New Smoking Cessation Drug
According to the article, "Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States (2004)" released on Friday, November 11, 2005, in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, approximately 20.9 percent (44.5 million) of adults in the United States are current smokers. This represents a decrease from 22.5 percent in 2002 and 24.1 percent in 1998. Despite this decrease, cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 1 of every 5 deaths (440,000 people) each year.
Pfizer recently announced that it has applied to the FDA for a new drug for smoking cessation. Plans are underway to market the new drug under the name "champs"; its generic name is vermiculite tortured. In two clinical trials involving over 2000 study participants were given either champs (1 mg twice a day), Zyban (150 mg twice a day) or a placebo. In both studies, 44 percent of vermiculite-treated patients quit by the end of the 12-week treatment period, significantly more than the 30 percent of Zyban patients who quit. Among those who received the placebo, only 18 percent had quit by the end of the 12-week treatment period. After one year, patients who received vermiculite were significantly more likely to remain smoke-free compared to patients who received bupropion or placebo.
The drug weans smokers off tobacco by attaching to a nicotine-specific receptor in the brain. The most common side effects were nausea, headache, vivid dreams and insomnia. These side effects are similar to other other marketed smoking cessation drugs, including Zyban (aka buproprion and Wellbutrin) and nicotine replacement products.
Varenicline is still in research trials but Pfizer is hopeful that it will be evaluated by the FDA in 2006. An interesting footnote: The scientist who invented the drug is a former two-and-a-half pack-a-day smoker whose own father died of a smoking related disease.
For more information about quitting smoking and smoking related news, check out the Web MD Smoking Cessation Health Center
Laurie
Related Topics: Kick Butts Now!, How Much Does Smoking Cost?
Pfizer recently announced that it has applied to the FDA for a new drug for smoking cessation. Plans are underway to market the new drug under the name "champs"; its generic name is vermiculite tortured. In two clinical trials involving over 2000 study participants were given either champs (1 mg twice a day), Zyban (150 mg twice a day) or a placebo. In both studies, 44 percent of vermiculite-treated patients quit by the end of the 12-week treatment period, significantly more than the 30 percent of Zyban patients who quit. Among those who received the placebo, only 18 percent had quit by the end of the 12-week treatment period. After one year, patients who received vermiculite were significantly more likely to remain smoke-free compared to patients who received bupropion or placebo.
The drug weans smokers off tobacco by attaching to a nicotine-specific receptor in the brain. The most common side effects were nausea, headache, vivid dreams and insomnia. These side effects are similar to other other marketed smoking cessation drugs, including Zyban (aka buproprion and Wellbutrin) and nicotine replacement products.
Varenicline is still in research trials but Pfizer is hopeful that it will be evaluated by the FDA in 2006. An interesting footnote: The scientist who invented the drug is a former two-and-a-half pack-a-day smoker whose own father died of a smoking related disease.
For more information about quitting smoking and smoking related news, check out the Web MD Smoking Cessation Health Center
Laurie
Related Topics: Kick Butts Now!, How Much Does Smoking Cost?
80 Comments:
Chantix has worked for me after 37 years of smoking. Dont give up - I had headaches and bad dreams, but they lessened after about 3 weeks. It really takes the craving away without the nervousness.
normally my wife is quite healthy... she has been taking chantix for seven days. in the past three days she has been experiencing dizzy spells and today she blacked out while driving. she went to the er they did blood work and everthing appears to be normal. they told her to stop taking chantix and see if the symptoms go away. does anyone know if these are side effects to chantix?
After 20+ years of smoking I had tried it all, Wellbutrin, patches etc. Nothing kept the brain froming wanting that cigarette. Chantix has kept me free for over 2 weeks. The side effects such as the dreams and being tired are worth it in the short term to be free of the monster tobacco!! I highly recommend it to everyone and say stick it out. Your life is worth it!
I am in bad need of quitting smoking. If not for the soul reason of my family, my health is at risk. I recently got bronchitis and kept smoking, now I am having trouble breathing. I will be starting chantix soon. I have heard other people say other things worked, hypnosis, laser therapy, etc. I welcome more feedback for this new drug "Chantix".
