Champix and Headaches: What Users Say

• Boo...
• November 2, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Coming up on 1 year on 8th Nov. This product WORKS, but you have to WANT to quit. I had gained weight and needed to exercise. I started exercising, but I could barely breathe due to the cigs. I was still smoking when I started exercising. I started to lose weight. I wanted to work harder, and I knew it would only happen if I quit cigs. So I started Champix. By the 10th day, I was smoking less. I also could not smoke an entire cigarette. On day 13, I had my last cig. I basically got through the day without any cigs. On my 4th month, my dad passed away. But still, I didn't smoke. I am now running half marathons. I am fitter and stronger than ever before. My hair and clothes don't stink. My skin looks amazing. I had some side effects: insomnia and headaches. The exercise early in the morning helped with the insomnia. And I took headache tablets. But a small price to pay for saving my own life. I am my own hero!"

• tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was prescribed Champix by my doctor and started on the them on the 12th January. I had to pick a date as a quit date, I chose the 25th Jan. I was a heavy smoker for over 20 years and on 2 packs of 20 a day (awful). I am proud to say I am a non-smoker after taking Champix for just 12 days. To me, this medicine is a pure miracle. I have to finish my tablets which were to last for 14 days. I have had headaches and really bad dreams that have woken me, but I can live with that. I have no cravings at all to smoke, and the thought of it does make me feel a bit of nausea. I just pray this lasts as it truly is a miracle medicine."

• 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. :-)"

• Let...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I took Champix for the first time approx 4 yrs ago and had absolutely no side effects that I can remember, despite people telling me that when they tried it, they could not cope with the nausea, so they couldn't continue with it. I was smoke-free for just over 3 yrs. I thought it a miracle, esp. as I had been smoking 25/30 a day for 44 yrs, ever increasing in amount since age 16 (5/10 a day). However, I started smoking again, slowly at first, thinking, 'Well, one or two with alcohol and friends won't hurt.' Sure enough, I was hooked again. Now, having taken it for the 2nd time, 12 days into Champix, I am tired, have dreadful indigestion constantly, tog with flatulence, headaches, and shaky. Actually threw up yesterday. Will persevere, cos I know it works."

• Pol...
• June 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I highly recommend this drug. I was a smoker for 24 years. When I think about it, I am disgusted with myself. Well, men and women, I am no longer a smoker, thanks to this incredible drug. On my week 2, I had slight nausea, headache. Week 3, incredible, did not feel like smoking. It's like this drug erased the memory in my brain that I ever smoked. Week 4, well, the thought of cigarettes makes me queasy. I forgot what it was like to feel the way I feel today. Healthier."

• SNA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years. At the end of week 4 on Champix. Still have a slight craving for cigarettes, but can deal with it. Side effects included slight nausea soon after taking the pill in the morning, accompanied by a light headache occasionally, but not at night. Struggled to sleep in the beginning, but now I sleep well now (maybe too well). It is definitely worth a try and worked so far where everything else I have tried failed."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I am on day 9 and suffering terrible nausea and a severe headache that will not go away. Having to lie down and sleep due to tiredness and the headache. Not sure if I can continue with Champix. When will these side effects stop? I can't function daily."

• Nhb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have only been taking Champix for just under 2 weeks, but it has made a huge difference in cravings. I have a history of depression, anxiety, sleepwalking, and nightmares, so this was a last resort for me, and I was quite nervous to try Champix. I was a 15-20 cigarettes a day smoker, and my mood levels would drop to dangerous levels every time I would try to quit. Since taking Champix, some days I only have 2-4 cigarettes a day, and my mood hasn't suffered yet. I have suffered from severe nausea after taking the medication a few times, as well as stomach cramps/constipation and headaches, but it has made quitting so easy that I'm going to continue taking Champix."

