Varenicline and Depression: What Users Say

• DJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I was hospitalized the day after Christmas 2019 for other issues than smoking, stomach issues, internal bleeding, and alcoholism. I have COPD. I’ve smoked ever since I was sixteen. I am 63 years old. Up to 3 packs a day. I was a mess. Due to being hospitalized, I could not smoke or drink. After a 5-day stay, I was released on New Year's Eve. I was sent home dry. I tried nicotine patches for about a week and a half. Alcohol was the LAST thing on my mind. I was so sick! Finally, my primary doctor talked me into trying Chantix again. It’s been 4 weeks, no smoking at all or alcohol. I still crave a cigarette, but it’s manageable. Moment by moment, this too shall pass. Side effects: nausea and vomiting if not taken with food, I want to sleep a lot! Slight depression? Occasional headaches. A feeling of “loss”. The pros outweigh the cons at least for me. I truly believe I was going to die after being hospitalized. By the grace of God, it was a wide awakening."

• JAY...
• January 26, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "First off, this pill works for what it is intended for. 10 days after starting, I stopped smoking and had no desire to have a cigarette. I continued using for 3 more weeks, stopped and still am not smoking. As for side effects, I did have nausea, but if I took it with food, it helped a lot. I did have very vivid enhanced dreams, but nothing scary or nothing that bothered me. I do want to add, though, if you are on any psychiatric medications, I'd use caution and talk to your doctor. I have been on medication for bipolar for over 20 years and haven't had any kind of relapse for over 10 years. However, while on this drug, I did have a setback with some depression and mood swings, where I had to take a 3-week leave of absence from work. Now, this could be just a coincidence, but maybe not. I am better now, stable on my meds, and smoke-free. I would still recommend this drug, as it was very easy and effective to quit smoking, I'd just use caution."

• Bet...
• July 19, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on my 10th day of Chantix. I have not smoked for two days. The first few days, I was smoking more than normal, then around the 5th day, I cut my 20-a-day habit down to 3. It felt easier than I imagined it would, then 1, now none. Chantix is a strong drug. I suffer from depression anyway, so I have been very cautious about the dosage. I only take one pill a day. I have felt depressed at times, but I have had worse days. I keep a close eye on my mood and make sure I keep telling myself it's my mind and I will control it. I felt queasy at times, but never got that sick feeling after smoking. I still crave a cigarette, but I feel Chantix makes it more bearable to get through the craving. It's still early days, but I've never managed to go this long without smoking in 22 years. Fingers crossed to a better me."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "After reading reviews, I was terrified to take this medicine, but I really wanted to quit, so I gave it a try. I took it for 35 days and quit due to side effects. I smoked for the first two weeks and haven’t smoked another one in 3 weeks. I did experience nausea, some vivid dreams, but nothing terrifying. I did get severely depressed and literally just got out of bed to go to work, so I decided to quit taking it. I think this drug is effective in helping you quit if you really desire to quit. It was a great start for me, and I’m hoping I don’t start back after quitting the medicine early. Cigarettes taste disgusting while using this, and you don’t get that satisfaction after smoking like you normally would, so I think that’s what helps."

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Today is my one-year anniversary of being smoke-free - thank you Chantix! I took this for 3 months, and weaned myself off of it the same way I began it. I also cut the dosage down to one pill a day at the 6-week mark. I checked in with my doctor after a month about depression (this and the weaning off of the medicine, I believe, are very important to success). I had some tough days, but really clear thinking and the ability to say no when a craving would come over me. I smoked for 35 years... If I can do it, so can you!"

• dnl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "This is my 3rd time taking Chantix. 1st 2 times I didn't want to, nor did I try to quit. I've now been taking Chantix for 10 days. I quit on day 7. After 27 hours, I tested the waters and took a drag off a cig. Felt like I was inhaling dirt from a dust storm. 1 puff and I put it out. I've smoked for 29 years. In previous attempts to quit, I got so depressed I couldn't get out of bed, crying all day until I gave in and smoked. I have COPD, asthma, and take 6 or more breathing treatments (that don't help). With the Chantix, I don't feel the withdrawal and I'm not depressed. My biggest issue has been the desire and feeling of loss, but since the puff I took was awful, that feeling is less intense. I'll post again when I'm further along, but for the 1st time in my life I don't feel I need or want to smoke again."

• Wan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I will be starting my 3rd month of Chantix in a few days. I’ve smoked a pack a day for 35 years. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 2 COPD. I’m down now to 5-6 cigarettes a day. I will smoke my very last cigarette tonight. However, the side effects as far as nausea have been very hard to tolerate. But I’ve learned from my doctor that I can take Zantac, and it works really well with the stomach upset. My dreams can be really vivid. I have some depression. I do find myself more tired and irritable, eating more and experiencing weight gain. The medication works, but you have to let it do its job, and you have to work with it. I’m stubborn, and I like smoking. I decided to try Chantix because I first read the reviews in here, and you all were my inspiration. I thank you for that, and I hope my quit date tomorrow, 12/20, is successful so that on Christmas, I may have the first few days of the rest of my life smoke-free to report to my kids. Thanks for listening, and thanks for your help."

• jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix worked great for trying to quit smoking, up until the time you stop taking it. That's when I really noticed the depression. That was 3 years ago. Since then, I started smoking and have attempted to quit again using Chantix. Now the depression and suicidal thoughts start after about day 3. I have done this trial about 5 times because I thought maybe the depression came because I was already depressed and it just intensified it, but after 5 times, I am 100% convinced it's the medicine. Please be careful when taking this medication. Have someone you trust keep a watchful eye on your moods, sometimes your mood will change gradually and may not be evident the toll the medicine is taking. Watch for sadness, isolation, anger/rage, suicide."

• jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix worked great for trying to quit smoking, up until the time you stop taking it. That's when I really noticed the depression. That was 3 years ago. Since then, I started smoking and have attempted to quit again using Chantix. Now the depression and suicidal thoughts start after about day 3. I have done this trial about 5 times because I thought maybe the depression came because I was already depressed and it just intensified it, but after 5 times, I am 100% convinced it's the medicine. Please be careful when taking this medication. Have someone you trust keep a watchful eye on your moods, sometimes your mood will change gradually and may not be evident the toll the medicine is taking. Watch for sadness, isolation, anger/rage, suicide."

• Moe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I had crazy dreams, I ended up getting depressed, it made me sick at times. I felt like I was crazy for about 3 months. I had to go on it a second time. I have been smoking for 20 years since I was 13 years old, and in the past, nothing has made me quit-not even one day, not even getting pregnant with my children. I would recommend Chantix to anyone that is serious about quitting. I've never been prouder of myself in my whole life. I have now quit for 24 weeks, I don't plan on ever smoking again. Thank you, Chantix."

• Chu...
• September 7, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix just over 8 weeks ago (been on them before but ended up back smoking as I stopped taking them too early!) I smoked 20 a day for 10+ years. By day 8, I had no craving at all and haven’t smoked since. These tablets really do work, but obviously do come with certain side effects?! I have found it’s an absolute definite to take them just after eating (at least 2 pieces of toast or so for AM and a proper meal for PM.) The nausea is horrific if you take them on an empty stomach, as I found on my first attempt with Champix. I have also been suffering with really bizarre nightmares/dreams? Quite cranky and easily irritated - suppose it’s expected though? This time around, I have struggled getting out of bed in the morning, but I don't struggle going to sleep - if anything, I could sleep longer (normally have a good 8-9 hours a night??) Feel a bit flat some days and no motivation or energy. Definitely think they are worth a go though - Good luck!!!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Thank you so much for Chantix! I have bullous emphysema. My doctor suggested Chantix, so I figured I would give it a try. It took a couple of tries before I finally was able to quit. The fact that you continue to smoke for the first week of taking the medication makes it easier. The Chantix is building up in your system while you are starting to notice the cigarettes that you are really not craving but smoking more out of habit. It made me nauseous, but not enough to stop taking it. February 10 of this year (2017) was 3 years since I quit smoking! One warning: DO NOT STOP TAKING IT SUDDENLY. It caused MAJOR depression. You have to come off of it gradually. Would I do it again, though? You bet your butt, I would."

• Ian...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Took Champix years ago. Had some nausea and mood changes but completed the 3-month course. It was amazing how well it controlled the cravings!! Remained a non-smoker for 9 months then stupidly thought I could have “just one.” Then I was hooked again. Have tried Champix again since, but the nausea, depression, and mood changes stopped me from completing the course. Thinking about giving it another go as nothing else works for me. I have diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, so I have to do something. This time I’ll get antiemetics from my GP and I’m seeing a psychologist for PTSD who I’m hoping will help with the depression and mood changes. I know most of these side effects ease after a while and nothing comes close to Champix for smoking cessation."

• Kez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "As anti-smoking job, yes, it did the job. But do not drink alcohol while taking these. Nowhere does it say not to do this, and I was not made aware of this when prescribed them. Up until this point, I thought that the tablets were amazing. Until I went to a friend's party, I remember arriving, and that is pretty much it. I suffered what has been called a 'psychotic episode.' I was abusive and rude to close friends, relatives, and people I had never even met before. All of which is completely out of character for me. I have no recollection of any of the night, all six hours of it, and am only aware of my behavior through what others have told me. In the days after, I became very depressed and anxious."

