I have lived with pretty crippling anxiety my entire life. I have tried some anti-depressants and never liked the side effects, especially if I missed a dose. I have been taking Chantix for 2 1/2 weeks now. I can't recall a time in my life where I have seen this clear. I see a bigger picture, and I can communicate. Has anyone else with an anxiety issue see big changes like this? I can explain in more detail if needed(for the first time in my life!).
Chantix - Fixed my anxiety?
Question posted by buddy_jesus on 9 Feb 2014
Last updated on 4 October 2020
56 Answers Page 4
It works for me, with depression. As far as the smoking, it makes it so feel good enough so I can pass on it. I really don't smoke a lot, to be honest, only when I hit a low, but it seems once I get off the Chantix, I start feeling low again. It's just too bad this is considered a "smoking drug" and not more of an antidepressant. I can't take other antidepressants, they mess with my appetite, and for someone with a history of an eating disorder, you can't have that.
Hello - I've had mild to severe anxiety since my early 20's. A proportion of this can be attributed to genetics as my mother and one sister also suffer from it. I didn't want to go on medication to control it as I didn't want to be dependent on medication, however I did want to stop smoking in 2013 and went on Champix (VARENICLINE), and found it pretty much immediately relieved my anxiety. In addition to helping me just not care about smoking anymore, it also curbed my desire to binge drink (or really drink any alcohol), which I was doing on account of terrible anxiety and OCD (repetitive thoughts on a cycle for me).
In December last year, I had a mini breakdown of sorts and for my own safety really had to seek treatment, I saw my Doctor, a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist, who all supported my decision to use Champix instead of any other drug, I was back smoking so I could get the treatment via these means.
It's been about four weeks since I started, and I went straight to 1mg/day without loading first as expected, this should be talked about with a health care professional first - however, I've not felt this grounded and clear in a number of years - and it's with sheer relief I can report my experience as being a positive one. I want to be clear that I am using Champix as an anti-anxiety medication first, and an anti-smoking drug second. I always have to make sure I've eaten properly beforehand as if not I can get an enormous wave of nausea about ten minutes after taking it, and I think it's made it a bit harder to get to sleep, but when I do, I've dreamt whole films (I work in film & tv), but I've also had some pretty weird nightmares - the only difference now though is that the nightmares don't bother me, as I have a clear enough mind to just accept it as a nightmare instead of relating it to my real world, repeatedly.
I am worried after I finish my 24 weeks, where I will be without the ability to secure Champix as my assistance, as I know I will need at least a year or slightly more to really repair and rebuild the damage debilitating anxiety has done, but I am looking into ways I can get health care professionals in Australia to seek that VARENICLINE gets put on the register for consumer consumption use as an anti-anxiety medication.
I have heard a lot of reports that people, possibly not suffering from any anxiety or mood disorders do go the other way, and the medication has the reverse effects on them, but I would suggest this medication to others suffering really bad anxiety, as I can't put into words what it's like now, to be able to live a calmer life has had such a positive affect on my life.
Just wanted to share my experience in the hope the drug moves out of smoking cessation and into mental health management.
As a sideline - my Doctor also said she has a patient that takes Champix to curb her problem gambling... so really it should be looked at and studied to see if it could be of assistance to a wider scope of mental health disorders.
Thanks for taking the time to read, cheers.
Hi Aussieclouds,
I myself have never been on Chantix or as it is known in Canada Champix. I quit smoking 15 years ago on my own. But I would like to comment on how this medication has affected my Son. He started taking Champix at the beginning of March to help him with smoking cessation. He did not quit by his 2 week quit date but did quit 2 days after the "quit date".
He had the prescription from his doctor for about 9 or 10 months but did not start the treatment right away because we were very frightened of the possible side effects. He was going through a very difficult personal matter and was suffering from both depression and anxiety. To top it off he was using alcohol as a method of dulling his pain and was binge drinking to the point that I was worried about the physical damage he was doing to himself. He was starting to have severe pain in his abdomen and I know that it was from his binge drinking.
In February he saw an orthopaedic surgeon for a severe foot problem he was born with and was told that if he did not have the corrective surgery he would be either walking with canes by the age of 50 or not walking at all. The only stipulation the surgeon had is that he will not do the surgery if he is still smoking. So because of this my son started therapy on Champix. Within a very short time he started feeling much better in general. And keep in mind that he was very very leary about taking Champix at all because of the possible adverse side effects. Well he felt so so much better that it was remarkable. He even slowed down on his drinking and now only drinks occasionally. He took the full therapy of medication and never experienced any ill effects. But as he was nearing the end of his medication I asked him if he thought he might want to talk to his doctor and tell him what it did for him and see what his doctor felt about it.
