Chantix: How Does This New Quit Smoking Medicine Work?

67 Comments:

• At Tue May 01, 09:49:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am on Chantix, have been for 3 weeks and have not quit smoking. What am I doing wrong? Have been having very weird dreams more like nightmares. Have smoked for 29 yrs since I was 17, and have tried Zyban (allergic had to go to the E.R.)the gum, lozenges, Commit, cold turkey, cutting back, the patch and hypnosis.I am on Paxil for mild depression, could Paxil be hurting my efforts? Thanks Good luck to all who are quitting

   

• At Mon May 07, 08:51:00 AM 2007,  Meg said…

  Dear anonymous: I take Zoloft and have had side effect trouble with Chantix too. It did dramatically decrease my desire to smoke, but I had severe insomnia that sleeping pills did not even relieve. I was very frustrated because I had to quit taking Chantix in order to function I was so sleep deprived. I then went back to smoking. I have since found that a tranquilizer at night helps with the sleep problem. So, I have begun Chantix again. Someone needs to do research on the interaction of Chantix and antidepressants! They both effect brain neurotransmitters, so there is something going on here. Good Luck to you.

   

• At Fri May 11, 03:39:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I smoked from the age of 17 and stopped at 49, and have remained a non smoker since - I am now 58. I smoked at least 20-25 a day sometimes as many as 30, dependant on if I went out or not. I tried many, many, many times to stop. From not inhaling it all, to patches, to cold turkey, to only having one after my dinner in the evening and failed each and every time. I know how difficult it is to stop - it was the most hardest thing I think I have ever done. How I did it in the end was to stop slowly - I did not allow myself to smoke more than I had the day before, and slowly but surely it came down. I praised myself on how many I had NOT smoked and didn't look at how many I HAD smoked really until I was down to 1/2 a cigerette a day, and then it was a case of how pathetic I had become to even want that 1/2. The advice I can only give to you all is Never Stop Trying cos one day you WILL SUCCEED. I will never, never start smoking again cos I know that I will want to stop and I Don't know if I could go through what I went through to stop. I Wish You All Good Luck

   

• At Thu May 17, 12:54:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am on topamax, risperdal and loranzepam for bi-polar. I had bizarre dreams from day 1 of taking Chantix and I took it for 15 days but today I decided no more. I'm noticing mood changes and problems getting to sleep for a few nights lately plus a surge in eating and food cravings! I have cut my smoking down to half. I'm not sure if it's withdrawl symptoms I'm going through or drug interactions because my meds have had me stabilized for some years now and I put my mental health above this... I think Chantix has given me the power to see that I can go without cigarettes and I am thankful for that along with the support group the Chantix support and my research too. Good luck to us,I know we can do it!

   

• At Sat May 19, 06:14:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  You make interesting points about potential interactions between psychotropic medications and Chantix. People taking these meds are typically excluded from initial trials of a new drug and so there hasn't yet been alot of experience of combining Chantix with some other drugs. Having said that, my experience is that alot of unpleasant experiences/symptoms are attributed to a new med. like Chantix when there are other plausible explanations that are worth exploring with your doctor. For example, insomnia is a recognized nicotine withdrawal symptom that can occur on stopping smoking regardless of which smoking cessation medication is being used. Also when people stop smoking, their metabolism of some drugs then slows down (again not related to taking Chantix). One such drug is caffeine. So if you drink 5 cups of caffeinated coffee per day, and then quit smoking, you may feel as if you have consumed 7 or 8 cups - and that could prevent you from getting to sleep. These symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. I agree with the comment,"Never stop trying because you will succeed."

   

• At Thu Jul 05, 06:48:00 AM 2007,  Cindy said…

  I have been on Chantix 20 weeks and doing great, feeling a little scared about stopping at 24 weeks. Why does the meds have to be stopped and research on taking longer? Any problems taking longer?

   

• At Sat Jul 07, 09:26:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Smoked for 45 yrs. April 8th started taking Chantix .I have not had a cigarette since April 15th .I pray I can continue with the Chantix. I too take other meds. so the nauesa is horrible.

   

• At Tue Jul 17, 12:33:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am taking carbamezapine 3x a day, lexapro and trazadone at night, along with nexium and chantix.
  I have been taking chantix for a week now, just began the 2 a day part a few days back.
  The freaky nonsense dreams have been for several days,some have even been continuation dreams, last night was the first one that was not an actual nightmare but still very surreal and uncomfortable.
  This weekened I worked 17 hours on a playset for my son, 14 straight and 3 more the next day, I figured I was so dogtired on the 14 hour day that I wouldnt need the Trazadone to sleep, but once I was in bed, my head was racing with things that were really irrelavent, and I broke down and had to take the trazadone.
  Interesting side note is that befor I began the chantix, every morning after I took trazadone the night befor, I was completely foggy and blown out, but siince I have been on chantix, I wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed, so I will continue to stay on the chantix. It wasnt until today that I noticed I couldnt "get off" when I smoked, meaning I didnt feel any satisfaction while smoking, and began to feel sick after chain smoking to get that feeling.
  Anyone felt buzzed through the day?

   

• At Fri Jul 20, 08:03:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  I'm glad to hear that many of you are succeeding with Chantix. This is consistent with my experience and with the published evidence.
  
  Cindy asked about taking Chantix for longer than 24 weeks. Thats something that would need to be discussed with your doctor. FYI a study was recently published by Williams and colleagues (in Current Medical Research and Opinion) which concluded that, "Varenicline [Chantix]1 mg BID can be safely administered for up to 1 year. Varenicline was also a more effective smoking cessation aid than placebo throughout the study, supporting both its short- (12-week) and long-term (52-week) efficacy." So that study suggests that its safe to take Chantix longer than 24 weeks. That decision should be made in consultation with your prescribing doctor.
  Some of the anonymous posts reporting side effects have been from people taking multiple other medications. Again my advice would be to keep in close contact with your healthcare provider while quitting smoking, while using any newly approved medication (like Chantix) and particularly if you have a complex medical situation which may be unlike any of the patients in the initial trial of the new drug. Your doctor who knows your history and the other meds you are taking will be in the best position to interpret symptoms and advise you.
  
