Varenicline and Nightmares: What Users Say (Page 2)

• hun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2019

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "This is the worst drug I have ever taken. It gave me horrible nightmares and made me feel depressed and weird. After 1 month, I wound up in an ER with seizures. It never worked! So then I got an E-cig and never smoked again. DO NOT TAKE THIS HORRIBLE DRUG! People have bad mental side effects on this (deep dark depression, etc.). STAY AWAY from CHANTIX, IT'S GARBAGE. (I know they won't show this)"

• Dan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 6, 2018

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I used Champix in Dec 2011. Since then, I don’t smoke and have no desire, even if you blow cigarette smoke in my face. I had taken the pills for about 2-4 weeks. After the first week, I increased to two pills as per the dosage but started getting horrible nightmares. I had nightmares about saving my dogs every night. It was scary - I never experienced anything like that. So, I decreased back to one pill. After 2 weeks, when I was slowly smoking less and less, I stopped smoking cigarettes altogether. Until today, I am still not smoking cigarettes and have 0 desire to start."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2012

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "If it wasn't for Chantix, I may not have stopped smoking, as this was my last resort. In the past, I've quit, but only lasted several days, then I went back to it. I have now completed my 3rd week and have been smoke-free for the last two. Stopped smoking completely after day 5. Some of the side effects were/are slight nausea, joint pain in the hip area, strange dreams, a few 'nightmares,' but nothing worth stopping the program for, heartburn, and burping (I think has to do with the heartburn). I suggest drinking a lot of water and staying away from coffee (assuming you smoke with your morning coffee). I also started exercising regularly 4-5 days a week, an hour and a half a day. Thank you, Chantix. Good luck to you all, future non-smokers!!!"

• Ang...
• October 9, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I was a smoker for at least 25 years. Tried a few times to stop on my own without much success. When I asked my doctor for Chantix, he prescribed it and it totally worked by the time I completed the first script! No bad side effects at all, but a good side effect: prior to taking it, I always had terrible nightmares. Once on Chantix, those completely stopped. This was 5 years ago, and I have never had a craving for a smoke since, even when in a room with smokers! This stuff was amazing, thank you!!!!!"

• msm...
• July 8, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "It has been 5 weeks since I have had a cigarette. I feel great! I have tried Zyban, the patch, the gum, Nicotrol, and every other product to try to quit smoking and failed. I have smoked for 30 years at a pack and a half a day. I can't believe how easy it is. I have told everyone I know that smokes, and now they are buying Chantix to quit too. My only side effects are dreams and nightmares every night. I plan to use Chantix for the full 6 months as I don't plan to go back to smoking."

• 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."

• Rob...
• October 30, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "This is the 2nd time I have quit with Chantix. It truly works. To avoid the nightmares, I started off by taking half a pill morning and night for the first week and then went to a full tablet morning and night, and that worked, no nightmares this time. I have been taking it for 2 months now and have been smoke-free for one month. How long should I take it?"

• dbi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "At 47 years old, I had a heart attack and had to quit smoking. Dr. prescribed Chantix. I had never heard of it before then. After 12 days and after carefully following instructions, I had quit smoking. Not only had I quit a 2-pack-a-day habit, it was as though I had never smoked in my life. No after-dinner cravings, no stuck-in-traffic lighting up, nothing. Side effects were minimal for me. Some odd dreams, but no nightmares. Went to a baseball game with the Flintstones. That sort of thing. It's totally worth a shot. May not work for everybody, but everybody who smokes and wants to quit should give Chantix a shot. If it doesn't work for you, then do what my wife, who felt she should quit so she doesn't smoke near me, did. Cold turkey!"

• Dor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2021

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I took Champix 2 and a half years ago. I smoked for 35 years, 20 a day smoker. Loved my cigarettes, and I put my cigarette in front of my husband, children, and grandchildren because I was addicted to them. If I had cigarettes, I was a nice person, if I ran out, I was a monster - they totally controlled my life. Everywhere we went, I would be looking to see where I could have a cigarette. Champix was my savior!!!! I took it for the full 12 weeks. I also had a counselor every week to talk about how I felt, and by week 9, I gave the cigarettes up. I didn’t have many side effects, some nightmares now and again, and I felt a bit nauseous only sometimes in the morning. It was the best thing I ever did, my family is very proud of me, and I am no longer controlled by that cancer stick."

