Chantix and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Cl0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Today is day 7 of using Chantix. I'm a 33-year-old disabled Army vet. I have bipolar, depression, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and I have been smoking for 20 years. I have tried everything to quit smoking, patches made me want to smoke more, the gum made my stomach feel like it was on fire, and cold turkey made me homicidal. On day one, I was smoking a pack a day. By day 4, I was smoking 1/2 a pack, now I smoke about 3 cigarettes a day, but only 1/2 a cigarette at a time. I have no nausea, no sleep issues, and no other side effects that I have noticed. I just seem to be craving cigarettes less and less. I'm really hoping that within a few more days I won't smoke at all."

• Jef...
• July 5, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "Everybody reacts to drugs differently, and Chantix is a great tool for quitting for some, but my experience has been a NIGHTMARE!!! After ramping up to the full dosage, I experienced anxiety, insomnia, and bouts of depression. I would pace for hours - couldn't help it - living hell! I quit taking Chantix a few days later because of these symptoms, and the depression became more severe and more continuous. I haven't been on the drug for a week now, and I'm still emotional and have occasional panic attacks."

• Mar...
• July 1, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix on June 1 with a June 30 quit date. On the 15th, I ran out of cigarettes and decided I'd try to wake up without them and feel it out. It is June 30 today, and I haven't had a cigarette since. I have urges but try to push them aside. Chantix made me strong enough to not need them without even knowing it. I've smoked for 15 years and haven't quit this long on anything, including the patch. I recommend it for sure. You do get nauseous, but take the pill with food, and it passes after about ten minutes. Just fight it off. Dreams were cool, but I did have trouble falling asleep at times. It's definitely all worth the reward. My insurance covered the entire Rx, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck to you too!"

• Gla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Just over 2 1/2 years ago, after smoking for over 40 years, I quit. With the help of Chantix, of course. The cravings (that everyone gets) are down to once every 2 or 3 months. Had several small heart attacks and then one BIG one. Rushed in and had emergency quintuple bypass surgery. Doctors said after that I wouldn't have made it one more hour without the surgery. One hour! I'm so glad to be here. True, my life isn't what I hoped for at my age now (59), but it beats the alternative. Chantix was heaven-sent to me. Yes, it disrupted my sleep and gave me completely wild, crazy dreams (in vivid color). But it works... IT WORKS... If you let it, if you want it so bad you stop fooling yourself. It can be done, and anyone can do it. Believe it!!!"

• Sco...
• August 2, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 25+ years. I was smoking over a pack a day. I have tried other means of quitting in the past with no results. It would work for a few weeks/months, but I found myself right back smoking. At first, when taking Chantix, I was unsure if it would work, and I was nervous about the side effects. I noticed within a few days cigarettes tasted different, and the longer I smoked on Chantix, the less I wanted to finish a smoke. Toward the end of quitting, packs of cigarettes were lasting longer. It took me about 3 months on Chantix before I smoked my last cigarette 3 months ago!! The only side effect I had was sleepless nights. I have no cravings and no use for cigarettes anymore. Thanks, Chantix, for giving me my freedom and my life back!!"

• P58...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Constant ringing in ears. Crazy dreams, some are nightmares. Tongue is dry and has a metallic taste. Thirty minutes after the morning pill, stomach ache, nausea, extreme sweat. At night, lots of sweat. Hard to go to sleep. Lots of unhappiness and irritation. Good news, quit smoking on day 4. I am 22 days later and not one cigarette."

• Sir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried everything to quit. Now after 35 years of smoking, I'm done thanks to Chantix. I am on my 10th day on the med and 7th day smoke-free. Very little withdrawals, nothing like patches or gum, it's a miracle drug. Some trouble sleeping, but two Advil PMs and I'm out. Anyway, I thought I would share that with you all."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "In 2010, I quit smoking by using Chantix, and I did not have any side effects at all. I started smoking again in 2014 after some stressful events in my life happened. I promised myself that I would quit again after things settled down, and I did with the help of Chantix. The second time I took it, I had trouble sleeping, but the cravings for cigarettes went away. I took Chantix for 2 months, but did not take the 3rd month because it was not covered by my insurance. Needless to say, I picked up the bad habit again after smoking just 1 cigarette (thinking just 1 would be ok). I started taking Chantix again about a week ago. I know Chantix works. It is just having the willpower to not pick up a cigarette after you quit. 'Just 1' for me is not ok."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a non-smoker now for one year, and I feel great. It's all down to Chantix. With every medicine, you are going to get some side effects. It's only for 12 weeks of your life, you owe yourself that, don't you? I felt sick and had bad sleep, but come on, it's worth it if you really, really want to stop smoking. Good luck to you all! Oh, by the way, I used to smoke 25 a day and 30 on the weekend, so if I can do it, so can you!!!"

• ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I both smoked about 1 and a half packs a day and wanted to stop for our children. We began taking Chantix and smoked for the first week. We haven't smoked since then. The worst side effects we have had are some nausea right after taking the pill and some trouble sleeping. It's not the save-all pill as it still requires willpower, but it helps more than nothing. When you are ready to quit, the medication will help, but you really have to want it."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "It works!! I have not smoked in a week, woo hoo! This is my second time on Chantix because last time I was taking it, I stopped and started smoking again (SMH). This time I'm serious. I'm 35 years old and I said it is time I stopped. I have no cravings whatsoever. When I would drink, I would smoke a lot. I drank the other day and had no craving for it at all! I have a few side effects like insomnia, lower back pain, and vivid dreams/nightmares. Them nightmares be crazy, lol. I never had nightmares before. But it's worth it 'cause I'm not smoking no more :) I will never let nicotine control my life AGAIN!!"