  The only thing I'd like to add is a word of caution about taking the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, and being careful to inform/remind your prescriber if you have any other factors that may make you at greater risk of having a seizure. For example, carbamazapine can be prescribed for many reasons, but one of the most common is to control seizures. People with seizure disorders were excluded from the trials of Chantix but the labelling mentions a potential increased seizure risk. If I had previously had a seizure I'd be careful to make sure my doctor remebered that fact when advising me on my Chantix dose, I'd think it important to take my seizure control medication while taking Chantix, and I'd want to avoid other factors that could affect my seizure risk (e.g. alcohol, sleep deprivation etc). Quitting smoking will do great things for your health, but its important to look after yourself in other ways while you are quitting.
  Best of luck, and keep the comments coming.

   

• At Sat Jul 21, 06:04:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I was probably one of the first to take Chantix, I read aboout it in 2005 a year before it was released. I started taking it in August 2006, after 2 weeks of chatix I got down to 10 cigarettes, than 2 weeks later I got down to 5, than 2 weeks later I got down to 2 than I got stuck. I went back to my doctor in November and he said to contact chantix support which I did and it did help, by talking with people going thruthe same thing I was. I joined a Gym in November and started working out 3 times a week, the day I joined the Gyn I quit. I feel Great, I havent smoked since then. I stayed on the pills until April, because every time I tried to get off I had the urge. After April the urges were under control. I am only 45 years old and have smoked since I was 18, I KNOW if I can do it anyone can. I tried everything before Chantix. This was the only thing that worked for me. I hope my story helps everyone that is tryng to quit. I know it was one of the hardest things that I had ever done. Good Luck.

   

• At Tue Jul 24, 06:05:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  This site or form has really done a lot for me. So if you would bear with me, I’d like to tell you my story to help me further and maybe help someone else.
  I have seen the same doctor now for 15 years. At no time during this 15 years has he told me to stop smoking. I went to him about 3 months having some chest pains, (by the way I’m 36), he did the normal things, ran an EKG, took X-rays, gave me a breathing test, all of which came out normal. He tells me it is probably just some inflammation in my chest and told me to take it easy for a few days and to take some Advil or Morton. Then he tells me this, “I have never told you , you need to stop smoking, or given you a hard time about smoking, but it is now time for you to stop, lung dease is not going to look good on you. “ I have smoked since I was 10 and have seen many doctors over the years in which all of them have demanded I stop smoking. Granted I have tried to in the past but was to weak minded to do so….. I asked my doc to give me something to help me break this addiction I had, so he gave me CHANTIX.
  This is where things really get going, I took the Chantix like I was suppose to and by the 5th day I really did not care to smoke, so I laid them down forever. I continued to take Chantix like I was suppose to and about the middle of week 2 I really started having some major pain in my left shoulder and chest. Started having shortness of breath. I thought is was all part of stopping smoking. This went on for several weeks. I only took Chantix for a month. I have now been off of it for about a week. I have seen my doc more in the last 3 weeks than I have in the last 3 years, due to pains and aches., all on my left side. I now have a MRI and CAT scheduled. I am scheduled to see a heart doctor on the 31st. But the thing that bothers me the most is the depression. I have never been depressed before in my life. I don’t think I have slept one full night since I stopped taking Chantix, granted the crazy dreams I was having all stopped…lol. Just reading a lot of the forms I realize I’m not alone in this and that it will pass in time.
  As much as I’m glad I have stopped smoking, there is no way I would recommend anyone to use this drug., unless the FDA and Pfizer tells the whole story of the side effects. That way everyone is completely informed about what they may go through.

   

• At Thu Aug 02, 09:05:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Anonymous of July 24th,
  Like some of the earlier comments, you clearly have a complex recent medical history and your own doctors are best placed to suggest the best course of action. I noticed that it was chest pain that prompted the doctor visit that prompted your quit attempt (i.e. chest pains prior to taking Chantix). This makes me wonder if the symptoms you experienced after trying to quit smoking may have had the same cause as your initial pains, and may therefore not be related to your quit attempt or the Chantix. Similarly, it sounds like your insomnia really kicked in after you stopped taking Chantix. Insomnia is a recognized nicotine withdrawal symptom and therefore may have been caused by nicotine withdrawal rather than the medicine. However, your experience underlines the need for placebo controlled trials of Chantix in patients who are not perfectly healthy. Its only in such studies that we can our understanding of what side effects may be attributable to the drug. Fortunately my colleague, Dr Michael Steinberg, is conducting just such a trial of Chantix in hospital patients in New Brunswick (NJ). To see a news item including Dr Steinberg commenting on smoking and health, click on:
  www.tobaccoprogram.org

   

• At Tue Aug 07, 10:04:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am currently taking 20 mg of Lexapro. I've attempted smoke stops, once made it to five month, but am smoking a few now. I'd heard of Chantix and called Pfizer yesterday and talked to their pharmacist. I cannot believe they have not run case studies for possible interactions between Chaniix and anti-depressents. Oh, they've run one with Wellbutrin, but Welbutrin is not in the Lexapro family. Does anyone understand why a huge pharmaceutical company would not run every test possible to educate the public as to whether or not it would be harmful? I will not take Chantix until I know all the answers.

   

• At Mon Aug 13, 03:45:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Hi,
  For further coment on use of Chantix in people with a current mental health problem, check out:
  http://www.healthline.com/blogs/smoking_cessation/2007/08/chantix-and-mental-illness.html

   

• At Sat Aug 18, 07:52:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Started taking chantix on June 27...today is August 18, 2007. It took a couple weeks to naturally cut down from 20 to 40 cigs/day, to 4 to 6.
  