He went back to his family physician and told him and his doctor first of all was delighted with his success at quitting and also his upcoming surgery to repair his foot issues that will for the first time in years allow him to live pain free from his feet. He also said that there is no reason why he cannot stay on Champix as a treatment for his sleep problems and anxiety if it works for him. So he gave him a prescription for another 10 rounds of treatment and told him that if the medication continues to help him he will continue to prescribe it for him.
Perhaps for some people Champix is not a good fit for them but I absolutely can tell you that in my son's case Champix has been a life saver for him in more ways than just smoking cessation. So I believe that if it is controlling anxiety and depression then it is worth it's weight in gold.
Good luck in finding a physician who will prescribe this great medication for you.
I too experienced less anxiety with chantix. I have quit smoking and currently on a weaning process for chantix. I told my Dr how much better I felt from day one on chantix. I take celexa for anxiety but really noticed a difference when I started chantix. I asked my Dr if there was a med like chantix I could use and stay on for anxiety. He said he' d research it. A pharmacist explained to me since chantix is not prescribed for anxiety, Drs would not want to prescribe it, or allow patients to stay on it for long. Thanks bev calif
My doctor allowed me to stay on it for three years. Only reason that I stopped was because I gained so much weight. The crash was horrible. But it helped my depression and anxiety so much. Of course, things were so bad after I stopped that I started smoking again. Now I want to quit with Chantix, but I'm worried about how I will feel when I come off it.
I've been on too many anti depressants to name. Occasional anti anxiety medication but I hate how all those meds made me feel. Any other anti depressant makes everything worse. I am feeling my best on Chantix. I relapsed and smoked through the summer and it's my third time on Chantix. It works for quitting smoking and definitely I feel happier, calmer and clearer too
I have major depression and ADD and have for 15 years. I've been a smoker for 25 years. I was just recently diagnosed with emphysema at the age of 38. Dr told me I have to quit smoking ASAP!!! Scared out of my mind knowing how much I rely on nicotine especially in times of stress I knew my only option was Chantix. I heard about all the crazy side effects and was a little concerned because of my depression but decided to chance it. Holy crap!!! I'm now on day 17 and have never felt better. I feel like a fog has lifted. I am seeing things so much clearer. I've been prescribed every anti depressant on the market and nothing has worked like this. So glad I didn't listen to the naysayers and went with my gut. Sure the first week and a half I experienced some nausea, dizziness, and headaches but it's all been worth it. I was smoking a pack a day and am now at 6 cigarettes a day. I'm with everyone else who says this should be marketed as an anti depressant. I love Chantix!!!
Just watch out for the fall after the wonderful absence of your depression! After many months of relief, you will sink to levels that you cannot even imagine! Why do you think it is only prescribed for short periods of time? Just be ready to sink down into a deep dark hole if you stay on Chantix for a long time. (From a former Chantix patient).
Just watch out for the fall after the wonderful absence of your depression! After many months of relief, you will sink to levels that you cannot even imagine! Why do you think it is only prescribed for short periods of time? Just be ready to sink down into a deep dark hole if you stay on Chantix for a long time. (From a former Chantix patient).
Just watch out for the fall after the wonderful absence of your depression! After many months of relief, you will sink to levels that you cannot even imagine! Why do you think it is only prescribed for short periods of time? Just be ready to sink down into a deep dark hole if you stay on Chantix for a long time. (From a former Chantix patient).
Just watch out for the fall after the wonderful absence of your depression! After many months of relief, you will sink to levels that you cannot even imagine! Why do you think it is only prescribed for short periods of time? Just be ready to sink down into a deep dark hole if you stay on Chantix for a long time. (From a former Chantix patient).
Chantix treats my anxiety, depression, and ADD. It has been a wonder, and like you, the relief is very measurable. After many years of taking other medications including: Wellbutrin, Paxil, Imipramine, Vyvanse,,, Chantix works best for me and with fewer side effects. You mention seeing clearer. I feel this too as if a weight is off. It may also increase concentration. I was playing with online IQ tests a few months ago and felt "clear" when I took one the other day. My IQ increased 20 points. I've been able to quit smoking, binge drinking, and am not as depressed, unfocused, or anxious. This is not the first time this has happened. Two years ago when I took Chantix to stop smoking, the anxiety/depression cure was there. I told my doctors about it and was told that the drug can only be prescribed for smoking cessation. I continued with Wellbutrin, but relapsed smoking and the depression was back.
I registered just for this because I think this is important, and that others who've had this experience need to speak up so that chantix can be further tested as an antidepressant or more. I am so happy to see others have had the same experience that I've had.
