Varenicline and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Lil...
• June 1, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on 6th March 2016 and wondered if they would work after smoking 20 a day for 50 years. On the 13th day, I felt really sick when I lit a cigarette, so the next day I had no desire to have one. I'm into my 11th week without a cigarette and feel so much better. Oh, and I have been taking one tablet a day as two were too much for me. The side effects I had were waking up at three each morning, and after stopping the night tablet, my sleeping pattern returned. Many friends, colleagues, and family have remarked on how lovely my skin has become since quitting. If I can do it after all those years, so can you... Good Luck."

• 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!"

• Din...
• November 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Have tried to give up smoking in the past with other methods, always returned to the fags. However, had a health issue that basically said give up or that will be your life over, so had to give Champix a go. My husband also is trying to give up in support of me. I smoked for 40+ years, so a big habit to quit. I have found the Champix a challenge, to be honest, it's the nausea and fatigue, but also I have started a shed load of other medication too, so could be these as well. My husband has no side effects at all now, he had a bit of restlessness at night. I have sleepless nights, but dreams have stopped. We are both on day 28. I haven't smoked for 14 days, my husband has had one roll-up a day for 14 days, but I still think this is amazing. Reading tips on this forum, I will try to take the morning tablet with milk and the evening one after dinner to see if this helps reduce nausea. I will continue taking the Champix, as although I crave a cigarette and feel a bit flat, this is the best it's ever been without nicotine."

• Cl0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Today is day 7 of using Chantix. I'm a 33-year-old disabled Army vet. I have bipolar, depression, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and I have been smoking for 20 years. I have tried everything to quit smoking, patches made me want to smoke more, the gum made my stomach feel like it was on fire, and cold turkey made me homicidal. On day one, I was smoking a pack a day. By day 4, I was smoking 1/2 a pack, now I smoke about 3 cigarettes a day, but only 1/2 a cigarette at a time. I have no nausea, no sleep issues, and no other side effects that I have noticed. I just seem to be craving cigarettes less and less. I'm really hoping that within a few more days I won't smoke at all."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I read all these comments before I started taking Champix. I was a little nervous about the side effects. I'm on day 6, and really only side effects are a little nauseous, but only slightly. I dream loads, so not sure that has changed, but remembering all my dreams and seem to dream all night. No bad dreams at all, a little difficulty sleeping when I went to the two 0.5 mg tablets, but I can cope with that. I smoke about 4 cigs a day now, and that's forcing myself, I don't want them. My mouth tastes horrid after, and it's like smoking a twig! Get nothing from it at all. I think my quit date will be sooner than I set, as I can't see me wanting to even light a cig up in a few days."

• 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."

• Mar...
• July 1, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix on June 1 with a June 30 quit date. On the 15th, I ran out of cigarettes and decided I'd try to wake up without them and feel it out. It is June 30 today, and I haven't had a cigarette since. I have urges but try to push them aside. Chantix made me strong enough to not need them without even knowing it. I've smoked for 15 years and haven't quit this long on anything, including the patch. I recommend it for sure. You do get nauseous, but take the pill with food, and it passes after about ten minutes. Just fight it off. Dreams were cool, but I did have trouble falling asleep at times. It's definitely all worth the reward. My insurance covered the entire Rx, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck to you too!"

• Gla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Just over 2 1/2 years ago, after smoking for over 40 years, I quit. With the help of Chantix, of course. The cravings (that everyone gets) are down to once every 2 or 3 months. Had several small heart attacks and then one BIG one. Rushed in and had emergency quintuple bypass surgery. Doctors said after that I wouldn't have made it one more hour without the surgery. One hour! I'm so glad to be here. True, my life isn't what I hoped for at my age now (59), but it beats the alternative. Chantix was heaven-sent to me. Yes, it disrupted my sleep and gave me completely wild, crazy dreams (in vivid color). But it works... IT WORKS... If you let it, if you want it so bad you stop fooling yourself. It can be done, and anyone can do it. Believe it!!!"

• Sco...
• August 2, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 25+ years. I was smoking over a pack a day. I have tried other means of quitting in the past with no results. It would work for a few weeks/months, but I found myself right back smoking. At first, when taking Chantix, I was unsure if it would work, and I was nervous about the side effects. I noticed within a few days cigarettes tasted different, and the longer I smoked on Chantix, the less I wanted to finish a smoke. Toward the end of quitting, packs of cigarettes were lasting longer. It took me about 3 months on Chantix before I smoked my last cigarette 3 months ago!! The only side effect I had was sleepless nights. I have no cravings and no use for cigarettes anymore. Thanks, Chantix, for giving me my freedom and my life back!!"

• Bum...
• July 4, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked 25 a day for 28 years and lost count of the number of times I've tried to quit and failed. Now I've been smoke-free for 9 months (feel GREAT)! Life on Champix was VERY tough. Started off with the usual half tablet and things were fine, but within a couple of days of being on the full dose, the suffering began. Bloated, constipated, angry, vivid, nasty dreams, no sleep, lethargic, and so, so emotional I burst into tears over nothing. In the end, I cut back to half the usual full dose and eventually stopped taking Champix altogether after 6 weeks. Took some time after this for the symptoms listed above to disappear completely, but eventually they did."

• Gus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for 40 years, smoking approximately 40 plus smokes per day. Started Champix 20 days ago. After the first 3 days, I went cold turkey, it's been 17 days smoke-free, and I feel the difference in such a short time. Champix worked for me, unbelievable. Minimal side effects, e.g., broken sleep. I'm very happy, and my wallet is full again. 70 dollars a packet in Australia and more."

