Varenicline and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "It works!! I have not smoked in a week, woo hoo! This is my second time on Chantix because last time I was taking it, I stopped and started smoking again (SMH). This time I'm serious. I'm 35 years old and I said it is time I stopped. I have no cravings whatsoever. When I would drink, I would smoke a lot. I drank the other day and had no craving for it at all! I have a few side effects like insomnia, lower back pain, and vivid dreams/nightmares. Them nightmares be crazy, lol. I never had nightmares before. But it's worth it 'cause I'm not smoking no more :) I will never let nicotine control my life AGAIN!!"

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2013

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 45 years. For the last 25 years, 2 packs a day. My health was horrible. I have now been smoke-free for 8 weeks! After only a few days, you will notice a positive change. The coughing, the mucus, the continual feeling of about to get sick, all but went away! I, as others, have found if you have trouble sleeping or feeling sick when you switch to 2 mg a day, cut them in half and take half at a time through the day. Also, take the last pill earlier in the evening. Chantix is truly a lifesaver! The dreams are fine as long as you keep positive about it and realize THEY are JUST dreams. The trade-off is so worth it!"

• jlo...
• November 30, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Smoker for 53 years at pack a day. I am now on my 10th day of Chantix. The first 2 days I couldn't sleep. That went away, but when the dose increased on day 4, my stomach was always hurting. I took the pills right before I ate, but it still made my stomach hurt really bad and couldn't eat. The last couple of days, I have waited to take the pill until after I finish my meal, and that seems to have helped greatly. I smoked my last 1/2 cigarette this morning and would love to have one now at 1:00 pm. I have noticed that my cravings are reduced and have smoked only about 3 cigs a day for the past week. This is my last hope, so I will stay with the Chantix until the program is done. I didn't really want to quit, but I knew my health depends on it."

• bda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "This medicine is a miracle! I have completed my first month's pack, and I am proud to say that I have been smoke-free for 7 days. It took me 3 weeks to quit, and I probably could have sooner, but I was hanging on to my bad habit. I didn't really think this medicine would work because I loved my cigarettes, and it would take a lot for me to leave them, but I am so happy to say that they are gone. I do have to deal with cravings every once in a while (especially the first few days), but you just have to fight through them by keeping your mind busy with other things, and the cravings will pass. The only side effect that I've had from this medicine is difficulty sleeping and racing thoughts. For a while, I was only able to sleep a few hours at a time."

• mic...
• October 16, 2014

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for 10 years. I have tried the gum, patches, and the vaporizer ciggs, nothing worked. Nothing worked because I wanted to smoke, I enjoyed it. I'm on day 18 of Chantix, and this is my first day without a cigarette. I'm having all the side effects: nausea, vomiting, gas, constipation, dreams, can't sleep, and don't have energy. I wonder if this pill is made to do this so you won't want to smoke? I'm going to be a trooper and finish up my packet of pills, but the side effects are enough to make a person want to quit. I will say it reduces your cravings and makes a cigarette taste nasty. I'm hoping that all these side effects are worth it in the long run."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2008

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I was considered a light smoker, a pack every few days. I had regularly smoked for five years. I didn't think I would ever be able to quit. Chantix worked so well with blocking out the headaches, anxiety, loss of sleep, and all the moodiness that accompanies quitting. I took it for about two weeks total. I actually quit smoking around the 8th day. Pretty painless."

• rea...
• November 13, 2013

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I didn't tell anyone I had quit smoking when I started taking Champix 4 weeks ago. At the end of week two, I had stopped, but not without the cravings I had to overcome. When I had control of the cravings with healthy substitutes, I then told people I had quit. I was told by one friend that she knew two people who had suffered from depression and one committed suicide, along with the fact it has been banned in other countries. Of course, I ignored the bad rap because I knew I was succeeding. During week 4, I have experienced major anxiety, difficulty sleeping, at least 3 trips to the toilet during the night (every night). Today, I have realized the anxiety is prominent for no reason at all. I will probably stop the Champix."

• 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."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 4 weeks, and aside from the vivid dreams, it worked like it said it would. I had a lot of vivid dreams and light sleep. However, every time I smelled cigarettes, I would get sick to my stomach, and I still have that feeling today. It definitely made me quit after smoking for 23 years. If you are serious about quitting, this is definitely a good way to do it."

• cry...
• February 8, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I just started my second week of Chantix, and I'm feeling very angry, short-tempered, just not my usual happy-go-lucky self. Also been experiencing strange dreams and not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep very long. Still craving cigarettes about the same. Going to continue to use in hopes that I will quit smoking. Good luck to everyone else on it."

• RJS...
• September 24, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "My husband began Chantix 3 months ago. At first, he only had the physical symptoms of nausea, gas, shortness of breath, insomnia, and active dreaming. He was somewhat lethargic and hungry, eating all the time. However, by the end of the 3rd month, he was extremely irritable, unable to focus on any one task, very negative, somewhat irrational, angry, every day was a bad mood. I would NOT recommend Chantix. I don't really think the Chantix helped him quit. He quit on his own."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "My husband and I are on day 7, and it's the first day I've not had a cigarette. By day 3, I was already down to only 3 a day (first thing, after lunch, and after tea), and doing it together has definitely helped. Like other stories on here (and doctors' warnings), we have both had extreme nausea, headaches, nightmares, and an inability to sleep all night. But you know what? If it means I won't be smoking again, I can put up with those for the short term. After 20 years of smoking, it finally took a doctor's warning due to mild emphysema to get me to quit. For others out there, don't let it get that far. We didn't pick a quit date, we just went with the flow and let our body tell us when we had had enough. When I try to smoke now, it just makes me feel sick."

