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Varenicline User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Tyrvaya Champix

Varenicline has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 1,720 reviews on Drugs.com. 80% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Varenicline

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Nia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 18, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 32 years and truly had no desire to quit, but then a health issue came up and it forced my hand. I was terrified of quitting because I actually enjoyed smoking, and it was the only time I walked away from work. A friend mentioned Chantix, so I thought I would give it a try. Everything I read said to pick a 'quit' date, but I was not ready for that yet. I started taking Chantix on April 26, 2017. I did have some very vibrant dreams, but really no other side effects. On May 20th, I was finally able to pick my quit date, and it was on May 27th, Memorial Day weekend. I found myself waiting to crave a cigarette, and it never came. There were times I wanted to go outside to smoke only because of the 'habit' factor. I just redirected my time, and then before I knew it, a month had gone by. It has now been 1 year and almost 3 months since I quit smoking. In a lot of ways, the medical condition that made me quit smoking saved me."

10 / 10
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  • Ema...
  • October 15, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix 15 days ago, 25 years of smoking. After watching my father die of lung cancer at the age of 62, caused by him smoking. I cannot let my children see me die the way my father did. My father died in June, so still pretty raw. Four days in of taking Champix, I had side effects: headache, sickly, etc. I felt like nothing was happening, and I was convinced it would not work for me. I was still smoking, still wanting and needing to smoke. Then day 14 came and something just clicked, I no longer wanted a cigarette, didn't crave it. For the first time in 25 years, I have done a whole day without a cigarette. Feels weird, feels like I'm sort of grieving for it because I no longer need it. I could never even imagine my life without smoking, I couldn't ever imagine driving to work and not smoking 2 cigarettes on the way, or waking each morning and having a coffee and cigarette. My advice to anyone who's thinking, 'It's not working,' give it a chance, it's totally worth it. :-)"

9 / 10
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  • Red...
  • June 22, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Took Chantix for two months, but didn't need it the second month. But my doctor said he would feel better if I did. After the first week, I put the cigarette down and never picked them back up. Never had any side effect, and it will be ten years in September. So glad my doctor prescribed it."

9 / 10
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40 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Cli...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 31, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix two years ago on June 5th with an expected quit day of June 12th. I didn't even make it a week, on the fifth day, I looked down at the cigarette with disgust, threw it away, and gave my pack away. The easiest part was taking the pill, I knew if I took it, I was one day closer to being smoke-free! I went back for my second month, and she told me it was $192. I told her I already paid that at the beginning, she said it was only for the first month. I ended up not getting the second month and remained smoke-free for over a year! I smoked one cigarette at a party, and the next day I had a pack in my pocket. My greatest advice is to realize that once you make it, you can NEVER try it again! One cig = relapse!"

10 / 10
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  • Che...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 24, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have been chewing tobacco for 25 years or more and tried to quit unsuccessfully twice. So I kept seeing that damn turkey on TV and decided to ask my doctor about Chantix to help me stop chewing tobacco. Well, I have been on it now for 2.5 weeks. I started to taper my tobacco usage down from 1 tin a day to 1 tin every 2 days. Initially, I did not really see any results in attitude or mood, but after 2 weeks I noticed that the urge and frequency to chew began to lessen, and the effects of the chew were getting to the point where I could not tell the difference between the real chew and the non-tobacco chew I was using. Do not get me wrong, the urge to chew 'at times' is strong but less frequent and does not compare to when I tried to quit before. Well, to make a long story short, I abandoned my tapering off program 2 weeks early and quit altogether. So far so good. Although it is early, I feel a confidence that this time it will be real."

9 / 10
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  • cam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 11, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 7 years, pack a day. Tried quitting more times than I can remember. I started Champix with the idea that I was going to just keep smoking. By day 3, my smoking had decreased due to the awful taste that they now had, and I found that satisfying feeling I got from smoking had disappeared. I tried to continue smoking (because I'm stubborn), but by day 7 I couldn't even have one. I had no desire to smoke and started waking up in the morning and didn't even think about the idea of smoking for 4-5 hours. I had very little side effects. Champix is truly a miracle! Smoke-free for 2 years and counting."

10 / 10
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  • Geo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Absolutely brilliant. I’m now on week 12 without a cigarette. I stopped taking Champix after week 3. Dreams a bit weird, felt a little bit sick in the first 2 weeks, so tired, but all worth it. Will never smoke again. I highly recommend Champix, it works."

10 / 10
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  • Jow...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 10, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I'm 43 years old, have been smoking since I was 16, 2 packs a day for probably the last 10, menthol nonetheless. I took Chantix for 12 weeks before my quit day, that's how bad I was as a smoker. Now I'm on day 11 without a puff and no cravings! My mental state is ecstatic knowing I don't smoke and I feel better physically every day. Thank you, Chantix!"

