Chantix and Constipation: What Users Say

• Ham...
• January 27, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have only been on Chantix for about 5 weeks. I stopped smoking 5 days ago. Cravings are minimal and go away after about 10 minutes. If you have tried everything and are desperate to stop smoking, it does work. The side effects can vary: headaches, nausea, bloating, constipation, but it is the only thing that just stopped me after 37 years of smoking. If you have any past mental health issues, talk to your doctor. If you are using alcohol while taking Chantix, even in small amounts... DON'T! It does work, but you have to be ready to stop smoking."

• TRA...
• May 1, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix on 4-17-2014, and since 4-27-14, I have not smoked a cigarette in 5 whole days! Not even a drag. I feel like I have no desire to smoke, but there are times when I do crave one and think to myself, I went this long without one or a drag, so why ruin it? Then I forget about it. I do miss smoking, but it's better for the long run. I am about to turn 27 and have been smoking for 15 years. I did experience some constipation and a few times felt nauseous, but as long as you eat before and definitely drink as much water as you can. I was hesitant about taking this medication because of the side effects, especially the dreams. I have not had any terrible dreams, I have been dreaming more, but I enjoy them, they are very vivid. I recommend Chantix."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for over 10 years now and also a heavy drinker (borderline alcoholic). I've tried every way possible to quit with no success until Chantix. It's only been a week, but I have zero interest in smoking. I have had a few side effects: I'm extremely nauseous if I don't eat beforehand, weird dreams, slight irritability/anxiety, constipation, and a good amount of loss of concentration (forgetting to complete simple daily tasks at work). However, I feel overall great, the withdrawal is so minimal, the thought of smoking makes me sick, and a plus is I have zero interest in drinking either! One BIG suggestion is this medication really, really works wonders, but you have to want it and make the change."

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I was a pack-a-day smoker who had quit for 16 years. Bummed a cigarette and was hooked again. Smoked for 6 years after that. I bought 2 packs the day the prescription was filled. It took me 6 days to smoke them. I have been smoke-free since Feb 5. I still have to fight the urge to smoke, but it is getting easier. I made it one month on Chantix, taking 1 mg instead of 2, which made me feel slow. I had some nausea after taking it, but had to stop because of the constipation. It was terrible. I feel better now. I have more energy, my lungs feel cleaner, and I smell better, and I think my eyesight has improved. I substituted a toothpick when the urge hit, no calories. As long as I don't light up, I'll stay smoke-free."

• bla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've been smoking now for 35 years and enjoyed smoking. It gave me time to get away from the job during the day and take a breather, lol. But recently had bronchitis, and a chest X-ray found I have emphysema. Lungs still sound good and my oxygen sat. are still high. My Doc. said in time they won't be, so he got me started on Chantix. I started Jan 1, and I am still smoking, but for my health, I want to quit. I'm on day 6 today and have finally noticed during my lunch I didn't need that cig. Side effects: dry mouth, slight sleepiness during the day, and some mild constipation. Nothing I couldn't deal with. Keep your fingers crossed it works. I've never tried stopping before."

• Ssa...
• June 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Been on Chantix for 5 weeks. After the first week, I went from 2 packs a day to about 10. Third week down to 6. Fourth week down to 3 a day. This week one (1) in the morning with coffee. I’m still going to continue for the second month for maintenance. I did stop my evening wine, though. As most know, alcohol and cigs go together. Only complaint is gas and constipation, no weird dreams."

• tle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I'm 31 years old - female. Been smoking 16 years, about a pack a day. I'm still smoking and just started my 3rd week on Chantix, however, I feel I do NOT need cigarettes anymore. Yesterday I smoked 1 cigarette and didn't enjoy any of it. I find myself only smoking still so that I find it more disgusting and no longer will want it (in the future). I have 4 cigarettes left in the pack and will NOT be buying any more. I don't think about running outside every 30 minutes to an hour. And when I do think about having one, I actually get turned off and end up forgetting about it. When I started Chantix, I wasn't totally ready to quit, but I'm there now. Side effects hit me about 2 weeks into it - mild constipation, quick to be irritable (but doesn't last), headaches (pain relievers help)."

