Varenicline and Headaches: 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."

• Suz...
• September 21, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked 2 packs daily for 35 years. After the 3rd day on Chantix, smoked less than 10 cigs a day. On the 5th day, smoked 4 cigarettes. On the 6th day, I threw away my cigarettes. I have just started my 31st day on Chantix. Honestly, I don't think I will need the entire second month's dosage. I feel so much better; I don't want to ruin this by picking up another cigarette. There are side effects that you have to plan for and deal with, such as nausea after each dose. Be sure to eat a meal before each pill and drink PLENTY of water. I have had an occasional headache and vivid dreams. None of the side effects have been deal breakers. The 'magic' that makes Chantix work is directly proportional to your level of commitment to quit smoking. If you are at that point, I would highly recommend Chantix - nothing else worked for me and this has been the charm."

• St ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I'm 76 and have smoked since I was 16, and about 50 years of that was non-filtered cigarettes. I took Chantix for 48 days as prescribed and did not smoke at all after the 7th day. I had no side effects for several weeks, but after about 40 days on the drug, I became extremely moody, had terrible nightmares, a constant headache, and was turning into a very angry person. I stopped the drug on the 48th day, and thankfully the side effects went away after about 4 days. Well, I've been off Chantix now for 2 weeks, feel great, and still am smoke-free. For me personally, this drug did suppress any pleasure of smoking but also suppressed any pleasure of anything. Use with caution!"

• Boo...
• November 2, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Coming up on 1 year on 8th Nov. This product WORKS, but you have to WANT to quit. I had gained weight and needed to exercise. I started exercising, but I could barely breathe due to the cigs. I was still smoking when I started exercising. I started to lose weight. I wanted to work harder, and I knew it would only happen if I quit cigs. So I started Champix. By the 10th day, I was smoking less. I also could not smoke an entire cigarette. On day 13, I had my last cig. I basically got through the day without any cigs. On my 4th month, my dad passed away. But still, I didn't smoke. I am now running half marathons. I am fitter and stronger than ever before. My hair and clothes don't stink. My skin looks amazing. I had some side effects: insomnia and headaches. The exercise early in the morning helped with the insomnia. And I took headache tablets. But a small price to pay for saving my own life. I am my own hero!"

• tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was prescribed Champix by my doctor and started on the them on the 12th January. I had to pick a date as a quit date, I chose the 25th Jan. I was a heavy smoker for over 20 years and on 2 packs of 20 a day (awful). I am proud to say I am a non-smoker after taking Champix for just 12 days. To me, this medicine is a pure miracle. I have to finish my tablets which were to last for 14 days. I have had headaches and really bad dreams that have woken me, but I can live with that. I have no cravings at all to smoke, and the thought of it does make me feel a bit of nausea. I just pray this lasts as it truly is a miracle medicine."

• Ham...
• January 27, 2020

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."

• Ema...
• October 15, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix 15 days ago, 25 years of smoking. After watching my father die of lung cancer at the age of 62, caused by him smoking. I cannot let my children see me die the way my father did. My father died in June, so still pretty raw. Four days in of taking Champix, I had side effects: headache, sickly, etc. I felt like nothing was happening, and I was convinced it would not work for me. I was still smoking, still wanting and needing to smoke. Then day 14 came and something just clicked, I no longer wanted a cigarette, didn't crave it. For the first time in 25 years, I have done a whole day without a cigarette. Feels weird, feels like I'm sort of grieving for it because I no longer need it. I could never even imagine my life without smoking, I couldn't ever imagine driving to work and not smoking 2 cigarettes on the way, or waking each morning and having a coffee and cigarette. My advice to anyone who's thinking, 'It's not working,' give it a chance, it's totally worth it. :-)"

• Let...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I took Champix for the first time approx 4 yrs ago and had absolutely no side effects that I can remember, despite people telling me that when they tried it, they could not cope with the nausea, so they couldn't continue with it. I was smoke-free for just over 3 yrs. I thought it a miracle, esp. as I had been smoking 25/30 a day for 44 yrs, ever increasing in amount since age 16 (5/10 a day). However, I started smoking again, slowly at first, thinking, 'Well, one or two with alcohol and friends won't hurt.' Sure enough, I was hooked again. Now, having taken it for the 2nd time, 12 days into Champix, I am tired, have dreadful indigestion constantly, tog with flatulence, headaches, and shaky. Actually threw up yesterday. Will persevere, cos I know it works."