I can't go into details about my experience but I will say that I believe chantix could treat some severe depressive and other psychological issues, even at smaller doses.
I've been taking a single 1mg dose daily for over two years and it has had a profound positive impact on my quality of life in ways no other options could. That, and I don't smoke anymore!
I know this is a really old thread but I registered just to comment! I too had an amazing reaction with Champix. A lot of anxiety went away and I could focus more on certain things, see the bigger picture, was more talkative etc... i dont think my doc would prescrive it for me. Wondering how you got one!!!
Lol! I also had to comment. This was one of the first search results so I figure I should since other people still see this question from 2014.
I had to give my input as well because I've had such a positive experience with Chantix. I started taking it beginning of March to quit smoking - which I wasn't even sure I really wanted to but my sister wanted me to do it with her since we are in our early 40's and been smoking since our teens, so after just a few weeks, I began smoking less and less and March 8 was the last time I had a cigarette. My sister has quit as well; this was her second time taking Chantix. She quit taking it after she quit smoking because she thought it wasn't agreeing with her - she was lashing out and getting angry a lot. She told me I should wean myself off of it, too.
On the other hand, it's made me a lot more happier. I, too, have felt just more positive and talkative; like I think clearer and just have a great outlook on life.
For the past few days I've been taking the .5 mg dose to wean off but I'm not sure I want to! I had no adverse side effects; I just made sure to take it with food. I did have a few strange dreams (flying, floating type of stuff) which were kinda cool anyway.
Anyway, I really just wanted to share my experience with this drug and I also believe it's benefits far surpass just the nicotine cessation.
I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have had anxiety, not crippling but enough to bother me and it really helped with that. I feel more social and less worried about how others perceive me.
When your doctor no longer prescribes this medication to you, I hope you will ask him to give you an antidepressant to start on right away, because you are more than likely going to need it coming off of Chantix. I personally loved the way it made me feel, until I experienced a delayed severe discontinuation "crash". It was ugly.
I too have lived with horrible anxiety for the past few years... and just recently took Chantix to quit smoking... I havent felt this good in years.. and am almost saddened of the fact that its just a temporary drug!! My doctor said she wont prescribe it long term..so im a little bummed!!! I just took my last pill of the first month a few days ago... and am so worried of slipping back into that darkness!! Chantix needs to be a marketable antidepressant/anxiety pill!! There are a few of us "atypicals" that this drug works wonderful for!!
You probably should get the doc to order another antidepressant to start as soon as you stop the chantix.
i have and she prescribed Wellbutrin... but i know in my heart, its not going to be the same... For the past month, ive felt better than i have in years... hopefully they will be able to market this drug soon as an anti-anxiety med... crossin my fingers!!!
I was on Wellbutrin (and every other antidepressant -I am treatment resistant MDD with anxiety and c-ptsd ) and it turned me into a "frayed wire." I have never heard of Chantix before now! Is it brand new? Very happy for those who are feeling better and you must try to fight to keep yourself on this med!
i wish i knew how to go about talking to someone about making this a long term med.. i dont know what avenue to start at... it works amazing... im on Wellbutrin now, and its not the same at all... still feel the anxiety... its not as bad as before the Chantix, but its there... and i know it...
Have you talked with a psychologist that can write a prescription or are you just speaking with your PCP?? It doesn't seem right wish you luck.
I just started taking chantix and it makes me feel so good. Ive never taken anti depressants or anything. I have had i would say more or less frustrations with stuff but never been clinically depressed. But i just started chantix to quit smoking and i said whatever is in here has made me really calm and content and not so snappy. Im thinking i should keep taking it. I feel more content and clear minded. Maybe i have a bit if anxiety
Buddy_jesus,
so far you are the only other person i have found to say these things. I was taken off of Chantix because it is only for short term use and given a different medication. I feel horrible. I have looked at the Google to find out why it is not for long term use. The only conclusion I can come up with is that it was pushed through the FDA trials and they just do not know what the affects are for long term use.
I have had the exact same experience. The only time that I have ever felt my anxiety was under control has been when I am taking Chantex. I have quit smoking in the past with wellbutrin and did not feel this same way. Now that I have quit smoking (over a year ago), I am continuing with Chantex and hope that my doctor will continue to renew it for anxiety purposes. He has prescribed other medications for this purpose, and I have felt groggy or drugged with all of them. But not with Chantex. Hope that you are still feeling good!