  From the very begining, insomnia and weird dreams were evident. But at first I didn't care.
  
  Then I asked my healthcare professional for a something to help me with anxiety, so I might make the next step. We tried a week of atavan/lorizapam, and that seemed to help, but not enough to quite make it, so she gave me clonipan for two weeks...which helped me to finally let them go.
  
  I relapsed smoking twice, in the past five weeks, but got no satisfaction and put them out after a few drags--the Chantix really does block the pleasure response from nicotine..
  
  Anyway...even with the drugs, this has been among the most difficult times in my life. I never feel like my "normal" self, can't sleep normal hours, can't concentrate for work, and now feel more anxiety than ever.
  
  So, I stopped with the ativan and tried stopping the chantix and felt bad, so i stopped the chantix, and am spliting my last five half mg ativan tablets so help with the weaning from that.
  
  I want the insomnia, the frequent urination, and the anxiety to go away. It feels like I am getting diabetes symptoms along with everything else (tingling extremeties like my feet and outer fingers fall asleep if i rest my arms or legs the wrong way, frequent urination--even small amounts, and a generally weak and unhealthy feeling)...plus i gained 10 pounds in four weeks, which I have never done.....my healthcare professional thinks I may have an anxiety disorder--but I have been a healthy non-smoker, non-drug consumer during several long periods in my adult life--and know life doesn't have to be that way--requiring medication for anything.
  
  Also, I happen to be a vegi-pescitarian (I do not eat mammals or birds) in case that is relavant.
  
  I just want to be drug free, healthy, and know what "healthy" and a normal state will be for me...in the present and the future.
  
  This time I'd smoked for about five years...after quitting for three...after smoking for five...after quitting for six...after smoking for six years from age 13. Yes, I am 39 now.
  
  Anyway, Chantix helped me quit in a way my own will power didn't, but I needed something more, and despite anything I was given to relax me...it's just been difficult and painful, and instead of getting easier, it's gotten harder...not the not smoking...just the getting sleep and feeling ok.
  
  So I'm quitting Chantix "ahead" of schedule. I won't relapse with cigs this time. Can't afford the cost and pain and smell etc. Now I go through Chantix and Atavan withdrawel...who knows how long that will take?
  
  I try stretching and yoga and breathing and walking and sometimes i can run...before I began the quitting process, I couldn't even pace myself to run 7 minutes without stopping...now I can run over a half an hour...I smell better...and smell more things...
  
  Anyway it's almost 7 am, and I have yet to sleep...but i am exhausted.

   

• At Mon Aug 20, 11:57:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have smoked for 50 years and have been taking Chantix for 5 weeks now. I have not smoked in the last 3 weeks. I do not crave the smoking. My problem is impulse, to automatically reach for a cigarette according to what I am doing. So I do not give myself time in the am to watch the news have coffee and smoke. I get much more done in the home. If I sit down for a long period of time I want a cigarette. I have read the longer you take Chantix the more likely you will stay quit. Its awfully expendsive but worth it. I plan on taking it for amother 3 weeks and then try it without smoking.

   

• At Fri Aug 24, 09:48:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I just started Chantix and am looking forward to being smoke free much easier than in my previous attempts to quit. I have heard nothing but wonderful things from most people I know who have used it successfully. But, I do have a few questions:
  
  - Since Chantix blocks the nicotine receptors, do those receptors every "close off" or go away?
  
  - Are we getting constant doses of the dopamine and other things the nicotine used to release?
  
  - Is this why some people seem to have a hard time coming off Chantix? Delayed withdrawal? Withdrawal from Chantix as opposed to nicotine?
  
  Thanks!

   

• At Fri Aug 24, 03:32:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Hi anon of Aug 24,
  1. I've not seen any clear evidence that these receptors go away as a result of Chantix use. Rather it seems that Chantix simply prevents nicotine from activating the receptor while it is occupied by the Chantix molecule.
  2. The available evidence suggests that Chantix provides a smoother level of dopamine, compared with peaks (after a cigarette) and troughs (during non-smoking periods) while smoking.
  3. I've not heard of people becoming addicted to Chantix at all. Its claimed non-addictive potential is consistent with its relatively slow action (taking hours to have an effect, whereas with a cigarette its seconds) and long half-life (from memory I think its 20 hours, whereas with a cigarette its 2 hours).
  If you want to learn more see the paper:
  Foulds J. The neurobiological basis for partial agonist treatment of nicotine dependence: varenicline. International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2006; 60 (5) 571-576.
  at www.tobaccoprogram.org under research.

   

• At Tue Sep 04, 12:38:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I do not take any other medications. I got my first round of Chantix through a Canadian Pharmacy because I did not think they prescribed it in the US. I started taking Chanitx on 7/22/07.
  
  The crazy dreams started immediately but I rather enjoyed them even if they were scary at times. I fell into a deep depression within days of taking Chantix. My wife told me it was the nicotine withdraws but I had not stopped smoking yet. I did stop smoking after 2 weeks and the depression continued to get deeper. I ran out of my first months supply on aug 22nd and I was still very depressed. A few days after the Chantix ran out I my depression lifted. I must say that I have never been depressed like that in my life. I lost my motivation to work and felt any little problem was hopeless. I felt great and like my normal self without any depression! I started to get some slight cravings so I asked my doctor for a prescription to Chantix which he gave me. I started taking Chantix again on the 30th of August and my deep depression came back! I now believe it is the Chantix that is causing the depression so I'm going to stop as of today. I have a feeling the depression will lift again in a couple of days. I'm confident I will not smoke again. I read a great book along with taking the Chantix and I think it gave me the knowledge to I needed to quit. The little nicotine monster is dead in me now since I've been a non smoker for over a three weeks now. My sister is taking Chantix now to quit. I've made her aware of the side effects I experienced.
  
