Chantix and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• swy...
• October 11, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix in June and initially had sleep problems. By the end of the first month, I was sleeping 5-6 hours a night, which was not my normal eight hours. My dreams were pleasant. I was emotionally flat. I had no emotional reaction to events that would normally elicit a response. Additionally, I felt and still feel depressed to the point of questioning my sanity. I completed the 12-week course of treatment and am still depressed and emotionally flat."

• swy...
• October 11, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix in June and initially had sleep problems. By the end of the first month, I was sleeping 5-6 hours a night, which was not my normal eight hours. My dreams were pleasant. I was emotionally flat. I had no emotional reaction to events that would normally elicit a response. Additionally, I felt and still feel depressed to the point of questioning my sanity. I completed the 12-week course of treatment and am still depressed and emotionally flat."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Week one on the starter pack. Was still smoking, no urge to quit, no side effects. Start week 2 (2 mg a day). I go to bed at 11-12 every night. Started waking up at 3 a.m. on the dot every morning. Extremely vicious nightmares. I am all for vivid dreams, but I have never in my life experienced anything like these. I love my wife deeply, and in one dream she cheated on me. I woke up and found myself actually angry at her, like it really happened... these are nightmares that haunt you the next day. By day 12, I started hallucinating, seeing patterns on the wall, in text, etc. It DOES eliminate the pleasure of smoking, thus the ease of quitting, and depression set in. Use with caution."

• daw...
• July 9, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 6 weeks and quit smoking on the 8th day. I have been smoke-free for over 4 months. I have been experiencing severe memory loss. I also experienced depression to the point of being treated for it."

• Joh...
• July 13, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband has been smoking for 35 years and started taking Chantix 12 days ago to quit, and he knows that the medication is working because his urge to smoke has decreased, and as of yesterday, he only smoked 4 cigarettes. 4 days ago, he found himself depressed and continues to feel this way. He is also experiencing bizarre dreams and dreams that are very real-life. He is a true believer that Chantix works, but we are both concerned about these side effects he is experiencing."

• Dnl...
• February 25, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "My time I used Chantix. On the 9th day, I attacked my husband for laughing at the TV. I told him I didn't have to hear him laugh, and if he didn't shut up, he could leave. I thought since I was better aware, I could manage it. The second time I went on Chantix, my second experience was a bit different. On day 8, I cried because I wanted the feel-good of a cigarette. On day 9, I felt like I was on speed. I was excited to not be smoking and thrilled to be alive. I didn't want to go to bed, and when I did, I couldn't wait to wake up. When I did, I was lower than I've ever been. Extremely depressed. I didn't want to be alive. I didn't get enjoyment from cigarettes, but I also had a complete loss of soul. I decided I wasn't taking them anymore, and I went to bed. When I woke up in the night, I knew I felt better, and today I am myself again. Smoking or loss of soul and spirit? Smoking or losing your mind? It is my belief that I would have quit smoking with Chantix, but I would have lost my mind."

• KT ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm happy to see that Chantix helped people. We all know cigarettes are not healthy, tax your breathing, make you a social pariah, etc. And then there's the ridiculous cost, which is why I wanted to stop; for all the reasons listed above. I knew from the commercial that this could make me depressed and suicidal. I thought it was the common disclaimer to avoid liability if I decided to stop smoking but jump off a bridge, which is where I was pretty quickly into it. I felt like a zombie, was ridiculously tired. No matter how much sleep I got, I was tired. And sad. Cigarettes lost their appeal, as did everything else. I was/am extremely congested, sad, 'lost,' hopeless. My teeth hurt. I also had strange smells. Good news: stopping abruptly is OK."

• KAK...
• July 8, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I went from an occasional social smoker to going through a pack a day. I smoked a pack per day for at least 3 years and realized I couldn't afford it anymore in terms of my wallet and health. I tried several times, but I couldn't make it through the second day. So, I decided to take Chantix. My doctor informed me that because of my age, I wouldn't necessarily have to complete the 12-week program. I could smoke the first week and prepare myself for the quit date. By the end of that week, my stomach couldn't bear it anymore. I didn't want one. I would have the random urges up to 2 weeks later. I did not experience the depression or wild dreams. Chantix does not quit for you but serves more as a valuable tool for the process."

• pin...
• June 17, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband has been taking the Chantix trying to quit, and I came here because he has been experiencing depression, irritability, and lethargy. He has seemed more punchy about needing to eat (maybe the hunger?). I thought maybe the medication could be causing the depression, but that wasn't listed as a symptom."

• Man...
• October 21, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I didn't want to quit smoking, but knew I had to. At first, I smoked while on the Chantix, but soon I found myself not interested in it. I smoked for 16 years, 1/2 a pack a day, and it worked! I had some side effects, weird dreams and slight depression, but made it through, and I feel great! It's been 6 months now, free of smoking! I recommend Chantix!"

• rpa...
• September 13, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 40 years, and Chantix has worked for me. There are side effects, but I think they are worth it for the time I take Chantix in order to become a healthy person again. I see many comments of depression, but that may be because we lost our best friend of smoking. Hang in there, it does work. I have been smoke-free for 6 weeks and actually am going through most of the day without thinking about it."

• Yay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I started smoking when I was 16 and quit at 19, cold turkey. That was no fun. I took up smoking again in 2013 after a very stressful period in my life. I tried nicotine patches to no success. It didn't even take the edge off my cravings. Chantix is a miracle drug! I take meds for depression, so I was concerned because one of the side effects is depression and suicidal thoughts. Although I am again going through a sad and stressful time (my brother recently passed away, and I just got divorced). This drug is working with minimal side effects! I get the vivid dreams, but they are not nightmares, and my stomach gets upset for the first 3-5 minutes after taking Chantix. As for the depression, it hasn't gotten worse. Saving my life + $ too!"

