Any side effects while on Chantix?

[mememarg]

L in Iowa wrote:

Thank you,I'd be happy to post elsewhere if it would be helpful for others.
Also, I wanted to add just a bit to what I said above about my rationalization for sticking to something that can have side effects as awful as Chantix can.
I think of these side effects as a negative reinforcement to quit smoking. As bad as have felt at times I imagine that going through chemo or radiation therapy for cancer would make me feel as bad, and very likely much worse in all regards - psychologically and physically. At least with Chantix I know that it is temporary and it will ultimately reduce the likelihood that I will have to experience chemo because I didn't quit.
This mindset and the need to stop loathing myself for being a smoker got me through the worst of it.

I had the very same thoughts when I had s/e during my quit. Some of us even talked about the fact that we'd rather have some s/e than have to fight lung or other smoking associated cancer. Thanks for reminding us of this!!

KTQ

[Ginnie]

L in Iowa wrote:

Thank you,I'd be happy to post elsewhere if it would be helpful for others.
Also, I wanted to add just a bit to what I said above about my rationalization for sticking to something that can have side effects as awful as Chantix can.
I think of these side effects as a negative reinforcement to quit smoking. As bad as have felt at times I imagine that going through chemo or radiation therapy for cancer would make me feel as bad, and very likely much worse in all regards - psychologically and physically. At least with Chantix I know that it is temporary and it will ultimately reduce the likelihood that I will have to experience chemo because I didn't quit.
This mindset and the need to stop loathing myself for being a smoker got me through the worst of it.

Hello. Thank you. You make some excellent points! I would caution that in the long run you may determine this proclaimation is not accurate: "At least with Chantix I know that it is temporary....."

[messedup]

L in Iowa wrote:

Thank you,I'd be happy to post elsewhere if it would be helpful for others.
Also, I wanted to add just a bit to what I said above about my rationalization for sticking to something that can have side effects as awful as Chantix can.
I think of these side effects as a negative reinforcement to quit smoking. As bad as have felt at times I imagine that going through chemo or radiation therapy for cancer would make me feel as bad, and very likely much worse in all regards - psychologically and physically. At least with Chantix I know that it is temporary and it will ultimately reduce the likelihood that I will have to experience chemo because I didn't quit.
This mindset and the need to stop loathing myself for being a smoker got me through the worst of it.

You're one of the lucky ones that have not had the terrible long term side effects from Chantix. My husband didn't have them either but you shouldn't belittle those of us that are dealing with these terrible long term side effects that have changed us forever! I'm glad I quit smoking but I wish I had known the long term effects before taking Chantix!

[L in Iowa]

No belittling intended. Until now I hadn't heard or read about any lasting side effects once the med was stopped and cleared the body. I sincerely hope they resolve.

[Chantix Hater]

L in Iowa wrote:

No belittling intended. Until now I hadn't heard or read about any lasting side effects once the med was stopped and cleared the body. I sincerely hope they resolve.

You are still on that dope. It is only a REPLACEMENT for nicotine. Try stopping chantix before you cheer no side effects.

[L in Iowa]

I have read that many many people have had difficulties with getting off chantix. What I have also read is that if you wean off of it over the course of several weeks it can be easily done.

Again, I am sorry you had problems with Chantix. You misinterpret, I am not cheering no side effects, I have had plenty and some where harsh. What I am saying is that I that I chose to use Chantix to quit smoking - which I PERSONALLY deem less deadly than the 20 ciggs a day I smoked. I am having my own experience quitting cigarettes using Chantix and decided to post it here for those considering Chantix. I had or have no intention of getting into hot debate or nasty discussions with anyone who disagrees with me.

I realize the verdict is out on how my ENTIRE experience with Chantix will be, but until that happens no one of us can know and I will not assume it will be as bad as the less than 1% of those who have used Chantix without lasting effect.

[L in Iowa]

Correct last line:...less than 1% of those who have used chantix "with" lasting effect.

[L in Iowa]

I see...

I have gone back and read posts here and this board isn't about free speech and people being entitled to an opinion about side effects. This has become for those who hate chantix and the last post you want to see on here is from someone who might disagree or had an experience other than your own. You all gang up on such posters mean-spiritedly until they leave.

Like I said before I truly am sorry that you had the experience using Chantix that you did and wish you nothing but better health.