I only am not sure why this isn’t being used for people who suffer from severe panic attacks. Often times I think people confuse it with anxiety. I say this because I was someone who once took the work on but after some traumatic experiences, I completely shut down due to panic attacks and virtually could do NOTHING. I’ve been a smoker since my teens and decided I needed to try something. I was literally at my ropes end. It took me nearly 3 years to even try this (purely for the purpose to quit smoking) because I read every warning and “worst case scenario.” While it didn’t make me completely quit, I am able to face the world again, drive again, walk in a store again, be a mother and wife again without the feeling of my heart jumping out of my chest and passing out. Plus side, yes, I hardly have cravings to smoke but habit can be tough. Anyway, I’ve been taking it once a day for over a year (before bed) and feel great.
No crazy side effects, I sleep hard, dream but nothing crazy. I’ve taken breaks from it and the only side effect is that it’s hard to sleep. It’s almost as though it did a mind reset and allowed me to work through my “normal states of panic” ie driving without tranquilizing effects like Xanax (which made my anxiety worse btw). Either way, it deserves more medical studies along with the medical field correctly diagnosing and not using anxiety as a blanket diagnosis.
It helps my anxiety so buddy is not the only one. Usually if people feel good they do not gripe, this might be why you only read about people stating chantix is evil or other nonsense.
They have now decided it must be safe to take for 24 weeks instead of 12 . If a person like me ... needs that extra support to continue to not smoke . 1 doctor was reluctant about this but another doctor agreed and gave me another 12 weeks . I’ve been fine . Just the usual sick feeling if u take without food . That’s the only side effect I’ve had . And it is a sick feeling so please ( eat beforehand)
If you've stopped smoking that could be the reason you feel better
No... Not so much. I have had issues for as long as I have a memory. I can say though, I think my mother smoked with me while she was pregnant. So... Maybe chemically, that is why it was nearly impossible for me to quit. I didn't start smoking until my early twenty's have been doing it for about 10 years. Tried to quit multiple times with no success using multiple tools. My brain won when it came to wanting a cigarette. A lot of how I feel now is that before, my subconscious just automatically won any fights with my concision. Right now I feel like my entire brain is on team me. It's a very weird and unfamiliar feeling for me.
I am excited that I quit smoking, and I don't know what I will do about chantix in the long term. I don't know if it can be taken long term or not, nor do I know if I want to rely on a drug for the rest of my life. I am looking forward to actually being able to explore my options though. It was almost impossible before taking this stuff.
Anxiety about getting your anxiety fixed and feeling like the shortfalls of my life were my fault and I deserved them is pretty much how I have been living my life. My life has been a catch 22 for a while.
No..I just quit smoking for 6 weeks because I had to have surgery... I didn't even want to quit smoking but dr. said I had to.
Hi Buddy,
Do you know that Chantix IS an antidepressant? Or did you think it was some other type of med? (You don't clarify that in your question, and I'm curious to know if you knew Chantix is an antiD.)
Best wishes and I hope you've continued success with Chantix!
Lara
Yes and no. I have done a little bit of Googleing to see if anyone else had this happen. I did find an article about them testing it as an antidepressant, but mostly found a lot of people saying it made them crazy and it should be pulled off the market.
I have been depressed, and have tried antidepressants, but they always really mess with me and I end up not liking the side effects. One big issue was how I would feel if I had missed doses with other antidepressants. Chantix so far seems to be a wonder drug to me. The only bad side effect I have noticed is nausia if I take it on an empty stomach.
Can you share any insight on what this is doing to my brain? I know it can't just be blocking nicotine... Do you have any good sites to point me to in order to better understand this?
For the first time in my life, it's easy to communicate. I can describe my feelings in a way that was impossible before. So many layers working together instead of against it's self. I am going to probably look into therapy again, previously it was pointless because I just couldn't communicate. Anywho, if you have any useful info I would like to read up on what might be going on and what could be the problem to begin with.
I didn't know that u shouldn't take an antidepressant while taking chantix..I've been on antidepressants most of my life and I felt a lot better while taking chantix... no depression. When I got off chantix I started smoking again and my depression worsened. Now even my Meds don't work. I'm more depressed than ever..I quit taking my antidepressants because they didn't seem to work anymore..now I don't know what to do... any answered??
I have been on a downward spiral of depression and anxiety for over 2 years. I had no ability to be positive or have direction. This was due to circumstances but I could not get out of what was happening to me mentally and I certainly had no control over my desire/need to smoke. I have only been on Champix (low dose) for 3 days and I feel more confident and directional than I have felt for a very long time. I have also started dreaming again (hadn't been dreaming for 2-3 years) and I feel healing is happening while I'm sleeping.
I took Champix about 8 years ago but couldn't complete the course because lack of sleep was interfering with my work. I knew Champix was originally for depression but I'm sure I never experienced all this positive stuff last time I was on it.
Related topics
chantix, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, side effect, dosage, antidepressant
Further information
- Chantix uses and safety info
- Chantix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Chantix (detailed)
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