• 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."

• Joe...
• July 25, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "This medication works, but not for everyone. I took this medication and had been smoke-free for 9 weeks. I stopped taking it because I was no longer myself. I had terrible nightmares, and my mental state was altered and still is 4 years after stopping the medication. I do not recommend this medication if you have any mental health issues, depression, anxiety, etc."

• Sie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2015

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "To start off with, I'm 22 and have been a smoker since I was about 13. Started off at about half a pack a day, then throughout the years ended up smoking a pack a day. I watched my grandma, who was really close to me, die of emphysema and COPD, she had quit on Chantix at least three times and swore by it. I started taking this medicine on May 10th, 2015, and started out okay. A week into it, I started having horrible dreams, couldn't sleep, and got sick to my stomach every time I ate, and it gave me diarrhea. This did nothing for me except give my cigarettes a bad taste. They also had the same effect on my husband. This isn't for everyone, and my experience was awful. I still smoke today. I will look into other options eventually. But not this!"

• Tbe...
• April 11, 2012

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I was on it a total of 4 weeks-actually 3 1/2. The first week went well-no issues or concerns. By the 2nd week, I started noticing my dreams and the frequency of them. I was able to give up a lot of my smoking. Didn't really feel like I wanted to smoke either. By the 3rd week, I was going through a bad rash, hellish nightmares, violent nightmares, somewhat suicidal dreams, stomach flu-like symptoms, and nasty irritability. I was in full-blown 'side effects hell.' I called my doctor and asked what to do-she immediately pulled me off of them. I still personally feel that the way it affects your brain and the known side effects means that people on it should consult with a psychologist during the process."

• amb...
• November 6, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I am on my third week, and I have cut down to approx. 3 to 4 cigs a day. I noticed that I feel tired a lot and feel nausea only when I smoke and a slight headache, but it doesn't last long at all. I've had one nightmare and have had loss of appetite and weight loss. Also, I notice that it intensifies the effects of alcohol."

• Sha...
• February 12, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I was on Champix for my 19th day when I decided tomorrow would finally be the day I'll stop!! Hid anything that would remind me.. ashtrays, papers, filters, lighters... Difficult when your house is a halfway house for your son's homeless mates, all smokers!! (At least they can't hit me up ATM!!) Anyway, that brings me to 4 days of not smoking. About to go to bed, tomorrow will be my fifth.. I've never had any serious issues with Champix!! I've tried and given up twice before, things have just happened... I have always had the nightmares, which I love!! This time around, (I always eat with them) hours after taking it, I'll suddenly get a massive headache and full-on nausea, out of nowhere, at the exact same time!!"

• Ell...
• January 18, 2019

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Don't play Russian roulette with your brain. I took this thinking it was a miracle and experienced throwing up with no warning, even while driving a car. Really dark, horrific dreams that were very vivid. Deep depression, anxiety, feelings of dread that were so bad I couldn't face another day, insomnia that lasted for 8 weeks before being put on Xanax, Trazodone, and Citalopram, all prescribed the same day as my doctor didn't recognize me. I couldn't perform the simplest tasks at my job and having panic attacks that would put me over the edge. This medication should not be for sale. It ruins your brain. Don't let this drug take away all the good things in life just to get rid of one bad habit."

• Bek...
• October 13, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I had a very negative experience on Champix. 5 days in and I've thrown away the packet. Day 1 I was nauseous and vomiting and had terrifying nightmares, dry mouth, hot sweats. Day 2 My mood changed, I felt like I was in a trance/had been sedated. Still having terrifying nightmares. Day 3, 4, 5 Sent home from work, feeling severely depressed and exhausted, can't function. I'm so upset that Champix affected me like this. I've read so many great reviews, but it just wasn't for me. I could have dealt with all the side effects if I didn't work full time. But even customers were picking up on my 'zombie' like state. Best of luck to everyone else trying to give up! I'm going to have to try good old-fashioned willpower!"