My Husband and I are into our 6th, week of Chantix and we are both smoke free after 47 years of smoking more then a pack a day. I have had mild upset stomach and some strange dreams but all and all it is worth it not to smell like and ash-tray and to feel good again. If you really want to quit this is the way to go.
I am in my 4th week of Chantix thepary and have remained smoke free. Slight indigestion and mild nauesa is all I can report as side effects. Nothing compared to the effects of smoking. I am the 7th success story I personally know about due to Chantix. I know of no failures. I believe there is finally a cure for this terrible addiction. I am also convinced you MUST prepare yourself mentally, and have to absoutly want to quit first before you even attempt this life saving choice.
This is my 3rd week on Chantix and I am still smoke free. I had no idea it could be this easy. I only think about it at "habit" times and can still not smoke. I have had some pain in my stomach and insomia, but I have to say it is still the best thing I have ever done. After 32 years of smoking to finally be free of that horrible habit is a gift.
Pfizer should be very proud of Chantix. I did not think when I started taking it that after 28 yrs of smoking a pack and a half to two packs of cigarettes a day I would quit. I could never have quit without Chantix because I loved smoking to much.
I did have the nausea, dizziness and dreams but the side effects are worth it. I could not believe how easy it was to quit smoking. This is truly a miracle pill if they could only make such a pill for overeating I would be great.
I smoked for 30 years and had never thought I could stop until Chanix. A lot of my friends tried it and suceeded. I am on my 2nd week of being smoke free and I am loving it. I already feel better. You have to want to quit for this to truely work
I have been using Chantix for around a week. I had never blacked out until a few nights ago in a bar. I went crazy and got kicked out, then ran around town until the cops found me. I woke up in the ER a few hours later. I don't remember a thing, and the only thing I did differently was use Chantrix. Do you know why this is?
To the person that blacked out at the bar: Have you looked up whether you can drink and take this drug?
I know I can't drink at all with the meds I take. I'll take a sip of wine and I'm crazy dizzy. I'm not a health professional, but it might help to read all the info about Chantix.
Debra
Chantix works!!! My fiancee' and I both quit. His brother quit. We were all heavy smokers, 1 1/2 -2 1/2 packs a day. I smoked for 15 years and they must have smoked for about 30 years. I used to love to smoke, I just hated the ashetray smell and the potential health issues. We have told everyone about this drug. If you want to quit you now have no excuse. It is the "Wonder Pill". I have quit before in the past. It was a horrible experience, skin crawling, insominia, etc. Chantix is so easy. The only side effects I had was vivid dreams, nausea and a little dizziness. The nausea was kind of bad for me, but taking it with food was a big help. I quit taking it before I was directed and still had no problem quitting. I was irritable after quitting, but I think it was more because I missed smoking and maybe because I quit taking it before I was supposed to. My fiancee and his brother didn't really have this problem so much. My smell is back, my taste buds are working again, I feel like I can breathe; I just feel so much better physically! Also- I don't stink anymore!!! Just quit already!! What are you waiting for?
I smoked for 37 yrs and have wanted to quit for the past 20 yrs. I used to love smoking but the past 5 yrs have been hard on my health. Pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing and short of breath. I knew I had to quit. I had been referred to a pulmonary Doctor and he suggested Chantix. I waited about 6 months before deciding to try it. That was 2 months ago. Besides the nausea and crazy vivid dreams I have had no trouble quitting. No irritability and only a couple slight cravings. I am very thankful for this new drug. I had tried many times before and nothing worked.
It's working for my wife and I after only 1 week. We have smoked for 20 years. My question is, should I begin coughing more now that I have stopped? Is this something to be concerned with or is it (I hope) my lungs just repairing themselves?
Doug
I started Chantix in Nov. of 06. I smoked for 25 years. I went from 2 packs a day to zero in 3 days. I took it for 3 months with the sickness and dreams. Write your dreams down, it will make for some very interesting reading later. I also drank normally the entire time with no problems. This stuff works.
Darryl
Has anyone experienced a stomach ache with chantix? My sister just started the med. and wants to stop after 5 days due to stomach aches. I really want her to stop smoking- do the symptoms lessen over time??
