Champix and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Moj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I began taking Champix a couple of months ago. The side effects are pretty grim. I felt nauseous most days, struggled to concentrate at work, exhausted by 7 pm, then experienced some very vivid & bizarre nightmares. I persevered with it though because I was determined to stop this time and knew people who'd successfully stopped using it. I stopped smoking on day 10 (after vomiting with my last cigarette) and haven't smoked since. I honestly can't believe how effective it's been. I spoke to my doctor about stopping it early because I was sure I no longer needed them, he said it was entirely up to myself and everyone was different. I took my last tablet on day 35. I have now been smoke-free for around 8 weeks and feel great for it. I just wish I'd done this years ago instead of wasting time and money on patches/vaping/hypnotherapy(!)/inhalators etc. I have been a heavy smoker of tobacco and weed for 20 years and if I can stop, honestly, anyone can!!"

• Spr...
• August 15, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I was advised that Champix is a 3-month course to stop smoking, but I could only stand 3 weeks. I felt weak, tired, and nauseous the whole time. I can honestly say that I have never felt close to as bad as Champix made me feel. Before Champix, I was also drinking a bottle of 5% wine most evenings. My tolerance is low, and I was tired of feeling groggy in the morning and the compulsion to drink. Champix turned me off alcohol before cigarettes. Within 10 days, I wasn’t smoking or drinking, and it’s been 3 1/2 years now since I had a cigarette. I can count on one hand the number of times I have drunk alcohol, and it has been a very small amount in celebration of something like New Year. I have pre-existing high blood pressure, but since stopping smoking, my meds have halved. Post-Champix, I lost 3 stone in weight. I no longer worry about not seeing my kids moving through adulthood with all the milestones that brings. Champix saved my health, my bank balance, and most importantly, my future with my kids. I cannot recommend this medication highly enough."

• Yay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a serial quitter for years. I have tried with NRT, praying, rehab, you name it. I’m on week 3 of Champix, yesterday was my quit day. The first 2 weeks, I had experienced hot sweats after each smoke, which made me put the smoke down. I naturally cut back to a few of only half a smoke straight away, and quit day was real easy. Today, I didn’t think about it at all. A little tired and lazy during the day, but “so what,” I’m just letting my body heal. Sleeping well, dreaming a lot, but I love that side effect! I’m feeling like “I’ve won the battle!” The only reason I never tried it earlier is because people were giving me bad input, like “you’ll get mental health problems, etc.” but it’s done the opposite. I can’t thank you enough. This has saved my life and my financial troubles in one swoop. No side effects at all today. Loving it!"

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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!!!!"

• 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."

• Sun...
• July 12, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "It works, it really works... but I have felt absolutely horrific, but probably not as horrific as I would if I continued smoking... As a scientist, I knew the side effects could be bad, given that the medicine involves chemical neurotransmitters which some people, like myself-admittedly a sensitive soul-don't like very much. But it is worth it to me. It works; I woke up one morning and just didn't want to smoke anymore, the joy was removed. I felt great and empowered until the medicine built up in my system, then I began to feel dizzy, nauseous, would vomit if I took it on an empty stomach, and completely exhausted. But then the side effects of nicotine withdrawal in itself left me feeling a bit down in the dumps. I had another health issue simultaneously which made me feel a bit downer in the dumps, and Champix on top of that-I was a bit of a zombie. I don't advise buying from an online doctor, as this medicine really needs close monitoring; it is very strong."

• 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."

• Bum...
• July 4, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked 25 a day for 28 years and lost count of the number of times I've tried to quit and failed. Now I've been smoke-free for 9 months (feel GREAT)! Life on Champix was VERY tough. Started off with the usual half tablet and things were fine, but within a couple of days of being on the full dose, the suffering began. Bloated, constipated, angry, vivid, nasty dreams, no sleep, lethargic, and so, so emotional I burst into tears over nothing. In the end, I cut back to half the usual full dose and eventually stopped taking Champix altogether after 6 weeks. Took some time after this for the symptoms listed above to disappear completely, but eventually they did."

• 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."

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

For Smoking Cessation "Resorted to Champix on day 15. Still smoking but not enjoying, and just had my last cigarette and decided not to carry on taking this medication. Pluses and minuses to these tablets. On the positive side, no cravings and smoking a lot less. Downside effects for me have been very short-tempered, tired, and drowsy all the time, plus times where I've felt sick. I'm not a person who takes a lot of medication. So my overall thoughts on Champix and the reason I've given it stars is that it's a good start for me, and now starting from tomorrow, I am mentally prepared to stop. I was smoking around 12 a day, today down to 3, so I'm now ready to do this cold turkey as I can't deal with side effects, especially at work. Good luck, everyone. Feeling very positive."

• Haz...
• February 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Day 12 on Champix, side effects: stomach cramps and bloating (a few hours after a meal). You can deal with this by having a snack. Tiredness (less than 1 hour a day). To avoid this, drink plenty of water. No more side effects than the two mentioned above, you can deal with them in different ways as you will adjust to the situation with time. On the other hand, after 10 years of smoking, I have been smoke-free for 5 days and have 0 cravings and 0 withdrawal symptoms. Good sleep, highly energized and happy. I highly recommend the drug, it is worth it. Feels like I've never been a smoker in my life."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!!"