• Sea...
• April 5, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I found that this drug helped extremely well in my battle to quit smoking. I did suffer from almost every non-lethal side effect it can give you aside from severe depression. I was a 15-year smoker and used the starter pack to quit. I have been two months shy of a year smoke-free."

• Che...
• June 11, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 22 and am now smoke-free. Within 1 week, I weaned myself with the help of Chantix to approx 5 per day compared to 10-12 daily. Weeks 2-3, I only smoked 4 on a bad day and 2 on a great day. I'm not moody and crabby at all, and no physical withdrawal symptoms. Only mental, which I'm overcoming every day."

• Kim...
• October 20, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "It's been seven years since my husband and I quit smoking using Chantix. I never thought it could happen. I struggled a bit with depression, but I never considered harming myself or others. I don't know if my depression was due to the Chantix, a bipolar (I'm diagnosed) episode, withdrawal from nicotine, the loss of 'friends' and routines associated with smoking, or a combination of any or all four. After more than 25 years each - and every patch, gum, hypnosis, cold turkey, meditation, and acupuncture method we could try - we quit smoking using Chantix in 2006."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I gave this drug a rating of 5 because I have seen it do well for many people. However, I went CRAZY after starting this medicine. I watched 4 people take this medicine and do very well and quit smoking. If it was not for a friend that I had not spoken to in weeks calling me, I would have done even worse. When she contacted me, I explained my symptoms of fatigue, depression, and even crazier things. She then told me the exact same thing happened to her on Chantix. I have quit smoking before. My advice: Try this medication but HAVE SOMEONE WATCH YOU FOR SIDE EFFECTS."

• ell...
• November 17, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Was on Chantix for about two weeks. I did not take the PM dose, or I would never sleep. I did slow down and almost stopped within that time, but found I was irritable, cranky, and VERY depressed. The side effects were mostly emotional. I had to stop taking Chantix. When you wake up in the morning feeling like it was the night before and the 'sun' is not shining = entering deep depression, it is time to quit the medication."

• hun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "This is the worst drug I have ever taken. It gave me horrible nightmares and made me feel depressed and weird. After 1 month, I wound up in an ER with seizures. It never worked! So then I got an E-cig and never smoked again. DO NOT TAKE THIS HORRIBLE DRUG! People have bad mental side effects on this (deep dark depression, etc.). STAY AWAY from CHANTIX, IT'S GARBAGE. (I know they won't show this)"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix for 6 weeks. Although it has drastically reduced my smoking, I can't seem to quit. And the trippy dreams coupled with the feelings of depression are almost pushing me to my limit."

• Vic...
• January 5, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 13 years, tried patches for years, and the longest I had done was 1 month. I started the tablets on my 3-week holiday (I did get ill, couldn't sleep properly, and was sad), but at the end of the day, it worked, and I only took 2 weeks' worth of the pills before I stopped taking them completely."

• Cou...
• May 31, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 10 years. I am at the end of my 4th week on Chantix and have been nicotine-free for 6 days! I still have the urge to smoke when I initially get in my car to go somewhere or after I eat, but the craving subsides surprisingly easily and rather quickly. I take one tablet in the morning and at night (be sure to eat and let your food settle before you take the morning dose to prevent the nausea!). I do feel more tired than usual and cranky during week 2, but not unmanageable. I've been having vivid dreams, but good ones! I'm dreaming in color and wanting to go back to sleep to find out what happens next! I've tried everything before Chantix. I haven't had any depression episodes, though it is a known side effect. No medicine is a one size fits all, so if you do take it or don't, understand that the reactions aren't the same for everyone. I would suggest if you try it to take it exactly as prescribed and visit your doctor regularly to monitor how it affects you."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I took Chantix for 4 weeks. I quit smoking my 3rd week. I didn't have any severe side effects until my 3rd week, I began to notice this foggy feeling. I had no nightmares or nausea, I did eat before taking the pill with a full glass of water. I have not taken Chantix since July 14th, and I still don't feel like myself. Moody, depressed, and just not myself at all. I'm glad I quit smoking, but this is hell. I did stop taking it early because of the foggy feeling. I believe this drug has made me feel crazy."

• eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked at least two packs a day before trying Chantix. I had tried to quit before, but I had a feeling of rage and depression when I wasn't smoking. I started taking the medication, and around 8 days in, the thought of smoking would almost make me sick. When I would smoke, there was no satisfaction to be had. I did experience strange dreams and actually had a few blisters in my mouth. I called my doctor, who said to continue treatment despite the side effects. The side effects were definitely worth the outcome. I have been tobacco-free for almost three years now. I've even gone two years without even a single cold, which I contribute to no longer smoking."

• mag...
• November 15, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I started Chantix on Oct 12. We both smoked a pack per day for over 45 years. On Oct 30, we both stopped smoking. We took the last week's pills once a day. We both had crazy dreams. I had nausea, anxiety, heart racing, depression, and/or mood swings, just felt funny. I have COPD, so I needed to quit. I stopped taking the last pill, but now I am having cravings, and they last a while. I am going to get a new script. All of the side effects are worth it. I am going to quit."

• Nuc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2022

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 3 weeks and then quit upon realization that this drug was making me depressed and irritable. I found myself dwelling on past events that only made me more depressed. I definitely was not feeling myself. The drug does help with taking the urge for nicotine away, but please be aware of side effects. I can’t imagine taking this drug any longer than the 3 weeks I did. Diarrhea was another side effect. I started feeling like my old self the day after I stopped taking the medication."