Varenicline and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2012

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "39, been smoking since 13. Day 3 of Chantix, not really watching my cigarette intake, but have noticed I've been smoking the same pack for 3 days. No nausea, have had a headache that comes and goes, and sleeping a lot, like can't hardly stay awake. Dreamed last night I chased a high school teacher that accused me of something I didn't do all over the country, throwing water balloons at her, and woke up laughing my head off."

• col...
• December 20, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I took this medicine for 3 weeks and I became a completely different person. I got really depressed, very moody, bad headache, vivid dreams, body was achy, nausea, and throwing up. I stopped taking it after my 3rd day of not getting out of bed because I was so depressed and nauseated. I have quit smoking before and the depression and moodiness I felt from this medicine is NOT normal nicotine withdrawal, it is definitely side effects from the medicine. On the medicine, it took me all I had just to do one load of laundry. I am quitting cold turkey now."

• Ped...
• July 11, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I started the Champix 15 days ago. The first week I smoked as usual but decreased down from 20 to 10 cigs a day. The second week on the increased dosage was horrible, really bad headaches and the midday fatigue was crippling. Spent the afternoon having to lay down. Tried the 1 mg for three days and the side effects did not improve. I went back to the lower dosage and felt better. The issue is I am past my quit day but down to 5 cigs a day. Don't know what to do next, can't go back to the higher dosage and having the cravings. How long is it safe to take the Champix and to continue to smoke? Can I try to take an NRT in the form of a lozenge with the Champix?"

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I am on my third day of taking Chantix. Surprisingly, I already have extreme lack of cravings, however, the side effects of this medicine are bad. I have night terrors which are very graphic and violent. I wake up sweating and at times cried after waking because of the dreams. This has happened every single night so far since taking Chantix. I have nausea, heart palpitations, and headaches. I have also experienced bloating and constipation. I took the medicine today, but I have decided to stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Chantix is an amazing medicine for smoking cessation. It completely robs you of any pleasant sensations you got from smoking. That said, I have experienced a lot of the side effects, including severe nausea, headaches, extremely vivid but good dreams (when have you ever been able to feel the texture of something in a dream?). I have been using Chantix for 6 weeks, smoke-free for 4. Never going back to cigarettes."

• exc...
• October 21, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been smoking for 20 years now, and a few years ago, I quit cold turkey, but a couple of years ago, I was under a lot of stress and started smoking again. I was only smoking 1 pack a day, and my kids wanted me to quit again, so I asked my doctor, and she put me on Chantix, and I am on Day 5 morning pill. The past few days, I have had real bad headaches and insomnia to the point I can't fall asleep until 4 or 5 in the morning. And I also have noticed that I have been getting agitated with my husband and kids more than I used to."

• Ste...
• February 10, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Chantix really works! I am 24 years old and have been smoking since I was 14, so 10 years. I tried gum, patch, and cold turkey, nothing worked. Went to my doctor because I knew I needed Chantix. The first week was okay, had a couple of weird and vivid dreams, but nothing I couldn't handle. After the fifth day or so, I was down to like a couple of cigarettes a day (I used to smoke almost a pack a day). I am now in my second week and am officially not smoking at all. I am having some side effects, though. I have bad headaches all throughout the day, my stomach is upset, and I got constipated. It's kind of like the feeling of being hungover. But it is all worth it in the end, I believe. I would rather have a couple of headaches than continue to be a smoker."

• n56...
• November 15, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Day 8 - sore throat and minor headache. Had quit day planned for day 8 but had some craving and smoked 3 cigarettes. Still very proud of myself and have pushed quit day back a couple of days... still hopeful."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2012

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I am on day 8. The only side effect I have had as of now is a headache, I have had it for about 5 days now. I smoked about a pack a day before, and I have not had a cigarette today as of yet. I did smoke twice yesterday, though. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!"

• naz...
• September 7, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have just started Champix 3 days ago and am experiencing very bad headaches. Can anyone remember if they had the same type of effects? I am not wanting to stop taking Champix as it's my third day, and I have already cut back 50% on the smokes. It really is a wonder drug, however, I am worried this side effect will not stop. Please share your experience with me, it would be great to know if anybody else had the same problem."

• mr...
• November 12, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I was on a two-week course as opposed to the recommended 12-week. After three days on a 0.5 mg dosage, I was nauseous, no appetite, headaches; pressure behind my eyes and the worst nightmares imaginable. Wasn't advised to take with a full glass of water or after food. Never, ever, again. I stopped taking them!"

• rat...
• August 14, 2011

Varenicline "I am smoke-free for 14 days. I have headaches, lethargy, nausea, mania, moodiness I cannot wash off! My poor co-workers are paying the price but are proud and understanding. I have smoked for 24 yrs. I am in my 3rd week, and it's worked for me. I have had a few weird dreams and only one terrifying end-of-the-world nightmare, where I woke up crying. Nothing since though. I have actually been sleeping better and a lot more. It's still worth it to me. I recommend it to anyone trying to quit. I also save $110.00 a month. It takes 6 minutes to smoke a cigarette 6x15 to 20 cigarettes a day = 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day of extra time. Get urges, carry coffee stirrers to chew on, that way, the 'hand to mouth' thing is satiated. Sounds silly, but it works!"

• Deb...
• February 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I love this medication as I really do not crave cigarettes. I'm having severe sickness, headaches, and a bad chest infection, but if it helps me, then I'm sticking with it. I know I am getting healthier every day, at the doctor's, when I had my carbon monoxide test done 4 weeks ago, it was 22, today just 2. Blood pressure is perfect, I will do the 3 months as I never want to be addicted to cigarettes again."

• kat...
• May 26, 2009

Varenicline "This is my second time taking it. The first time I got real bad headaches and nausea. This time I still get headaches once in a while and mild nausea in the morning after taking the medicine, but I can get rid of it by drinking milk. I have been a non-smoker for 3 weeks now."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2023

Varenicline for Dry Eye Disease "Used Tyrvaya for a month and experienced headaches and increased sensitivity to sunlight, finally, had to stop using it!"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2023

Varenicline "I have Sjögren syndrome. I experienced a severe headache and increased sensitivity to sunlight while using Tyrvaya."

• rob...
• June 29, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been experiencing lower back pain (slight) and rapid heartbeat. This is my fourth day of taking the pill, and caffeine is not the culprit. I have also experienced nausea and headache."

• Lyn...
• March 18, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I do have constipation, nausea, and headache."

• lel...
• November 23, 2008

"So far the only side effects I am having are headaches, nausea, and moodiness. It has kept me from wanting a cigarette. I have only had 8 in two days."