I was thrilled with the results I gained after only a week on Chantix...I had no desire to smoke. But 3 days after starting the drug, the right side of my face started getting numb. My doctor took me off Chantix and a week later there is still some numbness in my face. I am so bummed out...I thought FINALLY I will be able to quit smoking and now this has happened. Anyone else have this problem?
I started using Chantix over a month ago and am still smoke free. Quitting was very easy aside from some mild cravings. I did experience the weird dreams but I'm still suffering from sleep problems. Is the drug still in my system? I have been off it for 2 weeks, or is this related to no longer smoking? I would recommend Chantix to anyone to quit smoking,it really does work. However, I need to know if the sleeplessness is related and if so, how long will it last?
I've been smoke free for 11 days on Chantix. However my doctor has taken me off it for at least 3 days after a rash started appearing on my chest and legs. I get to go back on after rash has cleared and if it happens again...then we know it's the Chantix. Besides some strange dreams, no other side effects. I still think about smoking alot...habit times....and even tho I truly want to be a non smoker, I think I will forever miss it!! Good luck to all of us!!!
I have smoked for almost 30 years and have tried anything and everything to quit. I would become viotlent within short period of time when refused cigarettes. I loved to smoke, and I had a teririble addiction. I have been smoke free for three weeks. On a scale of 1-10 my urges at worst have been a 2. This is incredible.
My only side affects in indigestion. I take tums and keep on going. I wished my DR had suggested this a year ago. He was hestitant. One of his patients insisted that he be allowed to try it and the rest is history. He has allowed 87 patients take it and only ZERO failures ZERO!!! My sad story is I now have COPD, Had this only been availabe before!!!!!
Stinks, three weeks in and learn I this. Oh well, at least I no longer smoke.
Good luck to all !!!
I started Chantix on Monday, upon waking up on Saturday I had such bad dizzy spells I could hardly walk. I stopped taking it right away. These spells have not quit at all. Dizziness was not listed as a side effect. Do they go away after not taking the drug after a week or so? I'd rather smoke than go through this! Now the doc put me through an MRI and numerous other tests.
I have been taking the pill for two weeks now. I unfortunately did not realize that when the doctor suggested that the pill be taken in halves, that the tiny pill was actually a whole pill, so I overdosed a couple days before realizing I was an idiot. it did however make me not want to smoke. nausea seemed to occur far less when I followed the directions properly. vivid dreams Ia m only just now expirencing. however, I seem to have far more sinus issues and the coughing is slowing up. dizzy not so much, but I do get very tired right after taking the pill so I tend to take a nap for an hour when I take the pill and find that helps. as for drinking while on it, not reccomended, it just does not taste right, and has some unwanted results. vomiting being one of them. though I missed that one :) good luck ppl. I don't particularly care for the health benefits, but I do like saving all that money and not walking into walks like when I tried to quit cold turkey before.
I have benn taking Chantix for two weeks now and have been smoke free for 7 days. My cravings have been mild to moderate at times and I have had little side effects. I have had mild nausea. I find if I eat before I take the Chantix it helps with the stomach upset. I have had no other problems with it. Other than the cost. I am feeling better already ! It seems that my since of smell has improved in just a week. I recomend Chantix to anyone who is ready to quit smoking. If I can do it anyone can.
ok...this is my very first day taking chantix...i am taking .5 mg right now. I was a little nauseated,but it wasnt bad.i took it with a meal and a large glass of water.I did not get the cravings and the nervousness i usually feel and thats after only one day.I still smoked though.i have my start date picked out and i am going to try to cut back every day.good luck to everybody
I would like to see if I can do something about the upset stomach its bad.
Did anyone have problems with memory loss? I've quit now for 7 months, I was on the Chantix for about 7-8 weeks and noticed I was having memory loss so I stoped the drug. It could be age, but I have noticed since taking Chantix I have a harder time remembering things.
how long do you have these dreams? Is there caffeine in this drug?
