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 3
I am experiencing the same thing!! I feel like my impulse control is getting better and I'm seeing things for what they are for the first time in forever.
I totally agree with Wildcatvet's comment, which I copied and pasted below:
~~~"Chantix is technically a nicotinic receptor partial agonist... but it seems to have some antidepressant action also. Unforfunately, suicidal ideation and violence are common side effects for some... and the "crashes" can be devastating. That is why Chantix is not prescribed as an antidepressant.
Try Wellbutrin/Zyban instead."~~~
Don't be fooled. It brings an initial state of "wellbeing." But it usually is followed by extremely negative feelings weeks later.
I had a similar experience where I became more engaged with my life and felt a clarity I had never experienced before but now I can't get my doc to prescribe it for me again
I had the same thing, even asked my doc if there was something similar that was on the anti depressant list but no. Bloody annoying as I'm considered 'drug resistant' bipolar yet champix has me 'normal' with no side effects except the dreams which I'm fine with. Bloody annoying that the say the come down is the problem but won't continue the drug, so you HAVE to go through the comedown.
Chantix is technically a nicotinic receptor partial agonist... but it seems to have some antidepressant action also. Unforfunately, suicidal ideation and violence are common side effects for some... and the "crashes" can be devastating. That is why Chantix is not prescribed as an antidepressant.
Try Wellbutrin/Zyban instead.
Thank you Wildcat Vet. I was on Wellbutrin/Zyban and Klonopin for a few years and it made things so much worse. The crashes you speak of, don't hey happen while you're taking Chantix or after you stop taking it?
Usually when you stop the medication... like discontinuation syndrome... but also if you miss or skip doses.
As I said in my previous post, I experienced all the wonderful positive feelings that you all are describing - it was euphoric (but not in a "manic" sense) - I felt great and like I was at "normal functioning level".
The down side - after my prescription ran out, a few weeks later, I "crashed" into a deeper feeling of anxiety and depression than I had ever experienced before. There is a good reason why Chantix is not prescribed long term to treat anxiety/depression. I would never take it again for that reason!
buddy_jesus Im not sure if you will see this since your post is from 2014 but I just started Chantix 2 1/2 weeks ago and I am having the same result. I feel back to normal like I was years ago. Not continuously beating myself up for this or that or things I've done or didn't do. I can think past those things now. I had pretty bad anxiety and always felt like a weight was on my shoulders. All the negative and anxious feelings are completely gone and I can think rationally. I am not my own worst enemy anymore. Just wanted you to know you're not the only one out there having this result.
Hey all:
So, I am taking Chantix to quit smoking as well and I am finding that it has an anti-depressant affect on me as well. Which is pretty crazy considering:
I've been on anti-depressants for 20+ years and have never responded well. I have tried every class of anti-depressant and anti anxiety med, in addition to mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. I have even done a full round of transcranial magnetic stimulation (that's 5 days a week for 6 weeks). Nothing.
I am currently taking Cymbalta, Paxil and Adderall for my depression and anxiety and there are still days when I can't get out of bed. And my doc wants to try antipsychotics again. I'm just wondering what is so bad about taking Chantix long term? If it helps? It can't be worse than antipsychotics. Idk. Gonna talk to her on Friday and see what she says.
I had a similar experience while taking chantix. Unfortunately, that pleasant feeling will not last for long periods of time, off-label, and I guess that's why it isn't approved to treat anxiety and depression. After my wonderful experience of the relief I felt while taking chantix, (which helped me to quit smoking at that time), I was so disappointed when my doctor would not renew my prescription. I told her how good I had begun to feel while taking it!
But a short time later, I had a serious bout of depression, for no good reason, other than as a possible side effect from coming off the chantix. It was the only medication I was taking at the time. The doctor refused to refill chantix, but gave me another antidepressant instead, to treat the depression I had sunken into after my brief chantix experience. It was very frustrating.
So, there is definitely a good reason why chantix is not prescribed to treat depression, as in what happened in my experience!
Champix has an antidepressant effect on me as well. It calms my mind and I can think more clearly. It is not to do with not smoking. I quit smoking two years ago for over a year and it didn't have that effect on me. But I have a friend who had severe side effects. I am not recommending it to anyone because of that risk.
I am only on day 4 but the change in my mood and sociability has been astounding. I was promoted to a manager position a few months ago and for the first time I can think calmly and clearly about what needs to be done, who needs to do it, and how. I've also always hated small talk because that's when my social anxiety goes through the roof. Now instead of trying to find anyway possible to get out of conversation I am actually extending it and it comes so effortlessly. Another great side effect has been my quality of sleep. I can't remember a time in the past 3 years that I haven't woken up before the alarm goes off and stressed about how little time I have left to sleep. Now, 3 nights in a row, I have slept all the way up until my alarm goes off and my god do I feel so comfy when I wake. The kind of feeling you only get from deep, deep sleep. I'm also wondering if this is another reason my anxiety has improved.