• Pol...
• June 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I highly recommend this drug. I was a smoker for 24 years. When I think about it, I am disgusted with myself. Well, men and women, I am no longer a smoker, thanks to this incredible drug. On my week 2, I had slight nausea, headache. Week 3, incredible, did not feel like smoking. It's like this drug erased the memory in my brain that I ever smoked. Week 4, well, the thought of cigarettes makes me queasy. I forgot what it was like to feel the way I feel today. Healthier."

• SNA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years. At the end of week 4 on Champix. Still have a slight craving for cigarettes, but can deal with it. Side effects included slight nausea soon after taking the pill in the morning, accompanied by a light headache occasionally, but not at night. Struggled to sleep in the beginning, but now I sleep well now (maybe too well). It is definitely worth a try and worked so far where everything else I have tried failed."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I am on day 9 and suffering terrible nausea and a severe headache that will not go away. Having to lie down and sleep due to tiredness and the headache. Not sure if I can continue with Champix. When will these side effects stop? I can't function daily."

• Nhb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have only been taking Champix for just under 2 weeks, but it has made a huge difference in cravings. I have a history of depression, anxiety, sleepwalking, and nightmares, so this was a last resort for me, and I was quite nervous to try Champix. I was a 15-20 cigarettes a day smoker, and my mood levels would drop to dangerous levels every time I would try to quit. Since taking Champix, some days I only have 2-4 cigarettes a day, and my mood hasn't suffered yet. I have suffered from severe nausea after taking the medication a few times, as well as stomach cramps/constipation and headaches, but it has made quitting so easy that I'm going to continue taking Champix."

• 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%."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Back when I tried Chantix, my insurance did not cover it, BUT I worked out I would spend more on cigarettes, so I went for it! The funny part is I really didn’t want to quit, BUT Chantix took away all cravings. Why smoke if you don’t crave them? So I quit a 33-year, 2-pack-a-day habit. That was 6 years ago! Yes, I had side effects: headaches & nightmares... STILL WORTH IT! Benefits outweigh the risks for sure! Thank you, Chantix!"

• Ker...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on 27th March 2015 by my GP's stop smoking clinic and was advised to keep smoking, with a stop date of 13th April 2015. I wasn't really given any advice about the medicine, other than it may cause bad/vivid dreams. I came home and did some research myself. Days 1, 2, 3 were just fine - no changes at all. Day 4 I started to not enjoy my smokes so much. Days 7-10 I felt exhausted, headachey, tearful, moody, having horrendously black dreams involving murder and my husband cheating - this led to paranoia that he really was cheating. I stopped them two days ago and still feel very low in mood, withdrawn, tearful, and so tired. Please be very aware of the side effects and ask close ones to monitor your moods."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix for 5 weeks now and smoke-free for 4 of the 5 weeks. I was skeptical about the side effects but was more scared about what it would be like as a non-smoking adult. What would I do with the extra time? How would I handle stressful situations? Well... I handle life just fine, if not better, as a non-smoker! I had a few slight side effects such as a bit of nausea and a mild headache the first couple of days, but otherwise, I am extremely happy with the results. I continued smoking as normal for the first week. However, as the week continued, I noticed that each cigarette I had started tasting worse and worse. By the sixth day, they were actually making me nauseous. I quit on the seventh day. The only time I have any urges is when I have a few (or more...) alcoholic drinks, but have managed to work through them without lighting up. It's been so awesome being able to breathe easier, smell better, sleep more soundly, less snoring (according to my wife), no more constant coughing, and overall, more energy. I now love being a non-smoker!"

• WA2...
• October 12, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am convinced that this medication has saved my life. I set a quit date for 2 weeks after I started Chantix, and by day 3, I had no cravings, and when I did try to smoke, it tasted like crap. I am 47, and I have been smoking 1/2-1 pack a day since I was 20. I'm now on day 17, and I have no urge to smoke, and I have no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. I did have a mild headache for the first week, but nothing that an Advil wouldn't fix. I have to admit, I was terrified to start taking Chantix because I had heard the horror stories (I actually had the meds for 2 weeks and was afraid to take it), lol. Since starting the meds, all I can do is kick myself for not asking my doctor for it sooner. This is an answered prayer. I'm a non-smoker now!!!!! WooHoo."