10 / 10
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  • Fra...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 16, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried so many unsuccessful times to quit smoking. I have used patches, tried cold turkey, even hypnosis! Nothing worked. I have smoked for more than 35 years. I finally decided to try Chantix, thinking the entire time that it would fail as well. When my doctor told me that it actually blocked the nicotine receptors in the brain instead of just simply replacing the nicotine itself, I began to have some hope. I smoked for about a week, and the craving began to diminish. Cigarettes began to taste different. I had cigarettes, but I just did not want to smoke them. I knew then that something had changed. I had very crazy dreams, not scary, just crazy, but that was doable. I didn't get depressed at all."

10 / 10
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  • Lov...
  • December 29, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "11 months since I have smoked... 11 MONTHS! I have never quit this long before. And it's all thanks to Champix. I never thought I would be a non-smoker, but here I am. I was on 3 different inhalers and had a chronic cough. But it's all gone! Stick with the Champix, peeps! It WORKS!! I smoked for 35 years, a pack a day, and I am now a non-smoker!"

10 / 10
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  • Moe...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 14, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I had crazy dreams, I ended up getting depressed, it made me sick at times. I felt like I was crazy for about 3 months. I had to go on it a second time. I have been smoking for 20 years since I was 13 years old, and in the past, nothing has made me quit-not even one day, not even getting pregnant with my children. I would recommend Chantix to anyone that is serious about quitting. I've never been prouder of myself in my whole life. I have now quit for 24 weeks, I don't plan on ever smoking again. Thank you, Chantix."

8 / 10
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  • Grj...
  • December 14, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have smoked since I was 12, quit from the age of 15-16, and started smoking again. I am currently 37. In the summer, on a nice day sitting outside, I could blow through 4 packs, in winter, 3 packs. I literally could suck down an entire cig in 3 minutes. I know two packs a day is considered a heavy smoker, 4 is death. I couldn't stop. Today is day 11 of Chantix, and I am down to 1 cig a day. The medicine literally doesn't allow you to find any enjoyment in smoking. It tastes different, feels different, and you do not get the bloodstream satisfaction like you once did. People, if this medication can make me not enjoy a cig, trust me when I say it's a miracle drug. I intend on writing the makers a thank you email."

10 / 10
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  • Mea...
  • March 14, 2022

For Dry Eye Disease "Tyrvaya 0.03 mg. So happy I have tried this. Finally, I have relief from my dry eyes. No more burning and discomfort all day long! A few sneezes after I take a dose, but that is all. My eyes are SO MUCH BETTER! Now I just have to convince my insurance to cover it."

10 / 10
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  • Oma...
  • July 7, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "After smoking for 22 years, I started my sixth week today, and I couldn't be happier that I started Chantix. I have not had any side effects whatsoever while taking this medicine. I have been told that I seem happier and goofier (in a good way). Starting Chantix has actually helped with not drinking alcohol during social events, happy hour, dinner, etc. The smoking and drinking definitely went hand in hand. With that said, Chantix has helped in more ways than one! In the long run, I will have more money in my pocket, too! I have more energy, no cravings for smoking, more active, I don't miss out on a lot of conversations due to stepping out to smoke, smell better, and simply more time on my hands. Good luck to all!"

10 / 10
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  • Sus...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 8, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix worked fantastically. I smoked for 30 years and was up to 4 packs a day. I was having to use my inhaler so much, I just knew I had to quit. So, once I started the drug, I just kept smoking till I couldn't anymore. (about 3 months in decreasing amounts) Now I've been done smoking almost 2 years and have zero desire to smoke. Chantix, after about a month, made me really sick to my stomach. My doctor said I need to quit taking it. I said no way, it's working. So I did suffer for a bit with that, but like I said, I no longer smoke. I'm extremely happy with how it all worked out for me and wish anyone else who is quitting the best of luck. PS: So thankful my insurance covered the cost. That was fabulous."

9 / 10
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  • TRA...
  • May 1, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix on 4-17-2014, and since 4-27-14, I have not smoked a cigarette in 5 whole days! Not even a drag. I feel like I have no desire to smoke, but there are times when I do crave one and think to myself, I went this long without one or a drag, so why ruin it? Then I forget about it. I do miss smoking, but it's better for the long run. I am about to turn 27 and have been smoking for 15 years. I did experience some constipation and a few times felt nauseous, but as long as you eat before and definitely drink as much water as you can. I was hesitant about taking this medication because of the side effects, especially the dreams. I have not had any terrible dreams, I have been dreaming more, but I enjoy them, they are very vivid. I recommend Chantix."

