Varenicline and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ian...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Took Champix years ago. Had some nausea and mood changes but completed the 3-month course. It was amazing how well it controlled the cravings!! Remained a non-smoker for 9 months then stupidly thought I could have “just one.” Then I was hooked again. Have tried Champix again since, but the nausea, depression, and mood changes stopped me from completing the course. Thinking about giving it another go as nothing else works for me. I have diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, so I have to do something. This time I’ll get antiemetics from my GP and I’m seeing a psychologist for PTSD who I’m hoping will help with the depression and mood changes. I know most of these side effects ease after a while and nothing comes close to Champix for smoking cessation."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Fantastic product. Went from 30+ a day to 5 years smoke-free after trying for more than 20 years to quit. The only side effect was slight nausea, which only lasted a short time. I suffer from depression and anxiety, so was very cautious with Champix, but I found no adverse reactions regarding my mental health. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I didn't need the whole 12-week course, but I put that down to its effectiveness. Would definitely recommend this."

• Smo...
• July 11, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Fantastic tablets! First week, I was still smoking as normal, I didn't feel any different, so part of me thought the tablets weren't going to work. I set my quit date as day 10. Started day 8 on the higher dose, and that's when I really noticed a difference. Days 8 and 9, I stopped enjoying smoking, and I kept stubbing them out halfway, even when drinking, which is when I usually chain smoke. I'm now 7 days smoke-free, no cravings at all since day 9! I only take the morning tablet on the high dose because the evening one makes me feel extremely sick for some reason, but the morning one alone is working wonders. I don't even crave when sitting around smokers anymore! I can't believe this stuff works! Bit of nausea, no vivid dreams. Worth it!!!"

• Anonymous
• December 12, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "From someone who thought she would never be able to quit smoking. TAKE CHAMPIX!! After 3 weeks of Champix, not much felt different besides the side effects I had, like terrible nausea and vivid dreams. Thought it was a total waste of a good amount of money (it's not covered by insurance in my experience). 3 weeks and 2 days in, I did not need one cigarette at all, it was almost out of nowhere. 5 months in now, and I am still smoke-free. I only did the first month of the pill, the rest felt unnecessary. I feel so free. It is worth it!"

• Qan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried many times to quit and found it difficult, as patches, gum, and lozenges did not work. The side effects started on the first day. The nausea, abnormal dreams, and, to a lesser extent, inflammation of the nose were felt. By the time I was 2 weeks into treatment, the side effects were light or unfelt. With some effort, on the 15th day of Champix, I had stopped smoking. The first 2 weeks I smoked normally, slowly, you stop craving it and do not feel its effects when the dose is 2 mg a day. I am confident that I will not smoke again. In short, you have some willpower to stop smoking, start Champix, and put some effort into it. Always remember the benefits of stopping smoking. I feel much better already: less mucus in my lungs, more energy, better breathing, and the best part is the smell. I cannot urge you enough, please give it a try and remember full recovery takes 15 years after stopping smoking, so you might as well start as soon as possible!"

• 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."

• Ste...
• April 15, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm writing this 8 years after I stopped smoking. Now I'm trying to help my partner quit. Taking the drug was the best thing I ever did. I did get the usual mild side effects, slight nausea, etc. But it was more than worth it. I HATE cigarettes now with a vengeance. One tip thing I can add that will really help others quitting is... On the day you decide to stop, read or listen to the Allen Carr Easyway to Stop Smoking book. It's on YouTube, or you can buy it. It really puts your head in a good place, debunking long-held beliefs about smoking. It made me completely determined never to touch a ciggy ever again! I never have."

• 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%."

• Tin...
• December 19, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am on day 10 of taking Chantix. It has slowly made cigarettes taste awful. I feel like my mouth tastes like an ashtray. Tomorrow is my quit day, and I feel like I will do just fine as long as I keep taking the Chantix. The side effects so far have included: 1. Weird dreams the first week or so. (Some examples: I stabbed someone, and then the mafia chased me; I made out with a coworker; and I shot a man who was raping my friend.) 2. Slight nausea (Note: I can't eat much in the morning; after eating more later, I tend to feel better.) 3. Everything seems to smell like B.O."