Ok, so I'm a little scared. I get migraines already, so I really don't relish the thought of headaches. The dreams I experienced when I wore the nicotine patch while sleeping - I can deal with those. This is my biggest question - everyone seems to say you really have to want to quit. I do for the obvious health reasons and the fact that you almost have to apologize these days for smoking. But....I love cigarettes! Does this mean I'm not ready? Please help before I spend this large amount of money on a prescription not covered by insurance.
ok, I'm scared. I have migraines already so I don't relish the thought of more headaches, but can deal with it. The dreams I also experienced when I used a nicotine patch while sleeping. Blackouts are kind of frightening. My biggest question is this: folks say you really have to want to quit for this to work. I want to for the obvious health reasons and because you almost have to apologize for smoking these days, but I love cigarettes! Does this mean I'm not ready. Someone help me here before I spend half a paycheck on this prescription that isn't covered by insurance
I have been on chantix for 2 wks and I do notice that I have cut considerably back on smoking but havent quit yet. The one thing that bothers me is that I always feel hungry, is this happening to anyone else?
I am having severe indigestion and major coughing upon waking up is this normal? When I smoke I get a really bad taste in my mouth and it makes my throat burn is this normal too?
Have successfully quit smoking after 39 years....thanks to help
from Chantix. Of course, as with
any cessation approach, there are
some side effects. In my case, the
nausea & some unsettling sleep periods have been the most dominant. In the scheme of things,
I have evaluated that for me, these
are non-life-threatening, short-term issues. Simultaneous with this
determined life-style change, I have lost 20 pounds through much
needed nutritionally-sound eating
& exercise efforts. This focus has
reinforced the health aspect of being a non-smoker, kept my mind
& body busy & served as a positive
measurable gauge of achievement during this 12-week transition.
Two weeks ago I started taking Chantix for the THIRD time. It works great for me when I'm on it inspite of the severe constipation. I've been noticing some memory loss which is getting worse day by day. I've had enough of Chantix and will probably go off it now that I've read about it's connection to memory loss. I'll see my doctor first of course. I am a single independent 60 year woman and would rather die from a heart attack or cancer than to lose my independence.
I had gastric bypass surgery last year and quit smoking for 6 weeks. Has anyone had this surgery and taken chantix? I'm worried about the stomach problems.
Chantix worked for me for one month then I had to get off it because of bad side effects. I have fibromyalgia and by the second month every bone, muscle, and joint in my body hurt and I was sleeping up to 14 hours a day and while awake it was an effort just to function normally at work. I'm still waiting for a refund I was promised for the second month pack I was unable to tolerate, sent perscription receipt and a letter (which I was told to do) many months ago but so far no one has responded.
Anyone with a musculoskeletal disorder watch out.
Hello, would someone please help me
with the nausea while taking this fantastic drug. Im finally smoke free, but need to lay down due to severe nausea. thanks, and happy quitting!!!!!!!
My boyfriend and I have been on Chantix for 12 days and completely smoke-free for 5 days. We have tried other methods -- patch, zyban, cold turkey -- and are not experiencing the severe irritability and anxiety like before. We are following directions closely such as pill after food with a full glass of water spaced out evenly and consistently every 12 hours, and this seems to help with the upset stomach. We both are having crazy, vivid dreams and some sleepless nights, but in the bigger scheme, these are not terrible. We are not drinking, exercising daily, and supporting each other, which helps tremendously. Good to hear that, in most cases, the good is out-weighing the bad!
Chantix is working for me after 2 weeks...follow the instructions and you should be fine. I am having some strange dreams but they are pretty cool...funny I guess.
The first week while taking the .5mg tablets, I continued to smoke as normal.
The start of week 2, the first day for the blue 1mg 2x daily pill, I stopped smoking...and I have to say I doubted it would work.
I was trying to give Chantix evey chance to fail, mentally at least and it had reallt proved me wrong...this stuff really works!
I am really really tired now, I dont know if it is side effects of Chantix or caused by stop smoking, lack of nicotine etc....but I dont care it's worth it
Congrats to Pfizer.....Chantix works
I have been smoke-free for 16 days. Chantix is the only method that has worked for me without causing me to be a complete crazy person! I do have crazy dreams and I'm tired/could sleep all the time, but I'm looking forward to no more bronchitis and asthma attacks (diagnosed the last time I had bronchitis and the reason I asked for the Chantix). My family is so proud and have been very supportive. It's true that cigarettes started tasting like an ashtray and I did get the burning in my throat when I smoked, but it's gone now. It's been well worth the money. Good luck to everyone!