  On another side note during the time I was taking Chantix I experienced blood in my urin. My doctor said he had not heard of that side effect. It only happened once and seemed to clear up.
  
  Anyway I will keep you informed on my sisters progress and when I depression clears up. I will also let you know if it comes back later. I doubt it will though! I really believe it was the Chantix that caused it. But hey I did quit smoking after a pack a day for 20 years.
  
  William

   

• At Thu Sep 06, 02:04:00 PM 2007,  tracy said…

  i have been on chantix for 2 weeks today i have all the side effects but they are not to bad, i sleep so hard at night and i can say i do like the crazy dreams, i have smoked for 18 years never had i tried to stop i was smoking 23 to 25 ciggs a day now on my second week i am down 4 a day i am going to stay on chantix for 3 more months so far i have no withdraws just the need to hold them between my fingers i am praying that this will work

   

• At Thu Sep 06, 07:54:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  These last 2 posts just show how differently different people react to a medicine. Of course this is not unique to Chantix. Its one of the things that makes the practice of medicine part art and part science. It sounds like Tracy (Sept 4) still has a few cigarettes handy. I'd dtrongly advise getting thouroughly rid of all cigarettes (from home, car, work, coats, bags, everywhere). Keeping them often stimulates cravings. Here's a question..if you were about to go on a strict diet, would it seem like a good idea to buy a big chocolate cake and put it in the fridge?
  Same goes for having cigarettes handy when you are trying to quit smoking.

   

• At Mon Sep 17, 12:53:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Why no trials that included the most widely prescribed non-nicotine anti-smoking drug, bupropion (Zyban, AKA Wellbutrin)? I had a very bad manic break with this combination, but there seems to be no information out there. I experienced weird dreams, nightmares, dissociation, aggression, irritabilty, and dry mouth. I have heard from other people who tried Chantix that it caused dissociation and irratility.

   

• At Thu Sep 27, 07:59:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I've been on Chantrix for almost a month and must say that I'm absolutely horrified of this pill. I have every side effect that the pill box says you'll have. My doctor told me the only side effect was nausea. HA. The dreams keep getting worse...I dream I'm in a wreck and my back hurts for days after the dream. Is this drug so powerful that it triggers my brain into making my back hurt? It's to the point I dont' want to go to sleep because of the dreaming. I don't feel like myself and can't explain it when I try. I find it interesting that this pill was approved after only 5 or 6 months of trials because it worked so well...when most FDA approved pills/medications take at least 10 months. What are the long term side effects? Does anyone know if there are any long terms effects? No because it's only been on the market for a year. Will all users be told in 5 years that we will have the early onset of Alzheimers or Brain Tumors from this pill? Forget about lung cancer for a minute....what is this doing to our brains? I'd sure like someone to ease my mind about this crazy pill. I'd really like to hear from a Neurologist about what he thinks about these dreams. Yes, it is working for me but it's frightening what the side effects are and how the dreams keeps getting worse. And what about the fella in Texas who was taking it and started hallucinating? Now he is dead. Scared to death but nicotine free.....

   

• At Fri Sep 28, 05:48:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  First, let me say that I am on day 2 with chantix. I'm ready to stop smoking. I just hope that the damage I've done to my lungs can be reversed. I'm scared, REALLY scared. I'm 47 and have been a chain smoker for years. (started at 14 or 15). I have so much shortness of breath. I went for the spiro test and an xray the other day and am waiting on the results. Can anyone tell me if you were at the point where you were SO short of breath and felt SO fatigued yet were able to turn your health around after you stopped smoking? I'm really down and could use some encouragement. I'm in tears as I'm writing this. I realize everyone's health and body is different...I just think I may be at a place where my lungs have severe damage and I'm terrified.
  
  Thanks so much for this site.
  
  kim

   

• At Fri Sep 28, 09:42:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Dear anonymous of 9/28,
  You may be interested in my post on this topic on 9/20 at:
  http://www.healthline.com/blogs/smoking_cessation/2007/09/does-chantix-cause-mental-health.html .
  If you are very concerned about the effects of this medicine on you, the best person to discuss this with is your prescriber/family doctor. If the person in Texas you were referring to was the young musician, lets be clear about what happened to him. He died because he was shot by a neighbour, not because he was "scared to death".

   

• At Mon Oct 01, 06:25:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Kim,
  Hopefully you'll get some reassurance from your tests. But regardless of those results, quitting smoking now is the single best thing you can do for your health. You should also know that even people with early signs of emphysema can improve their lung function during the years immediately after quitting smoking.
  You are certainly doing the right thing, so stick with it.

   

• At Tue Oct 02, 04:59:00 AM 2007,  jay said…

  I have completed the first four weeks on chantix and I am smoke free. I set my date and have not smoked again. I smoked for about 15 years and I truely think you have to want to stop smoking in orger for any thing to work. I don't think I'm going to do the next four weeks. As far as side effects I have not experienced any, I guess I'm so excited about being smoke free I didn't pay attention to them.

   

• At Fri Oct 05, 10:45:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have been taking CHANTIX for 10 days now, after trying to quit several times in 20 years, smoking 15 cigs/day. It has dramatically reduced my physical need for cigs. I do have the mental need, but it passes quickly. I smoked as usual the first week. On day 7 I was so "afraid" of the end-all be-all of not being able to smoke, I only smoked 5. On day 8 - 4. On day 9 - 3. It is now 1:30pm and I have had one. I am hoping to continue this less and less progression to the point of zero...which seems to be in reach.
  
  As far as the side-effects: I started having VERY odd, vivid dreams within the second night. They have stayed the same, no nightmares, but as the dose increased to the two blue pills a day, I wake up several times during the night and lay there staring at the ceiling, eventually going back to sleep, although I do not feel sleep-deprived. Maybe I am only dreaming I am awake? Also, I have had to get up to pee 4-5 times during the night. I have had no nausea (I think drinking a lot of water and eating just prior to dosing helps) and no "mental" problems.
  