10 / 10
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  • aar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 29, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I really am that guy who has a very strong addictive personality. I try something... boom... I am addicted. I was a 2-3 pack-a-day smoker and honestly thought I would never quit after 18 years of smoking. Then I decided to take Chantix and bam! I was smoke-free after one week. I am now 6 months free from the chains of those little cancer sticks."

10 / 10
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  • Cur...
  • December 23, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Day one: it made smoking feel like inhaling hot air. Nothing more. No rush. No nothing. Perfect. I felt a little nauseated with the medication. If I got a craving for nicotine (rather rare), I would chew a piece of nicotine gum. This medication was very effective for me."

8 / 10
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  • Kee...
  • April 22, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 28 years and I have a very addictive personality. I thought I'd never be able to quit smoking. It took me longer than what is suggested in the info pack for Champix, but now I am smoke-free! It is truly a miracle. I have suffered with many of the side effects ranging from vivid dreams, nausea, increased frequency of migraine headaches, acne, eczema, dry skin, tiredness, increased anxiety, and significant weight gain. However, everything that I've had to go through as far as side effects have been worth it to say I'm smoke-free and I know it will improve as I go back off of the medication. Good luck to anyone reading this who is still trying to quit. You can do it!!"

10 / 10
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  • Ant...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 8, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "It's been 5 years since Chantix killed my multiple decade, hardcore, 2.5 pack a day tobacco smoking addiction. Given the very vocal community against the medicine, I think it's important that those of us whose lives have been saved by it speak up also. Chantix gave me some weird but not unpleasant dreams and made me moody. However, cold turkey withdrawal makes those side effects seem laughable as cold turkey attempts would make me close to completely irrational. Chantix is a miracle, don't miss out on it. As a final note, I do have to say, while Chantix does the heavy lifting, you still have to be committed to quitting. To this day, when I see someone smoke, I still have pangs of longing, however, I also have a healthy terror of smoking."

10 / 10
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  • Fun...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 26, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix really works for sure. After using this for about 3 weeks - going on a month now, I have no cravings at all. I have been around smokers since I started Chantix, but the urge to smoke is no longer there. I tried to smoke in my second week on Chantix, and every time I put a cigarette in my mouth, I would gag and feel like throwing up. The only thing I hate about Chantix is it makes you really, really tired and always sleepy, so I have finished my 1st pack, and I am not taking Chantix anymore. I haven't had the urge to smoke at all. I just can't continue taking it anymore, mostly because of being tired and the dreams that I experienced while on Chantix. Otherwise, I'm glad I quit, and I feel so good physically and emotionally."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • Bre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 18, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 40 years and tried to quit a handful of times. I have mostly been a pack-a-day smoker over the years. I have been smoke-free (not even one cheat) for almost 5 months thanks to Chantix and a strong will. I had been a slave to nicotine for most of my adult life, and Chantix gave me the ability to conquer the cravings and set down the cigarettes for good. On the same day I quit smoking, I also set down a serious coffee habit. This may sound insane, but I was determined to throw over the habits that had a hold on me. I believe the lack of the caffeine amping me up didn't hurt my ability to quit. I have recently had a few sips of coffee without any problems where smoking is concerned. Pick up Chantix and put down the smokes."

10 / 10
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63 Report
  • Man...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 28, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "On day 17 of Chantix. Already went from 20 cigs a day down to 6. Been smoking over 45 years. This is helping. The mood swings I've had are the same as I had before when I tried to quit without meds. They will pass. I want to be a non-smoker and breathe."

9 / 10
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  • rho...
  • September 13, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I was hesitant at first. I smoked for over 20 years. Within 10 days I didn't want to smoke. And haven't since August 5th, 2013. I did gain weight, I would be lying if I didn't tell you. But not as much as if I went cold turkey. I know that because my girlfriend went cold turkey and I took Champix. I gained 27 pounds... my girlfriend gained 76 pounds. To date I am working on the weight gained and proud to say a non-smoker. I am a non-smoker thanks to Champix. Thank you! My children are proud of me and are happy that I quit. Without you, I could not have done it. Truth be told, thank you. Champix saved my life. Thank you!"

10 / 10
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  • Gra...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 30, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I was a heavy smoker for close to 30-40 per day for 48 years. Had tried gum, patches, vaping without any real success. My wife heard about Champix on the radio. My doctor prescribed it, I think the course was twelve weeks. The instructions suggested I keep smoking while taking the tablets. At the end of the first day, I didn’t feel like a cigarette, haven’t had one since. That was six years ago. Haven’t felt like having a cigarette in that time, even when out drinking with still-smoking mates. Had no noticeable side effects."

10 / 10
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