Champix and Depression: What Users Say

• Chu...
• September 7, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix just over 8 weeks ago (been on them before but ended up back smoking as I stopped taking them too early!) I smoked 20 a day for 10+ years. By day 8, I had no craving at all and haven’t smoked since. These tablets really do work, but obviously do come with certain side effects?! I have found it’s an absolute definite to take them just after eating (at least 2 pieces of toast or so for AM and a proper meal for PM.) The nausea is horrific if you take them on an empty stomach, as I found on my first attempt with Champix. I have also been suffering with really bizarre nightmares/dreams? Quite cranky and easily irritated - suppose it’s expected though? This time around, I have struggled getting out of bed in the morning, but I don't struggle going to sleep - if anything, I could sleep longer (normally have a good 8-9 hours a night??) Feel a bit flat some days and no motivation or energy. Definitely think they are worth a go though - Good luck!!!!"

• Ian...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Took Champix years ago. Had some nausea and mood changes but completed the 3-month course. It was amazing how well it controlled the cravings!! Remained a non-smoker for 9 months then stupidly thought I could have “just one.” Then I was hooked again. Have tried Champix again since, but the nausea, depression, and mood changes stopped me from completing the course. Thinking about giving it another go as nothing else works for me. I have diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, so I have to do something. This time I’ll get antiemetics from my GP and I’m seeing a psychologist for PTSD who I’m hoping will help with the depression and mood changes. I know most of these side effects ease after a while and nothing comes close to Champix for smoking cessation."

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I feel so, so sick and so depressed...but I did stop smoking in my first week of taking the drug as I felt too sick to smoke. I'm now in my last month, and I want to stop taking Champix, but I'm scared if I don't finish, I will start smoking again. The meds have made me so confused, I can't think properly. I have all the side effects they say you can get BADLY! I feel like I have the worst hangover ever! But I'm a non-smoker, and I'm losing so much weight. Just hope I can get through the last month. All I can say is I will never ever smoke again, and I can't go through this again!"

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "12 years ago, I was so sick with bronchitis and still trying to smoke, so I decided I definitely had to give them up, and for good. I’d tried the patches, the chewing gum, but still went back to them when my doctor suggested I try Champix for 12 weeks, so I did. A few days into taking it, I felt sick, but I’d set my date to get off them, October 22, and I did, and I never looked back. I don’t crave them or ever wish that I’d go back, and I really thank Champix, because I know I'd have never given them up. Side effects: sickness at the start, then a few side effects at the end, hearing things, seeing things, depression, but my doctor was very good, and I finished the 12-week course, and I was great."

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Champix before and found that it was easy to quit while taking them, but found that 2 weeks or so after ceasing them, I started smoking again. I consulted my doctor about this, and he recommends that I take a second course, which is 6 months instead of the 3-month standard course, so here I am on DAY 8. I experienced nausea each time I had one smoke. DAY 9, I tried having a smoke in the morning and nausea again, so much that I haven't tried having another one yet today, and it's after 10 pm. I haven't struggled with that really, but have to say that I am feeling somewhat depressed. Also, I seem to get tired, but hopeful that I can stick to it and give up for good this time. P.S., I found it a must to take the tablet with a meal or a large snack, otherwise, the nausea was overwhelming."

• Gyp...
• May 3, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I felt like I lost 2 months of my life on Champix. Was lucky to get four hours of sleep (after wacko dreams) a night; depressed, lethargic, bloated, and constipation like you would not believe. NOTHING WORKED - for two months I tried everything, even bio-prep (like you have before bowel surgery) or enemas. I was walking around in an absolute fog. But I have to say, Champix worked, and I have tried everything over my 28 years smoking. I stopped taking the tablets 3 or 4 weeks ago and am fine, no desire to have a cigarette at all. Best of all, it does kill the nicotine monster - I found I was starting to get addicted to the little lozenges (my Happy Pills) when I was on those. Good luck if you are considering taking Champix."

• Nun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Champix was very effective to stop me from smoking! After six days, I suddenly woke up, and for the first time in 30 years, I didn't feel like having a smoke. So I didn't and haven't for over three months now. I read many reviews before starting to take it and was kind of dreading the side effects, but decided to take it anyway. Took it for 2.5 months. I only noticed very vivid dreams (not bad nightmares) that even amused me, but made me wake up 2 or 3 times a night, so it was a bit tiring. Besides that, for the first two weeks, I had trouble remembering words and felt a bit disconnected. It was only after I stopped taking it that I realized I had been very depressed, had 2 car accidents in 2 months (first in 25 years of driving). Worth it!"

