Varenicline and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Sea...
• April 5, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I found that this drug helped extremely well in my battle to quit smoking. I did suffer from almost every non-lethal side effect it can give you aside from severe depression. I was a 15-year smoker and used the starter pack to quit. I have been two months shy of a year smoke-free."

• Ric...
• June 17, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I really struggled with this product. Yes, I quit smoking, but I was so nauseous all the time. After taking the evening pill, I would have to go to bed due to the debilitation of the nausea. The product worked, but I didn't continue onto the second lot of four weeks, as I couldn't bear the thought of the terrible discomfort. I found that when I stopped taking the Champix, I had such bad depression, and I really struggled for the first few days after stopping. Yes, it makes you stop smoking, but for some, like me, not so good."

• Che...
• June 11, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 22 and am now smoke-free. Within 1 week, I weaned myself with the help of Chantix to approx 5 per day compared to 10-12 daily. Weeks 2-3, I only smoked 4 on a bad day and 2 on a great day. I'm not moody and crabby at all, and no physical withdrawal symptoms. Only mental, which I'm overcoming every day."

• Kim...
• October 20, 2013

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "It's been seven years since my husband and I quit smoking using Chantix. I never thought it could happen. I struggled a bit with depression, but I never considered harming myself or others. I don't know if my depression was due to the Chantix, a bipolar (I'm diagnosed) episode, withdrawal from nicotine, the loss of 'friends' and routines associated with smoking, or a combination of any or all four. After more than 25 years each - and every patch, gum, hypnosis, cold turkey, meditation, and acupuncture method we could try - we quit smoking using Chantix in 2006."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sta...
• September 16, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Well, how do I start? I've been taking Champix now for nearly 8 weeks. Up until now, I've felt great! Stopped smoking, a lot more energy, etc., until recently. I keep having weird thoughts, reevaluating my life, feeling paranoid, feeling depressed, crying for no reason, can't stop thinking, can't switch my brain off from thinking to even watch TV. I actually feel so low. I have never felt like this in my life, and speaking to a family member, it's the Champix! I've stopped taking them. I've got a doctor's appointment on Monday. I actually feel like I need to be sectioned. Seriously, guys, think twice before taking these. Yes, they stop you from smoking, but wow, the side effects are dangerous!!"

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2009

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I gave this drug a rating of 5 because I have seen it do well for many people. However, I went CRAZY after starting this medicine. I watched 4 people take this medicine and do very well and quit smoking. If it was not for a friend that I had not spoken to in weeks calling me, I would have done even worse. When she contacted me, I explained my symptoms of fatigue, depression, and even crazier things. She then told me the exact same thing happened to her on Chantix. I have quit smoking before. My advice: Try this medication but HAVE SOMEONE WATCH YOU FOR SIDE EFFECTS."

• ell...
• November 17, 2013

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Was on Chantix for about two weeks. I did not take the PM dose, or I would never sleep. I did slow down and almost stopped within that time, but found I was irritable, cranky, and VERY depressed. The side effects were mostly emotional. I had to stop taking Chantix. When you wake up in the morning feeling like it was the night before and the 'sun' is not shining = entering deep depression, it is time to quit the medication."

• hun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2019

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "This is the worst drug I have ever taken. It gave me horrible nightmares and made me feel depressed and weird. After 1 month, I wound up in an ER with seizures. It never worked! So then I got an E-cig and never smoked again. DO NOT TAKE THIS HORRIBLE DRUG! People have bad mental side effects on this (deep dark depression, etc.). STAY AWAY from CHANTIX, IT'S GARBAGE. (I know they won't show this)"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix for 6 weeks. Although it has drastically reduced my smoking, I can't seem to quit. And the trippy dreams coupled with the feelings of depression are almost pushing me to my limit."

• Vic...
• January 5, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 13 years, tried patches for years, and the longest I had done was 1 month. I started the tablets on my 3-week holiday (I did get ill, couldn't sleep properly, and was sad), but at the end of the day, it worked, and I only took 2 weeks' worth of the pills before I stopped taking them completely."

• Cou...
• May 31, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 10 years. I am at the end of my 4th week on Chantix and have been nicotine-free for 6 days! I still have the urge to smoke when I initially get in my car to go somewhere or after I eat, but the craving subsides surprisingly easily and rather quickly. I take one tablet in the morning and at night (be sure to eat and let your food settle before you take the morning dose to prevent the nausea!). I do feel more tired than usual and cranky during week 2, but not unmanageable. I've been having vivid dreams, but good ones! I'm dreaming in color and wanting to go back to sleep to find out what happens next! I've tried everything before Chantix. I haven't had any depression episodes, though it is a known side effect. No medicine is a one size fits all, so if you do take it or don't, understand that the reactions aren't the same for everyone. I would suggest if you try it to take it exactly as prescribed and visit your doctor regularly to monitor how it affects you."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I took Chantix for 4 weeks. I quit smoking my 3rd week. I didn't have any severe side effects until my 3rd week, I began to notice this foggy feeling. I had no nightmares or nausea, I did eat before taking the pill with a full glass of water. I have not taken Chantix since July 14th, and I still don't feel like myself. Moody, depressed, and just not myself at all. I'm glad I quit smoking, but this is hell. I did stop taking it early because of the foggy feeling. I believe this drug has made me feel crazy."

• eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I smoked at least two packs a day before trying Chantix. I had tried to quit before, but I had a feeling of rage and depression when I wasn't smoking. I started taking the medication, and around 8 days in, the thought of smoking would almost make me sick. When I would smoke, there was no satisfaction to be had. I did experience strange dreams and actually had a few blisters in my mouth. I called my doctor, who said to continue treatment despite the side effects. The side effects were definitely worth the outcome. I have been tobacco-free for almost three years now. I've even gone two years without even a single cold, which I contribute to no longer smoking."

• mag...
• November 15, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "My husband and I started Chantix on Oct 12. We both smoked a pack per day for over 45 years. On Oct 30, we both stopped smoking. We took the last week's pills once a day. We both had crazy dreams. I had nausea, anxiety, heart racing, depression, and/or mood swings, just felt funny. I have COPD, so I needed to quit. I stopped taking the last pill, but now I am having cravings, and they last a while. I am going to get a new script. All of the side effects are worth it. I am going to quit."

• Nuc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2022

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 3 weeks and then quit upon realization that this drug was making me depressed and irritable. I found myself dwelling on past events that only made me more depressed. I definitely was not feeling myself. The drug does help with taking the urge for nicotine away, but please be aware of side effects. I can’t imagine taking this drug any longer than the 3 weeks I did. Diarrhea was another side effect. I started feeling like my old self the day after I stopped taking the medication."

• Smo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Excellent at helping to quit smoking, as long as you are: a) seriously ready to quit; and b) prepared for the pattern changes (i.e., smoking in the car, smoking while on the phone, after meals, etc.). Worked really well for the first 3 to 4 weeks, but then dropped me into a severe depression and a downward spiral in the 4th and 5th weeks. I tapered back and eventually stopped taking it altogether starting in week 6 or so. At week 10, I ended up in the back of a police car on my way to the ER after a serious suicidal episode. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THIS DRUG! I've suffered from depression (never diagnosed or treated, but we know ourselves, don't we?) my entire life on and off, but this was bad. I'd go cold turkey, all things considered..."

• H92...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2013

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I'm on Day 8 of Chantix. I have smoked for twenty years and tried several other methods without success. My best friend is also taking it at the same time. The dreams are vivid. I'm very tired. I've also had headaches, which are not typical for me. I'm light sensitive and so dizzy that I feel unsafe driving or working at times. However, I've continued to take one pill a day instead of the two. I'm now on 1 mg. I have noticed less cravings. I'm so miserable that I'm gonna stop smoking just so I can quit this medication. Oh, and I forget, depressed. Wish you all luck!"

• peg...
• December 12, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 10 of Champix. I read Allen Carr's book last week, which spurred me on to throw a nearly full pack of cigarettes onto the fire Saturday night. The book put me into the frame of mind, and Champix gave me a helping hand. I only stopped 2 days ago, so it's very early days, but I'm surprised at how easy it has been. I have been lucky so far with side effects: some very vivid dreams and feeling a bit low. Things I can push on through if it helps me achieve my goal of being a non-smoker!"

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2014

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I had been a smoker since I was 12 years old (serious smoker by age 16). I really enjoyed smoking, and I never thought I would be able to quit. I had tried Nicorette, quitting cold turkey, Zyban, and laser therapy - nothing worked. I always ended up going back. I tried Chantix, and within 4 to 5 days, I noticed that I didn't have the craving any longer and was forgetting to smoke. I have not smoked in 10 months - not even one cheat! I did visit with my doctor after a month because I was worried about the side effects of depression. I stayed on the medication for 3 full months. By week 6, I cut the dosage in half, as I was having trouble with insomnia, and weaned myself off the dosage at the end. The dreams are entertaining, the gas can be bad."

• Its...
• November 3, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix for a little over a month now. I have been smoke-free for 11 days. I was a 25-year smoker. I couldn’t believe it... I just lost all desire to smoke. Thank you, Chantix! I do feel a little down, I have some vivid dreams and am still trying to get used to a non-smoker's lifestyle, but never in a million years would I have ever thought quitting would be so easy. I plan on getting off Chantix in a few more weeks."

• Don...
• May 14, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I've struggled to quit smoking, and I haven't enjoyed anything about smoking for years. It's simply addiction and the 'need' to smoke. Two weeks ago, I began taking Chantix. My plan was to set a quit date after starting. I'm worried that it may not be working for me as I hoped. I still crave a cigarette roughly every hour. I think I've noticed that they are tasting worse, but they've tasted bad before to me. The side effects are starting to bother me some. I caught myself contemplating quitting my job today. This makes me think I may be having some signs of depression. More than anything, my body just feels somewhat weak, and I've developed sores in my mouth. I'm really hoping this helps me quit smoking because I'm getting desperate."

• Var...
• February 13, 2022

For Smoking Cessation "Used it to quit vaping. I was a happy person but wanted to quit vaping, was a long-time smoker, quit by using vape but needed help getting off the vape. Two weeks into these tablets, I got very depressed, could not handle the day-to-day problems without getting overwhelmed, had suicidal thoughts, and had to quit taking them. I want the regular Chantix but it was a long wait on backorder, so I tried these generic pills and would not recommend these to anyone."

• 135...
• June 2, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been a pack-a-day smoker for about 10 years now. I am on day 5 of Chantix, so far, I've had strange dreams, trouble sleeping, nausea, and mild depression. The only thing it has done for me so far, as far as not wanting to smoke, is make me very sick to my stomach and a horrible taste. I smoke a little less than normal, but hopefully it's just because I'm just starting! Everybody, please keep your fingers crossed for me!"