• Roz...
• January 29, 2016

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I am on my 9th day today, and only quit smoking yesterday. I was on 2 for the past 3 days before my quit day (to be completely honest, unless it was social pressure, I wouldn't even have them). I woke up today excited about life. My senses are going through a new phase as well. I can finally enjoy the taste of my food and smell the wet grass in the park. It's all new for me, but I am just loving it. And since Champix is blocking all your cravings, you start wondering why I didn't do this earlier. There are side effects for sure, it's completely worth it. I realized that the side effects that I had are the same ones when I tried to quit without using Champix. I did have terrible dreams back then and would wake up sweating."

• Pet...
• October 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have not smoked for 6 years. Champix saved my life. I was so addicted to cigarettes! I tried Champix before, however, at 1 mg/day, I had nightmares and quit taking the drug after 2 weeks. I talked it over with my doctor, and we decided that I would try taking 1/2 the recommended dosage. I was on 0.5 mg for 5 months. I knew after the first 2 to 3 weeks that I would be a success because I had NO urge to smoke. When I smoked, the urge was always so strong. When I was a smoker in the morning when I woke up, my eyes weren't even open, but the first thought in my conscious mind was to have a cigarette. I could not go to bed at night unless I had a cigarette beforehand. I never smoked in the bedroom. I wanted to quit for numerous personal reasons. I hated the smell on my clothing, my hands, my breath. I could hear the wheezing in my lungs when I lay down. I wanted my health back. I did not want my grandchildren to see Grandma smoking. I have no wheezing now, my lungs are clear. I feel better."

• Sun...
• February 13, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for over 50 years. I tried the patch and gum before. The pill has been pretty successful so far. My advice is don't take it before you go to bed as you will have nightmares. I take a pill at 5 in the morning and the other I have at 7 pm. THANK YOU FOR THIS MIRACLE PILL. IT WAS THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE. IT'S BEEN 5 days so far. USUALLY I DO MAKE IT A FULL DAY. THE PILL IS A GODSEND. THANK YOU AGAIN."

• Dgk...
• April 16, 2012

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "I've been trying to quit smoking for 10 months. I've tried the patch, and it didn't work. I got down to 2 cigs a day, but it was hell. So now I'm on day 6 of Chantix, and I'm having more frequent, stronger cravings, crazy nightmares, and painful gas, but I'm going to keep trying because I'm stubborn. Wish me luck."

• mr...
• November 12, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I was on a two-week course as opposed to the recommended 12-week. After three days on a 0.5 mg dosage, I was nauseous, no appetite, headaches; pressure behind my eyes and the worst nightmares imaginable. Wasn't advised to take with a full glass of water or after food. Never, ever, again. I stopped taking them!"

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2025

For Smoking Cessation "It's been a few years since I tried Chantix. I stopped taking it halfway through due to horrible dreams and my self feeling like a complete witch. My personality changed so much that my coworkers complained to my supervisor. She asked, 'What's going on with you?' I said, 'I'm trying to stop smoking, and the medication is making me feel like a complete witch. I can't help it.' She said, 'Well, maybe you should stop taking it.' So I did and went back to smoking. I have a few health problems that my doctor said I have to stop smoking for 3 weeks before spine surgery. How am I going to stop? I smoke a pack a day. I'm 62 years old and have smoked since I was 15 years old! Wish me luck. I'm giving Chantix one more chance."

• Daw...
• September 21, 2017

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "My husband took Chantix and became extremely abusive. Accusing me, calling me names. The worst sort, he refused to let me use A/C, refused to put enough food in the refrigerator, and he woke up in the middle of the night with nightmares. He forced me to divorce after 23 years, and now I am destitute. I am warning all spouses. Chantix will ruin your life. Threatened me. As a result, I have no alimony, no home, no life insurance, no health insurance."

• AAA...
• September 5, 2007

Varenicline for Smoking Cessation "Many people are talking about depression, psychotic rage, blackouts, and severe nightmares while taking this drug."