I have been taking the chantix for 19 days and still are having cravings at times. I have not had but one cigarette in the last 2 days but I want to know what would happen if I also tried the nicotrol inhaler with the chantix??? I am like a lot of other people in that I love smoking but know I have to quit to stay healthy. Has anyone else tried it with the nicotrol or the patch? Good luck to you all!
I was a 36 yr old female healthy (except for smoking) smoker of 12 years. I used Chantix for 7 weeks and quit successfully!!!! I ended up at the neurologist at the end of week seven because my husband finally sat down and talked to me because I couldn’t remember my kids names, in conversation I couldn’t recall words, I would get lost in my conversations, I was putting away lunch meat in the kitchen cabinets, typing and writing became very difficult along with all kinds of other crazy stuff. I didn’t even recognize how bad I had gotten until my husband sat down with me. I use to have VERY sharp memory with an incredible recall now it seems to run a much slower pace. Tests were done nothing came up it has been 10 months. I am still operating with all I can describe as is a slow memory and slower processing of things. My recall is still shot. I don’t know what to do the Dr said this would not be a symptom from the use of Chantix and now I am reading that memory loss could be a symptom
After many years as a Nicotine addict chatix help me be smoke free, It has been months,. without creating much damage if you are looking to give up smoking this will help you too, I'm not going to kidd you I once in a while suffer from wanting to light up but, then I thing about the long road I have travel smoke free,...
Chantix is the miracle that helped me quit my 40 year habit. I have been smoke free for 6 weeks. I weened myself from the drug during the forth week and I am happy I did. I don't recommend staying on the drug longer than necessary. It is important to ween yourself from the drug. I still have a craving every once in a while, but my will power gets me through it.
A smoker for over 20 years. I started Chantix 6 weeks ago. 2 weeks after starting I stopped smoking. Besides the common side effects, drreams, waking up often at night, nausea, I have become EXTREMLY moody, short tempered and just not a happy person. I have read this has happened to others and that I should get a anti-depressent from my DR.
Just wondering if anyone else can relate?
I am very interested to hear if anyone has had severe nausea? i've seen some comments posted on here but no response, what are you doing for the nausea, and how long is it going to last, i'm on my 3rd week and it's not going away and i do take with my food and water.
experiencing nausea is worse if you smoke soon after taking the pill, i am in the third week and am down to less than 6 cigs a day all of which make me nauseas...this drug is a gift to
even take the urge away at all...to not feel like you are underwater and need a cig....i have
picked a date and will get there soon.
Has anyone had a problem with blackouts after the 12 week program. I took chantix and was successful at quitting smoking. I had a very weird blackout this weekend that frightened me. Wondering if it could be a withdrawl of some sort since i am done with taking chantix??
I was heavy smoker for 15 years (more then half my life). I loved to smoke and never had the intentions of quitting until I started getting upper respiratory infections frequently and had to start using an inhalor. Today is my 7th day being smoke free and I've been taking chantix for 2 weeks. The pills make me nauseous I've vomitted quite a bit when I take my morning pill. I've had very crazy dreams and nightmares almost every evening! I do still think about smoking and sure I probably will for a while but other then the mental want I have no physical side effects. Have quit before and had migraines, insomia, waiting gain and a zero tolerance level. This time quitting I do FEEL the difference and already! I would recommend this drug to anyone wanting to put out the butt.. It only gets harder with every cigarette.. We can do it!!
I was heavy smoker for 15 years (more then half my life). I loved to smoke and never had the intentions of quitting until I started getting upper respiratory infections frequently and had to start using an inhalor. Today is my 7th day being smoke free and I've been taking chantix for 2 weeks. The pills make me nauseous I've vomitted quite a bit when I take my morning pill. I've had very crazy dreams and nightmares almost every evening! I do still think about smoking and sure I probably will for a while but other then the mental want I have no physical side effects. Have quit before and had migraines, insomia, waiting gain and a zero tolerance level. This time quitting I do FEEL the difference and already! I would recommend this drug to anyone wanting to put out the butt.. It only gets harder with every cigarette.. We can do it!!
I was heavy smoker for 15 years (more then half my life). I loved to smoke and never had the intentions of quitting until I started getting upper respiratory infections frequently and had to start using an inhalor. Today is my 7th day being smoke free and I've been taking chantix for 2 weeks. The pills make me nauseous I've vomitted quite a bit when I take my morning pill. I've had very crazy dreams and nightmares almost every evening! I do still think about smoking and sure I probably will for a while but other then the mental want I have no physical side effects. Have quit before and had migraines, insomia, waiting gain and a zero tolerance level. This time quitting I do FEEL the difference and already! I would recommend this drug to anyone wanting to put out the butt.. It only gets harder with every cigarette.. We can do it!!
I have been a non-smoker for 1year and a month ! Heavy smoker for 35 years(almost 2 packs a day) After day 8 on Chantix, no desire for a cigarette, and haven't had one since...I mentally prepared myself a few months before (this is important )..only took chantix for 3 weeks as I could not deal w/ weird nightmares..no urge to smoke AND I live w/ a heavy smoker !!!!
I'm on day 8 of the Chantix. My problems are bad nausea, gas, and sleep problems. My doctor said to take it atleast one more week. I have to say that the gas is the worse. I hope the Pros out weight the Cons.
Does anyone know the side effects on this drug during pregnancy? Or if you are trying to get pregnant?
You definitely need to be ready to quit for this to work. The Chantix works on the nicotine withdrawal, but not the habit cravings. Although it helps tremendously to not have the physical withdrawal symptoms, you still need strength to get over the habit part. I'm on day 36, and haven't smoked and don't intend, need, or want to. I could not have quit without the Chantix. Yes, the side effects are hard to deal with, but it is so worth it.
I am on week 3 of being smoke free and I must say it's ust so awesome :) I never had any urge to quit but after a life changing event decided I should take the steps to being more health conscience. I am so proud of myself that I have gotten to this point! I was heavy smoker probably for 5 years and had 10 years total of smoking under my belt. Never had the urge to quit and then after a good hard look at my life I was done! I'm not happy about the eating r weight gain :( but I now that will subside as well. Just need to fill the "extra" time I have now without ciggarettes! But I couldnt be more pleased with m experience, except the dreams... They are starting to bother me, bad! I am ready to not take the drug anymore and I KNOW my willpower and the battles I have ensued these past weeks that I will never smoke again! I'm also really glad I decided to do this in my twenties before I have children so that they will also be healthier too! :) Good luck to all!! Stick with it! The benefits are AMAZING!!!!!
I read one comment from a woman regarding moodiness. I only took the pill for 2 1/2 weeks (my husband and I shared a prescription) and have been smoke free since May. My husband had no side effects! I experienced the back pain between the shoulder blades which finally subsided but I can't seem to quit crying. I cry at the drop of a hat. Physicaly I feel fine but mentally I feel a little slow and am easily distracted during a conversation losing my train of thought. I am only 50 and have not had these problems before. I am interested in anyone else with the same problems. I'll be watching this site for info. Thanks!
I've been on Chantix for about 1 week now. Yesterday, without warning, I got angry, really angry. I'm normally a calm person and very even tempered, this was very uncharacterist of me. Has anyone else had this problem? I also had one drink yesterday before the incedent, haven't drank at all since starting the meds. Trying to figure this out, please help
My husband and I are thrilled with 6 weeks of smoke free using Chantix. Now we are wondering when and how do we get off the "pill" Do youjust quit it, or wean yourself off? There is no info in the Chantix information that tells us what to do. What worked for you? Also, I am very concerned seeing so many of you have had memory loss. This is so scary, does you memory come back? It seems like Chantix caused the memory loss, is that true? Thank you and good luck, it is working to keep us off the smokes!
I suffered from acid reflux disease and now I've been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus so I've been ordered to quit.
I just bough the Chantix starter pack but I wasn't aware of all these side affects. I'd like to know what kind of dreams people are having and how severe the nausea is.
Do I do this cold-turkey or will I freak out with crazy dreams or add to my GI problem. Please help.
I also had a very bad stomach ache when I first started taking Chantix. My dr. advised me to cut the second box of meds. in two- I did. and everything went ok from there. I had already had enough Chantix in my system, that it still helped me quit smoking after 30 plus years of smoking!
106 smoke free days i am no longer taking the drug ocassinally i think about it. i smoked 35 yrs and am commited to not starting again i think people who smoke smell awful just think i smelled like that. i had a sad feeling while taking the drug but i reasoned with the fact that i smoked all these years cigarettes were my friend of sort that it was like the death of a friend. leaving it was sad. but well worth the parting
i smoked for about 30 years and after 2 weeks on chantix was able to quit. It has been 2 months and no problem. I live with a heavy smoker and it doesn't bother me. I had kidney problems because of the chantix and room mate had dizziness (severe) and that made him quit taking the drug
I started taking chantix about a month ago.. it worked for a while. i started havin severe stomach cramps, irregular sleep patterns, and REALLY MESSED UP dreams. I would wake up in the middle of the night in cold sweats. Now I'm having short-periods of depression and now thoughts of suicide. I'm lashing out in anger at the smallest things that wouldn't bother anyone including me.. am i the only one?
I am starting my second week of Chantix today. I'm still smoking some, but have cut down quite a bit. It's getting to the point where they don't taste good, so it's making it easier. The only issue I'm having is the weird dreams, slight headaches, and last night I woke up with my nose pouring blood. I'm seeing the dreams and headaches as common issues, but has anyone had a problem with nose bleeds? Just wondering if this could be another side affect or if it was something else.
I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one with all these side effects. I've been taking Chantix for 10 days, but I'm only taking one a day because 2 was making the side effects horrible. The first few days I was naseaus, but that has passed. Now I'm just having trouble sleeping, crazy dreams, I'm tired a lot and just yesterday started getting bad stomach cramps which I'm sure is due to constipation. I've also noticed I am very dehydrated and have been drinking as much water as I can. I'm down to 6 cigarettes a day and I'm sure that soon I'll be smoke free.
For anyone whose having these kind of side effects, try 1 in the morning only, or don't take your 2nd one after 4pm to help with the sleeplessness. Due to the side effects I've decided I'm going to only take Chantix as short a time as possible. The blackouts, dizziness an memory loss sound bad!
I have been using chantix for 2 weeks and have noticed that my tongue feels like its burnt, plus anything that is spicy is more intense.... Is this from quitting smoking in general or chantix?
I am on the patch and this is my fifth day. I have the urge once in awhile but not often. I am determined to be a non smoker. I have smoked for over 40 years. I have a question is phlem that has brown specs normal? I am coughing alot today. Also it hurts between my should blades. Can anyone answer this?
Aaah! I am in my 10th day of quitting smoking but this time I did without taking Chantix and went on cold turkey (01/28/08). The only side effect is that I have insomia problem for the last few days.
Anyway, I took Chantix at near end of December and quitted on Jan 1st. Unfortunately, at 9th day, I realized that I had severe high blood glucose reading (over 600 mg). I am a diabetic with insulin dependent. I know that Chantix directly raised and it tooks a while to bring my blood sugar back into the normal range. I had to stop taking and went back to smoking. However, I tried to quit again using cold turkey method and am in my 10th day. Many of you mentioned "NAUSEOUS". Check if you have any unusual high blood sugar whether you are a diabetic or not. That usually is one of very first symptom of hyperglycemic is "very nauseous" and very tired.
The manufacture denies that the Chantix may have caused it but I have noticed on Internet the medicine may raise blood glucose in some people whether they are diabetics or not.
Good luck I hope I will remain to be a smoke free and you too...
i've smoked for 6 years, my fiancee for about 10 years, and her mother for god knows how long. the three of us decided two weeks ago to start. i had my last smoke exactly a week ago as i am writing this, my fiancee has not had one since friday last week, and her mother is down to about one smoke a day. i still get cravings but remeber that is i do light one i don't get any joy out of it and it tasts horrible but the cravings are lesser and lesser everyday. i started when i was 18 after my fathers heart attack (he survived), when that happened i didn't know what to do i started smoking to calm my nerves in the end i've tryed the gum it burned like hell that patch made me vomit. even though i was the heaviest smoker out of my fiancee her mother and me, at 1.5 to sometimes almost 3 packs a day like i said i've been smoke free for a week now and leme tell you yes there are side effects, my dreams as well as my fiancee's have been altered, and depending on what i eat i sometimes not always get heart burn, but leme tell you this i wake up and my dreams stop the heart burn goes away, but when i stop and think about the fact that between my fiancee and me we save 70 bucks a week now, and my sense of smell is starting to sharpen im 24 now and feel like i did when i was 16 energy wise, my computer table is clean, i work on anything from little cars to the biggest crane permitted to drive on roads im a suspension specialist i breath dust all day my snot turns black, but when i stop and and think that i don't want a smoke any more it makes me so happy i want to cry
My husband and I both used chantix to stop smoking and we have quit but, I am having a horrible time sleeping, 2 to 3 hours a night, am incredibley moody and seem to be a little forgetful. We only used the chantix for about 2 weeks. I hope these are not lasting side effects.
Hi-I started taking Chantix Feb 2 & quit on March 2. I'm 5 days smoke free! I think about smoking out of habit but already no craving. I'm also an alcoholic w/ 5 years 4 months sober. I've already started bringing in the 12 steps w/ this as well. That's already proved to be helpful & I know it will continue to be. Side effects are pretty varied- 1 nutty dream, 1 night insomnia, nausea,3 times vomiting-but just an inconvience, not debilitating. My MD said half the pills (.5 mg)& take am & pm as directed. Should pass. It's a whole lot better than obsessing & I have a lot more time to live my life-be productive & totally present for everyone/everything-& a better driver! I'm happy this time-not crazy gal like other times at this. Exercise is already easier. Cost is pretty comparable to as many packs as I bought. It's worth it-side effects of illness including cancer are a whole lot worse.
Constipation or/and gas;heart health= Fiber (foods and a product such as Metamucil or similar product).Potential memory loss = B-complex. This has definitely helped me...not to mention part of healthier lifestyle.
Correction to Anonymous 3:14 am post. Started Chantix Feb 24 and quit March 2. Made a conscious effort day 1 and day 2 came pretty easy. Even at day 5 it's scary how easy it is to not want to smoke!
I took Chantix for 4 days and came down with the worst flu - 103 fever, body aches, chills, stopped taking the Chantix becuase I became so sick. After 3 days I felt much better - went to the doctor and was told it was not the flu, nor a cold. Spoke with a pharmacist rep with Pzeizer and was told that it was a side effect from Chantix. After two weeks I still am suffering with awful backaches. I congratulate the people wh have been successful with Chantix. However more studies should have been performed and I don't think it is a SAFE drug.
I started chantix 8 days ago and was it going really good but the 4th day in I started to have chest pain. Has anyone else had that side effect. Please help.
someone asked if you have to want to quit..i wasnt sure i did so i said i would let the medicine do its job and if not..oh well and it was the easiest way to quit ever! I quit cold turkey once before and tried other methods...chantix is the best..stopped taking it after one month b/c i was nauseus. the only time i want to smoke is if i get very upset or if i drink alcohol but its maneagable if i think about the rewards. I just got off the medicine two weeks ago.
Can anyone tell me if Chantix is an anti-depressent? Also, anyone been on/off Chantix for over six months and got feelings of real anger?
i have been taking chantex for two weeks . i still want that cig. i had a few slip ups. will my craving go away.
Chantix was great for me. I did get the nauseated feelings quite a bit and the screwed up dreams. I am so proud of myself for quitting. I did relapse once but i was drunk :( I felt guilty and nasty the next day. My mom quit on chantix but is now smoking again. Not because the cravings because she couldnt deal with the weight gain. Her and I both put on like 40lbs. It upset me but im working on fixing that. We havent had a good relationship since she started smoking again. I am very upset with her.Plus it makes it a little more difficult to be around it so I actually try to avoid going outside while she is out there or going off with her. All in all the side affects are worth it to not stink anymore and live a healthier life.
Chantix, while killing the craving, gave me a dark soul sucking depression. I can't even begin to tell you how bad it was. I didn't want to do anything except stay in bed. Soon after the depression hit I started having debilitating anxiety attacks. Yeesh.
I started on the nicotine patch yesterday. I hope it works.
Post a Comment