  A small price to pay in comparision to being completely controlled by cigs ("do I have enough cigs to get me through the day? Oh God, where is my lighter?)! I want to be FREE!
  
  J.

   

• At Sat Oct 06, 12:35:00 PM 2007,  Dutchess said…

  I started taking Chantrix 10 days ago. I stopped smoking 2 days ago. The day before I only smoked 15 cigarettes vs. my normal 2-3 packs. I didn't know whether to continue to smoke until the urge just went away, or go ahead and pick a date, so I chose to pick a date, for fear of adapting to the medication and being unable to quit by waiting longer. I have had some stressful moments, and continue to, but it has been manageable, so far. I have smoked for over 35 years,heavily, and have never went even this long without smoking. I am really excited about Chantix. I have not had bad or weird dreams, no problem sleeping, just a few light headaches and some nausea, but not too bad. Even though I am having to work hard on the moods, and cravings, this is the best opportunity to quit I have ever been afforded, and I am so very thankful for Chantix.

   

• At Wed Oct 10, 10:03:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am on day 6 of Chantix and tomorrow is my stop date. I have already found that my desire to smoke has diminished greatly. I have had some strange dreams, but that does not bother me at all. My doctor put me on Wellbutrin at the same time because she felt it would enhance the goal to quit smokeing. I have found for the past two days I will light up a cigarette but only take one of two puffs from it. It seems that I have the desire to hold the cigarette more than smoke it. Is there a medication to stop the desire to hold the butt (just kidding).

   

• At Thu Oct 11, 09:03:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I smoked from 1970 until 1999 - whereby I found myself in a hospital because I couldn't breath. I thought it was my usual case of chronic bronchitus and they would give me antibiotics and send me home. To my shock - they kept me for 5 days and diagnosed me with COPD. I was 44 years old. The doctor on staff told me to quit smoking or die. I had heard that the nicotine was pretty much out of one's system within 72 hours. So my first 3 days in the hospital took care of that for me. I was released from the hospital with 02 24/7 for 6 mos. Almost 6 years later - I started smoking again!!!! I had been through an unexpected divorce and the anniversary of it - was more earth shattering for me than the divorce itself. I had been through a bout of pneumonia (Dec 2005) and a few bouts of bronchitus - and I still smoked! I knew better! It was frustrating and I hated the fact that I had returned to it. All I wanted to do - was quit again!!! In Aug 2007 I asked my dr about CHANTIX. He did his job with my insurance to get it taken care of - with my diagnosis of COPD - I knew I would qualify immediately. My sister, two years younger than me, went to the hospital over labor day weekend - and was also diagnosed COPD. It brought back alot of memories!!! Plus I was on night time O2 since my pneumonia bout. I started the CHANTIX Sept 9, 2007 and smoked 32 cigarettes that day. I was so terrified I would not be able to quit again. I logged every cigarette - every day. I did not quit the 8th day as recommended. I did not quit the first day I wanted to - which was Sept 19th (the anniversary of my original quit date) my first smoke-free day was October 4th - my daughters 32nd birthday. I called her the day after to tell her that I gave her a very special birthday present - that I was smokefree! She told my grandson to ask me what I gave her and I told him and he said "Oh grandma that is so COOL". While the CHANTIX helped alot, I recommend it highly, I also had to work hard at breaking the habit. I started making places around me smoke free, my home, my car, my place of work. I would always strive to do SOMETHING instead of smoking while on the phone or relaxing. When I get the urge to smoke - I remind myself that 5 year olds don't smoke, am I smarter than a 5 year old - you bet! For the record - I am epileptic and on dilantin as well as a host of respiratory meds and protonix - so I was really nervous about taking the Chantix - I am thrilled it that it partnered well with me so that I could have a successful outcome. Having quit before, I was able to get back into the mental dialog easily and regain the habits of a non smoker. For the first time - my mom's six adult children are all smoke free. Three of them in the last three months. Best of Success to all on their journey to a liberating smoke free lifestyle :-)

   

• At Mon Oct 22, 07:05:00 AM 2007,  kycheeks said…

  I am on my 3rd week of taking Chantix and am on my 2nd week being smoke free. I have smoked 1 - 1 1/2 packs a day for the past 30 years, never thought I could quit. It is normal to have the fear of failure, but it is worth the try. I agree that everyone is going to have different side effects from the drug. I started with the insomnia and dreams right away. My doctor suggested Melatonin for sleep. It does help. I felt a difference the 2nd day, cigaretts tasted different, not as satisfying. I would only smoke if I wanted one, not out of habit. Eventually I was smoking 2 -3 a day. At the beginning of the 2nd week I decided to quit. I might get the urge (mostly at night) but it passes. Stick to it and tough it out, that's what I tell myself. Good Luck to everyone who tries!

   

• At Tue Oct 23, 06:41:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Has anyone noticed their temper being shorter? I have the vivid and long dreams (not nightmares, the mild nausea after taking the pill (which a big glass of water does work for me), but my temper is very uncharacteristic of me since I have been on it. I am pretty mild mannered but for the past 2 weeks my fuse goes off more quickly than normal. It's not the "I want a cig" temper either. Any thoughts?

   

• At Sun Oct 28, 08:01:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Chantix- I posted a couple months ago when I had been taking Chantix. I wanted to up date everyone. At the time I was experiencing sever depression, nightmares, short temper, and dark urine. Since I stopped, the depression has left and has not returned, my temper is normal, no more nightmares but my urine is still dark. I did quit smoking though! I took Chantix for 5 weeks and have not smoked since the end of the 3rd week. Looking back it is a small price to pay for quitting but at the time the depression was debilitating!