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 45 years. For the last 25 years, 2 packs a day. My health was horrible. I have now been smoke-free for 8 weeks! After only a few days, you will notice a positive change. The coughing, the mucus, the continual feeling of about to get sick, all but went away! I, as others, have found if you have trouble sleeping or feeling sick when you switch to 2 mg a day, cut them in half and take half at a time through the day. Also, take the last pill earlier in the evening. Chantix is truly a lifesaver! The dreams are fine as long as you keep positive about it and realize THEY are JUST dreams. The trade-off is so worth it!"

• jlo...
• November 30, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Smoker for 53 years at pack a day. I am now on my 10th day of Chantix. The first 2 days I couldn't sleep. That went away, but when the dose increased on day 4, my stomach was always hurting. I took the pills right before I ate, but it still made my stomach hurt really bad and couldn't eat. The last couple of days, I have waited to take the pill until after I finish my meal, and that seems to have helped greatly. I smoked my last 1/2 cigarette this morning and would love to have one now at 1:00 pm. I have noticed that my cravings are reduced and have smoked only about 3 cigs a day for the past week. This is my last hope, so I will stay with the Chantix until the program is done. I didn't really want to quit, but I knew my health depends on it."

• bda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "This medicine is a miracle! I have completed my first month's pack, and I am proud to say that I have been smoke-free for 7 days. It took me 3 weeks to quit, and I probably could have sooner, but I was hanging on to my bad habit. I didn't really think this medicine would work because I loved my cigarettes, and it would take a lot for me to leave them, but I am so happy to say that they are gone. I do have to deal with cravings every once in a while (especially the first few days), but you just have to fight through them by keeping your mind busy with other things, and the cravings will pass. The only side effect that I've had from this medicine is difficulty sleeping and racing thoughts. For a while, I was only able to sleep a few hours at a time."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I was considered a light smoker, a pack every few days. I had regularly smoked for five years. I didn't think I would ever be able to quit. Chantix worked so well with blocking out the headaches, anxiety, loss of sleep, and all the moodiness that accompanies quitting. I took it for about two weeks total. I actually quit smoking around the 8th day. Pretty painless."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 4 weeks, and aside from the vivid dreams, it worked like it said it would. I had a lot of vivid dreams and light sleep. However, every time I smelled cigarettes, I would get sick to my stomach, and I still have that feeling today. It definitely made me quit after smoking for 23 years. If you are serious about quitting, this is definitely a good way to do it."

• cry...
• February 8, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I just started my second week of Chantix, and I'm feeling very angry, short-tempered, just not my usual happy-go-lucky self. Also been experiencing strange dreams and not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep very long. Still craving cigarettes about the same. Going to continue to use in hopes that I will quit smoking. Good luck to everyone else on it."

• RJS...
• September 24, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband began Chantix 3 months ago. At first, he only had the physical symptoms of nausea, gas, shortness of breath, insomnia, and active dreaming. He was somewhat lethargic and hungry, eating all the time. However, by the end of the 3rd month, he was extremely irritable, unable to focus on any one task, very negative, somewhat irrational, angry, every day was a bad mood. I would NOT recommend Chantix. I don't really think the Chantix helped him quit. He quit on his own."

• For...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "This is my second go-around with Chantix -- the last time being 7 or so years ago. I'm on my second day with no smoking (9th day on drug), and I feel like I have more energy, and generally feel like some cloud (no pun) has been lifted -- I haven't felt like this since I was 14 (started smoking a pack a day at 15). I've been a smoker for 30 years. I fear I'm on some kind of 'pink cloud' that addicts often refer to. I've had some strange dreams and had trouble falling asleep last night -- but aside from that, no other side effects. I'm hoping the dreams don't turn into nightmares, as they were so terrible 7 years ago when I first tried Chantix, that I had to stop."

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I had been a smoker since I was 12 years old (serious smoker by age 16). I really enjoyed smoking, and I never thought I would be able to quit. I had tried Nicorette, quitting cold turkey, Zyban, and laser therapy - nothing worked. I always ended up going back. I tried Chantix, and within 4 to 5 days, I noticed that I didn't have the craving any longer and was forgetting to smoke. I have not smoked in 10 months - not even one cheat! I did visit with my doctor after a month because I was worried about the side effects of depression. I stayed on the medication for 3 full months. By week 6, I cut the dosage in half, as I was having trouble with insomnia, and weaned myself off the dosage at the end. The dreams are entertaining, the gas can be bad."

• Ma ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I was told by my doctor that I have to quit smoking because I have COPD and asthma. I was doing good with stopping smoking before I started the Chantix. I had already cut myself down to 5 a day. I was doing well within the first week, had no desire to smoke at all, but when it came to the second week, that’s when it all went south for me. I wanted to smoke more, and my lungs were tight all the time, couldn’t sleep. Was wired all night long, and then when I took the morning dose, it was just as bad. But I also had major mood swings. Think I need to talk to my doctor and see if they have a lower dose for the second week and then on."

• wol...
• August 20, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I have smoked 1 pack a day for over 25 years. I have been taking Chantix for 12 days and am down to 3-4 cigs a day. I also have severe migraines, which is weird because I haven't had a headache of any kind since day 3 of taking Chantix. Not sure what the connection is with that. I have had pretty bad stomach cramps with nausea and vomiting, losing my thoughts, insomnia, and very wild dreams. The worst is the pain and nausea. Almost enough to make me quit trying. I hope to make it through."

• pre...
• August 7, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I have been pack-a-day smokers for over 32 years. He was hospitalized for pleurisy, and the doctor put him on Chantix while in the hospital. I started taking it 3 days later when he came home from the hospital. Neither one of us has had a cigarette since we started taking the pills. He has had no side effects. I have insomnia very badly, and of course, our insurance does not cover the cost at all. But it seems to be worth the $139 per prescription."