• Nos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 20, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "First tried Champix about a year ago, pretty weird and vivid dreams for a couple of nights, but after that all OK. Tend to take the second tablet at lunch or early afternoon to lessen any impact on insomnia. Only stopped initially for a few days, but cut down to only 4 or 5. I had smoked around 20 a day for 38 years after starting when 12 years old. I kept taking Champix for the next year, paying full price, as figured the cut down was worth it, even though still smoking - the Champix did not seem to affect me or my desire around those 4 or 5 (but if I had more, I felt pretty crook). Finally stopped 18 days ago and pretty confident that is it. I am back on the second lot of PBS subsidized scripts with about 4 months to go and will see them through."

• GR1...
• January 14, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "The only downside to this drug for me has been difficulty sleeping and crazy dreams. But to me, that's worth it! I quit on day 6 of taking Champix and am now 8 days smoke-free, and I couldn't feel better. Exercise is much easier, my skin has improved, and I am proud of myself. Smoking always made me feel guilty. I felt ill for the first 3 to 4 days and cut down from 10 to 2 a day, then just decided smoking was worthless to me because it really felt that way... for the first time in 8 years! I have decided to remain on the lower dose of Champix as I quit on it and feel confident I can continue. It always lowers the risk of side effects and makes it easier to come off the tablets, so an all-around win for me. I highly recommend these tablets!!!"

• For...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "This is my second go-around with Chantix -- the last time being 7 or so years ago. I'm on my second day with no smoking (9th day on drug), and I feel like I have more energy, and generally feel like some cloud (no pun) has been lifted -- I haven't felt like this since I was 14 (started smoking a pack a day at 15). I've been a smoker for 30 years. I fear I'm on some kind of 'pink cloud' that addicts often refer to. I've had some strange dreams and had trouble falling asleep last night -- but aside from that, no other side effects. I'm hoping the dreams don't turn into nightmares, as they were so terrible 7 years ago when I first tried Chantix, that I had to stop."

• 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."

• Ma ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I was told by my doctor that I have to quit smoking because I have COPD and asthma. I was doing good with stopping smoking before I started the Chantix. I had already cut myself down to 5 a day. I was doing well within the first week, had no desire to smoke at all, but when it came to the second week, that’s when it all went south for me. I wanted to smoke more, and my lungs were tight all the time, couldn’t sleep. Was wired all night long, and then when I took the morning dose, it was just as bad. But I also had major mood swings. Think I need to talk to my doctor and see if they have a lower dose for the second week and then on."

• Ada...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I started Champix in the middle of May. By the 10th day, I quit smoking. I continued to take them for about a week and a half after quitting... I haven't had a single pill in about 5 days now, and I'm suffering so bad! I got to the point last night that I thought I was having a stroke. I was 100% sure I was gonna die. I have no focus. No drive. I can't sleep for more than 2-3 hours a night... I get chest flutters frequently. I am often disoriented. Hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold at night. I have had to take an Ativan every night for the past 3 nights now. I'm honestly afraid to try to go to bed now."

• wol...
• August 20, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have smoked 1 pack a day for over 25 years. I have been taking Chantix for 12 days and am down to 3-4 cigs a day. I also have severe migraines, which is weird because I haven't had a headache of any kind since day 3 of taking Chantix. Not sure what the connection is with that. I have had pretty bad stomach cramps with nausea and vomiting, losing my thoughts, insomnia, and very wild dreams. The worst is the pain and nausea. Almost enough to make me quit trying. I hope to make it through."

• Ari...
• December 7, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have used Champix before and stopped smoking for 2 years. I stupidly started and have gone back on them. I have tried lots of different nicotine replacement methods, and this is the only one that works. Those of you with little willpower (like me)? This is for you. I do suffer side effects but can manage them as the alternative is smoking! Side effects include stomach pains and sickness. To solve this, take the tablet after a decent meal and a lower dose (I can manage on the .5 mg). Hard to sleep and nightmares - no solution, but better than waking up coughing up phlegm every morning. At times, I still get the urge to have a cigarette, but the experience of this is a big mistake as they taste awful, and as soon as you light up, you will put it out. Keep busy."

• pre...
• August 7, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "My husband and I have been pack-a-day smokers for over 32 years. He was hospitalized for pleurisy, and the doctor put him on Chantix while in the hospital. I started taking it 3 days later when he came home from the hospital. Neither one of us has had a cigarette since we started taking the pills. He has had no side effects. I have insomnia very badly, and of course, our insurance does not cover the cost at all. But it seems to be worth the $139 per prescription."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Started taking Champix in May this year and had picked my stop date, but on my stop date, a family member died, so I smoked like a mill chimney and stopped taking the tablets as it wasn't the right time to quit. Started again 8 days ago and haven't had a cig in 2 days. Not only do I not want a cig, but the thought of putting one in my mouth makes me want to vomit! The thought of putting food in my mouth also makes me want to vomit, but at least I won't put on weight replacing cigs with food! Because of the food thing, I'm cutting the tablet down to 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night, as it has also affected my sleep. No crazy dreams, just find myself awake at 1 a.m. and can't get back to sleep. Wondering if I need to take all 12 weeks or if I can stop taking them sooner?"

• 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!"

• Lmc...
• November 10, 2014

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Chantix was terrible for me. Made me so nauseous I could not get out of bed. For me, it gave me headaches and made me feel 'hungover' all day long. Also, I could not sleep more than 2 hours a night. Now, it did make me not want to smoke, but I can't be under those conditions all day, every day. So, after 9 days, I'm stopping."

• Rod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2023

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "For me, Chantix has only excelled at one of its side effects: difficulty sleeping. Has it decreased my urge to smoke? No. This drug ought to be remarketed for those that want insomnia or worsening the insomnia they already have. I think I would be better off with chewing gum."