• Ker...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on 27th March 2015 by my GP's stop smoking clinic and was advised to keep smoking, with a stop date of 13th April 2015. I wasn't really given any advice about the medicine, other than it may cause bad/vivid dreams. I came home and did some research myself. Days 1, 2, 3 were just fine - no changes at all. Day 4 I started to not enjoy my smokes so much. Days 7-10 I felt exhausted, headachey, tearful, moody, having horrendously black dreams involving murder and my husband cheating - this led to paranoia that he really was cheating. I stopped them two days ago and still feel very low in mood, withdrawn, tearful, and so tired. Please be very aware of the side effects and ask close ones to monitor your moods."

• 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."

• Lan...
• March 7, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I was only 2 weeks on Champix, I was planning to go on for more than a month, but that all changed after day 9 when I exercised willpower and quit smoking any small amount of cigs I still smoked. The first 3 days were the worst when it came to cravings, but they were bearable compared to the cravings I had when I was trying to quit without Champix. Honestly, one of the best things I have come across. I only had minimal side effects such as nausea and headache, and I felt extra tired, so usually went to bed earlier, but I did not mind any of those! I am so happy that I am now 9 days smoke-free and barely get any cravings, and even if I do, they go away fairly quickly! I can finally say I am smoke-free after 8 years of 20/30 cigarettes a day!"

• 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."

• Lou...
• March 7, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Currently at the end of day 9 and 22.5 hours since the last cigarette. At the end of day 3, got a severe headache that lasted approximately 36 hours. Dreamt a bit more than normal, but nothing much. Dry mouth all the time. On day 1, cigarette had a metallic taste. By day 5, had gone from an average of 15 a day to 4-5. This morning, on the 2nd day of full dosage, woke up with a nauseous/full feeling. No appetite loss, but kind of strange. Also noticed today, my eyes felt extremely tired but not actually tired. Not wanted a cigarette today, but does feel strange not having one. More the habit than need. Very surreal experience. Was dubious as to whether it would actually work, but so far, so good. If you want to quit, you have to give it a go!!!"

• Scr...
• February 1, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 45 years, tried everything out there, including hypnotism, nothing worked. Tried Champix November 15, 2016, some weird dreams the first week, a bit of nausea, and also a headache now and then. Happy to say I have not smoked after setting a date. Within two weeks of starting the pills, I slowly reduced to 2 or 3 cigarettes per day, then quit. Took 2 x 0.5 mg pills per day for the month of December, then stopped. All good so far, still, once in a while, I get an urge, but one thing I read or heard that I find helps get through the urge is that the need for a smoke lasts about 3 minutes on average. So I find something to do. Now, February 1st, smoke and Champix free. Good luck."

• Mrs...
• May 5, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Started Champix on April 23rd. By day 5, I did not like the taste of cigarettes, but persevered (you know how we do)..... My husband smoked too, and I hated the smell of his breath. By day 10, I could smell my own breath and have given up on day 12. This is my second day smoke-free, and it is easier than I thought it would be. Of course, there are cravings, but I am managing them. Side effects I've experienced are slight nausea, but it passes quickly, terrible flatulence! And some very vivid dreams, slight headache today, but I think that's the nicotine withdrawal. Definitely worth a go."

• cwi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I started smoking at 19 and moved on to vaping 2 years ago with the occasional cig/pack. Now I'm 24, and I started taking Champix 17 days ago. I stopped vaping/smoking on day 12, and the first 3 days were tough but bearable. I expected work to be the hardest part, but really the worst is in the evening when I would ordinarily be sitting on my couch vaping. Now I have a constant headache whenever I spend a few hours being a lazy ass, which is fine. It can cause your brain to feel a little off. It's not a miracle drug, you're still going to have to quit, but it will help you. I've been 4 days and 2 hours nicotine-free, and I already feel like ceremoniously throwing my vape off a bridge. Also, watch what you eat and get some exercise."