• jen...
• October 28, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I was a little nervous about taking this medication. However, after speaking to 2 of my doctors in 2 different fields, and understanding that there was a 50% chance of getting some of the serious side effects, I decided to try it anyway. My biggest concern was the depression, etc. because I was diagnosed as bipolar quite some years ago, but am very diligent with the taking of my medications for that. When I first started Champix, dizziness, tiredness, and nausea were apparent but wore off after a few days. More tiredness when I got to the higher dosage (1.0 + 1.0), the first 1.0 in the AM. This seemed to last for 4 - 5 days. Day 25 - I am amazed at the lack of withdrawal symptoms!!!!"

• Rub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Coming up to week 12 soon of my Champix journey and so glad I did it! For the first 5 days, I carried on smoking as usual, about 15 a day. By day 8, I was having 1 a day... By day 14, I had not had a cigarette for 4 days! Yes, now and then I did feel sick, but nothing I couldn't handle (better than smoking). Made sure I had eaten before taking my tablet. Also felt a little tired now and then. I have definitely lost my appetite, but I'd rather that than weight gain. Don't worry if you haven't given up straight away, around day 14 is a good place to start. Just keep going as it will be worth it in the end. I can't thank Champix enough. I just stopped thinking about smoking completely, which would never have happened cold turkey."

• AD3...
• March 6, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day. I started using Champix, and I quit smoking after my third day. I read reviews and was scared, but it's a chance you need to take. I used all quit smoking packages, and nothing helped me as much as Champix did. Though, just like three out of ten people, I experienced nausea and felt tired and sleepy most of the time, but it was worth it!"

• Ric...
• August 15, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Took a full course 2 years ago. It was amazing. From 1 1/2 packs a day to not wanting one in 10 days. I had nausea after taking a pill (usually about 15 mins.), crazy dreams every night (took me about a month to figure out which event in my life these dreams were about - they were all so similar but slightly different each night), incredible lethargy bordering on exhaustion (I'd get out of bed in the morning, having dreamt more than slept, go to the coffee pot in the kitchen and more or less collapse - head down on folded arms on the counter for 10 mins. with legs so weak I could barely stand), yelling matches with people who wanted early starts at work. Not a happy time, but I'd quit and it was all worth it. 3 months after the last pill."

• Ric...
• August 15, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Took a full course 2 years ago. It was amazing. From 1 1/2 packs a day to not wanting one in 10 days. I had nausea after taking a pill (usually about 15 mins.), crazy dreams every night (took me about a month to figure out which event in my life these dreams were about - they were all so similar but slightly different each night), incredible lethargy bordering on exhaustion (I'd get out of bed in the morning, having dreamt more than slept, go to the coffee pot in the kitchen and more or less collapse - head down on folded arms on the counter for 10 mins. with legs so weak I could barely stand), yelling matches with people who wanted early starts at work. Not a happy time, but I'd quit and it was all worth it. 3 months after the last pill."

• Lyn...
• December 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am on day 10, and I am feeling very frustrated and feel that I am failing at giving up the smokes. Yes, I am starting to feel a bit nauseous, heart palpitations, dry mouth, and tired. Yes, I have slowed down on the smokes, but I feel that it won't be a quick fix! Why can't I be like everyone else and just not smoke?"

• awa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "After taking Champix for 4 weeks, I returned to my GP, who asked me, had I stopped smoking yet? I actually hadn't realized you were meant to stop within this period. Armed with a script for a further 4 weeks' worth, I embarked on the next phase. After smoking for 40 years and with several failed attempts to stop, I was a tad skeptical as to how successful this would be. So, 2 months after starting the course, I am now cigarette-free for 8 days!!!! and quietly proud of myself. I am also 4 days free of Champix, which I am even happier about!!! I am usually not prone to side effects on medication, but managed to suffer through most of the possible ones listed, so the last 2 months have been quite an ordeal!! Was lethargic, disinterested, and tired the whole time, wild dreams made worthwhile sleep difficult, so after 7 weeks, I was happy to stay off the smokes just to be free of the side effects!! Hard yakka but worthwhile!!"

• awa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "After taking Champix for 4 weeks, I returned to my GP, who asked me, had I stopped smoking yet? I actually hadn't realized you were meant to stop within this period. Armed with a script for a further 4 weeks' worth, I embarked on the next phase. After smoking for 40 years and with several failed attempts to stop, I was a tad skeptical as to how successful this would be. So, 2 months after starting the course, I am now cigarette-free for 8 days!!!! and quietly proud of myself. I am also 4 days free of Champix, which I am even happier about!!! I am usually not prone to side effects on medication, but managed to suffer through most of the possible ones listed, so the last 2 months have been quite an ordeal!! Was lethargic, disinterested, and tired the whole time, wild dreams made worthwhile sleep difficult, so after 7 weeks, I was happy to stay off the smokes just to be free of the side effects!! Hard yakka but worthwhile!!"

• Lou...
• February 6, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I am on my 12th tablet, gave up smoking on the 6th tablet, but I am suffering with side effects, tired, nausea, I ache all over and having terrible nightmares, my mouth is constantly dry and food doesn't have any taste to it. However, on the plus side, I don't want a fag and feel sick at the thought of one. I'm hoping to stay on the tablets as long as possible to kick this habit, but with two children to look after, it's hard! I'm going to only take one tablet a day from tomorrow and see if that helps."