Varenicline and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Gyp...
• May 3, 2014

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."

• Nun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Champix was very effective to stop me from smoking! After six days, I suddenly woke up, and for the first time in 30 years, I didn't feel like having a smoke. So I didn't and haven't for over three months now. I read many reviews before starting to take it and was kind of dreading the side effects, but decided to take it anyway. Took it for 2.5 months. I only noticed very vivid dreams (not bad nightmares) that even amused me, but made me wake up 2 or 3 times a night, so it was a bit tiring. Besides that, for the first two weeks, I had trouble remembering words and felt a bit disconnected. It was only after I stopped taking it that I realized I had been very depressed, had 2 car accidents in 2 months (first in 25 years of driving). Worth it!"

• Har...
• September 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Effective at stopping smoking, went from being a heavy smoker to stopping on day 11 and not felt the urge to smoke. Here comes the but: suffered tiredness and nausea the first couple of weeks, which my GP warned me about in advance. Didn’t really cover the mental health risks, either causing or aggravating existing issues. Within five weeks of taking this drug, I had spiraled out of control with depression and hit a really dark place. Fortunately, my wife noticed all this despite me trying to hide it, and took action. Within 24 hours of stopping, it was like coming up for air when drowning. The drug is very effective at stopping smoking, be very aware of the side effects. Wouldn’t advise taking this tablet if you live on your own or have existing mental health conditions unless you are fully aware of the side effects and have some kind of support mechanism in place. I genuinely think I would have taken my own life if my wife hadn’t forced me to get medical attention."

• cjm...
• September 17, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix made me so depressed life didn't seem worth it, either doctors or Chantix doesn't really address depression. I spent weeks on the psych ward of our local hospital. FYI, the Chantix site won't even let me post on their site because it's negative - that should give the public something to think about. Yet it seems to be a known side effect."

• Ema...
• December 13, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Please be careful with Chantix. I could tell it was starting to work within the 1st week but also noticed increased irritability and nausea as side effects. To me, that was something I could deal with. Moving on... I started my second week, and I felt a very deep depression setting in. I had feelings of anger towards my children. I also felt very sad for no reason. I couldn’t get anything done at work. I was irritated by everyone’s presence. The depression while on this medication hit me fast and hard! I have 2 small children, and I am their protector, I cannot risk losing my mind! I started losing my ability to be an adequate and involved parent. I didn’t enjoy anything anymore. For the safety of myself and my children, I have discontinued taking Chantix. I’ve read reviews of people having long-term effects on their brain chemistry after taking Chantix, and that’s not something I’m willing to toy with. I will have to use my own willpower to quit."

• Anonymous
• August 26, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Be careful with this drug, it changed my mood. I was feeling depressed and angry most of the time. My taste changed, which caused frustration. Even after stopping the drug, my taste has not yet returned to normal. The drug reduced the amount of smokes I was having, however, after 4 weeks, it increased again. Eating increased, this was largely because I wanted the nasty chemical taste in my mouth gone. I also experienced heavy breathing. I think there is a lot to take into consideration before using this drug."

• nem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 3 months. I never was depressed in my life before then. I had a successful career, a wife, kids, rich by some standards, but... I am still so depressed weeks, maybe months, since I quit Chantix. My depression is so deep, I cannot think. Think really hard before you try this."

• lig...
• October 26, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I am a 20-year, one-pack-a-day smoker. I am on my 3rd day of 0.5 mg of Chantix. I'm concerned about bumping up to the 1.0 mg dose I'm supposed to take tomorrow because I'm already feeling tired, way angry, depressed, disconnected, accompanied by strange thoughts. I am normally a very happy person. I'm 103 lbs. I think this drug should be dosed out according to weight. I can't believe I need the same dose that a 300 lb man would need. I think this is too much for me. I'm nervous about side effects."

• ali...
• January 11, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I have not smoked in 4 months, and I owe it all to Chantix. I had shortness of breath, severe headaches, felt very lethargic, absent-minded, and depressed. I ended up in the emergency room. I am fine now, but I have not taken it for 2 months. And the best is I am a non-smoker! They say it will take a few months before I feel myself again. I have no desire to smoke."

• 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."

• 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."

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

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."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Week one on the starter pack. Was still smoking, no urge to quit, no side effects. Start week 2 (2 mg a day). I go to bed at 11-12 every night. Started waking up at 3 a.m. on the dot every morning. Extremely vicious nightmares. I am all for vivid dreams, but I have never in my life experienced anything like these. I love my wife deeply, and in one dream she cheated on me. I woke up and found myself actually angry at her, like it really happened... these are nightmares that haunt you the next day. By day 12, I started hallucinating, seeing patterns on the wall, in text, etc. It DOES eliminate the pleasure of smoking, thus the ease of quitting, and depression set in. Use with caution."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "Champix actually was amazing in controlling the cravings. I noticed it made me somehow depressed while taking it the first week, but then I noticed it only caused that when I drink more than 1 cup of coffee a day. Just advice, avoid caffeine while taking it. Good luck for everyone."

