Varenicline and Irritability: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Reb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "My husband had been on this drug for nearly 3 months. Our marriage has now ended, and I believe it’s due to this medication. This drug made him agitated, he gained weight, and alcohol consumption increased. Further, he had feelings of numbness to his family and was self-absorbed. He has stopped taking the medication, but his mood is still altered."

• xok...
• July 16, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have only taken one pill so far. The first night I experienced insomnia, dry mouth, and all day I couldn't eat. I guess it's acting as an appetite suppressant for me. I also have been extremely irritable. I am 22 years old and have been smoking for 5 years. I am a 1 1/2 pack smoker a day, and just after 1 pill, my smoking cravings are cut in half. Will continue to take."

• gja...
• April 24, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I had had Champix a few years ago with no side effects, and I still had trouble quitting smoking by the time the course had finished. This time I had Champix, by day 3, I was smoking less than half of what I would normally do, but was having serious side effects. I had a few serious panic attacks (which lasted 4 hours each), was depressed, suicidal, hypersensitive, irritable, and was ready to kill someone (anyone). I also had dizzy spells and felt very cold. Obviously, upon presentation to my doctor, I was advised to cease continuation on this medication. I have no history of mental illness, do not take drugs or drink alcohol. However, Champix does not agree with me this time, so I will try another way to quit. Please be careful, good luck to you!"

• 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."

• The...
• June 29, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I'm a 21-year-old male. I have been smoking since I was 14 and decided to quit smoking several times with no long-term success. I smoked over a pack a day. I'm on day 7 of Chantix and have cut down to probably 2 cigarettes. Although they taste terrible, it's still a habit that I'm trying to break. Let's talk side effects. The nausea is bad if I don't eat. I have some sexual erectile dysfunction, but it seems to be frustrating for me and my girlfriend. My coworkers have noticed an increase in my irritability, as well as theirs. I hope to completely stop smoking within the next couple of days and think that the few side effects I seem to be having are well worth the side effects of a pack/day."

• Biz...
• December 29, 2010

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Chantix was the best thing to happen to me. I smoked for 15 years, a pack a day, and I'm happy to say I quit in my 3rd week and have now been a non-smoker for about 5 months. The only side effects I had were more vivid dreams, which didn't bother me one bit. I also experienced agitation, but nothing severe. The only bad part about taking this medicine is I gained about 25 lbs since I've quit. But I'd rather be overweight than get lung cancer."

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2011

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I have been taking Chantix for nearly 3 weeks. I have almost all of the symptoms mentioned by other users and was really surprised to hear people talk about lower back pain, which I have as well and did not realize it could be from the medicine. While the nausea is subsiding, I too am angry and agitated most of the time. I also am experiencing episodes of severe depression. I suffered a major heart attack last October and was a two-pack-a-day smoker. I was having success using an E-cigarette, but when I had problems with them, I returned to smoking. I am still smoking after with the Chantix but hope I will be able to stop soon."

• Jos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "First tried Champix about 2 years ago. Quit smoking on day 14 and was smoke-free for about a month. My biggest mistake was stopping the medication when I felt I was 'cured.' Although I wasn't 'ready' to quit, I had to do it for financial reasons. I am currently on day 14 of Champix (second attempt) and have been smoke-free for about 2 days. I am determined to finish the full therapy of medication this time. As far as side effects go, I have experienced nausea; however, it only lasts 10-15 minutes, and it's only when I take the medication on an empty stomach. I am experiencing very vivid dreams, but no 'night terrors' by any means. I am finding myself a little irritable, but keeping myself busy helps with that and also the odd craving."

• mol...
• November 20, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Champix after trying to quit other ways and didn't work. After 4 days of being on them, I started to feel quite unhappy. I felt very angry, snappy, and upset. Couldn't concentrate at work either."

• lis...
• August 1, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Been on Chantix one week and am down to 2 cigs a day. Anxiety, irritable."