my eyes examined and ordered new glasses, all the while not considereing this could be a side effect of the Chantix. As time went on my vision grew worse to the point where I feel comfortable driving. I have had panic attacks while riding in a car in busy traffic because I couldn't see. I have found myself not wanting to leave home. I seem to have a continuous, eye popping headache behind my eyes. I later found that this could be a serious side effect. I called my dr. and reported the blurred vision. He wanted to see me immediately, but since I have no insurance we opted to cut my doseage in half first. Now 3 days on lower doseage, bathroom time isn't as bad, but vision is same. Unfortunately, I am suffering even more axiety. I am going to have to get off Chantix, but am | F | 43 | 5 weeks | 2/29/2008 | 4 | Quit Smoking | Gas, vivid dreams, restless sleep, upset stomach | After a month I was finally able to quit smoking. The side effects were aggravating at times. | M | 64 | 12 weeks | 2/25/2008 | 1 | quit smoking | all psychological side effects. Would enter this fog and felt like an animal. Very depressed and totally exhausted all the time. suicidal ideation...just awful. | no nausea and vomiting, just this awful fog and animalistic like feelings. Anger, irritablity and aggression as well as all senses heightened. ick | F | 8 days | 2/16/2008 | 5 | Quit Smoking | Nausea unless I had a FULL stomach. Minor sleep disturbances. Some constipation and gas. Cutting dose in half was a big help. | Smoked for 30 years; now I'm smoke-free (7+ months)!!! I only used the med about 6 weeks, and much of that was a reduced dose. Before panicking about the horrible experiences some say they had, decide if it is the drug or the absence of nicotine (which has a much longer list of side effects). I had headaches, anger, depression weeks after I stopped taking the meds. I blame it on the absence of a 30-year nicotine addiction, not the drug. I suspect that those experiencing thoughts of suicide probably had suicidal tendencies prior to taking chantix. | F | 45 | 6 weeks | 2/10/2008 | 3 | get off nic. lozenges | terrible gas, headaches, muscle aches (rt. upper back), severe, extreme cluster headache one-sided behind left eye on withdrawing | 44 | 2 months | 2/6/2008 | 2 | stop smoking | panic attacks,indigestion | I did stop taking chantix after 3 days. I had 2 panic attacks and my dr told me they were due to the chantix, did not want to go through that again. also read that chantix can cause suicidal thoughts I just don't think it's worth it. I'll try something different to quit smoking. | F | 29 | 3 days | 2/2/2008 | 1 | To Quit Smoking | Nausea, moodiness, anger, depression, loss of concentration, vivid dreams, head ache, trouble sleeping. | I was on Chantix for 2 weeks. If the side effects had not been so bad, it would have helped me quit smoking. I was just very angry all of the time, I couldn't concentrate at work, and couldn't sleep at night. The dreams were wild, but not the worst side effect. I stopped taking it a couple of days ago. I'm not as angry and moody, but I am still very tired and just blah. I hope I feel better soon. | F | 33 | 12 days | 2/2/2008 | 1 | To stop smoking | Anxiety, panic atacks, suicidal thoughts, rage, alcohol use (I did not drink before), near psychotic break | These effects continue weeks after I stopped taking the drug and I still smoke. | F | 50 | 2 months | 1/31/2008 | 3 | To Quit Smoking | Dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, some hives and itchiness, headache, constipation,gas, depression and anger. Extreme heartburn/GERD symptoms. | Combining alcohol and this drug appears to bring on rage and anger. Depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts or hopelessness are not part of my makeup but after only a couple of days of this medication, these feelings began. Quit smoking on day 14. In the beginning, I actually wanted to smoke more as I wasn't getting the calming affect from my cigarettes I gather because the nicotine receptors are blocked. I am 3 days smoke-free. I still crave having one at times. Smoked for 40 years, a pack of 25 up to two and a half packs per day at times. I doubt I will continue the treatment for the full 12 weeks prescribed as I find the side effects terrible and the depression, anxiety, anger feelings and a feeling of wanting to withdraw, are getting worse as time goes by. Had I not read up on the side effects people are reporting, I most certainly wouldn't be aware of this by reading the package information. In Canada, the drug is called Champix and the possibility of depression | F | 53 | 17 days | 1/28/2008 | 1 | quit smoking | Severe edema (swelling), joint pain, gas, nausea, flu-like symptoms, dry mouth, feeling disconnected from self. | Will never try this drug again (after a second try months after my first bad experience). I just laid in bed and prayed for the waves of nausea to pass. Every muscle and joint in my body hurt and I felt like I was going to burst from the swelling. No, I didnt want to smoke, because I felt like I was going to die......... | F | 33 | 2 weeks | 1/28/2008 | 2 | Quit Smoking | Bloating, gas, constant headaches, vivid dreams, depression, agression. | Although this drug was great with helping