• SPO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I have been smoking for 24 years. Had about 20 cigarettes a day. One of my friends recommended Champix as he took it and stopped smoking after day 14. I got the starter pack, and after the first pill I took and smoked a cigarette, it tasted like leaves/wood and smelled worse than before, but I kept on smoking. Had headaches, tummy upset/mood swings for about a week, and had the weirdest dreams ever. That stopped. Day 14 I am smoking less by now. Day 17 still smoking. The smell/taste are getting worse. Day 20 I can only smoke a quarter of a cigarette at a time. I just couldn't smoke a full cigarette. Day 21 got up and had my last cigarette at 0700 h that morning. I stopped smoking on 03 April 2018 and have been smoke-free for 4 weeks. I am on the second month maintenance pack as recommended. Now I have to lose the excess weight I gained. At least I kicked a very bad habit after 24 years."

• Att...
• August 26, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I was smoking for 14 years. I tried every possible way to stop smoking, but nothing worked. Now I'm on day 20 with Champix. I stopped smoking on the 3rd day. I have cravings sometimes, but just for a few seconds. I don't have many side effects, only a headache and sleepy sometimes. I'm really happy about it, and I feel so proud I can do it. Thank you, Champix."

• Smo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Have smoked for 35 years. Never seriously tried to quit until now. Have been on Champix for 10 weeks and haven't smoked for 7 weeks. Have had an upset stomach, irritability, and headaches. All manageable, except now starting to get sores in my mouth. Am going to finish the week out on 1 pill a day and hope sores don't get worse and I have butt out for good."

• Emm...
• March 12, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "The pills can make you feel like shit, but you won't want a ciggy! Cravings almost never happen, it's so strange. When I tried to quit on my own, all I thought about was the next smoke. Now I'm like a butterfly! I'm a month in, and I want to stop because today I took a whole pill and I'm feeling like throwing up! And headaches! BUT the smell of cigs does nothing for me. My pharmacist wants me to continue in case I'm just being cocky. I'll start to take half a pill now and see how that goes!"

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I'm in two minds about this drug. I'm on my third week and have not had a cigarette for a week now. I smoked around 20 per day and always found it hard to quit. Tried patches, inhalers, gum, etc., in the past but found the cravings really hard. This is actually working, and I'm not wanting a cigarette so much. HOWEVER, I feel awful. I'm extremely tired all the time and have zero energy, which isn't like me. I'm having terrible nightmares and other strange dreams and waking up in sweats. I feel sickly all the time with a metallic taste in my mouth, headaches, and over the last couple of days, I've had severe stomach cramps and terrible wind. Going to the doctor for advice. I do not feel good at all."

• hut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Week three smoke-free!!! Ok, so I get headaches, feel sick, constipated, crazy dreams, but not enough to not be able to go to work and function. I stopped smoking day 9 - haven't smoked for three weeks and it's fine - I don't even care - this stuff really works!!!!! Just got to deal with side effects :)"

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I'm now on week 7 of my Champix. I've stopped for over 5 weeks now. I've felt good up until this week, where I have been agitated, nauseous, and had headaches. I'm going to cut down to one tablet a day, as it's after I take my night tablet that I get these symptoms. I'm thrilled I'm now a non-smoker, and the Champix has definitely helped, but I think a lot is down to cutting out habits and changing your daily routine, which I have done. Good luck to everyone, if I can do it, anyone can."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I are on day 7, and it's the first day I've not had a cigarette. By day 3, I was already down to only 3 a day (first thing, after lunch, and after tea), and doing it together has definitely helped. Like other stories on here (and doctors' warnings), we have both had extreme nausea, headaches, nightmares, and an inability to sleep all night. But you know what? If it means I won't be smoking again, I can put up with those for the short term. After 20 years of smoking, it finally took a doctor's warning due to mild emphysema to get me to quit. For others out there, don't let it get that far. We didn't pick a quit date, we just went with the flow and let our body tell us when we had had enough. When I try to smoke now, it just makes me feel sick."

• 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."