What I don't understand, is that if you all feel so strongly that everyone who uses this drug is a victim why don't you use this board to organize a class-action lawsuit and get chantix pulled off the market instead of complain and bully?

Good luck - I hope to see your class action efforts in the news.

[L in Iowa]

Chantix Hater wrote:

<quoted text>
You are still on that dope. It is only a REPLACEMENT for nicotine. Try stopping chantix before you cheer no side effects.

Quoted From Snoopy on a previous post (added caps)...

Chantix (Varenicline) is a nicotinic receptor "Partial agonist". In this respect, it is similar to cytisine and DIFFERENT from nicotinic antagonist, bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), and nicotine replacement therapies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chantix

[medview]

L in Iowa wrote:

I see...
I have gone back and read posts here and this board isn't about free speech and people being entitled to an opinion about side effects. This has become for those who hate chantix and the last post you want to see on here is from someone who might disagree or had an experience other than your own. You all gang up on such posters mean-spiritedly until they leave.
Like I said before I truly am sorry that you had the experience using Chantix that you did and wish you nothing but better health.
What I don't understand, is that if you all feel so strongly that everyone who uses this drug is a victim why don't you use this board to organize a class-action lawsuit and get chantix pulled off the market instead of complain and bully?
Good luck - I hope to see your class action efforts in the news.

that was very well said. The mean-spirited people have been a problem for a very long time.

[Chantix Hater]

medview wrote:

<quoted text>
that was very well said. The mean-spirited people have been a problem for a very long time.

Yes, you are and have made FUN of those with mental health issues. There is no room for a thread for those who hated what chantix did and the long lasting and permanent ADDITIONAL effects the poison created.

[Chantix Hater]

L in Iowa wrote:

I see...
I have gone back and read posts here and this board isn't about free speech and people being entitled to an opinion about side effects. This has become for those who hate chantix and the last post you want to see on here is from someone who might disagree or had an experience other than your own. You all gang up on such posters mean-spiritedly until they leave.
Like I said before I truly am sorry that you had the experience using Chantix that you did and wish you nothing but better health.
What I don't understand, is that if you all feel so strongly that everyone who uses this drug is a victim why don't you use this board to organize a class-action lawsuit and get chantix pulled off the market instead of complain and bully?
Good luck - I hope to see your class action efforts in the news.

You have read too much fiction. You have been warned. You are not a victim or failure to warn like others. A class action only happens once there are enough lawsuits for the accused company to handle as individual cases. Lawyers will not take cases from those like you with a past history so if you have problems you are not going to find anyone to help you other then the doctors you take pills from. If you really DID read here you would see there are many who after using chantix wish they had not. You freely posted several times stating your opinion and it was someone else who said it was belittling but hey don't let anything stop you from monoplozing the thread.

[YRZ]

Class action lawsuits have already been filed against Pfizer. they started last year. Pfizer is fighting against disclosing any information.

A major company now refuses to sell Chantix because of the severe side effects.

[messedup]

FYI - I've checked into a lawsuit but the few attorneys I've contacted will only take the case if you actually attempted or completed suicide. Thank God I was able to get help before that happened. It's just a shame that no one cares what Chantix has done to every one else.

[I care]

messedup wrote:

FYI - I've checked into a lawsuit but the few attorneys I've contacted will only take the case if you actually attempted or completed suicide. Thank God I was able to get help before that happened. It's just a shame that no one cares what Chantix has done to every one else.

Thank God you did too! There are law firms who will take cases that were not suicide but you do have to search harder and have good documentation to support your claim. You also have to have damages like lost wages, medical expenses or injuries. It could nnot find the document sumitted to the FDA where Pfizer said there was twice as much emotional disturbances with women then men. That is why you had a problem and your husband did not. Your doctor is an idiot and you really should find a new one. Beware of the effects of zoloft too as coming off of that can be a refresher of coming off chantix just not as bad.

http://www.furiousseasons.com/archives/2008/1...

This one has chantix include in the list of stories which include Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings. When will the pharma lovers wake up, when someone on withdrawal has a gun to their brain?

http://www.ssristories.com/

[lojo]

L in Iowa wrote:

Correct last line:...less than 1% of those who have used chantix "with" lasting effect.