• CEE...
• May 16, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on the 19-4-16 and carried on smoking till my decided give-up date of 4-5-16 (may the 4th be with you, lol). I experienced a couple of days where I felt edgy, like I could hit someone or cry! I had 10-minute waves of sickness straight after taking the tablets and am now only left with the disturbed sleep on week 4. I am having trouble getting to sleep and was advised to take the second tablet earlier, between 4-6 in the evening, and am currently trying this. I drive for a living, so do need my sleep to improve ASAP! Having said that, this is a wonder drug, I am so impressed with it! I have no urge to smoke, no cravings at all. It's like I want a fag out of habit but don't need it. I will complete the 12 weeks but am very happy."

• CEE...
• May 16, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on the 19-4-16 and carried on smoking till my decided give-up date of 4-5-16 (may the 4th be with you, lol). I experienced a couple of days where I felt edgy, like I could hit someone or cry! I had 10-minute waves of sickness straight after taking the tablets and am now only left with the disturbed sleep on week 4. I am having trouble getting to sleep and was advised to take the second tablet earlier, between 4-6 in the evening, and am currently trying this. I drive for a living, so do need my sleep to improve ASAP! Having said that, this is a wonder drug, I am so impressed with it! I have no urge to smoke, no cravings at all. It's like I want a fag out of habit but don't need it. I will complete the 12 weeks but am very happy."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 27 years and have tried to quit a few times before without success. I'm now 4 weeks into taking Champix, and I haven't smoked since day 11. I had a few cravings at the start, now I don't even think about it at all, even when I'm around smokers. I now hate the smell on my clothes after. The only side effect I've had is the weird dreams and lack of sleep, but I would rather that than smoke again. I am hoping to cut the tablets back down soon. Anyone thinking of trying to quit, I definitely recommend these."

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2023

For Dry Eye Disease "I've been using it for about a week. Except for sneezing 4-5 times after using it, I didn't think I had any further side effects. But now, I'm realizing the drug is greatly affecting my sleeping. I'm up now almost every 2-3 hours. Had a bad, terrible nightmare just last night. Will try to use it for another week and make a determination as to whether or not to continue. And the price has a lot to do with my decision too."

• Sir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried everything to quit. Now after 35 years of smoking, I'm done thanks to Chantix. I am on my 10th day on the med and 7th day smoke-free. Very little withdrawals, nothing like patches or gum, it's a miracle drug. Some trouble sleeping, but two Advil PMs and I'm out. Anyway, I thought I would share that with you all."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "In 2010, I quit smoking by using Chantix, and I did not have any side effects at all. I started smoking again in 2014 after some stressful events in my life happened. I promised myself that I would quit again after things settled down, and I did with the help of Chantix. The second time I took it, I had trouble sleeping, but the cravings for cigarettes went away. I took Chantix for 2 months, but did not take the 3rd month because it was not covered by my insurance. Needless to say, I picked up the bad habit again after smoking just 1 cigarette (thinking just 1 would be ok). I started taking Chantix again about a week ago. I know Chantix works. It is just having the willpower to not pick up a cigarette after you quit. 'Just 1' for me is not ok."

• 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."

• Wal...
• October 14, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've smoked for over 30 years and have been trying to quit for the past 15! I've tried vaping, hypnosis, cold turkey, the Alan Carr method - everything. I was skeptical about Champix because I'd read a lot of horror stories. They worked almost immediately. Cigs started tasting bad by day 3, and by day 5, any urge to smoke had completely passed. By day 10, even the habit disappeared. I don't even think about smoking - it just doesn't occur to me, and I consider myself a non-smoker, not someone trying to quit. I've had some side effects; some insomnia at first and again when the dosage went up to 2mg per day, but this only lasted a day or two. Likewise, I've had some stomach cramps and upset, but again, only when I first started taking them and when the dosage increased. Lots of food and water help. I didn't think it would work this quickly, and the side effects have been mild to nonexistent. I can now envision a life without smoking!"

• pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I started a 12-week course on Champix. I lasted 4 weeks. I can't rate them enough. I only lasted 4 weeks 'cause that's how long it took me to stop smoking, and 3 months on, I don't even have the need or urge to pick up a cig. I've been smoking-sorry, I used to smoke-for 20 years, tried everything to stop, and nothing helped. The only side effect I had was a few restless nights where I found it hard to sleep, but that's a small price to pay to kick the habit. Thank you, Champix!!"

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a non-smoker now for one year, and I feel great. It's all down to Chantix. With every medicine, you are going to get some side effects. It's only for 12 weeks of your life, you owe yourself that, don't you? I felt sick and had bad sleep, but come on, it's worth it if you really, really want to stop smoking. Good luck to you all! Oh, by the way, I used to smoke 25 a day and 30 on the weekend, so if I can do it, so can you!!!"

• ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I both smoked about 1 and a half packs a day and wanted to stop for our children. We began taking Chantix and smoked for the first week. We haven't smoked since then. The worst side effects we have had are some nausea right after taking the pill and some trouble sleeping. It's not the save-all pill as it still requires willpower, but it helps more than nothing. When you are ready to quit, the medication will help, but you really have to want it."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 14 years, tried quitting several times, but always went back to cigarettes. At first, I was skeptical about taking Champix, the side effects alone are enough to scare anyone off. I researched and researched, read all the positive and negative reviews, and thought to myself, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. I mean, anything is better than smoking. I took Champix for 60 days and quit about two weeks in. I had minor side effects, such as nausea, sleep disorder, and felt spaced out most of the time, all well worth the final outcome... smoke free. I am now smoke free for three months, and I couldn't be happier. For those of you thinking of trying it, I would definitely recommend the medication. Stay strong!"