Champix and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• jsj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've been on Champix since November 6, 2016, and not had a cigarette since the beginning of December-not a full one either, as I had to put it out halfway due to the awful taste and felt sick. Yes, they are fantastic at stopping you from smoking, which I did for 37 years on and off, as nothing worked as well as these do. But the sickness, headaches, itchy eyes, and skin, and sleepless nights are really a big problem for me and have been since Day 1. I have asked my nurse if I can reduce my dose from 1 mg twice daily to 0.5 mg twice daily due to the side effects, but she wants me to persevere a few weeks longer. I also have raised blood sugars, being diabetic, and although struggling with the Champix severely, I have cut down to 1 mg once daily, and it's worked."

• itz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Champix without any motivation. I was facing side effects like constipation, gas, dry mouth, unusual dreams, and headache, but I did not stop taking the tablet. On the 4th day, I smoked a cigarette, and just after that, I got a headache. I smoked a couple more, and the headache was unbearable. I took painkillers twice. That was the day when I started to hate smoking from the inside. Tomorrow, it will be the last day of my 2nd week. I am taking Champix half an hour before sleeping and after breakfast. So far, I did not have any sleeping problems. During the second week, only two side effects I am facing: unusual dreams every night. I urinate almost double than I used to. In between, I do a little bit of exercise and try to eat a lot. Thank you, Champix."

• 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."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Exceptionally effective against nicotine craving, however, it comes with severe side effects. Being only 56 kg, I should not have been advised to take the full dosage. Headaches are severe, nausea also unless you drink milk and eat before taking. I also had severe sleep paralysis (never had this before), and there is a withdrawal period during which I was constantly hungry and feeling mellow. It's fantastic by way of quitting, I went from 80 cigarettes a day equivalent in vaping to nothing with ease, but at a cost. I would definitely take it again though."

• Sha...
• February 12, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I was on Champix for my 19th day when I decided tomorrow would finally be the day I'll stop!! Hid anything that would remind me.. ashtrays, papers, filters, lighters... Difficult when your house is a halfway house for your son's homeless mates, all smokers!! (At least they can't hit me up ATM!!) Anyway, that brings me to 4 days of not smoking. About to go to bed, tomorrow will be my fifth.. I've never had any serious issues with Champix!! I've tried and given up twice before, things have just happened... I have always had the nightmares, which I love!! This time around, (I always eat with them) hours after taking it, I'll suddenly get a massive headache and full-on nausea, out of nowhere, at the exact same time!!"

• Ped...
• July 11, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I started the Champix 15 days ago. The first week I smoked as usual but decreased down from 20 to 10 cigs a day. The second week on the increased dosage was horrible, really bad headaches and the midday fatigue was crippling. Spent the afternoon having to lay down. Tried the 1 mg for three days and the side effects did not improve. I went back to the lower dosage and felt better. The issue is I am past my quit day but down to 5 cigs a day. Don't know what to do next, can't go back to the higher dosage and having the cravings. How long is it safe to take the Champix and to continue to smoke? Can I try to take an NRT in the form of a lozenge with the Champix?"

• naz...
• September 7, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have just started Champix 3 days ago and am experiencing very bad headaches. Can anyone remember if they had the same type of effects? I am not wanting to stop taking Champix as it's my third day, and I have already cut back 50% on the smokes. It really is a wonder drug, however, I am worried this side effect will not stop. Please share your experience with me, it would be great to know if anybody else had the same problem."