Varenicline and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I was a pack-a-day smoker who had quit for 16 years. Bummed a cigarette and was hooked again. Smoked for 6 years after that. I bought 2 packs the day the prescription was filled. It took me 6 days to smoke them. I have been smoke-free since Feb 5. I still have to fight the urge to smoke, but it is getting easier. I made it one month on Chantix, taking 1 mg instead of 2, which made me feel slow. I had some nausea after taking it, but had to stop because of the constipation. It was terrible. I feel better now. I have more energy, my lungs feel cleaner, and I smell better, and I think my eyesight has improved. I substituted a toothpick when the urge hit, no calories. As long as I don't light up, I'll stay smoke-free."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "At 31 years of age and a smoker since I was 13, I didn't think there was hope for me. The habit slowly caught up to me, and I found myself a pack-a-day smoker for over the last 10 years. Smoking when I was happy, sad, or angry, it was a constant companion for so long, and I honestly thought I'd die of COPD on oxygen, begging for that last smoke. Chantix truly changed all of that. It completely eliminated the physical craving, leaving the rest up to me. How bad do I want it? I'm over a week deep. This is the longest I've gone in 17 years without a smoke. I owe my life to Chantix. I had some initial nausea and wild dreams, irritable...but I'm smoke-free. I can beat this. YOU can beat this. Good luck!"

• Sas...
• March 27, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I am 77 and have smoked on and off (more on) since I was 23. I was diagnosed with moderately advanced COPD with emphysema. I am on both maintenance and rescue inhalers. Breathing had become a struggle, and I was very close to being on oxygen. I am, by nature, a negative person, so I did not think Chantix would work. I couldn't do anything without being out of breath, I had to stop smoking. I started Chantix and set a quit date. After about 4 days, I felt better. My horrible cough was gone, and I could breathe better. I quit February 7, 2019, it is March 27, and I am able to be active again without being breathless. The only side effect is nausea, and sometimes it is bad. I have found that it is better if I eat something before I take it. Bottom line, the Chantix definitely decreased my desire to smoke, and I was a hardcore smoker for many years. Just remember, smoking is an addiction, and you will always be addicted to smoking. You can never have another cigarette. Be careful."

• Che...
• March 5, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I’ve just finished day 7 of Champix, and I haven’t smoked for four days. I smoked for 30 years, about a packet of 25s a day, costing about $40 a day, so I’ll be saving about $280 a week. The first 3 days, I had a little nausea, and I’m having vivid dreams, but they aren’t bad, I actually enjoy the dreams, lol. I’ve been missing the habit and ritual or routine of smoking, but not the smoking itself. I found a packet in my car yesterday with 7 cigarettes in it, so I scrunched them up and chucked them in the bin. I would recommend Champix to everyone. I couldn’t get past day 3 when I tried cold turkey, repetitively, so I’m feeling good now, only hours away from day 5. I have no desire to smoke and no cravings, strangely. Just occasionally missing the habit, but not enough to want one."

• sur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Besides a little nausea and jitters for the first week, everything went smooth for me. I have smoked heavily for 25 years, with no real intentions of quitting. My health had gone downhill the past couple of years, and after a friend was successful with Champix, I thought, 'Why not?' Within 2 weeks, I was smoke-free (surprisingly). A week later, I was off the pill! That easy! Thank you, Champix."

• rep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "This is my 3rd time taking Chantix. The 1st time I took it for 3 months and quit smoking for 3.5 years. I experienced the dreams but no other side effects. The 2nd time I took it for 1 month and quit smoking for 6 months. I still had the dreams but had nausea also. This time I've been on it for 4 weeks, smoke-free for 3 weeks. I'm having the dreams and had nausea for only the 2nd and 3rd week, but in the 2nd week, I started experiencing more side effects. I started feeling tired, lazy, bummed, and in a bit of a depressive state. In the 3rd week, I became paranoid and obsessive with racing thoughts. It's hard to focus, and now in the 4th week, I question if I'm hallucinating or dreaming. No thoughts of suicide. I quit taking it today and hope to stay smoke-free."

• 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."

• 100...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "After taking Chantix for only a week, I was able to stop smoking completely without any horrific withdrawals or anxiety. The very first pill I took made a noticeable difference in the taste of cigarettes - they started to become disgusting, and after a while, I was smoking just because I had them around rather than because I really wanted them. Once I ran out, I just didn't buy any more and still haven't. It's been almost 16 days now without a cigarette, and I honestly never think about them anymore. The worst side effect is nausea, which made me vomit only once, but after reducing my dosage by half, I do not have any more side effects. I also don't take the medication twice a day. I only take half of a pill at night. It works wonders!"

• lco...
• April 23, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix on 3/12/08. I quit completely on day 4 and was amazed at the few cravings I had. It was more habits than cravings. The nausea was bad for me for at least 2 weeks. I am no longer smoking and don't want to anymore and don't plan to EVER again. I stopped taking Chantix 4/20/08, and am doing just fine on my own. I was a 38-year-old heavy smoker."