• jef...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "After 47 years of smoking more than a pack a day and after 15 years of dreaming to get rid of it, I finally heard of Champix, as it is called in these parts. It's like a miracle. The cravings, almost unbearable with cold turkey, went away just like that from the very beginning. I am in my third clean week now. Side effects are really crazy dreams, a daylong slight dizziness, loss of appetite, constipation. But it's all worth it. Short pangs of craving occasionally occur. This product should be far more widely publicized! There is hope now."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've smoked now for 24 years and was up to 1 pack a day for about a year. I started Chantix 1 week ago, and I continued to smoke in decreased amounts. However, on day number 3, every time I smoked, I felt nauseous, very weak, and got a very bad headache regardless of eating before taking it. I'm now on week number 2, and for the first time as of 7-2-18, I've only smoked once! I'm so proud of myself because by now I would've smoked at least 7 cigarettes! I know being smoke-free is attainable for me, but I do get very strong cravings, especially in the morning, but it is much easier in the evenings to fight the cravings. Thus far, the side effects I have experienced are constipation, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, and vivid dreams, but good ones! So far, I would say Chantix is helping me battle the urge to smoke, and I do see a smoke-free road ahead of me!"

• mic...
• October 16, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for 10 years. I have tried the gum, patches, and the vaporizer ciggs, nothing worked. Nothing worked because I wanted to smoke, I enjoyed it. I'm on day 18 of Chantix, and this is my first day without a cigarette. I'm having all the side effects: nausea, vomiting, gas, constipation, dreams, can't sleep, and don't have energy. I wonder if this pill is made to do this so you won't want to smoke? I'm going to be a trooper and finish up my packet of pills, but the side effects are enough to make a person want to quit. I will say it reduces your cravings and makes a cigarette taste nasty. I'm hoping that all these side effects are worth it in the long run."

• ale...
• May 31, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 35 years, quit for a year once and was miserable. Have been taking Zyban/Wellbutrin for depression for 12 years and still smoked. Started Chantix 4/21/09, smoked a few in the first weeks but they made me gag. Still went through a little nicotine withdrawal the first week, but very mild compared to the other times I've quit. Still occasionally think about smoking, but just a habit, not craving. No nausea or nightmares, but an amazing amount of gas, a fair bit of constipation, and a little foggy. But side effects are nothing compared to how bad cigarettes were making me feel. Actually, fewer headaches than before quitting. If I can keep this up after stopping Chantix, it will be the best thing to happen for me in a very, very long time."

• boo...
• February 14, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "Starting 4th week, Sat. Only smoke when I drink alcohol. Even then, don't crave, doing it out of habit. Am going to stop consuming alcohol for a while. It makes me feel weird on the meds anyway. Also, when I smoke, I get a headache and sometimes nausea/dizzy. I am amazed at the lack of withdrawal symptoms. Constipation, some gas, vivid dreams, sleep a lot sometimes. I think that has a lot to do with no more nicotine. Overall, feeling great. Breathing better, more relaxed, will continue the program."

• Wen...
• March 17, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix (for the 2nd time) since March 1st this year. I had my last cigarette on March 6th. Although I started back after I used Chantix the first time, this is the very best way to quit smoking, in my opinion. I have had some constipation and really cool dreams in color (no bad dreams), but all in all, I have had very little in the way of side effects. I am a nearly 49-year-old woman who started smoking at 17. I do sometimes want a cigarette, but it's not an unbearable feeling, and if I go for a walk or find something to do, it goes away quickly. I would recommend this to anyone who has decided that they want to quit."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am 35 years old and have been a smoker since I was 13, quitting once due to pregnancy. I was up to a pack and a half of cigarettes a day, and one day I just had enough. I talked to my doctor about Chantix. I started Chantix on April 24, 2015, and by day 3, I was down to about 2 cigarettes a day, mostly because they were there, not because I wanted them. I lost my best friend on May 10, 2015, and on the 18th, I smoked my last cigarette that morning. I haven't touched one since, and I am only taking one Chantix every other day. Chantix really is the miracle drug. I am concerned about the long-term effects of this drug, but the only thing I have had is vivid dreams (but not bad), constipation, and the gas is horrible, but I can deal with that."

• pro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I successfully quit on day 6 and stayed for over a year and a half with Chantix. I did have a few side effects: nausea, had to take half doses after day 8, vivid but pleasant dreams, and constipation, but not sure if that was withdrawal or the Chantix. I recently started back smoking around the anniversary of my husband's passing and started Chantix again 3 days ago. I can already tell the want and desire to smoke is fading, and the taste is yuck. I would highly recommend Chantix to anyone that is SERIOUS about quitting."

• Bre...
• October 9, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I am on the 3rd week of taking Chantix. Stopped smoking completely after the 1st week and have not had any craving or urge to smoke. Nausea and dreams are manageable, BUT!!! I am constantly constipated, bloated, and gassy – these are very bad, embarrassing side effects, people. I will finish the 1st month with a lower dosage (1 pill a day) and will stop taking Chantix."

• Lau...
• December 9, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I am 29 years old, been smoking for 13-14 years. I have two daughters, and I knew it was time to quit, they shouldn't have to wait on me to play till after I have a cigarette. I did a lot of research, which is very scary, but I firmly believe everyone reacts differently to medication! This medicine is a miracle for me! I quickly cut back to just a couple of cigarettes a day in the first week. By day 6, I was done smoking! Haven't smoked since. The only side effects I had were constipation, but I just went down to only taking 1 pill per day, and that corrected itself!"

