Varenicline and Constipation: What Users Say

• Riz...
• February 11, 2020

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Day 8 on Champix. I've smoked for 22 years. For the past year now, my smoking has increased from smoking all the years, 6-7 per day, to double the amount. Side effects: slight nausea after taking the pill lasts around 5-10 min. I don't eat breakfast, so I just take it with a large glass of water. Bad constipation, bloating, takes me ages to fall asleep at night and wake up constantly. No bad dreams. I'm eating more and feel hungry all the time. I'm now at the point where I don't go out first thing upon waking in the morning with my coffee to smoke. I love my red wine, and I have found that I don't even feel like having wine or drinking since a couple of days ago! I can only really smoke half a cig, then I have to stub it out. Champix works by slowly reducing my craving to smoke. Each day, especially since starting the 1 mg twice daily, I'm not thinking of smoking, and today I only had 3, which is already a big achievement for me. The best thing I've done for myself and my family."

• Ham...
• January 27, 2020

Varenicline 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

Varenicline 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."

• Din...
• December 21, 2014

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Have been smoking for 38 years, my cigarette intake had crept up to 15-20. I've never really thought about stopping, but had a medical scare and thought, right, that's it! Started Champix 7 days ago. I am truly amazed, they are magic. I actually stopped smoking on day 5, not even wanting one, no cravings. It's as if I have never smoked at all, I just can't explain it. I would say the only side effect I've had is constipation. If you have any doubt about this medication, don't. They actually work. Amazing."

• Lou...
• July 26, 2009

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I was not expecting Champix to work as efficiently, but I am surprised by how effective it is. I'm on my eighth week of taking Champix, and my fourth week of total quitting. I smoked as normal for the first two weeks, stopped smoking through the day, then got down to one or two smokes a day before quitting completely. It just seemed effortless. The side effects have been interesting. My dreams have been very vivid but not disturbing. The nausea has been easy to manage by eating something like yogurt before taking, and constipation remedies are easy to find. I would recommend it to anyone, and indeed do."

• Bum...
• July 4, 2014

Varenicline 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."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2016

Varenicline 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

Varenicline 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

Varenicline 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

Varenicline 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."

• Gyp...
• May 3, 2014

Varenicline 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."

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

Varenicline 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

Varenicline 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."

• lcl...
• August 29, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been on this med for 5 weeks. I am 20 days smoke-free. I am also bipolar, which I am medicated for, and I continue to take that, and it's not been an issue. The only side effect I have on this drug is constipation. I smoked for 38 years. I feel great, and I will take Champix for 10 weeks as advised, and be smoke-free the rest of my life. Thank you for this wonderful drug."

• Cli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2020

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Update on the smoking medication: The first week there were hardly any side effects, the only one that really stuck out was feeling a little down. I noticed that I doubt myself and my relationships more often, and it sorta amplifies my main insecurities a bit. Second week so far, today was my first cigarette-free day. In the instructions, it says to stop smoking completely between day 8 and 13 of the medication, I think. I am now starting to notice a bit of constipation. That's all so far. Oh, and the cravings while on the medication are bearable, they are still there, but if you have at least a little bit of willpower, you should be able to manage. I just remind myself that I really need to stop after smoking for 6 years and remind myself that I will be much better off quitting now."

• Ber...
• February 18, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Female smoker of almost 50 years. Like all smokers, I have a constant desire to quit but am immobilized by fear. Heard about someone who quit taking Champix, researched the product, and all of the amazing people who shared their experiences online helped me make the decision to start this drug, despite my fears. I am completely blown away by how effective it is. I'm on day fourteen and haven’t smoked in 3 days now. Prior to my full quit day, my smoking reduced every day, I just couldn’t smoke! Yes, I had bad side effects: nausea and tummy pain the worst. Took omeprazole each morning before the morning tablet and ensured I ate before, during, and after taking the tablet. That helped a lot. I had a fuzzy head, dizziness, constipation, flatulence, everything. But all this will pass, and I will be a healthy, happy non-smoker. My chest has already cleared, and there’s not so much wheezing at night. Start it, stick it out, it will work for you. Good luck."

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

Varenicline 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!"

• Anonymous
• June 2, 2010

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 16 now, I stopped smoking on day 10. Sometimes I feel the craving, but it's easily manageable. For side effects, I got nausea and constipation, also bad heartburn, hairy tongue. (I don't know if this is related to the Champix or not.) Overall, I'm happy with the results so far."

• mic...
• October 16, 2014

Varenicline 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."

• hut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Week three smoke-free!!! Ok, so I get headaches, feel sick, constipated, crazy dreams, but not enough to not be able to go to work and function. I stopped smoking day 9 - haven't smoked for three weeks and it's fine - I don't even care - this stuff really works!!!!! Just got to deal with side effects :)"

• ale...
• May 31, 2009

Varenicline 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."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2023

For Smoking Cessation "I immediately had severe nausea, constipation, gas, and heartburn when starting varenicline. Then came the insomnia (couldn't stay asleep). I started having dizzy spells. My vision was going a little blurry, like when you need a new glasses prescription. When I had a hallucination of a giant spider, I was done. Even once I quit, I became suicidal and homicidal, and one week after stopping, I am still badly impacted by depression and lack of motivation. This is an absolutely horrible drug. I feel like it's wrecked my life since it's so badly impacted my functioning. I should have just kept smoking."

• Bre...
• August 15, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I quit smoking on July 6, 2015. I have now been smoke-free for 39 days and counting! I have saved $340 and not smoked 607 cigarettes. Just like some of the others on here, I have experienced almost all of the side effects. The vivid dreams are still a nightly occurrence, and the nausea and constipation are experienced daily. I feel that I can get through these side effects, knowing that I am no longer hurting myself by smoking. I am so thankful that I am finally rid of the nicotine demon! Thank you, Champix!"

• boo...
• February 14, 2008

Varenicline 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

Varenicline 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."