• Mad...
• May 17, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "20 a day for 26 years. Tried e-cigs, patches, gum, even Allen Carr. Champix felt like my last chance, and damn, it worked for me! Yes to nausea (even with food) and vivid dreams, but no mood swings or irrational behavior (so far), and I actually have a long history of depression and anxiety, so I was really expecting that. I quit smoking on day 13 of the meds. Partly 'cause you HAVE to make that choice and partly 'cause it was just horrid to smoke. I can't even stand the smell now. A few cravings, but easy to get over them. It's only day 18, but I do feel really confident this is it for me now. Champix might not be for everyone, but if you really have tried everything else, then why not?"

• al ...
• September 21, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "51 years old. This last week marked my 1st year in 36 years as a smoke-free year. Still taking Chantix. Scared to stop, but no side effects. Ok, I felt nauseous for a minute or two once or twice a week, but I did used to stick an ashtray in my mouth, so I will pay that price. Anyway, if it works for you and you still think you need to take it, that's ok. This is what works for me. Just putting it out there."

• EB1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I LOVE smoking and had no intention of giving up, however, being plagued by a terrible cough (at 4 am in the morning!), my doctor said it was time to give up. I had half-heartedly attempted quitting before and tried many things which just didn't work, so Champix was the way forward. By day seven, I was going off fags and couldn't face them by day ten! The only side effect for me is the tablets have made me physically sick twice, and I've stopped taking my morning one as I can't bear the nausea. Also, it's still been HELL. My cravings have been severe, and it's still taken a strong fight for me to continue, although I also believe the thought of how awful they tasted on Champix stopped me from caving in! Day 21, and I have not had one puff!"

• Joh...
• December 2, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 20 years. I tried everything, Zyban, patches, gum, hypnosis, vaping, etc. I had no problem making it a few days, and a few times I even lasted a month, but I could never make it stick. I thought I could never quit. Chantix worked. Don't get me wrong, the side effects are awful. I had horrible, vivid nightmares. It also gave me painful stomach cramps and made me nauseous within the first 30 minutes of taking them (I found that taking the pills with a glass of milk helped). I'm glad I stuck with it though. I ended up taking the pills for about 3 months. Stopped smoking about 1 week in. It has now been almost 2 years smoke-free. I still have the occasional craving (maybe once a week), but they pass within a few minutes."

• Sar...
• June 4, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "After a health scare, I opted to try Chantix even though I was a bit nervous about the side effects. So far, I am amazed with how well it's working. Definitely got some nausea (pretty bad) and headaches, but helped a lot if taken with food. Dreams were vivid, and I remember them more, but nothing awful. I just started a week ago and stopped smoking fully 3 days ago - obviously a long road ahead, but I can't believe how easy this has been. I have had no withdrawal symptoms, very few cravings - which I can easily shake off. I've been smoking a pack a day for 20 years and never thought I quit! I highly recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a packet-a-day smoker for 32 years, until a persistent cough noted by my GP sent me off for a chest X-ray. Diagnosis: COPD! I commenced Champix with mixed feelings. I really did love my ciggies and could not imagine my life without them. I did not pick a stop day, and on day 4 noted I had cut my packet-a-day to now lasting 2 days. I lit my last cigarette on the morning of day 10, took 3 draws, and thought, 'YUK!' That was 2 weeks ago now, and honestly, the smell or even the thought of inhaling a cigarette makes me sick and literally makes my stomach do tumble turns! I still get the nausea lasting up to 2 hours even with food, but have rewarded myself with a piece of jewelry with money saved so far!"

• Daw...
• June 4, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "Day 17 on Chantix, and I have not smoked a cigarette in 14 days. The smell is repulsive to me. The only side effect I've had is a little nausea, but not enough for me to stop taking this pill. I love it! I will never smoke again. I am 52 years old. I've been smoking 30-plus years, a pack a day, and I am done forever. Thanks, Chantix!"

• Bon...
• January 20, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix has been a surprise to me. I quit at about the third week. Just didn't feel like smoking and didn't care about it anymore. Weird. And awesome! I took Chantix for 2 months, the last two weeks I only took the morning dose. Just quit the pills completely a few days ago. I have smoked forever and never thought I would stop. I have 5 weeks under my belt, and I know I will never smoke again. I had no major side effects. Dreams were a little vivid, mild nausea with the morning pill sometimes. My advice: eat and drink a full glass of water when you take the medication. Most of the time it didn't bother me, and if it did, it only lasted 15 minutes. My other advice: don't drink alcohol and/or take recreational drugs with this medication. Also, alcohol lowers your willpower. So just commit to a few months of no alcohol to change the rest of your life!"