• Har...
• September 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Effective at stopping smoking, went from being a heavy smoker to stopping on day 11 and not felt the urge to smoke. Here comes the but: suffered tiredness and nausea the first couple of weeks, which my GP warned me about in advance. Didn’t really cover the mental health risks, either causing or aggravating existing issues. Within five weeks of taking this drug, I had spiraled out of control with depression and hit a really dark place. Fortunately, my wife noticed all this despite me trying to hide it, and took action. Within 24 hours of stopping, it was like coming up for air when drowning. The drug is very effective at stopping smoking, be very aware of the side effects. Wouldn’t advise taking this tablet if you live on your own or have existing mental health conditions unless you are fully aware of the side effects and have some kind of support mechanism in place. I genuinely think I would have taken my own life if my wife hadn’t forced me to get medical attention."

• Anonymous
• August 26, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Be careful with this drug, it changed my mood. I was feeling depressed and angry most of the time. My taste changed, which caused frustration. Even after stopping the drug, my taste has not yet returned to normal. The drug reduced the amount of smokes I was having, however, after 4 weeks, it increased again. Eating increased, this was largely because I wanted the nasty chemical taste in my mouth gone. I also experienced heavy breathing. I think there is a lot to take into consideration before using this drug."

• Cli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Update on the smoking medication: The first week there were hardly any side effects, the only one that really stuck out was feeling a little down. I noticed that I doubt myself and my relationships more often, and it sorta amplifies my main insecurities a bit. Second week so far, today was my first cigarette-free day. In the instructions, it says to stop smoking completely between day 8 and 13 of the medication, I think. I am now starting to notice a bit of constipation. That's all so far. Oh, and the cravings while on the medication are bearable, they are still there, but if you have at least a little bit of willpower, you should be able to manage. I just remind myself that I really need to stop after smoking for 6 years and remind myself that I will be much better off quitting now."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "Champix actually was amazing in controlling the cravings. I noticed it made me somehow depressed while taking it the first week, but then I noticed it only caused that when I drink more than 1 cup of coffee a day. Just advice, avoid caffeine while taking it. Good luck for everyone."

• Joj...
• October 4, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I just want to say I have quit smoking now for 1 1/2 years. I would never go back to smoking again. After I finished taking Champix at 6 months smoke-free, I started to feel agitated and depressed, I was not myself at all. I felt like I was going nuts. I went to the doctor, and she put me on a mild antidepressant for 3 months. She suggested this because she said I might still be having withdrawals from smoking. If she hadn't put me on those antidepressants, I think I would have started smoking again. Now I'm smoke-free and drug-free and feel great."

• Ric...
• June 17, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I really struggled with this product. Yes, I quit smoking, but I was so nauseous all the time. After taking the evening pill, I would have to go to bed due to the debilitation of the nausea. The product worked, but I didn't continue onto the second lot of four weeks, as I couldn't bear the thought of the terrible discomfort. I found that when I stopped taking the Champix, I had such bad depression, and I really struggled for the first few days after stopping. Yes, it makes you stop smoking, but for some, like me, not so good."

• 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!!"

• peg...
• December 12, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 10 of Champix. I read Allen Carr's book last week, which spurred me on to throw a nearly full pack of cigarettes onto the fire Saturday night. The book put me into the frame of mind, and Champix gave me a helping hand. I only stopped 2 days ago, so it's very early days, but I'm surprised at how easy it has been. I have been lucky so far with side effects: some very vivid dreams and feeling a bit low. Things I can push on through if it helps me achieve my goal of being a non-smoker!"

• Rhi...
• January 13, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I took Champix after 9 months of trying to break my 40-a-day, 22-year addiction with nicotine. I started taking it on Christmas Day 2015 and had my last cigarette on Jan 6th (day 12 of the course). I had to stop taking Champix on day 16 because the depression and constant crying were driving me almost to the point of smoking.... Have been left with willpower alone, and annoyingly have no reference now as to time for cravings to disappear, etc., as I'm not sure what the effect of Champix is in that respect. However, if I have to start again with this quit attempt, I would love to try Champix again."

• jek...
• January 30, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix for 8 days, nil nausea, however, I became very depressed, irritable, repetitive negative thoughts, sedation, and unable to focus, so I'm sorry, but I won't be trying it again. Willpower will have to be my weapon."

• Bek...
• October 13, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I had a very negative experience on Champix. 5 days in and I've thrown away the packet. Day 1 I was nauseous and vomiting and had terrifying nightmares, dry mouth, hot sweats. Day 2 My mood changed, I felt like I was in a trance/had been sedated. Still having terrifying nightmares. Day 3, 4, 5 Sent home from work, feeling severely depressed and exhausted, can't function. I'm so upset that Champix affected me like this. I've read so many great reviews, but it just wasn't for me. I could have dealt with all the side effects if I didn't work full time. But even customers were picking up on my 'zombie' like state. Best of luck to everyone else trying to give up! I'm going to have to try good old-fashioned willpower!"

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Champix has stopped me smoking, however, the side effects have been horrible. I have been nauseous, made sick by any smell (food or anything else), and am tired, depressed, and constipated."