   

• At Mon Oct 29, 08:40:00 AM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have the same problem. I have been taking Chantix for two months now and I'm not smoking anymore. I still fight the cravings all the time because I found that taking two pills is too strong for me. I only take one a day. I noticed my fuse very short and bouts of depression and anger come more easily. I'm a newly wed and we have started fighting sence i started taking chantix. I'm hoping this goes away and my cravings go away as well. It's so frustrating to have something so harmful be the center of my thoughts all the time. It's the first thing I think about when I wake up, so i drink water. I did not quit smoking for the first month and 1/2 so all the people out there that arent quitting yet, just keep taking it, it will work. I have a very stubborn mind and it finally works. I'm not smoking but my fuse is short and Ihope that goes away.

   

• At Sat Nov 03, 03:29:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I am on day 5 of the Chantix regimen. The day I began, I also began taking a higher dose of my antidepressant, Lexapro, as directed by my doctor. In addition, I am on a low-level of Wellbutrin intended to counteract side effects of Lexapro.
  
  I write because I'm concerned about the interactions of all this medication. Today I feel weird, kind of high (chills, muscle tension, inability to concentrate, loss of appetite, etc.), and I'm wondering if it might be that my drug cocktail, as it were, has begun to "kick in." I've been reading all the posts and articles I can find on this site and others hoping to get some relevent information, but I haven't seen anything that matches up to my situation close enough to put my mind at ease. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

   

• At Tue Nov 06, 02:28:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I have been taking Chantrix for seven weeks. I stopped smoking after the first seven days. My concern is that because of the side-effects (nausea/gas/dreams)I would like to discontinue the drug after eight weeks. Should I take a smaller dose during the last week? I have no desire to smoke at all.....after being a smoker for 51 years. Will the desire return when the medication is stopped?

   

• At Tue Nov 06, 07:28:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Hi,
  The internet and health websites are great sources of information on health and medicines. However, I know from my own experience of looking up symptoms I've had or a family-member has had, that its really easy to find some weird and wonderful explanations for symtoms that match our own. Its also very easy to attribute symptoms to the medicines we are taking (particularly as each one is a required to have a very long list of potetial side effect - sometimes based on only a very small proportion of people reporting those symptoms in the initial FDA-approval trials). Medical students in training are often told that, "when you hear hooves, think horses not zebras". What this means is that one should look for the most common/likely explanation for a symptom rather than a more exotic (but unlikely explanation). So when this basic strategy is applied to people quitting smoking who report symptoms like irritability, poor concentration, depression and restlessness, the most likely explanation for this is that these are nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These very symptoms are listed as such in the major diagnostic manuals currently used (DSM-4 and ICD-9). The other thing we know about the time scale of nicotine withdrawal symptoms is that they typically peak in the first week after markedly reducing nicotine intake, and have largely resolved in about 3-4 weeks. (note this is 3-4 weeks after quitting smoking, not 3-4 weeks after starting Chantix). For those people quitting smoking while taking a complex coctail of medicines for a variety of other medical problems, it is undoubtably a little harder to interpret emergent symptoms. Again, where the symptoms mark those of nicotine withdrawal that would be my first choice as a likely explanation. Where any symptom becomes serious than you and your doctor should discuss this and together come up with a plan. I strongly recommend keeping in close contact with your doctor (e.g. weekly) during the first month or so after quitting smoking - especially if you have a more complex medical history or are experiencing more serious or worrying symptoms. This is a life-saving change you are making and you needn't feel guilty about taking your doctor's time if it may help save your life by helping you to quit smoking. Thats what they are there for.

   

• At Fri Nov 16, 07:31:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  My father has bipolar disorder. He quit smoking after 40 years using Chantix. He is also on Lithium and Zoloft. The past three weeks he started having seizures. Are seizures a side effect of one or all of these drugs? He had a CAT scan today which was negative and is going to have an EEG as well as a MRI with neurology consult.

   

• At Tue Nov 20, 08:01:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Am looking for additional information ~ DH is considering Chantix to quit after 20 years. No current meds, but a history of insomnia (can't fall asleep, but okay once he's out) and is definitely an 'alpha' personality. Have seen comments about sleeplessness and aggressiveness. Any further details?

   

• At Wed Nov 21, 08:01:00 AM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Hi,
  Seizures are listed as a "rare" adverse event while taking Chantix.
  Similarly seizures are a rare effect while taking Zoloft and can be triggered by (more commonly a high dose of) lithium.
  
  Smoking cessation can also affect levels of some drugs by slowing their metabolism, but I am not aware of that effect with sertraline (Zoloft) of Lithium:
  (see: http://www.healthline.com/blogs/smoking_cessation/2007/09/stopping-smoking-effects-on-drug.html ).
  His neurologists will try to figure this out and he should follow their advice.

   

• At Tue Nov 27, 08:29:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  I began taking Chantix Oct. 16. I was a pack a day smoker for 32 years and have tried everything on the market to quit. I too have nausea, headaches, weird dreams and have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. These side effects are mild/moderate and I can live with them. Chantix has been the easiest struggle to quit smoking. HOWEVER, I am still smoking occassionally. Probably 3 to 4 cigs a week. I have bought a few packs when the cravings were very strong, smoked a couple and threw the pack away. Everytime I am around a smoker friend, I bumb one. My fear is I will not be able to quit completely. Has this large reduction/delayed "never take another puff" happen to others? Is it true "just stay on track" and eventually you will be completely free from smoking? Chantix is definately a big help in dealing with all the hardships of breaking this terrible addiction. I truly believe it will help alot of people quit smoking. Thanks.

   

• At Wed Nov 28, 11:56:00 AM 2007,  Leigh said…

  Hello all. I have read every single comment on this page, trying to get an idea of what it is going to be like when I get my chantix prescription. I am not on any other meds other than birth control. So I guess I don't have to worry about going "nuts" I am a little concerned about the dreams and the other minor side effects. I am very suceptible to anxiety attacks so I mean if I am gonna be waking up with my heart laying next to me in the bed I kinda want to know. Can anyone really elaborate? As far as that guy that died I think that was coming....If he was depressed and drunk 3x the legal limit...yeah it wasn't the chantix.