• Kjh...
• November 17, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I am currently on Cymbalta and was told it would not affect Champix. Day 1-3, I was very nauseous with a headache. Day 4, I was angry. Day 5 and 6, I was 'lost,' tired, and emotionally absent. Day 7 to 12, I went from emotionally absent to holding back tears daily. SEVERE sadness. Day 14, I was trying to fall asleep and heard someone say, 'Jesus. She is asleep. ZAP!' I live alone. Later that night, I had a complete mental breakdown. What I needed to do with my animals and if I should pack everything so no one would have to, all while crying hysterically. I was told by numerous people that I do not need to take this medication due to prior mental health issues. I told them, 'A few weeks of crazy is worth me not smoking.' After all, I have had issues for the past 30 years. I just KNEW I had been through and felt it all. I was wrong! If you have prior mental health issues, DO NOT TAKE IT!!!!! It elevates every issue by 100%."

• Kjh...
• November 17, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I am currently on Cymbalta and was told it would not affect Champix. Day 1-3, I was very nauseous with a headache. Day 4, I was angry. Day 5 and 6, I was 'lost,' tired, and emotionally absent. Day 7 to 12, I went from emotionally absent to holding back tears daily. SEVERE sadness. Day 14, I was trying to fall asleep and heard someone say, 'Jesus. She is asleep. ZAP!' I live alone. Later that night, I had a complete mental breakdown. What I needed to do with my animals and if I should pack everything so no one would have to, all while crying hysterically. I was told by numerous people that I do not need to take this medication due to prior mental health issues. I told them, 'A few weeks of crazy is worth me not smoking.' After all, I have had issues for the past 30 years. I just KNEW I had been through and felt it all. I was wrong! If you have prior mental health issues, DO NOT TAKE IT!!!!! It elevates every issue by 100%."

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I feel so, so sick and so depressed...but I did stop smoking in my first week of taking the drug as I felt too sick to smoke. I'm now in my last month, and I want to stop taking Champix, but I'm scared if I don't finish, I will start smoking again. The meds have made me so confused, I can't think properly. I have all the side effects they say you can get BADLY! I feel like I have the worst hangover ever! But I'm a non-smoker, and I'm losing so much weight. Just hope I can get through the last month. All I can say is I will never ever smoke again, and I can't go through this again!"

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "12 years ago, I was so sick with bronchitis and still trying to smoke, so I decided I definitely had to give them up, and for good. I’d tried the patches, the chewing gum, but still went back to them when my doctor suggested I try Champix for 12 weeks, so I did. A few days into taking it, I felt sick, but I’d set my date to get off them, October 22, and I did, and I never looked back. I don’t crave them or ever wish that I’d go back, and I really thank Champix, because I know I'd have never given them up. Side effects: sickness at the start, then a few side effects at the end, hearing things, seeing things, depression, but my doctor was very good, and I finished the 12-week course, and I was great."

• JDL...
• January 3, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Started Chantix and had horrible dreams at night and depression/suicidal thoughts during the day. After a week, I stopped taking it and continued to smoke. I tried the drug again the next year and had amazing results. The medication completely curbed my desire to smoke. I also lost the urge to drink Mt. Dew. Anyways, I quit smoking for 2 years. After not smoking for 2 years, my oldest child became ill and was hospitalized. I ended up smoking again during this life event. I immediately started taking Chantix after he left the hospital, and the drug worked again. I have not smoked for many years and have lost the urge to pick the habit back up. Please, please do yourself a favor and use this life-enhancing drug. It was the best decision."

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Champix before and found that it was easy to quit while taking them, but found that 2 weeks or so after ceasing them, I started smoking again. I consulted my doctor about this, and he recommends that I take a second course, which is 6 months instead of the 3-month standard course, so here I am on DAY 8. I experienced nausea each time I had one smoke. DAY 9, I tried having a smoke in the morning and nausea again, so much that I haven't tried having another one yet today, and it's after 10 pm. I haven't struggled with that really, but have to say that I am feeling somewhat depressed. Also, I seem to get tired, but hopeful that I can stick to it and give up for good this time. P.S., I found it a must to take the tablet with a meal or a large snack, otherwise, the nausea was overwhelming."

• nie...
• March 24, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I took Chantix for 2 months, was very sick and very sleepy on it, but it worked. I have been smoke-free for 13 weeks now, although I do still have strong cravings a few times a day. My biggest concern is that since going off of the Chantix, I became very depressed and started getting suicidal thoughts a lot. Now I am on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, which I had never needed before. My doctor thinks maybe I was borderline depressed and that the Chantix pushed it over the edge."

• rep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "This is my 3rd time taking Chantix. The 1st time I took it for 3 months and quit smoking for 3.5 years. I experienced the dreams but no other side effects. The 2nd time I took it for 1 month and quit smoking for 6 months. I still had the dreams but had nausea also. This time I've been on it for 4 weeks, smoke-free for 3 weeks. I'm having the dreams and had nausea for only the 2nd and 3rd week, but in the 2nd week, I started experiencing more side effects. I started feeling tired, lazy, bummed, and in a bit of a depressive state. In the 3rd week, I became paranoid and obsessive with racing thoughts. It's hard to focus, and now in the 4th week, I question if I'm hallucinating or dreaming. No thoughts of suicide. I quit taking it today and hope to stay smoke-free."