• Van...
• June 28, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "After 40 years of smoking - the last 10 at 3 packs a day - I finally tried Champix. After patches, gum, spray, lozenges all didn't work, I experienced very strong withdrawal symptoms with all three. I got a Rx and began taking them. After about 3 - 4 days, I started to feel quite sick to my stomach. I read the info about side effects, and there it was: nausea is the first and most common side effect. My doc recommended an anti-nausea pill commonly called Gravol, and after taking both, the nausea disappeared. What's very important to know about Champix is that it removes the withdrawal symptoms. Completely! Try it, it sure worked for me, and I hope it works for you. Cheers and good luck!"

• 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!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've been reading a lot of these posts and thought maybe I could share my experience and what helped me. The stomach pain when I take the pills is really tough to deal with, but I found eating a banana really helps. Eat half the banana, take the pill, then finish the rest. It's the only thing that doesn't make me feel nauseous. As far as the bloating, I've felt so bloated for the past 2 weeks, so I went and spoke with the pharmacist on what to do, and he suggested Align Digestive Care. I took a pill about 4 hours ago, and already I feel better. Just thought I would try to help those out having the same symptoms I am. Good luck, everyone. It may seem tough to get through these little roadblocks, but I know we all have the strength to quit."

• PJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "Started smoking at 19 and was a heavy smoker from that point until I was 54 years old when I decided to try Champix, as I had heard many success stories. Did not even have to take them for a month, and I had totally quit - taking a puff of a smoke would make me so nauseous. It was two years last week without a single cigarette - I'm so proud. I have not even had a single craving since I quit. My husband still smokes, and it doesn't bother me in the least. I'm done forever - this stuff REALLY WORKS - it's a miracle drug for me...."

• Ory...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Champix after 20 years of 20 cigarettes a day, trying all sorts of things: chewing gums, patches, e-cigarettes, all failed. I took Champix in the morning, 20 minutes after breakfast. If I took it on an empty stomach, it gave me nausea. The second dose I took in the afternoon, never after 7 pm to avoid any nightmares. Apart from nightmares, if I took it too late, I did not have any side effects. I gave up on day 3-that was 3 months ago. I gave up the tablets 1 month ago. I was worried about having cravings, but that did not happen. I’m a 3-month non-smoker. I’m socializing with friends who smoke 20 a day like I used to, and the worst I have to deal with is a few seconds of cravings, but not too often. Champix is the best solution for me."

• stl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I am a 61-year-old female who smoked since I was 18 (about a pack a day). Over the years, I had tried to quit with everything and anything available. On Sep 14, I used Chantix to successfully quit, and I was successful for 9 months. In Jun 15, my husband had a heart attack, and I used it as an excuse to start smoking again. Chantix worked wonders the first time, so I am trying again. One week without a cigarette, and I'm feeling great. Only side effects are a little nausea if I don't eat and some vivid (not scary) dreams. I know I'm going to beat this addiction once and for all this time thanks to Chantix!!!!"

• Kar...
• February 25, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for thirty years. I took Chantix, and by the third week, I no longer had the urge to smoke. I had a little nausea for a few days, but it wasn't bad. I did have some crazy sex dreams. I am 65 and have been quit for 7 years. Best thing I ever did when I took Chantix. It works!"

• 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!"

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "This is my 3rd attempt to quit smoking using Champix. First 2 times got so nauseous I just gave up. Took with water and with food but still ill all day. Want to quit, so thought I'd give it another go. Was told by a person at the chemist how he had quit a 35-year habit and said to take tablets with a glass of milk. Am doing that and on day 6 and not one bit of nausea. Don't seem to have cut down yet but have noticed butting the smoke with still 1/3 off it left, so that's promising."

• Mfm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I am on day number 33, and I quit smoking 21 days ago. The first 2 weeks of the medicine will be a little bit hard due to the side effects, and after then it will be better regarding nausea, bad mood, and the crazy dreams. I hope not to go back to smoking after finishing the whole dose."

• Don...
• September 27, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I quit smoking 12/7/2007 while using Chantix. I have not touched a cigarette since. I do not crave cigarettes. I do not think about them. I tried everything around to quit, but not until Chantix did it take. I love the freedom from not worrying if I have enough cigarettes, and I can't imagine the cost of it now. I remember it caused some nausea and vivid dreams. I wasn't a happy person while quitting, but the end goal was so worth it. No cough anymore! I almost forgot about that annoying smoker's cough. It goes away. It really does. Wishing everyone good luck and good health."

