Champix and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Smi...
• April 6, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Champix works! I have been a chronic smoker for 28 years, tobacco and skunk marijuana. My teeth started to fall out through smoking at about age 24. I knew smoking meant I would have a short life, or worse, let me live with something horrific. The nightmares I had were horrible and absolutely real. I woke and wondered if what I dreamed was actually real, thank God not. Such weird stuff. Sometimes I thought how could my brain actually come up with these things? Having said that, nothing else has ever worked for me. Don’t underestimate the struggle that you are going through, it’s not for everyone. For me, it’s the only thing that works. Give yourself time, relax, it will get better. I’m starting to deal with the nightmares, they get easier and don’t last. You're doing the best thing in your life ever! I would also say if it causes so much stress, don’t be afraid to seek an alternative course of treatment. God bless you, and good luck!"

• 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!!"

• Reg...
• August 26, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Guys, I was on this forum a few days back when I was desperate for answers. I loved reading everyone's varied stories about Champix and their experiences. I will try to make this as short as possible. I quit smoking 30 cigs a day 5/6 years ago but felt comfortable staying on the nicotine gum 2mg as a substitute. The thing is, I was going through 500+ a month. Ok, so I'm now taking Champix to get off the nicotine gum. Trust me, the first few days I felt anxious as anything and was chewing on the nicotine gum like a cow chewing the cud. I went through them even more quickly in a week than usual. Vivid dreams and nausea on and off. By day 7, my stomach was bloated like a balloon. Day 8, I was now on 1mg in the morning and 1mg in the evening, feeling ok. Day 9, sweet Lord, the tiredness. I felt so flat. I went to the doctor for a review, he said it would pass, and it did. I've now finished day 13 and feeling almost back to myself. Every now and then, I chew regular sugar-free gum because that in itself was another habit."

• Kez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "As anti-smoking job, yes, it did the job. But do not drink alcohol while taking these. Nowhere does it say not to do this, and I was not made aware of this when prescribed them. Up until this point, I thought that the tablets were amazing. Until I went to a friend's party, I remember arriving, and that is pretty much it. I suffered what has been called a 'psychotic episode.' I was abusive and rude to close friends, relatives, and people I had never even met before. All of which is completely out of character for me. I have no recollection of any of the night, all six hours of it, and am only aware of my behavior through what others have told me. In the days after, I became very depressed and anxious."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I’ve been on Champix for 11 weeks. Gave up on day 13 and haven’t smoked since. This is a very effective, powerful drug that makes quitting easy. However, it does come with a lot of side effects, which are not just nicotine withdrawal. I went down to a half dose after 6 weeks as I was out of my head and unable to function normally. As soon as the drug hit my bloodstream, my head was spinning, I’d feel completely overwhelmed physically and had to lie down. Couldn’t work, think, or even go out on the streets, I was so disoriented. Champix also affected my decision-making - even shopping became a massive ordeal. As soon as I cut the dose in half, the craziness stopped. The drawback, of course, is that you then feel the cravings more acutely. Looking back, I’ve felt rubbish the whole time I’ve been on this with endless ailments, which is completely unlike me. I can’t wait to come off it. Would I recommend it? Yes, but realize you’re in for a ride. Good luck and keep pushing through!"

• Roh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Fantastic to erase all symptoms of smoking. Only 3 weeks in, and yes, I have quit and am able to be around any smoker with no wish to smoke at all. But in saying that, I can't speak to my partner without having a full-blown outburst of rage. I can't sleep, I have vivid nightmares when I do, along with breakdowns because of the intense emotions. I get headaches every day. I can't be in large groups of friends without feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I can't hold conversations with more than one person at one time. I find myself thinking of things that should not be thought of. I was the complete opposite beforehand."

• Don...
• July 20, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I read the reviews on Champix and thought maybe my experience may be helpful to someone. I stopped smoking for 2 months cold turkey and experienced nearly every side effect listed by people as being caused by Champix. Could these be possibly caused by nicotine withdrawal? And not the drug? Cold turkey, I suffered anxiety, low mood, felt like time was standing still, difficulty concentrating, headaches, irritability, insomnia, vivid dreams that actually seemed real, restless legs, gastric disturbances, and tingling of my hands and feet and cravings. I found lots of water and making myself exercise helped. Starting Champix today and nicotine patches as recommended by my Dr."

• rea...
• November 13, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I didn't tell anyone I had quit smoking when I started taking Champix 4 weeks ago. At the end of week two, I had stopped, but not without the cravings I had to overcome. When I had control of the cravings with healthy substitutes, I then told people I had quit. I was told by one friend that she knew two people who had suffered from depression and one committed suicide, along with the fact it has been banned in other countries. Of course, I ignored the bad rap because I knew I was succeeding. During week 4, I have experienced major anxiety, difficulty sleeping, at least 3 trips to the toilet during the night (every night). Today, I have realized the anxiety is prominent for no reason at all. I will probably stop the Champix."

• Sta...
• September 16, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Well, how do I start? I've been taking Champix now for nearly 8 weeks. Up until now, I've felt great! Stopped smoking, a lot more energy, etc., until recently. I keep having weird thoughts, reevaluating my life, feeling paranoid, feeling depressed, crying for no reason, can't stop thinking, can't switch my brain off from thinking to even watch TV. I actually feel so low. I have never felt like this in my life, and speaking to a family member, it's the Champix! I've stopped taking them. I've got a doctor's appointment on Monday. I actually feel like I need to be sectioned. Seriously, guys, think twice before taking these. Yes, they stop you from smoking, but wow, the side effects are dangerous!!"

• ROX...
• March 2, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "If you are reading this, then firstly, well done! You are either considering stopping smoking or have started Champix. I have just completed 6 weeks on Champix. I was a smoker for ±15 years, and then after taking Champix, quit and started Twisping (electronic cigarette). After 8 years of Twisping, I decided to go back on Champix. It worked. I had the worst dreams for 6 weeks, including constant nausea, headaches, mood swings, and just feeling really ill. All I can say is that you need to just take each day at a time. Do not give up. If you feel depressed, anxious, or suicidal, you need to speak to your doctor or a loved one. You can also read up on the internet as to how to manage your depression. I did have severe anxiety and fits of rage on maybe 3 occasions. My loved ones were informed about the side effects I was experiencing and were understanding. These forums helped me on my Champix journey as I did not feel like all the horrible symptoms I had were just me."

• hev...
• February 28, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've rated it 1 as this is my first day. It took me days to decide whether I should or should not take them, but thanks to all these helpful, inspiring comments, my anxiety about taking them has lessened. I will let you know in a week how I am. By the way, I do take zopiclone at bedtime, I have done for some time if anyone's worrying about that."

• joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I've tried for years to give up smoking for years before I tried Champix. First day, it affected my mental health, anxiety, and turned me to gambling, drinking, and smoking even more."