Varenicline and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Chi...
• October 2, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Great results, but side effects were unpleasant. I could cope with constipation, but when I had disturbed vision and speech, I decided to stop the tablets. It's day 5 since I stopped, after 5.5 weeks of Champix. Still don't want a cigarette."

• 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."

• Lee...
• February 16, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Today I am on week 3, day 21, and I have not touched a cig, suffering with constipation and a little nausea. I feel refreshed, I can breathe better, I have an appetite, which is good for me because I am skinny and hoping that I will gain some weight. Thank you, Champix. I never thought I could give up smoking ever."

• 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."

• Mrs...
• January 21, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I am 52 and have smoked since I was 16. I gave up with patches 7 years ago for 3 years. Then started again. I have tried patches again and hypnosis, but nothing worked, so I tried Champix. A couple of people at work had tried and failed with it last year, but one lady I know tried it 4 years ago and is still not smoking. I have taken 14 tablets now and not smoked for 3 days, which is amazing for me! But the side effects have been (and have now stopped) horrible. I spent all weekend in bed under the quilt feeling sick, giddy, and spaced out. I have been constipated for two weeks (okay now), headaches. Tired. Can't drink wine or coffee! (Not really a bad thing!) But I am loving the dreams! It's working, so it's worth it!"

• 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!"

• itz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Champix without any motivation. I was facing side effects like constipation, gas, dry mouth, unusual dreams, and headache, but I did not stop taking the tablet. On the 4th day, I smoked a cigarette, and just after that, I got a headache. I smoked a couple more, and the headache was unbearable. I took painkillers twice. That was the day when I started to hate smoking from the inside. Tomorrow, it will be the last day of my 2nd week. I am taking Champix half an hour before sleeping and after breakfast. So far, I did not have any sleeping problems. During the second week, only two side effects I am facing: unusual dreams every night. I urinate almost double than I used to. In between, I do a little bit of exercise and try to eat a lot. Thank you, Champix."

• Kiw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Now onto Week 5 of non-smoking with Champix. Have tried many cessation tools (patches, etc.), but this has been the best for controlling urges to smoke easier. However, side effects for me have been crazy, so will be stopping the course early. The side effects include insomnia, tiredness, lucid dreams, lethargy, swollen legs and ankles, sore feet, constipation, nausea, and mood swings that feel more in line with bipolar depression/quick to anger/anxiety/frustration. More than the usual nicotine withdrawal-associated symptoms."

• 2lu...
• September 19, 2010

For Smoking Cessation "After reading so many negative experiences, I was reluctant to take Chantix. So I cut the pills in half for the first 3 days and gradually worked up to the full dosage. Noticed some dizziness and constipation, but otherwise felt like a million bucks. Today is day 9, and I'm not feeling that great. Nausea, constipated, and hungry all at the same time. I am not smoking, though. After 2 friends were diagnosed this year with lung cancer, I am determined to quit. So putting up with a few side effects is better than the side effects of chemo!"

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "The drug REALLY reduces the urge to smoke, but it made me suicidal, and I wanted to hurt everyone I came across. I had no control over my emotions, and I was always severely aggravated. I finally ended up in the psych ward, and it almost ruined my marriage. I also had black stools, constipation, and wicked dreams. On the plus side, I lost 45 pounds. I got down to 1 cigarette every 3 days but had to go off the drug as I had a severe adverse reaction. Alas, I'm still smoking, but I'm so desperate to stop I would consider using it again under strict doctor supervision. My husband was successful, only mild side effects."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2012

For Smoking Cessation "When you look at the overall goal, it was perfect. I quit smoking in three weeks. My wife then tried it and had a similar timeline for success. So one month each was enough for both of us to quit smoking. We were each about a two-pack-a-week smoker. We have both been quit for 3 years. I would recommend it, although I did experience some strange dreams, constipation, and nausea. I still believe overall it was worth the downsides. Everything returned to normal after I quit taking the medicine."

• Ex-...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Ok, I have tried many things to quit smoking, and patches helped me a lot! However, even with them, I have failed. One thing left to try was Chantix, and I was thinking it would make a huge difference! (It did for my friend!) I have been on Chantix for 3 weeks and had no desire to quit smoking whatsoever! I smoked a pack and a half even the third week! I had vivid dreams (but I always do), and I had constipation (which I never have)! No other side effect that I was aware of! And really, my smoking pleasure was the same! I stopped taking the pill! I felt I gave it a long enough try! I am sure it works for some people, but it did nothing for me! And I was scared of the damage it was doing to my body! Now I am smoke-free-cold turkey!"

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2011

For Smoking Cessation "I tried Chantix for a period of 2 months. My cravings for a cigarette eased until I cut down to about 3 per day. The nausea lasted for about 20 minutes after each dose and got better over time. The vivid dreams, constipation, and gas got worse. I understand this medication is not going to work the same for everyone. I believe there is a short window of opportunity when you either quit or you don't. When I was down to 3 per day, I probably should have quit. This medicine began to make me agitated, anxious, and very hard to get along with, to say the least. I still smoke, unfortunately."

• Joa...
• May 1, 2010

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I celebrated one year smoke-free on March 5, 2010. Both of us were 30-year smokers, I smoked 2-3 packs a day and he smoked 1-2. Chantix was the magic pill we'd always joked about! The only side effect we suffered was constipation (we know two other people who had the same easy experience, but two of my cousins had to stop because of vivid nightmares). I feel very lucky that Chantix worked so well for us. Neither of us has had any interest in smoking since we quit."

• aje...
• October 5, 2011

For Smoking Cessation "I would recommend this medication to anyone. My doctor advised me of the side effects, but I really wanted to quit. I have smoked for 22 years, and I have a new grandson in the house. The only side effect I had was constipation, but it was something I could deal with. Always take this medication just after a meal, so you won't feel sick. I learned that the first week. I have been quit for 34 days, and I have been off the medication for 1 week. It suggests a 12-week treatment, but I knew I was ready. All of the anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia come along with nicotine withdrawals, but this medication makes them so much easier to tolerate. Hang in there, the first three days are the worst, but if you make it a week, don't turn back. GOOD LUCK."

• tom...
• April 15, 2011

For Smoking Cessation "I am on my second week of Chantix. So far, I haven't had any bad side effects. A little constipation is all. I've been a smoker since age 16, am now 48. I quit smoking cold turkey in 1988 for 6 years but started smoking due to an extremely stressful family emergency. Since then, I have tried nicotine gum and patches with no success. I already suffer from depression, so was unsure whether or not to use Chantix. After talking to my therapist, I got and started taking it. In the first week, I noticed that the craving for a cigarette was a lot less than I expected. Now, after the beginning of the second week, I can tell that cigarettes are starting to taste bad. So far, I'm very pleased with how the Chantix is working for me! I was a pack-a-day smoker."