me quit smoking - I was a pack a day smoker and now have not smoked for 5 months - the side effects are pretty serious. Not only do the dreams blur your reality but after numerous nights of restless sleep you can become quite depressed. My doctor never warned me about the effects of alcohol when using this drug - when I drank while on the medication, I became quite aggressive which is not in my nature. The constant headaches and lack of ability to focus have not fully gone away after being off the drug for 3 months. The 2 months I was on the drug, I could not accomplish any tasks (which is pretty serious considering I am in law school), could not focus, became extremely moody and sullen. I think if you are prone to any type of depression you should stay away from this drug! Anyone who does take it should let friends, co-workers, and family know of the possible side effects so they can help monitor your situation. | F | 33 | 60 days | 1/18/2008 | 4 | To quit smoking | Nauseau both in the morning and evening. Lasted anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Apparently similar to a womans morning sickness. I endured it the entire 12 weeks of the program. Was also somewhat hyper and felt like I was going 90 miles an hour most days. | Started program 4/11/07, last cigarette 4/17/07 smoke free since.Am 60 yrs old and smoked for 40 years. First reaction what a great drug. May be side affects not in the literature. Saw my doctor in March, ordered blood tests, x-rays, and stress test. Blood pressure usually around 120/130 over 80/90, cholesteral at proper levels and glucose a little high at 120 (70 - 100 is good. In September had blurred vision, thirsty,tiredness, symptons of hypoglycemia. In April had started bp meds where it gradually came down from 160 to 120 over 70-80 range. In October had blood tests again. Glucose level was at 366. It tripled from March to October. With combination of bp pills and glucose medicine next test glucose at 311, then 321 and the last one 2 weeks ago was back at 360. . My eye doctor says I'm a diabetic. Family doctor has not classified me yet. Now for the really good news. I called Pfizer's cust. svc and spoke to a "pharmacist". During clinical trials 2 people developed diab | M | 60 | 12 weeks | 1/17/2008 | 3 | quit smoking | extreme bloating and gas, irritable, lethargic, constipation, bad vivid dreams | I smoked for 40 years, tried patches, medicine, gum no success. This is my 2nd time on Chantix. lst time I was on it 90 days. As soon as I quit taking it I went into extreme withdrawals, shaking, very irritable, antsy, confused. Got cravings all back and started smoking again. There is no support thru Chantix or help from experts who knows how to gradually wean off the Chantix so don't start smoking again. Long term affects need to be studied & how long can you take it without harmful effects? I'm on it 2nd time now on 3rd refill and side effects are still extreme. Will try reducing dosage from 2/day to 1/day to see if that helps. Has anyone had problems weaning off Chantix successfully and not started smoking again? Please let us know. | M | 58 | 60 days | 1/17/2008 | 4 | TO STOP SMOKING | ALL OF THEM!! acne (really bad skin!!!) ,vivid dreams, Excessive gas, Nauseau immediately after taken pill, Depression, Couldn't stop sleeping!!! nervousness, | it worked straight away- from day 1 i didnt enjoy smoking as much but felf the need to smok more.. I tried to quit before with the patches but felf like i was going to die and smoked again after 2 months (25 a day for 9 years), but with CHANTIX i'm ok i dont fell like smoking at all. the first 4 days were hard i was aggressive, restless, upset (cried a lot!) and i needed a cigi- and i couldnt even smoke it- since then i've been great.. (hope it will still work once i stop taking it) BUT THE WORST WAS MY SKIN! DOSE ANYONE ELSE HAVE THAT? i have never had any acne problems my skin was always very clear. but 2 weeks into taking this pill and my whole face is spotty!! Gonna see the Doc 2marrow but i most def want to keep going - this is the best thing i have ever done! | F | 23 | 17 days | 1/15/2008 | 3 | quit smoking | made me sick to my stomach unless I ate first..the dreams were vivid, but not nightmares | F | 44 | 1/11/2008 | 3 | to stop smoking | M | 69 | 77 days | 1/11/2008 | 5 | nasty ol cigarros | stomach quizi, major sleep problemas, depression when drinking beer with chantix,feel like im in a fog sometimes. | I loved smoking but knew it was time to quit because of shortness of breath and age wise. was skeptical after first week my quit day came and i continued to smoke but it didn't taste the same. Ijust knew it was the old stale cigarros so i bought a fresch pack. so i sat down to have a nice fresch one and sabes que these were stale too haha Turns out I was stale on the cigarros thaks to CHANTIX. i LOVE YOU AND AM 3 WEEKS CLEAN AND BREATH EAISER. | M | 47 | 3 weeks | 1/9/2008 | 5 | Stop Smoking | Minor Gastric Issues, some vivid dreams | Wonderful drug, does what it is supposed to with a very low side effect profile. Gives you the "I can take them or leave them attitude". Just throw your cigs away, and you will be amazed how easy this drug makes it. Took it as prescribed for 7 days, stopped on the 8th day