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I started smoking at 11 years old. Smoked 2 packs a day till I was 48 years old. I have tried several other products before, but nothing worked. I am bipolar but really wanted to try Chantix. My psychiatrist gave me the script and is watching closely. I quit smoking after 2 weeks on Chantix and have been quit for 5 1/2 months now. I stopped Chantix cold turkey 3 days ago. I am having some anxiety, mood swings, but today was much better than yesterday. I suffered from constipation, swelling, bloating, terrible gas, sweet cravings, sweats (day and night), and I have gained 30 lbs while I was taking Chantix. But I am smoke free. I am a diabetic, and I have cancer and heart disease in my family, so quitting was very important to me."

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "On Chantix, I've experienced constipation, gas, and nausea to the point of vomiting three or four times after taking a pill. Cravings were curbed, but I found that I (and everyone else I know who used it) cheated about once a week - buying a pack of cigarettes, smoking one, and throwing the rest in the garbage. I had to come home from work this morning because I kept vomiting. I'm giving up Chantix, and I'm going to try cold turkey instead. The side effects are simply not worth it to me."

• Rac...
• March 2, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I am into week 3 now, haven't had a smoke in a week. When I was smoking, I became very ill. I still get very sick to my stomach, dizzy, constipated, gas, metallic taste in my mouth, everything smells bad, and my skin is super sensitive. I don't think I would have been able to quit without it, but I don't think I need it anymore."

• Anonymous
• April 1, 2011

For Smoking Cessation "I put off trying Chantix for three years because I feared all its horrible side effects. My doctor convinced me to give it a try. If I started to feel weird, I could just stop taking it, he said. Well, while I was waiting for the depression and nightmares to start, I quit smoking. Cigarettes started to taste funny the first week. In the second week, I was down to five or six. In the middle of the third week, I went smoke-free for the first time in twenty-six years. My dreams are vivid, not scary. I'm not depressed, I'm thrilled to be a non-smoker. Dry mouth and constipation are really the only side effects I noticed. Try it. Don't let someone else's bad experience stop you from saving your own life."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2010

For Smoking Cessation "I have just started week 3 and still continue to smoke. I have no real desire to quit other than to be healthier for my children. During week one, I noticed my smoking decreased from around a pack a day to a half pack a day. Week two, I still had some urge to smoke but could not stand more than 3 cigarettes per day. I just started week three and so far have not had a desire to smoke. This drug really works, and I think if there is some willpower and want to succeed in place, it works very well. Another plus to this medication is it reduces my desire to eat as well, so far I have lost 6 pounds. The negatives... trouble sleeping, nausea, constipation, fatigue."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix. Wow, what can I say but wonderful. This is my 25th day, and I have been smoke-free for 21 days. Before Chantix, I would never have thought I could quit. The only side effects I have experienced: dry mouth, constipation, slight headaches, and nausea. But the nausea is easily taken care of if you take the medication as directed. As soon as I started drinking the full 8 oz. of water, the nausea was just mild for 20 minutes. I've heard many say they stopped taking Chantix because it made them sick. A few weeks of mild side effects is nothing compared to a bad habit we all want to break! I have read much about trying to get Chantix off the market, I feel that would be a BIG mistake. This drug works, and it works quickly."

• Why...
• February 7, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I did not want to quit. I had to quit because I'm just too smart to smoke. Despite the temporary nausea and the terrible constipation, I was able to quit. Like I said, I didn't want to quit, I just knew I should, had to. As each day went by, cigarettes became less desirable. Smoking a cigarette literally made me a little sick while I was taking the Chantix, but I kept taking it. I finally just could not handle the slight nausea I felt every time I smoked, and I stopped smoking on the 11th day of Chantix. I liked smoking, but I was able to quit just by taking Chantix. I didn't even need any willpower. I felt a little zombie-like more than once, but it is far better than using anything else."

• smh...
• August 16, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "Today is day 3 on Chantix. I have smoked 1-2 packs per day for 18 years. I have only had 2 cigarettes today, and my desire for them has already greatly diminished. When I think I need one, I just keep thinking of all that I am without it, and it helps me through. My quit date is 8/21, and I really feel that I will have no problem being smoke-free by then. I am experiencing a few side effects: constipation, which I've cured by taking an herbal detox supplement, gas and bloating, some fuzzy feelings, and vivid dreams, which do not seem to bother me. Today I'm taking over my 'smoking porch', repainting it to make it smoke-free, so I do not associate my favorite place in my house with cigarettes. I am so ready to quit!"