   

• At Wed Nov 28, 03:52:00 PM 2007,  Jen said…

  I have been on Chantix for 18 days. I did not stop on the 7th but rather 10 days into it. Happy to say I am 8 days smoke free. Although the urges are still there it is managable. I find I really do miss "my friend" but am thrilled at how much money I am saving. My dreams have been interesting. Not upsetting at all but extremely vivid. I am seeing people in my dreams I haven't seen in over 20 years! I feel very rested. I have to say the worst side effect is the gas. I was also wondering if anyone is having trouble breathing? I am finding it annoying that I quit smoking and now I can't breathe!!!
  
  Chantix is a great drug for me. Every person needs to figure out if it will help them. Of course, you need to be ready and want to quit. Good luck everyone!

   

• At Thu Nov 29, 12:51:00 PM 2007,  tracy said…

  well okay yall i am back, well dec the 7 is three months with out a smoke i took chantix for 3 and a half weeks had all the side effects, but the gas was awful for real!i stopped taking the pills after it had been 2 weeks without a smoke right now i am running on pure will power i knew if i could stop smoking just for a week i would be okay i smoked everyday a pack a day for 18 years never stopped before chantix helped me i was sick but it had to be the withdraws i got better and started working out my energy level is amazing compared to before i feel so good!for me using the pills as a stepping stone just to get through the withdraws is all i needed i dont hang around friends that smoke if i do they have to go outside i have been tempted and some bad things have happened and i have had a few panic attacks but i told myself i will never buy another pack of damn smokes again dont worry about everything u hear if u smoke chances are u are dying slowly anyway, its worth saving yourself, my skin has even changed its looking better i feel like i am coming back to life thank u chantix for saving me from the poison!

   

• At Sat Dec 01, 03:58:00 AM 2007,  Penny said…

  My husband is awaiting bypass surgery in a couple of days. He had a cancerous melanoma removed a month ago and all the doctors he had seen strongly advised him to quit smoking. He's 57 years old and has smoked since age 7 - that's 50 years, a heavy smoker. He was prescribed Chantix and started it over 3 weeks ago. He has been faithful to the product and it's recommendations. He has not had a cigarette for 2 weeks now and has no cravings whatsoever! He has tried other methods to quit and they have been unsuccessful. He is becoming a true believer in Chantix and even wants a T-Shirt to spread the word to others. He suffered a slight heart attack the Friday after Thanksgiving and will be having surgery soon - but he is convinced he is going to be just fine after this is over and he has a whole new world to look forward to. Thank you.

   

• At Wed Dec 12, 11:11:00 AM 2007,  Lalabeth said…

  I am on day 3 of not smoking with the help of Chantix. I feel wonderful, except for the need to yawn to catch a full breath. I'm short of breath, is this normal nicotine withdrawal???

   

• At Thu Dec 13, 03:45:00 PM 2007,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  lalabeth,
  I don't recall hearing the yawning part before -except in people who have associated sleep disturbance.
  The shortness of breath could possibly related to the scilia in your airways starting to regrow. These are millions of tiny hair that function to bring up mucus. However cigarette smoke burns the scilia so they don't function efficiently. When you quit they may regrow and start to perform that function again, but that process may initially cause some different sensations in your airways that could feel like shortness of breath. Some people also start bringing up more mucus for the same reason. These things normally pass. But as with any unexplained symptom that concerns you - best thing may be to get it checked out by your doctor.

   

• At Sat Dec 22, 04:56:00 PM 2007,  Anonymous said…

  Thanks for the info on increased shortness of breath. I have been on Chantix about 1 1/2 months with 6 days smoke free. The first day of being smoke free I felt increased shortness of breath (or at least perceived). I felt shortness of breath with dressing, eating etc which resolves quickly. I am able to walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes without increased respirations and with the same level of perceived shortness of breath. My breath is not labored and is at 16-20 per minute. Maybe I'm paying too much attention to this. I'm sure I have been short of breath but not this noticable to me, others wouldnt know that I am short of breath. I have no cough what so ever and have never had. I do have GERD and about 20 more pounds than I should have.
  I am considering going to 1 pill a day. I have minor other side effects. I have smoked for 40 years and tried other products with side effects where I discontinued them.
  I am too a little concerned that I have lung imparement or worse, although no cough is somewhat reassuring? I havent stopped any usual activities but do feel more short of breath with these activities. I would think that I would have less. When do you think the increased shortness of breath should resolve?
  Thanks

   

• At Thu Jan 03, 08:24:00 PM 2008,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Hi,
  If a shortness of breath persists and is concerning you then the only sensible thing to do is discuss it with your doctor. I think it unlikely that its an effect of Chantix, and so it is important that your doctor check it out.

   

• At Fri Jan 04, 09:13:00 PM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I just got released from the hospital went in on New Years '08 for the second time since 05 for pneumonia, and have bouts of bronchitis on a yearly basis. also suffer from high blood pressure, GERD, asthma and panic / anxiety attacks. I have read and studied everything about Chantix I can find, and was considering getting a prescription for it, But after reading about, insomnia,nausea, bloating, weight gain, wild vivid dreams, and depression (God knows I have enough of that)and I think my cigarette addiction has become a crutch for me. I can't stand to be in another room without them. They go with me everywhere. Yes even to bed. But once my light goes out and I lay down I don't light a cigarette until I am up and at my desk the next morning.Fear of fire is more urgent than my nicotine desire.... Thankful for that. But I have tried to quit many many times and have failed many many times... But now I have a healthy fear of Chantix... Guess I have to try it and see what it does to me... Thanks for all the informative & interesting comment sharing... They have been very convincing... I would hate to wake up thinking my heart is going to jump out of my throat in a panic attack one night.. I have my panic attacks mostly under control by doing relaxing , breathing and medatative exercise methods. I do, however, take a low dosage of Vistril each night..along with Blood Pressure meds, a dirutic for water retention, inhaler for asthma, and Prilosec for Gerd....going to do some more serious research on these amazing pills before commiting to them. I am a borderline hypochondriac anyway... and a lot of imsomnia bouts/with enough hot flashes to light the whole empire state building... so I need that insomnia bit, about as much as a puppy needs two tails....Wish me luck but I am about ready to take the leap of faith. Although 50 is not young. I am not ready to throw in the towel just yet....either...