The smoking is still there but I didn't expect that to change right away, but I do at least have a positive outlook on the probability of quitting for the first time in 13 years.
I've read so many negative stories about this drug and it's opposite effect on people. I'm glad that there others getting positives out of it like me.
Hi Andrew.
Oh yes, you will feel great while taking Chantix, for a while. But watch out for the big let down which always manages to follow a few months later.
I loved the way I felt while taking Chantix. It's everything you say it is. Too bad it has such a nasty ending.
A safer way to quit smoking and still get the benefits of avoiding the depression (which could commonly accompany trying to quit smoking) is to try using the generic version of Zyban (same as Wellbutrin, just a different name). I was successful with it and it has been my med of choice throughout the years when I have any recurring anxiety/depression. It keeps me positive, focused, and gives me energy and motivation.
Be careful of Chantix. It can come back to bite you in the butt later. I should know, I used it two separate times, a few years apart, till I realized it was the med that was throwing me into a deep depression at the time. Today I am tobacco free and anxiety/depression free. You might want to reconsider your medication of choice. I just want to save you the potential future fallout from Chantix.
I stopped taking chanting about 2 months after I began and did not experience any let down. That was a while ago and I still smoke but only a small fraction of what I used to prior. My social anxiety is back to normal and my sleep is middling again. I still have a full bottle, been thinking of using it again.
People, please be careful about taking Chantix for any longer than it is meant to be taken for nicotine cessation. I took it properly, followed directions.
I felt GREAT when I was taking it. No more anxiety, life was like looking through rose-colored glasses. Life was beautiful, anxiety/depression reduced to nothing!
BUT: a few months later, after my Chantix regimen was completed, I had a bad, bad, and I mean BAD let down. My anxiety came back three-fold. I was more depressed and anxious than I have ever been. Just keep this in mind when you feel better initially and think you've found the "magic pill". It will come back to bite you in the butt. Just be warned! It became a very hard depression to crawl back up out of, following the "wonderful" Chantix!
Wow.. I am so glad I looked this up. I was put on Chantix a little over a month ago and OMG the difference.
I have been a LONG time sufferer of major anxiety issues, depression, suicidal tendencies, PTSD and I also suffer with bi-polarism and I have been on EVERy drug out there to try to help me with these issues but I have to be honest, none of them really made any difference other than making me sleepy. Once I was prescribed Chantix, every person I knew threw warnings and horror stories at me so I was scared to say the least. After some battling with myself I dove in. 2 weeks into it and I was actually level-headed and clear thinking for the first time in YEARS. Because of delays I was off of it for two days waiting for it to be reordered and I felt the differences the very next day.
I have to wonder if this is some sort of chemical balancing drug or maybe it effects more sensors in your brain than previously thought or tested. I am actually scared to come to the end of this prescription. I may not have completely stopped smoking completely yet, but I am definitely smoking a lot less and getting along better with others more than I have in years!
Hi GLoethen:
The closest medication that I found to work similarly to Chantix for anxiety/depression, is Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sr). Unlike Chantix, Wellbutrin can be taken safely long-term to treat anxiety/depression. Some people say that Wellbutrin is too energizing for them, because it is a stimulating medication. For me, it calms me and alleviates my anxiety, and also alleviates my depression, but, at the same time, it gives me energy and motivation. And I have tried a lot of meds. This is the safest med to work in the same way as Chantix. It hits the same brain receptors, and, for this reason, Wellbutrin is also often prescribed for smoking cessation, especially the SR version. It is also prescribed under the name "Zyban", but is the same as Wellbutrin SR except for the name. Sometimes there is an insurance glitch which determines whether the doctor prescribes one or the other. Chantix has not been approved for long term treatment of anxiety/depression.
I hope it never is, after the horrible delayed-reaction experience that I had with Chantix.
"G"
I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, and I am also a long time smoker(35 years). I have been off and on with Chantix. It is the only thing that is successful in keeping me from smoking. I also feel that while taking Chantix, I feel more in control at ease more focused and do not experience any anxiety. I feel there is more to this drug that meets the eye. So it made me think as to why I smoke in the first place, this is my conclusion on why I smoke. My subconscious told me that in order to deal with a stressful situation I needed to have a smoke, because this was the only way that I knew how to deal with stress, I never taught myself how to deal with stressful situations, this was the only tool that my subconscious had available to use. Chantix keeps my anxiety in check, therefore the subconscious has no need to reach for that tool(smoking).
I am presently in search for a natural substitution for the active ingredient in Chantix ( that is if there is one) hopefully there is. I am a big believer in amino acids therapy. I believe that there is a chemical imbalance which is causing my anxiety disorder, and Chantix is filling that void.
Be careful of the "extreme let down" which follows a course of Chantix. It might not hit you until 2-6 months later. Just be aware that you might wake up one morning with the worst anxiety depression than you ever experienced before taking Chantix!