• Ton...
• November 22, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am a very grateful 43-year-young woman. I quit smoking for the 1st time after smoking for 24 years. I was having an elective surgery, and my surgeon said I had to quit 14 days before my procedure, which I ended up quitting 12 days before. He nicotine tested me the day of my procedure to be sure I hadn't smoked. I let him know it had only been 12 days, and I was able to have my procedure! I began taking Chantix on 3/27/08, and by the next morning, they already tasted bad. I had my last cigarette at 7 am on 3/30/08. I took Chantix for 30 days and have never craved or smoked again. It's been 7 years and 8 months. When I think back, it's hard to imagine ever smoking, which may seem crazy since I smoked over half my life. The love of my life always tells me it's hard to even imagine that I was a smoker, and he would have missed us if I was still a smoker since he would have never pursued me if I smoked. I only had 2 side effects during those 30 days. I was nauseous for about 20 minutes after I took the medication and had vivid dreams. Thank you, Chantix, for giving me a life that I would have never had if I still smoked!"

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Champix before and found that it was easy to quit while taking them, but found that 2 weeks or so after ceasing them, I started smoking again. I consulted my doctor about this, and he recommends that I take a second course, which is 6 months instead of the 3-month standard course, so here I am on DAY 8. I experienced nausea each time I had one smoke. DAY 9, I tried having a smoke in the morning and nausea again, so much that I haven't tried having another one yet today, and it's after 10 pm. I haven't struggled with that really, but have to say that I am feeling somewhat depressed. Also, I seem to get tired, but hopeful that I can stick to it and give up for good this time. P.S., I found it a must to take the tablet with a meal or a large snack, otherwise, the nausea was overwhelming."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I desperately wanted to quit. I was on 20 a day. But the anxiety I felt at the thought of not having my four fags on the way into work and back filled me with fear. I started Champix three weeks ago. No major side effects, slight nausea, hilarious dreams, and the feeling that it was doing something, but I wasn’t sure what. After day three on the tablets, I tested myself. Had wine one evening without a fag....felt okay. Traveled to work with no smoking on the journey and felt okay. Cigarettes started to taste odd...but I continued until my quit day, which was day 8 for me. Not quite sure what the tablets do, but my fear, my crutch, the evil longing just subsided. I’ve not had a cigarette for 11 days now, and I’m down to two 0.5 tablets a day. Feeling fairly smashing. Cannot believe I’m doing it, to be honest. So going to continue keeping on going. Good luck, everyone giving it a go. Hope it works for you...as no one needs these in their lives!! X"

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for over 10 years now and also a heavy drinker (borderline alcoholic). I've tried every way possible to quit with no success until Chantix. It's only been a week, but I have zero interest in smoking. I have had a few side effects: I'm extremely nauseous if I don't eat beforehand, weird dreams, slight irritability/anxiety, constipation, and a good amount of loss of concentration (forgetting to complete simple daily tasks at work). However, I feel overall great, the withdrawal is so minimal, the thought of smoking makes me sick, and a plus is I have zero interest in drinking either! One BIG suggestion is this medication really, really works wonders, but you have to want it and make the change."

• Del...
• November 5, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Started this medicine about 6 weeks ago. I stopped smoking on day 14. I just woke up that morning and thought, “No, I’m not smoking today,” and here I am 27 days later smoke-free. Cannot believe it, TBH. My sense of smell and taste is still amazing me. From the 3rd day off cigs, I could smell everything: people's perfume, their sweat, aromas, detergents, etc., it is mad. Usual side effects: nausea and feeling faint when taking meds. However, when taken on a full stomach, I’m fine. Definitely increased appetite. I’m usually slim, toned, gym fit. I’ve stopped the gym and eating lots of garbage. Going to sort that out this week. I'm not fond of meds, but they definitely work. I don’t think my mood is low, but friends say I’m a bit irritable. I notice words don’t come to me quickly, which is a side effect. Nothing major, though. Sooo happy I am not smoking. Saving a fortune and feel really clean. Be cautious if you have any mental illness. Oh, be prepared for the vivid, weird dreams."