• Sar...
• June 4, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "After a health scare, I opted to try Chantix even though I was a bit nervous about the side effects. So far, I am amazed with how well it's working. Definitely got some nausea (pretty bad) and headaches, but helped a lot if taken with food. Dreams were vivid, and I remember them more, but nothing awful. I just started a week ago and stopped smoking fully 3 days ago - obviously a long road ahead, but I can't believe how easy this has been. I have had no withdrawal symptoms, very few cravings - which I can easily shake off. I've been smoking a pack a day for 20 years and never thought I quit! I highly recommend."

• Roh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Fantastic to erase all symptoms of smoking. Only 3 weeks in, and yes, I have quit and am able to be around any smoker with no wish to smoke at all. But in saying that, I can't speak to my partner without having a full-blown outburst of rage. I can't sleep, I have vivid nightmares when I do, along with breakdowns because of the intense emotions. I get headaches every day. I can't be in large groups of friends without feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I can't hold conversations with more than one person at one time. I find myself thinking of things that should not be thought of. I was the complete opposite beforehand."

• Lan...
• March 7, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I was only 2 weeks on Champix, I was planning to go on for more than a month, but that all changed after day 9 when I exercised willpower and quit smoking any small amount of cigs I still smoked. The first 3 days were the worst when it came to cravings, but they were bearable compared to the cravings I had when I was trying to quit without Champix. Honestly, one of the best things I have come across. I only had minimal side effects such as nausea and headache, and I felt extra tired, so usually went to bed earlier, but I did not mind any of those! I am so happy that I am now 9 days smoke-free and barely get any cravings, and even if I do, they go away fairly quickly! I can finally say I am smoke-free after 8 years of 20/30 cigarettes a day!"

• Don...
• July 20, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I read the reviews on Champix and thought maybe my experience may be helpful to someone. I stopped smoking for 2 months cold turkey and experienced nearly every side effect listed by people as being caused by Champix. Could these be possibly caused by nicotine withdrawal? And not the drug? Cold turkey, I suffered anxiety, low mood, felt like time was standing still, difficulty concentrating, headaches, irritability, insomnia, vivid dreams that actually seemed real, restless legs, gastric disturbances, and tingling of my hands and feet and cravings. I found lots of water and making myself exercise helped. Starting Champix today and nicotine patches as recommended by my Dr."

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

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)."

• Ex-...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was a smoker for 45 years, one or more packs per day, and have tried to quit numerous times. Nothing worked, not the patch, cold turkey, gum, or lozenges. With Chantix, it has been a miracle to be able to quit smoking and not even miss it. I am currently on Day 24 of Chantix and have been totally quit smoking for 19 days! Unbelievable. No real urge to smoke and absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. The only side effect of Chantix for me was a headache in the beginning (took Tylenol and it went away) and some nausea if I don’t eat before taking Chantix. For years, I have had a lot of trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I had a little trouble sleeping the first night on Chantix, but I have slept like a baby every night since. No nightmares, but definitely vivid dreams. I think that means I am sleeping deeply, perhaps. If you are ready to quit smoking and WANT to quit smoking, Chantix will work for you."

• Pin...
• November 8, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix on 10/14/16 after discussing with my doctor what my options are as a bipolar. Because I have not had an episode or been on medication for two years, we decided it would be safe to try. I selected 11/01/16 as my quit day. 7 days into the medication, I really started to notice that cigarettes weren't satisfying anymore and would often get a headache and an odd metallic aftertaste afterward. I went from a pack a day to maybe 6 cigarettes a day afterward. I smoked my last cigarette on Halloween at around 9. It's been 7 days, and I'm still smoke-free. My husband still smokes, and I'm fine. I've had zero side effects and finally confident that I can stay quit this time."

• don...
• June 18, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 37 years and quit with Chantix. I stopped after 3 weeks, continued medication for about 6 weeks. Side effects were some nausea lasting for about 30 minutes after taking. Did have some headaches. Had great dreams. I felt like I would never be able to quit, but 2 months before I started, I saw 2 of my coworkers quit, and they smoked like 2 packs a day while I smoked less than a pack. I started Chantix with a positive attitude that this was going to work for me and could not be happier with the results. I am now 6 months smoke-free, even had almost a full pack in my purse for about a month, then threw them in the back seat of my car one day because they were in my way. I am confident that I will remain smoke-free and with more money."