and haven't looked back. Gonna stop taking it in another week. | M | 15 days | 1/8/2008 | 5 | Last resort to quit smoking | NONE whatsoever!! Unlike with zyban, which I took for over a year until I resumed smoking, on Chantix I didn't get grouchy/bitchy/testy/short-tempered. | NO weight gain whatsoever!! No nervousness, no short-temper, no weird dreams, no adverse gastric effects - in short, no side effects at all. This drug is a FREAKIN' MIRACLE!! I was smoking a pack a day of imported cigarettes for 10 years and tried to quit smoking twice before, both unsuccessfully... once cold turkey | F | 53 | 180 days | 1/7/2008 | 4 | To quit smoking. | Excessive gas, vivid dreams, depresion, fatigue. | There should be more testing. The FDA believes smoking side effects are more serious than the side effects of depression and suicidal thoughts. | F | 59 | 180 days | 1/4/2008 | 5 | Quit smoking | Brief, slight nausea after taking it. Nothing else yet. | Stopped smoking a week and a half after starting. I don't plan on ever smoking again!! I think a lot of it is attitude. If you really want to quit, this will work! Tried a bunch of times with patch, gum, etc., with no success. But this stuff is amazing! 40+ years of smoking, DONE! | M | 56 | 18 days | 1/1/2008 | 1 | Stop smoking | I was completely stressed out. Irritable, nervous.....like a caged animal. | I took this med as directed, but beginning on the fifth day, I became so nervous and irritable, I couldn't stand myself. I have NEVER talked to my wife in the manner that I did on that day. I gave it up that day. Too expensive to go to waste, but I'm not sure I'll try it again. I'm very disappointed, especially since I had heard so many success stories from acquaintances and friends. I may have to try patches again. It was scary how Chantix affected me. | M | 56 | 5 days | 1/1/2008 | 2 | Quit Smoking | Panic attacks, crying, anger, fatiuge, gas | I started on the patch for a week and then the doc switched me to Chantix. After two weeks I had the worst panic attack I have ever had in my life. The anxiety lasted all day and I had five more attacks the next day. I went off it, and now after not taking two of the pills I have anger like I have never had before. This med worked great to help me quit smoking, but it is not worth the mental side effects from it. If you are looking to start the med, do research ahead of time. Anxiety is one of the side effects they don't list (it's buried in the literature) and from the research I have found there are over 55 suicides linked to it. | F | 34 | 15 days | 12/27/2007 | 5 | Quit smoking | vivid dreams, mild gas | This is a miracle drug. It made quitting smoking extremely easy. My husband who was a very heavy smoker also quit. It feels great to not be controlled by our smoking habit. The major side effect for me is the vivid dreams. I feel like I go on an adventure every night. They are actually kind of interesting. No nightmares. I would suggest this drug to anyone who really wants to quit smoking. | F | 52 | 5 weeks | 12/20/2007 | 5 | To quit smoking | Heinous, paint-peeling gas!!!! Thankfully this stopped by the end of the 2nd month. I remember bloating being a big problem from quitting in the past, but this is something else. | This medicine was a lifesaver for me, literally. I tried to quit smoking 4 or 5 times before this and never could. I'm now almost 4 months ciggie-free. The only problem is that the cravings return a bit once you stop the medication, so far they are no where near the past cravings, though. | F | 33 | 3 months | 12/18/2007 | 4 | quit smoking | vivid dreams, sleepiness, and loss of taste and smell | has anyone experienced loss of taste and smell. | M | 57 | 1 months | 12/3/2007 | 3 | Quit Smoking | Nauseau immediately after taken pill, but subsides. Strange life like dreams. Depression? Trouble sleeping? Impatience? Utter confusion now! | I really have no idea what Chantix is doing anymore. Here's the situation. I started it back in June. After first week, was able to quit completely. I felt so good about it. Didn't like the weight gain but that was the only thing I really noticed as a down side. I took it for the full 12 week cycle, though I did switch to just one pill a day with the last few weeks, cause I was nervous to not be on it. Anyway, a few weeks after not being on it I was a terrible mess. Couldn't stop crying, completely hopeless feeling, mad at everything, no energy...bad! Naturally, this caused me to start smoking again. Dr. also put me on lexapro to combat the depression. I smoked for about 3 full weeks and then since I was feeling much better (no longer depressed) I decided to start Chantix again, in order to get back off the cigarettes. This has been for about a month now and unlike the first time, I still have a smoke or two but have considerably cut back (I think I had maybe 4 yesterday). | F | 31 | 4 months | 11/29/2007 | 3 | stop smoking | constipation, upset stomach, headache, sleeplessness | I used to smoke ultra-lights and I think my addiction was more physical then psychological. Anyway, I have stopped taking the pills after a week and a half. And after a hellasous day, I seem to be fine. | M | 27 | 1.5 weeks | 11/14/2007 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |