Any side effects while on Chantix?

[Messed up in Cincinnati]

Hi all,

I started Chantix about five weeks ago. I quit smoking after the first week and have not had a single cigarette since. Although the Chantix worked wonders to help me quit, the side effects for me were too awful to continue with it, and I stopped taking the drug last week. Still not smoking, which is the only good thing to come of it all.

I have never been an anxious person, and as soon as I started taking the Chantix, my anxietly level shot through the roof, and I started having multiple panic attacks every day. I could not function at home, and I could not function at work. I smoked for 20 years and have never had nicotine withdrawal like this during previous attempts to quit, so I am certain this was a Chantix side effect.

Things came to a head last Wednesday, where I had one panic attack after the next at work, up to the point that I had to run the the restroom multiple times with dry heaves. I started crying uncontrollably and left work early. After yet another sleepless night, I decided to quit taking the drug (and this was after I had already reduced the dosage in half for a week in hopes the side effects would be less severe). I felt so bad and so depressed that I actually sought out psychiatric help becuase I thought I was completely losing my mind, and for the first time in my life, I was entertaining suicidal thoughts.

Well, that was last Wednesday. By Friday, the fog had lifted, and I was almost manic with relief. The panic attacks evaporated, and most of the anxiety disappeared. I'm still suffering from some depression and will continue to see a psychiatrist, but the relief from stopping this medication was almost overwhelming.

This was a truly scary experience -- knowing that a drug can do that to you. Reading other posts, I know that many lucky people don't suffer from severe side effects, but I did, and it ranks up there as one of the worst experiences in my entire life.

Best of luck to all who continue with the drug, and I hope you are one of those people who don't suffer from such severe side effects.

[viki]

Messed up in Cincinnati wrote:

Hi all,
I started Chantix about five weeks ago. I quit smoking after the first week and have not had a single cigarette since. Although the Chantix worked wonders to help me quit, the side effects for me were too awful to continue with it, and I stopped taking the drug last week. Still not smoking, which is the only good thing to come of it all. Post #31

Hello Messed Up!

I suggest you get a POSITIVE name!!! A GREAT BIG CONGRATULATIONS ON QUITTING SMOKING! You quit awfully quickly, both smoking and the Chantix.

Myself and a friend that had similar issues, however it was AFTER GOING OFF THE CHANTIX. We had the panic attacks too.

Let me get this straight....you had anxiety/panic issues while on Chantix, then you quit cold turkey, then had real problems at your office???

And It sounds like you are doing better now...this is wonderful! I really feel that if you never had this problem before Chantix, that it WAS Chantix induced.
Yes, I agree, anxiety/panic attacks are aweful...I thought I was dying....I am so glad you are doing better and thanks for sharing your experience!

[sue]

I have been taking Chantix for a week now. I have had no side effects whatsoever except a little gas. However, neither have I stopped smoking. I guess I have cut down by about half, but am a long way off from quitting by my estimation. I was interested to see that someone else doesn't feel that this works for them either.

[gina]

Hi Sue, have you tried just not smoking? I have been taking Chantix for 10 days now. I did smoke up until the 8th day and then just stopped completely. No problems except heartburn.

[gina]

Actually, just been trying to drink only water, flushing out toxins so to speak. Also, last night i did drink a beer..maybe it's alcohol.

[Charlie]

Sue -

Hang in there. I found that my desire to smoke dropped in discrete stages (from 1.5 packs to <1, then to about 10 cigarettes, then to 1, at which point I just shrugged and quit). I quit around the 10th day. It was really quite strange.

As for side effects, I feel very lucky. I've had plenty of anxiety, but I attribute that to not smoking for the first time in 25 years, not the drug. When I stopped smoking I also lost the desire to drink coffee and alcohol. My dreams have been hilarious.

I've cut back on the dosage because I don't like the idea of going from 2 mg/day to nothing.

I'm almost up to 5 weeks without a cigarette. Coffee and booze are back in the diet, with no ill effects. I can even hang out with my smoking friends without wanting to smoke.

It's pretty miraculous.

[jayme]

Hi all! I got back on Chantix last week- the evening I posted and I started getting back to feeling like a normal person. what I also discovered is that I was also having withdrawal from Xanex, that I had taken for 2 yrs at night for anxiety. I had been on a low dose and thought it wouldn't be a big deal. Turns out that withdrawal from stopping cold turkey can be extremely dangerous. So, I think I had a lot of issues going on that day. Wasn't all the Chantix. I do believe that weaning yourself off of Chantix is the way to go.

I did notice on my 4 days off of Chantix, by the 4th day my cravings for cigarettes were very strong. I think, though, what it comes down to is do I really want to not smoke. At some point, I have to take over, the Chantix can't do it for me forever.

I think it's a great drug because it is getting so many people to try to quit. The smoking section at work is down to a couple of people. Everyone is taking Chantix. If it helps people stop a habit that is literally slowly killing them, then Chantix is a miracle drug. My wish is that Pfizer would disclose all the information on side effects and withdrawal. My doctor didn't even know that much about the drug. I think people will still take the medication, but preparing yourself for some rough spots would help.

Good luck to all!!

[Chantix Hater]

I've been on Chantix for 10 days now. Severe mood swings, anger, rage, inability to focus, and really really speedy. Started with .5 mg, followed the plan, upped my dosage as indicated. When I took my first 1mg tab two days ago, I had to lay in bed for several hours with a panic attack. I haven't had an anxiety attack in 20 years.

I guarantee this stuff is going to have a class action within another year or so. It's toxic. Fen Fen 2007.

If you don't want flipper babies - or jail time - I strongly urge you to get off the stuff now. It's dangerous.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/n...

[viki]

Chantix Hater wrote:

I've been on Chantix for 10 days now. Severe mood swings, anger, rage, inability to focus, and really really speedy. Started with .5 mg, followed the plan, upped my dosage as indicated. When I took my first 1mg tab two days ago, I had to lay in bed for several hours with a panic attack. I haven't had an anxiety attack in 20 years.
I guarantee this stuff is going to have a class action within another year or so. It's toxic. Fen Fen 2007.
If you don't want flipper babies - or jail time - I strongly urge you to get off the stuff now. It's dangerous.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/n...

CALL YOUR DOCTOR AND REPORT THIS!!!!

[Chantix Hater]

viki wrote:

<quoted text>
CALL YOUR DOCTOR AND REPORT THIS!!!!

Already did. I'm stopping this poison tomorrow and hoping it won't take long to return to normal.

Seriously, ANY drug that has the capability of doing this to ANYone should NOT be on the market.

[viki]

Chantix Hater wrote:

<quoted text>
Already did. I'm stopping this poison tomorrow and hoping it won't take long to return to normal.
Seriously, ANY drug that has the capability of doing this to ANYone should NOT be on the market.

BE CAREFUL GETTING OFF CHANTIX, I HAD 2 SERIOUS PANIC ATTACKS THAT ENDED ME UP IN THE HOSPITAL. HOWEVER I HAD BEEN ON IN FOR 3 MONTHS. I WOULD ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT WEANING OFF EVEN THOUGH YOU'VE ONLY BEEN ON IT A SHORT TIME, GOOD LUCK WITH ALL THIS CH.(P.S. NOT SHOUTING, I ALWAYS LEAVE MY CAP LOCKS ON BY MISTAKE....SORRY)

[Chantix Hater]

I only took .5 mg today and don't plan to take it again tonight, so tomorrow I will (hopefully) begin my recovery. I've basically missed two days of work because I can't get my brain to focus whatsoever.

Will update this board on my progress tomorrow.

This stuff is terrible.

[Toni]

I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, guess I should stay away from this drug.

Messed up in Cincinnati wrote:

Hi all,
I started Chantix about five weeks ago. I quit smoking after the first week and have not had a single cigarette since. Although the Chantix worked wonders to help me quit, the side effects for me were too awful to continue with it, and I stopped taking the drug last week. Still not smoking, which is the only good thing to come of it all.
I have never been an anxious person, and as soon as I started taking the Chantix, my anxietly level shot through the roof, and I started having multiple panic attacks every day. I could not function at home, and I could not function at work. I smoked for 20 years and have never had nicotine withdrawal like this during previous attempts to quit, so I am certain this was a Chantix side effect.
Things came to a head last Wednesday, where I had one panic attack after the next at work, up to the point that I had to run the the restroom multiple times with dry heaves. I started crying uncontrollably and left work early. After yet another sleepless night, I decided to quit taking the drug (and this was after I had already reduced the dosage in half for a week in hopes the side effects would be less severe). I felt so bad and so depressed that I actually sought out psychiatric help becuase I thought I was completely losing my mind, and for the first time in my life, I was entertaining suicidal thoughts.
Well, that was last Wednesday. By Friday, the fog had lifted, and I was almost manic with relief. The panic attacks evaporated, and most of the anxiety disappeared. I'm still suffering from some depression and will continue to see a psychiatrist, but the relief from stopping this medication was almost overwhelming.
This was a truly scary experience -- knowing that a drug can do that to you. Reading other posts, I know that many lucky people don't suffer from severe side effects, but I did, and it ranks up there as one of the worst experiences in my entire life.
Best of luck to all who continue with the drug, and I hope you are one of those people who don't suffer from such severe side effects.

[Marti]

I think my comments posted elsewhere might be useful here. Using Chantix I have been smoke free for 6 weeks now. I followed the directions to the letter and got my refill pack after the starter pack was complete. My physician did not want me to do this, but he provided the script for the continuation pack and only one. He never told me why he felt that I should quit the Chantix after the initial starter pack. Now I know. After completing week 4 of the two 1 mg a day, I had had it. The dreams were great, but I felt like a flake and couldn't concentrate on my job or anything else. I had been following the forums and decided to cut down to 1 pill a day, which I did for a week. I took it only at night...wanted the dreams, but wanted to be more sane in the daytime. After 5 days, I went to 1/2 pill a day, which I still take in the evening. I do notice that I have a few cravings for cigs, which I did not have before and which is the regular addition withdrawal. I know that to quit smoking you have to want to quit smoking and be willing to suffer a little bit. I plan to take the 1/2 pill a day until next Wednesday and then take none. I still have a complete week of 14 pills unopened in case of a major problem, but I want off this med. I am convinced that the longer you stay on it the harder it will be to get off. I think will power is the most important thing to have when quitting smoking and that the Chantix helps in the initial stages. I think more research and information needs to be provided to those who are planning to use Chantix as it's side effects are numerous and concerning to me.

[ToniH]

Marti wrote:

I think my comments posted elsewhere might be useful here. Using Chantix I have been smoke free for 6 weeks now. I followed the directions to the letter and got my refill pack after the starter pack was complete. My physician did not want me to do this, but he provided the script for the continuation pack and only one. He never told me why he felt that I should quit the Chantix after the initial starter pack. Now I know. After completing week 4 of the two 1 mg a day, I had had it. The dreams were great, but I felt like a flake and couldn't concentrate on my job or anything else. I had been following the forums and decided to cut down to 1 pill a day, which I did for a week. I took it only at night...wanted the dreams, but wanted to be more sane in the daytime. After 5 days, I went to 1/2 pill a day, which I still take in the evening. I do notice that I have a few cravings for cigs, which I did not have before and which is the regular addition withdrawal. I know that to quit smoking you have to want to quit smoking and be willing to suffer a little bit. I plan to take the 1/2 pill a day until next Wednesday and then take none. I still have a complete week of 14 pills unopened in case of a major problem, but I want off this med. I am convinced that the longer you stay on it the harder it will be to get off. I think will power is the most important thing to have when quitting smoking and that the Chantix helps in the initial stages. I think more research and information needs to be provided to those who are planning to use Chantix as it's side effects are numerous and concerning to me.

If you feel confident enough perhaps you should cut your dosage down. I definately feel for you. I have never tried to quit cold turkey but from what I understand the side effects are the same as what you are describing. I know most of my friends who quit on their own had the really bad dreams, nausea and night sweats. I guess withdrawing from nicotine is a lot like going through alcohol or drug withdrawl. My prayers go out to you and I wish you the best of luck.

[Chantix Hater]

Today's update.
Skipped today's pill after a night of CRAZY dreams. I feel almost myself again. A little sluggish, but mood much better, more focused and less of that anxiety and sketchiness from before, but not perfect. Interestingly, I've been up for several hours and still haven't had a strong urge for a cig, though I now have a strange "tickle" for some Chantix, but nothing I can't resist. That's even scarier.
Here's some research from last night. It explains a lot. I really hope someone investigates this drug. Soon.
http://www.enotalone.com/article/4115.html
About Dopamine
Dopamine in the thinking areas of the brain might be considered the neurotransmitter of focus and attending. Low levels impair our ability to focus on our environment or to “lock on” to tasks, activities, or conversations. Low levels of Dopamine make concentration and focus very difficult with low levels also associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). On the other end of the Dopamine dipstick, as Dopamine levels in the brain begin to raise, we become excited/energized, then suspicious and paranoid, then finally hyperstimulated by our environment. With low levels of Dopamine, we can’t focus while with high levels of Dopamine our focus becomes narrowed and intense to the point of focusing on everything in our environment as though it were directly related to our situation.
Mild elevations in Dopamine are associated with addictions. Nicotine, cocaine, and other substances produce a feeling of excited euphoria by increasing Dopamine levels in the brain. Too much of these chemicals/substances and we feel “wired” as moderate levels of Dopamine make us hyperstimulated – paying too much attention to our environment due to being overstimulated and unable to separate what’s important and what is not.
Dopamine levels typically change very slowly. Patients who develop Paranoia and/or Schizophrenia often experience a gradual increase in Dopamine levels over several years – also experiencing an increase in the severity of symptoms over those years. A typical high school or college student may develop a sense of being on-edge or unusual feelings, gradually becoming suspicious and feeling alienated, moving into auditory hallucinations, and finally developing bizarre false beliefs (delusions) of persecution or exaggerated self-importance over the next several years. Stress can often rapidly increase Dopamine, but it still rarely happens overnight.
When an individual becomes psychotic, paranoid, and hallucinates in only a few days, we must strongly suspect medication/drug intoxication or neurological events...
http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/vareniclinech...
Chantix and Nicotinic Receptors
Chantix works by partially activating a specific type of nicotinic receptor called alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors. The effect of this on the user is similar to a low to medium dose of nicotine. In this way, Chantix helps to relieve symptoms of nicotine withdrawal that people experience when they quit smoking.
Nicotine and Dopamine
Nicotine activates the same reward system as do other drugs of abuse such as cocaine or amphetamine, although to a lesser degree. Research has shown that nicotine increases the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical in the brain responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being. The acute effects of nicotine wear off within minutes, so people continue dosing themselves frequently throughout the day to maintain the pleasurable effects of nicotine and to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Chantix and Dopamine
Once in place, Chantix blocks nicotine from activating alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors, which in turn prevents dopamine stimulation in the brain. This gives the person quitting a critical advantage. Should he/she decide to smoke while using this drug, there is no nicotine "feel good" rush, and the smoking experience is flat; dull. Smoking then becomes unfulfilling, and quitting

[Chantix Hater]

Chantix Rage Anger Anxiety Confusion Irritability Irrational Effects

(I'm posting this so that if anyone Google's the above terms, they can find this page easier.)

[viki]

Chantix Hater wrote:

Today's update.
Skipped today's pill after a night of CRAZY dreams. I feel almost myself again. A little sluggish, but mood much better, more focused and less of that anxiety and sketchiness from before, but not perfect. Interestingly, I've been up for several hours and still haven't had a strong urge for a cig, though I now have a strange "tickle" for some Chantix, but nothing I can't resist. That's even scarier.
Here's some research from last night. It explains a lot. I really hope someone investigates this drug. Soon. Post #49

Hello C.H.

What an amazing post, and thank you for sharing it! It was written so just about anyone could understand it!!! THANK YOU! How long has it been since you smoked!!! And still not smoking, this is wonderful!!!

I hope though all that you have experienced that you will remain smoke free!!! Best of luck to you!

[Chantix Hater]

Almost back to normal today. Had a few smokes last night. Ain't gonna beat myself up over it. Better that than insanity.

Gonna try the patch next week.

Good luck to everyone else!

[viki]

Chantix Hater wrote:

Almost back to normal today. Had a few smokes last night. Ain't gonna beat myself up over it. Better that than insanity.
Gonna try the patch next week.
Good luck to everyone else!

Wish you luck C.H.! Let us know how you do on the patch.