   

• At Sat Jan 05, 04:26:00 PM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I took Chantix for three months and am still smoke free. I never experienced the sleep disturbances or bad dreams. I did experience the terrible gas and bloating for the first month and had the intense nausea for 30 minutes the entire time. From the very beginning, I never felt quite "myself" but thought all of the side effects were worth quitting smoking. Almost immediately, I noticed an improvement in my skin and my chronic sinus infections and bronchitis were gone!
  
  However, as time went on, I experienced more and more of a "funk" and difficulties coping with very minor issues. The smallest incident would create anxiety and make me feel as if I had no hope. Initially, I thought it was a normal part of withdrawal. As I neared the three month mark and the depression and anxiety became worse, I knew it wasn't right and I needed to get off Chantix. As I weaned off, my anxiety intensified. Three days after being completely off, I went into such a deep depression that I thought I would need to be hospitalized to protect myself. I have started taking antidepressants to counteract these effects and it is too soon to feel myself again. I am grateful that I am no longer smoking but I also know I will NEVER do this again. I have NEVER felt such a terrible depression in my life. I did not have mental health issues prior to taking Chantix or a history of depression or anxiety. I did not take any medications and was about as normal and healthy as one can be.
  
  Please, if you are considering taking Chantix, do so under careful observation of your doctor with a plan in place to deal with the depression if you happen to be one of the unlucky ones who experiences this side effect.

   

• At Mon Jan 07, 02:01:00 PM 2008,  mwe104 said…

  After I stipped Chantix I had mood
  swings (male) age 42 with no other
  side affect seems to be better.

   

• At Mon Jan 07, 02:04:00 PM 2008,  mwe104 said…

  I have been off Chantix for about 5 weeks. I now have been having crazy mood swings (male)42.
  
  This is the only side affect I've had

   

• At Tue Jan 08, 08:20:00 PM 2008,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Thanks to those who have shared their experiences so that others may learn from them. The more the better. One thing to bare in mind for those concerned about the side effects is that Chantix is far from the only option as a medication to help you quit smoking. For heavy addicted smokers a combination of the patch plus at least one other NRT (e.g. 4mg gum) is probably just as effective without the any serious side effects (as you are only taking the same drug, nicotine, you have been taking for years).

   

• At Wed Jan 16, 11:55:00 AM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I have been on Champix for 13 days and quit smoking on day 11. I have been fortunate it seems since I have experienced so far, very little of the side effects that some people seem to have quite a problem with. Is Champix better in that you wean off the nicotine much sooner than with patches or lozengers? I was considering from what I have read here that at the end of the 12 week program it might be better to stop Champix and use lozengers for example to control the odd urge. I am hoping this won't be necessary and do encourage everyone to stay the course, stay positive and stay strong.

   

• At Thu Jan 17, 04:36:00 PM 2008,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Hi anonymous,
  I'm glad to hear you are doing well. Some people like the fact that with Chantix you cease taking nicotine sooner than with NRT. I don't think of it as "better" - just a different option.
  
  Many (probably most) people feel that 12 weeks on the medicine is enough for them to feel confident that they will not go back to smoking. If, at 12 weeks, you still feel vulnerable to relapse then another 12 weeks on Chantix is an option to discuss with your doctor.

   

• At Wed Jan 23, 06:55:00 PM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I take 60 mg of Cymbalta each day.... has anybody had any experience with Chantix and this anidepressant? I really want to quit smoking, but I don't want any weird drug reactions.

   

• At Fri Feb 08, 04:23:00 AM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I started Chantix in the beginning of January. I did quit smoking which is great but the side effects have been awful. I had nausea, I hardly slept because I would dream but be awake thinking about what I was dreaming, and my body ached so bad, mostly my hips, knees, and ankles. So I took it for seven days, and then two days but only in the morning thinking maybe then I could sleep at night.
  Well I was feeling so bad I just quit taking them. It's been a month now with no Chantix and I hardly sleep and my legs still ache. I feel so unhappy, yet I'm happy that I don't smoke. Anyway, what have I done to my body now?

   

• At Fri Feb 08, 04:32:00 PM 2008,  Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD said…

  Dear anonymous of Jan 23,
  The best way to assess the risks of adverse reactions to Chantix is to discuss it with your family doctor or the person who prescribes your Cymbalta. They should not only know about potential interactions but also have a sense of your risks for depression. That clinician will also be able to discuss alternatives as well, so you know all your options.

   

• At Wed Feb 13, 04:58:00 PM 2008,  Anonymous said…

  I took chantix to quit smoking and it worked for me. I smoked for 36 years and now I am smoke free for a little over four months. I only had bloating during the time I took it. I had the silly dreams, but I think everyone who goes through withdrawal has weird dreams. If in some later years people say chantix damaged their brains it really won't matter as cigarettes damage your brain everytime you smoke one. Learn everything you can about the damage we are doing to our body. Our brain use 20% of all oxygen going into our bodys and smoking cuts off the oxygen and causes bleeding in our brains which finally leads to strokes. I hope everyone quits smoking and chantix is the way to go if you are not strong enough to do it on your own. My legs hurt all the time now they quit hurting within a week of quitting. I do think of a cigarette sometimes but it is not worth the price I would have to pay for it. I also thought that I was having trouble breathing after I quit because my lu