Chantix and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I began using Chantix last September, not really believing all the claims. I smoked for over 40 years and actually still enjoyed smoking. I couldn't believe the results. I have been completely smoke-free since October 1, 2008! The stomach discomfort was minor, and I experienced very nice dreams while using this product. This is a truly awesome smoking cessation product!"

• Jae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2022

For Smoking Cessation "Before I started Chantix, I had heard of potential negative side effects, mainly depression and mental health issues. After being less than satisfied with all other methods, my options were 1) shorten my life and my health by continued smoking or 2) bite the bullet and try Chantix. I prayed hard for help from God. I was determined, I felt I should look up only the positive reviews and success stories. A positive mindset and attitude are very important in my experience. Each morning, I would have something to eat, then take my pill with water. I also found if you get a little upset stomach, soda does help. I was smoking up to a pack a day, easily. I could have smoked more. I started the starter pack, now I am in the middle of my second week. My favorite time to smoke is first thing in the morning and after dinner. I went out to smoke this morning, one puff, and I was over it. I have no urges. I have lost 4 lbs too. I feel great! Happy. Calm. Ready to take it on. I pray this is your experience."

• thm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I’ve smoked or used smokeless tobacco on and off for 12 years. Following a promotion, the stress of my career in the past year and a half led to me smoking about a pack a day. My doc recommended Chantix, and it’s an effective tool for quitting and staying quit. Reduces the cravings quite a bit, and it also seems to block the effects of nicotine. It doesn’t work right away, but after about a week on it, I was ready to discontinue the smoking. The stomachache can be pretty uncomfortable, but eating a meal and drinking plenty of fluids helps mitigate that adverse effect. Also have the particularly vivid dreams, but not necessarily nightmares. I would recommend Chantix, especially if you’ve insurance."

• Chu...
• December 28, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix on Oct 6, 2013. On Oct 13, 2013, I had my last smoke. I did not even have a craving for one. I had the occasional dreams, nothing bad, just multiple ones per night. I went three weeks taking 1 mg in the am and 1 mg in the pm. Then I went to just 1 mg in the morning. No more dreams. Also, if you don't eat enough, you will get an upset tummy. I ordered another starter pack just to lower the dose before I totally quit. On Dec 19, 2013, I went to 0.5 mg in the am, and on Dec 21, I stopped totally. It has been one week with nothing, feels good. Thought about it through the whole process, but I believe I am done with the nasty addiction. My side effects were dreams, anger, moodiness, but all good. Good luck to me and all who give it a try."

• 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."

• SRX...
• April 13, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I had used chewing tobacco for 30 years and wanted to quit. My doctor prescribed Chantix. One thing he told me to do was to take the second daily dose in the afternoon rather than in the evening to help prevent strange dreams, and I never did have any. Make sure you eat something before taking it to prevent an upset stomach. Chantix did make me feel paranoid and nervous, and I did worry more than normal, and I couldn't drink while on it. I had one drink after I had started it, and the next day I had the worst hangover I had ever had. Actually, I haven't drank now since I quit Chantix since I no longer have a desire to do so. All in all, I feel it is very effective."

• ex-...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I've been on Chantix before and successfully quit for more than a month. Then a perfect storm of high stress and an interrupted medication supply caused me to relapse. I decided to try again, and now I am on day 13 of taking Chantix, with three days of no smoking at all. My experience with Chantix has always been great. I follow the directions and eat a meal with every pill. At first, I get some stomach discomfort, but after the first few days, it is gone. My dreams are more vivid. I do not experience any of the known side effects. This time I will quit for good, because this time I order my pills online from a reliable overseas pharmacy and not bother with incompetent in-town pharmacies. My insurance does not pay for Chantix, but the meds also cost less from overseas because they charge way more for it in the US."

• cas...
• July 30, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked over a pack a day for 30 years, I took Chantix as directed and had a few side effects, upset stomach (only if I didn't eat) and dreams. I have been smoke-free for 6 months. I recommend Chantix to anyone who really wants to quit."