The lasting effects are more than just physical. Something in you changes forever when you survive a suicide attempt....
I am almost 50, with no history of depression or suicidal behavior. The depression I experienced (along with many other symptoms) was so powerful that I felt "checking out" was the only answer.
The damage is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, and that is just me, I can only imagine what my children were feeling. It has been a year now and it is still a nightmare.

[elle]

i started taking chantix four days ago and and my cycle started on time with no problems. i have not had any weird dreams, although i have had a decrease in my desire to eat...absolutely no issues with wanting sex...in fact it has increased my want for it. no headaches,psychotic episodes...i did have a little trouble sleeping last night, but i think that was from having coffee too late. i take the first pill after breakfast at about 10 am with a full glass of water, then the second pill at 7pm with dinner and full glass of water. my cravings are slowly going away and i have been smoking a lot less. i will keep you posted, but so far its been great.

[betty Brownley]

I was on chantix. started with the .05 and worked up the way they said. It help me stop smoking, but since I went off of it I have had back ache numbness in the feet and pain in my legs have felt depressed and tired all the time

[Aug]

I took chantix for 30 days....altho i have been smoke free may 24...and havent even craved one at all... is a godsend... i smoked for 15 years 2 packs aday...but the pills were a roller coaster... an emo yo-yo...everything from hyper-aggression,depression,bi -polar,gas,and acne....omfg the acne...the last pill was taken june 26....and my skin still hasent cleared up... i never had acne before even as a kid... i was greced with healthy clear skin... now im a walking zit... large and painfull... nothing like a normal pimple...i donno...and i havent been able to find acne in any of the side effects....has anyone else had this issue?
thanks for your time...

[Jason]

ChantixSideEffects wrote:

I've been taking Chantix about 2 weeks. I am on my second day of taking 1mg pills. I took it slow because I'm pretty sensitive to medication, I actually started off with half of the 0.5mgs.
I am not taking the night pill as of yet, just the day pill, and now I'm scared wondering if I should even be taking that.
Today some really weird symptoms started and I'm starting to think it's the Chantix. I'm very itchy. It started out with my hands, this weird urge to itch them. Then other parts of my body started to itch.
I do notice a small area of barely noticeable bumps on my forearm, and a couple lonesome dots in other random areas on my body, but nothing too significant as of yet. The palm side of my hands do appear to be a little redder then usual.
I'm starting to get worried because my symptoms appear to be getting more serious. Within the last few hours it's become difficult to swallow without pain. It feels like something is stuck in my chest, like that feeling you get when you swallow wrong and have a piece of food that moves down slowly. It hurts and I'm wondering if it's a symptom of an allergic reaction, maybe a swollen throat? It's not really in my upper throat, it's more center of my chest when I swallow, thats where I feel the pressure and pain.
After doing some research I haven't really found anything that matches up with my last symptom. Lots of itching related side effects, some that seem to be pretty serious. I really don't want to discontinue the Chantix as I know for a fact it is working, I am 26 years old, I've smoked since I was a young girl and I can tell that I have cut back significantly. I will be disappointed if these symptoms are related but after reading some of the claims that Chantix can give you permanent skin issues (Please don't let this discourage you, do your own research because I only browsed and don't know if this has been scientifically proven) I already have very sensitive skin and this itching is NO fun!
Up until now I didn't really have any serious symptoms from taking the Chantix. I had tried it prior to this -- several months ago -- and ended up becoming intensely emotional out of nowhere, so I had to stop. This time around other then a headache that seemed to last for several days and being nauseous one time for a couple hours, I've been fine.
If you have also had similar symptoms from Chantix, involving chest pain when swallowing, please post the details. I'd love to figure out exactly what is going on with my body.
Congratulations to everyone who has quit or is attempting to quit smoking. I am not going to let these symptoms discourage me. I am going to continue my research, possibly go back to a lower dose, as I was seeing a difference in how much I smoked even on a low dose, and I am going to continue the quest to quit smoking. I hope you all will too. Good Luck and God Bless.:)

I was instructed by my Dr. today to stop using Chantix (28 yrs old, haven't smoked in 3 days, so hopefully I can keep up the good work from here) due to throat swelling. And yes, it's on the Chantix website: http://www.chantix.com ----->
Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking CHANTIX, some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to CHANTIX, some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking CHANTIX and get medical attention right away.