I really want to quit smoking. I previously smoked cigarettes, a pack a day, from age 18-32, then quit using nicotine lozenges. I'm now 40 years old and have been smoking cigarettes again since last September. I'm currently smoking between 10-20 cigarettes a day. I have bipolar 1 disorder and my primary care physician said that this was safe for me to take to help me quit smoking. She also told me that I could also use nicotine lozenges in addition to taking Chantix. I'm worried about two things. One, will taking Chantix worsen the bipolar disorder? And two, can I really also use nicotine lozenges as well as using Chantix? I've done a lot of research regarding all of this, but the information is confusing and conflicting. I plan on checking with my psychiatrist about all of this as well, just thought I'd ask about it in the meantime. I haven't started taking Chantix just yet, I'm trying to gather more information. I would really like to begin using Chantix if possible, just have some concerns. Any advice? I would really appreciate any and all suggestions, others experience and knowledge or thoughts regarding this. Thanks in advance.
Can you safely take Chantix if you have bipolar disorder?
Question posted by TiredOfSmoking on 5 July 2017
Last updated on 25 June 2018 by Mollycod
3 Answers
This is only based upon my experience. I took Chantix for about a month in 2007. I was not diagnosed with Bipolar 1, despite occasional bouts of severe depression. I believe I did have a full blown manic episode during that month. I was not on any medication, or diagnosed yet, so take this with the proverbial grain of salt. I can not say if Chantix caused it. Unfortunately, later during the month I was sexually assaulted by my superior which ended my career after a trial. Now, 2 years later and finally diagnosed, I wonder if the mania contributed to putting myself in a bad position. The only variable was me starting Chantix. A predator is a predator, but mania (I get depressed, organize stupid stuff, rapid speech, work overnight - not happy mania) did occur. My primary doctor now refuses to prescribe it to anyone.
*There have been reports of depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide in patients attempting to quit smoking while taking Chantix [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]*
*Although co-administration of varenicline (1 mg twice daily) and transdermal nicotine (21 mg/day) for up to 12 days did not affect nicotine pharmacokinetics, the incidence of nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, dyspepsia, and fatigue was greater for the combination than for NRT alone. In this study, eight of twenty-two (36%) patients treated with the combination of varenicline and NRT prematurely discontinued treatment due to adverse events, compared to 1 of 17 (6%) of patients treated with NRT and placebo.*
Just some things to consider.
https://www.drugs.com/pro/chantix.html#S6.2
Regards and good luck!
Greetings! I smoked nearly a pack a day and successfully quit with Chantix. I also experience Bipolar Disorder I. The only concern with Chantix is it may counteract the effect of an anti-depressant due to Chantix agonism of the 5HT3 serotonin receptor; however, I noticed no change in mood while on Chantix. I currently take Lamactil, Prozac, and Ativan, and only take an antipsychotic (usually Abilify) when manic symptoms emerge. My doctor states it depends on where you are in your cycle. Mania, depression, or baseline. My advice would not to try Wellbutrin. I experienced severe affective relapse due to Wellbutrin's strong effects on the dopaminergic system. I hope this was helpful.
Hi! Your answer was extremely helpful, thank you. Back when I first posted my question, I did start taking Chantix but ended up discontinuing it due to the severe fatigue that I experienced. It was overwhelming to be so tired all the time! I really want to quit smoking, so I asked to restart the Chantix. I just recently started it again (I'm on day 4) and am doing well so far. It's weird because this time, it's causing me some trouble sleeping, which is the exact opposite of what happened last time. I'm happy to be awake and fatigue free in the morning with it though! I'm currently in baseline, my psychiatrist had no problem with me starting it again and told me what to watch for as far as mood changes. It's very helpful to know that it can affect antidepressants, thank you for sharing that info with me.
I'm currently taking Lamictal, Klonopin, Hydroxyzine (and during manic episodes usually Seroquel) I did let my primary care physician know that I didn't want to try Wellbutrin when she offered prescription medication for quitting smoking, that I would rather try Chantix instead. I had a very bad experience with Zoloft before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was given to me for panic attacks and depression and made me go into a very hostile, agitated manic state. It was terrible at the time, but actually led to my correct diagnosis, so I look at it as a silver lining type thing. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I really appreciate it!
Related topics
chantix, bipolar disorder, smoking, smoking cessation, nicotine
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