• MWF...
• March 1, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "For the last 25 years, I have smoked a pack a day and dipped a can every two days. I have been on Chantix for a month now and not had any tobacco for the last week! The week before that, I did have one cigarette. But only one in two weeks is still awesome. I do have some of the side effects. For instance, I have extremely vivid dreams, but they are not all bad dreams. I also have an upset stomach. I figure that putting up with these side effects is better than smoking. I would, and do, recommend this medicine to any smoker. It is truly a miracle in a bottle."

• Grn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "38-year-old female who smoked for 21 years. I smoked the first week on Chantix, and it tasted nasty. Before Chantix, I loved the feeling of inhaling the smoke. After starting Chantix, and because it tasted nasty, that feeling went away. I only took Chantix for two weeks. I didn't mind the weird dreams, but I could not stand the flu-like symptoms. My body ached, I was always tired, and shortly after I took the pill, I would get a bad upset stomach. After all of that, I would do it again in a heartbeat! I love not being a smoker. No more smelly clothes. Smoked a pack a day, so saving money there. Prior to Chantix, I tried electronic cigarettes to quit smoking, it didn't work. Now it keeps my hands busy. Three months, no smoke. YOU HAVE TO WANT TO QUIT!"

• Eve...
• November 15, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "After a stroke at 36 years old, it became quite apparent I needed to quit. There was no way I could do it on my own, though. I only smoked 1.5 packs per day, but they were menthol, and I inhaled them very deeply. Waking my wife up at night coughing for about an hour along with the stroke, I figured what the hell. She said I was quite nasty while I was on it (2 months), but I really don't remember it. I did, however, eat a pill on an empty stomach once and thought it was burning a hole in my stomach that went on for about three hours. Chantix saved my life, it's been 12 years and still going. Thanks, Chantix Creators Doug."

• Wat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 30 years and took Chantix for 3 months. That was 7.5 years ago! It was absolutely the best thing I have ever done for myself. I did experience some stomach discomfort and unusual dreams, but they were well worth the result! I would and do recommend this medication for anyone who wants to finally quit!"

• isl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "My doctor called this a miracle drug, and it worked miracles for me. I wish I had known about it years ago. I was a pack-a-day smoker for 40 years. By week two on Chantix, I was down to 1-2 cigarettes a day, and I think that was me hanging on to an old need. Week three, I was a non-smoker. No cravings, no longing. Side effects - I am tiny, 100 pounds, so the full dose was way too strong for me. It ripped up my stomach and caused diarrhea until I cut back the dosage slightly. No depression or mood swings (and this from someone who went through a wicked peri-menopause). Doctor warned of serious nightmares. I had no dreams at all, though I did have sleeplessness for 2-3 weeks. Have been smoke-free for 3 months. Grateful. Thanks, Chantix!"

• Wis...
• September 19, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for most of my life. I was told by my daughter (a nurse) originally about Chantix. Many of her co-workers were doing great with it. I too have had a few side effects. I have the dreams and sometimes feel slightly lethargic. I did have a queasy stomach for a few days when I started taking it, but that has subsided. Overall, I think that it has helped tremendously. 39 days without a "puff". Hang in there, all you good people."

• 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!"

• mrs...
• October 22, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix is awesome! Basically, it made smoking an unpleasant experience and made me not want to smoke anymore. I quit over 3 weeks ago after taking the pill for a month. I do have funky dreams and don't sleep as soundly, but still wake refreshed and energetic. I don't have stomach problems as long as I eat 3 meals a day and don't smoke. I still have occasional urges when I'm bored, but they go away if I do something. I can't remember the last time I was this happy, and I feel great!"

• Tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I just finished the first 28-day course. It didn't do a thing for me except upset my stomach greatly. The frequency of my smoking and my cravings haven't diminished one bit. Recently, I tried to just stop smoking completely while taking Chantix. I was a wreck and didn't last a day. The nausea caused by this stuff is intense. A couple of times, I took the 1mg tablets without food. I dry-heaved all day. Even taking with food and drink, my stomach gets upset. I haven't decided if I'll get a second prescription. I probably won't."