• Bra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "This is the 2nd time I've taken Chantix. I have learned a few things to watch for this time. First, you MUST EAT when you take the medication. If you don't eat, you will get sick. Second, the dreams are so strange. They aren't scary, but they are vivid and odd. This medication has worked well for me. Stay on the medicine the full 90 days. I quit smoking at day 10 both times. Do remember that this drug doesn't work the same for everyone, so be careful."

• Har...
• September 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Effective at stopping smoking, went from being a heavy smoker to stopping on day 11 and not felt the urge to smoke. Here comes the but: suffered tiredness and nausea the first couple of weeks, which my GP warned me about in advance. Didn’t really cover the mental health risks, either causing or aggravating existing issues. Within five weeks of taking this drug, I had spiraled out of control with depression and hit a really dark place. Fortunately, my wife noticed all this despite me trying to hide it, and took action. Within 24 hours of stopping, it was like coming up for air when drowning. The drug is very effective at stopping smoking, be very aware of the side effects. Wouldn’t advise taking this tablet if you live on your own or have existing mental health conditions unless you are fully aware of the side effects and have some kind of support mechanism in place. I genuinely think I would have taken my own life if my wife hadn’t forced me to get medical attention."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "4 years quit, after 30 years of smoking. I really didn't even want to quit, but took it on my physician's advice. Smoked while taking it for 7 days (day #4 I could tell it was working well). Quit and took it for 7 more days and never had an urge. I could be right next to someone smoking, after I ate, while drinking, and not ever feel the urge to return. No side effects, except maybe slight nausea the first two days."

• Lan...
• March 7, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I was only 2 weeks on Champix, I was planning to go on for more than a month, but that all changed after day 9 when I exercised willpower and quit smoking any small amount of cigs I still smoked. The first 3 days were the worst when it came to cravings, but they were bearable compared to the cravings I had when I was trying to quit without Champix. Honestly, one of the best things I have come across. I only had minimal side effects such as nausea and headache, and I felt extra tired, so usually went to bed earlier, but I did not mind any of those! I am so happy that I am now 9 days smoke-free and barely get any cravings, and even if I do, they go away fairly quickly! I can finally say I am smoke-free after 8 years of 20/30 cigarettes a day!"

• Ema...
• December 13, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Please be careful with Chantix. I could tell it was starting to work within the 1st week but also noticed increased irritability and nausea as side effects. To me, that was something I could deal with. Moving on... I started my second week, and I felt a very deep depression setting in. I had feelings of anger towards my children. I also felt very sad for no reason. I couldn’t get anything done at work. I was irritated by everyone’s presence. The depression while on this medication hit me fast and hard! I have 2 small children, and I am their protector, I cannot risk losing my mind! I started losing my ability to be an adequate and involved parent. I didn’t enjoy anything anymore. For the safety of myself and my children, I have discontinued taking Chantix. I’ve read reviews of people having long-term effects on their brain chemistry after taking Chantix, and that’s not something I’m willing to toy with. I will have to use my own willpower to quit."

• shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I'm a pharmacist myself. After hearing of the drug in pharmacology lecture, one of my friends decided to try this out, we were pharmacy students back then. Anyway, we couldn't get it in Iraq, so we got it from Dubai, UAE. He tried it last year and he quit, it's one year since he last smoked anything. He only took 8 pills of the 0.5 mg. I was inspired and did the same, but I finished two weeks counting today. I guess I will finish four weeks of treatment and stop. It's totally magical. P.S. The quitter should remember, nothing comes easy, there will be times of intense cravings, probably severe nausea from the pill. But think of the good thing you do to yourself in the long run."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I tried this drug 2 times before. Each time I stopped smoking for a couple of months, however, I took up smoking again on both occasions. This last time I changed the way I thought and took the entire prescribed amount each day as directed. I didn't suffer nausea this time, and I think it is because I ate a full meal and had a glass of water prior to having the medication. I also made a decision that I would never touch a cigarette again. I made sure I was around people who smoked during the first few months, and anytime I craved in these situations, I told myself I wasn't a smoker and it was disgusting. 12 months on, I feel fantastic, and I don't miss being a smoker at all!"

• Ex-...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was a smoker for 45 years, one or more packs per day, and have tried to quit numerous times. Nothing worked, not the patch, cold turkey, gum, or lozenges. With Chantix, it has been a miracle to be able to quit smoking and not even miss it. I am currently on Day 24 of Chantix and have been totally quit smoking for 19 days! Unbelievable. No real urge to smoke and absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. The only side effect of Chantix for me was a headache in the beginning (took Tylenol and it went away) and some nausea if I don’t eat before taking Chantix. For years, I have had a lot of trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I had a little trouble sleeping the first night on Chantix, but I have slept like a baby every night since. No nightmares, but definitely vivid dreams. I think that means I am sleeping deeply, perhaps. If you are ready to quit smoking and WANT to quit smoking, Chantix will work for you."