Yes! I took it for six months taking half a dose. My doctor would not prescribe Chantix except to quit smoking even when I reported that my depression responded very well for the first time in my life.
I hope studies are conducted immediately to approve Chantix for anxiety and depression.
I posted this above: You must not have seen it. This was my experience. Wellbutrin works the same way to treat anxiety and depression, and is every bit as effective for that as chantix
I used chantix several years ago, and I didn't have any anxiety while I was on it. I quit smoking and had no anxiety. The down side is, after I quit the chantix, my anxiety came back, only worse, accompanied by depression. I ended up starting back to smoking because of the anxiety and depression.
Same!!! I get recurring bouts of deep depression & almost constant anxiety, but Chantix slays it. I'm 100% functional again- interested in life, family, work & doing things & to top it off I'm not smoking.
But its only allowed 3mnths out of 12 - crazy as I'm considered a drug resistant depression sufferer yet this is the only tablet (out of the 22 I have tried) that works.
Bliss:
I posted this above: You might not have seen it. This was my experience: Wellbutrin works the same way to treat anxiety and depression as chantix, and is every bit as effective for that, as chantix is. I take bupropion SR 150mg twice a day. You might want to give it a try.
Be careful of the "extreme let down" which follows a course of Chantix. It might not hit you until 2-6 months later. Just be aware that you might wake up one morning with the worst anxiety depression than you ever experienced before taking Chantix!
I recently explained my response to Chantix to a new doctor. She informed me that Chantix is a stimulant and asked whether I had ever been diagnosed with ADHD as my description of my anxiety were consistent with such a diagnosis. I was extremely skeptical as I had never heard that from anyone before, but I was willing to try Adderall if it could help me feel as well as I did on Chantix. After the first day, I was a believer. It is as close to how I felt on Chantix as I have been able to come. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is struggling to find something that helps as well. Best of luck to all.
I love that this post is still going strong after so long! After being treated with Chantix to quit smoking years ago, I noticed how much less anxiety I felt and how much clearer my thinking and ability to focus as well. I reported this to my doctor and was put on other medications on a trial basis, including Wellbutrin, but time and time again, nothing worked as well. I was finally able to find a doctor who diagnosed me with ADD at age 47 two years ago and am now on a low dose of Adderall and Chantix combined and it has been an absolute life changer for me. I'm so thankful to this board as it has confirmed over and over again what I knew couldn't just be a coincidence. I hope that further research is done to allow Chantix to be included as a treatment for ADD. Interestingly enough, it is the combination of the two medications together that work best in my case. After a lifetime of suffering, I'm finally feeling "normal" and have no adverse side effects at all.
You can't stay on chantix indefinitely. It is made for short-term treatment, specifically for smoking cessation. I agree with you, when I took it, it was the best relief at the time for my anxiety. But, I have experienced just as much relief from my chronic anxiety by taking wellbutrin! It works on the same brain receptors. As a matter of fact, Zyban is another form of wellbutrin (bupropion) which is prescribed specifically to help people to quit smoking. I have taken many antidepressants in the past, but wellbutrin has always been my go-to med when my anxiety creeps up over the years.
I too felt the same way - but I did have a bad reaction when I stuffed up my dose (wrong timing, missed a dose, doubled up next dose) so I would advise to take care - I was moved onto Zyban (an older version) I think it's Welbutrin in the US - no reactions other than anxiety eased & getting on with life a lot better - cannot drink on these drugs as the liver processes the drug too quickly to uptake - good luck but be vigilant with your dosage.
I have wanted to Quit and use the Chantix to do it but have been terrified due to my anxiety and some of the side effects it may cause thank you for your post and I am going to take the chance and hope to have your same response
I used chantix several years ago, and I didn't have any anxiety while I was on it. I quit smoking and had no anxiety. The down side is, after I quit the chantix, my anxiety came back, only worse, accompanied by depression. I ended up starting back to smoking because of the anxiety and depression.
Others recommend Zyban but side effects are more likely and more risky than Champix. I guess for those worried about withdrawal from Champix causing excessive anxiety when stopping Champix , address the cause of the anxiety in the first place. Also yoga is great for anxiety - trouble is when you're in an anxious depressed state its hard to get on and do yoga. So start the yoga while you're on the Champix and keep it up when you stop the Champix.
Others recommend Zyban but side effects are more likely and more risky than Champix. I guess for those worried about withdrawal from Champix causing excessive anxiety when stopping Champix , address the cause of the anxiety in the first place. Also yoga is great for anxiety - trouble is when you're in an anxious depressed state its hard to get on and do yoga. So start the yoga while you're on the Champix and keep it up when you stop the Champix.
Hi Watson: For many people, smoking cessation is a cause of anxiety. Champix curbs this anxiety while quitting cigarettes. After cessation of the Champix, the anxiety is likely to return in many cases. Maybe it won't happen to you though.
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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