• Jad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked the devil sticks for 6 years. I'm young and didn't want to smoke forever, so I decided to try Chantix. Had an upset stomach if it wasn't taken after eating. Dreams were vivid but cool, I love to dream, so no problem with me. Today marks one month since I had my last devil stick, and I couldn't be more excited about the path I decided to take to change my life."

• Rin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2012

For Smoking Cessation "I quit smoking using the patch and was smoke-free for almost 12 years - I picked one up under an extreme amount of stress and eventually worked my way up to a pack a day - I was able to quit for a while with Chantix, but I found after I stopped Chantix, I wasn't able to fight the urges and smoked again. In the past, I would stop taking Chantix after I found out I was forgetting to take it and figured I was all set. Today is day 28 of taking Chantix again - 21 days smoke-free. I found right away that I had to eat prior to taking Chantix to avoid stomach issues. The vivid dreams I am experiencing are 'awesome.' Yes, I am pretty odd, but I love to read horror books, and nightmares are a bonus to me."

• mom...
• March 20, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I can't believe it. I have been smoking for 12 years, anywhere from 1 to 1 and 1/2 packs a day. I took my first dose of Chantix on Saturday, 3/7/09. My quit date was 3/4/09. On day 3 of taking the pill, I only smoked 5 cigarettes that day. Not really because I didn't want to, but because I didn't have the urge for it. I smoked my last cigarette at 10:15 pm on Saturday, 3/14/09. I feel wonderful. I can deal with the side effects, minor as they are. I began having wild dreams the 2nd day on the pill. I got sick to my stomach just once, but that's because I took it before breakfast. I have come to realize that taking it about 10 minutes after I eat is best for me. I didn't take any pills today, and I feel great. I'm so grateful for this medicine."

• 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."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I have been smoking since I was 13 years old, I am now 57 years old. I had quit before using the patch, with success for 4 years. Then I started back up, being addicted to smoking. So in 2014, I tried Chantix. I stopped the Chantix (stupid me) and continued smoking until October of 2017. The Chantix cost me $410.00 because I have no health insurance. So on Thanksgiving Eve was my last cigarette. I have no cravings and feel great!!!!! Be patient. I did not give myself a quit date (too stressful). You will just not want a cigarette. It does work. Chantix has not given me weird dreams or an upset stomach."

• Til...
• November 5, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix to quit 4 years ago. Don't remember having any side effects then. I went 3 weeks without a cigarette and was feeling really confident, so rather than spend the money on a refill, I decided to try it on my own. Huge mistake! Within 2 weeks, I was smoking again. 4 years later, and I'm ready to try again. I'm on week 3, and it's not working quite as well this time. I'm still smoking, but considerably less than before. I'm down to about 3/4 of a pack a day compared to my usual 2 or more packs a day. I'm definitely having more side effects. So tired this week, I could barely function, and upset stomach all day, but it's getting better. I plan on taking the recommended 3 months this time to increase my chance of quitting for good."

• lik...
• September 8, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I was curious to see if Chantix would really make me quit smoking. Not that I've really planned on it working. I've even bought a carton of cigarettes a few days before I took the first pill. I took the starter week pack, by day 3, I was down to 5 cigarettes from 1 1/2 packs a day. By day 6, I only smoked one cigarette, and I was not even trying. The 1 mg pills upset my stomach, so I cut them in half, and that worked just fine for me. I only used 3 days' worth of it and stopped taking anything or smoking altogether. So far, 2 weeks without smoking. And trust me, no one is more surprised than me. Needless to say, I gave the carton of cigarettes I just bought away."

• wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Started Chantix on April 17, 2013, with a quit date of May 1, 2013. Today is April 24th, and my experience is going great. I never smoked much anyway, 3 to 6 smokes a day, but going through menopause and needing some relief requires me to stop smoking. I quit many times before cold turkey, but it seems this time has been the toughest because of other stressful situations in my life right now. But the Chantix has only given me an upset stomach, and I can only remember one dream so far, and it was quite pleasant. I had the experience another reviewer had... I was shopping!"