• daw...
• July 9, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 6 weeks and quit smoking on the 8th day. I have been smoke-free for over 4 months. I have been experiencing severe memory loss. I also experienced depression to the point of being treated for it."

• Joh...
• July 13, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband has been smoking for 35 years and started taking Chantix 12 days ago to quit, and he knows that the medication is working because his urge to smoke has decreased, and as of yesterday, he only smoked 4 cigarettes. 4 days ago, he found himself depressed and continues to feel this way. He is also experiencing bizarre dreams and dreams that are very real-life. He is a true believer that Chantix works, but we are both concerned about these side effects he is experiencing."

• Dnl...
• February 25, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "My time I used Chantix. On the 9th day, I attacked my husband for laughing at the TV. I told him I didn't have to hear him laugh, and if he didn't shut up, he could leave. I thought since I was better aware, I could manage it. The second time I went on Chantix, my second experience was a bit different. On day 8, I cried because I wanted the feel-good of a cigarette. On day 9, I felt like I was on speed. I was excited to not be smoking and thrilled to be alive. I didn't want to go to bed, and when I did, I couldn't wait to wake up. When I did, I was lower than I've ever been. Extremely depressed. I didn't want to be alive. I didn't get enjoyment from cigarettes, but I also had a complete loss of soul. I decided I wasn't taking them anymore, and I went to bed. When I woke up in the night, I knew I felt better, and today I am myself again. Smoking or loss of soul and spirit? Smoking or losing your mind? It is my belief that I would have quit smoking with Chantix, but I would have lost my mind."

• KT ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm happy to see that Chantix helped people. We all know cigarettes are not healthy, tax your breathing, make you a social pariah, etc. And then there's the ridiculous cost, which is why I wanted to stop; for all the reasons listed above. I knew from the commercial that this could make me depressed and suicidal. I thought it was the common disclaimer to avoid liability if I decided to stop smoking but jump off a bridge, which is where I was pretty quickly into it. I felt like a zombie, was ridiculously tired. No matter how much sleep I got, I was tired. And sad. Cigarettes lost their appeal, as did everything else. I was/am extremely congested, sad, 'lost,' hopeless. My teeth hurt. I also had strange smells. Good news: stopping abruptly is OK."

• KAK...
• July 8, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I went from an occasional social smoker to going through a pack a day. I smoked a pack per day for at least 3 years and realized I couldn't afford it anymore in terms of my wallet and health. I tried several times, but I couldn't make it through the second day. So, I decided to take Chantix. My doctor informed me that because of my age, I wouldn't necessarily have to complete the 12-week program. I could smoke the first week and prepare myself for the quit date. By the end of that week, my stomach couldn't bear it anymore. I didn't want one. I would have the random urges up to 2 weeks later. I did not experience the depression or wild dreams. Chantix does not quit for you but serves more as a valuable tool for the process."

• pin...
• June 17, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband has been taking the Chantix trying to quit, and I came here because he has been experiencing depression, irritability, and lethargy. He has seemed more punchy about needing to eat (maybe the hunger?). I thought maybe the medication could be causing the depression, but that wasn't listed as a symptom."

• Man...
• October 21, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I didn't want to quit smoking, but knew I had to. At first, I smoked while on the Chantix, but soon I found myself not interested in it. I smoked for 16 years, 1/2 a pack a day, and it worked! I had some side effects, weird dreams and slight depression, but made it through, and I feel great! It's been 6 months now, free of smoking! I recommend Chantix!"

• Joj...
• October 4, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I just want to say I have quit smoking now for 1 1/2 years. I would never go back to smoking again. After I finished taking Champix at 6 months smoke-free, I started to feel agitated and depressed, I was not myself at all. I felt like I was going nuts. I went to the doctor, and she put me on a mild antidepressant for 3 months. She suggested this because she said I might still be having withdrawals from smoking. If she hadn't put me on those antidepressants, I think I would have started smoking again. Now I'm smoke-free and drug-free and feel great."

• rpa...
• September 13, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 40 years, and Chantix has worked for me. There are side effects, but I think they are worth it for the time I take Chantix in order to become a healthy person again. I see many comments of depression, but that may be because we lost our best friend of smoking. Hang in there, it does work. I have been smoke-free for 6 weeks and actually am going through most of the day without thinking about it."

• 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!"