Varenicline and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lou...
• March 7, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Currently at the end of day 9 and 22.5 hours since the last cigarette. At the end of day 3, got a severe headache that lasted approximately 36 hours. Dreamt a bit more than normal, but nothing much. Dry mouth all the time. On day 1, cigarette had a metallic taste. By day 5, had gone from an average of 15 a day to 4-5. This morning, on the 2nd day of full dosage, woke up with a nauseous/full feeling. No appetite loss, but kind of strange. Also noticed today, my eyes felt extremely tired but not actually tired. Not wanted a cigarette today, but does feel strange not having one. More the habit than need. Very surreal experience. Was dubious as to whether it would actually work, but so far, so good. If you want to quit, you have to give it a go!!!"

• ali...
• January 11, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I have not smoked in 4 months, and I owe it all to Chantix. I had shortness of breath, severe headaches, felt very lethargic, absent-minded, and depressed. I ended up in the emergency room. I am fine now, but I have not taken it for 2 months. And the best is I am a non-smoker! They say it will take a few months before I feel myself again. I have no desire to smoke."

• Rub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Coming up to week 12 soon of my Champix journey and so glad I did it! For the first 5 days, I carried on smoking as usual, about 15 a day. By day 8, I was having 1 a day... By day 14, I had not had a cigarette for 4 days! Yes, now and then I did feel sick, but nothing I couldn't handle (better than smoking). Made sure I had eaten before taking my tablet. Also felt a little tired now and then. I have definitely lost my appetite, but I'd rather that than weight gain. Don't worry if you haven't given up straight away, around day 14 is a good place to start. Just keep going as it will be worth it in the end. I can't thank Champix enough. I just stopped thinking about smoking completely, which would never have happened cold turkey."

• Grn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "38-year-old female who smoked for 21 years. I smoked the first week on Chantix, and it tasted nasty. Before Chantix, I loved the feeling of inhaling the smoke. After starting Chantix, and because it tasted nasty, that feeling went away. I only took Chantix for two weeks. I didn't mind the weird dreams, but I could not stand the flu-like symptoms. My body ached, I was always tired, and shortly after I took the pill, I would get a bad upset stomach. After all of that, I would do it again in a heartbeat! I love not being a smoker. No more smelly clothes. Smoked a pack a day, so saving money there. Prior to Chantix, I tried electronic cigarettes to quit smoking, it didn't work. Now it keeps my hands busy. Three months, no smoke. YOU HAVE TO WANT TO QUIT!"

• AD3...
• March 6, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day. I started using Champix, and I quit smoking after my third day. I read reviews and was scared, but it's a chance you need to take. I used all quit smoking packages, and nothing helped me as much as Champix did. Though, just like three out of ten people, I experienced nausea and felt tired and sleepy most of the time, but it was worth it!"

• Aug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix on August 1. I read some of the reviews and thought, wow, that sounds like it might work for me. I have been smoking a pack a day for 20 years. I started when I was 13. I had no side effects, except it made me a little tired the first week. I wasn't sure how it would affect me, so I took the morning pill at night during week one. No upset stomach, except one day when I didn't eat before taking the pill. No bad dreams, but they were very vivid and pleasurable. I smoked through the first 9 days. My last cigarette was on August 9. I took a drag of a cigarette on August 10, but it tasted terrible, even after a glass of wine! Today is September 2, and I am still smoke-free! Yay! Chantix is amazing!"

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've smoked now for 24 years and was up to 1 pack a day for about a year. I started Chantix 1 week ago, and I continued to smoke in decreased amounts. However, on day number 3, every time I smoked, I felt nauseous, very weak, and got a very bad headache regardless of eating before taking it. I'm now on week number 2, and for the first time as of 7-2-18, I've only smoked once! I'm so proud of myself because by now I would've smoked at least 7 cigarettes! I know being smoke-free is attainable for me, but I do get very strong cravings, especially in the morning, but it is much easier in the evenings to fight the cravings. Thus far, the side effects I have experienced are constipation, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, and vivid dreams, but good ones! So far, I would say Chantix is helping me battle the urge to smoke, and I do see a smoke-free road ahead of me!"

• Ric...
• August 15, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Took a full course 2 years ago. It was amazing. From 1 1/2 packs a day to not wanting one in 10 days. I had nausea after taking a pill (usually about 15 mins.), crazy dreams every night (took me about a month to figure out which event in my life these dreams were about - they were all so similar but slightly different each night), incredible lethargy bordering on exhaustion (I'd get out of bed in the morning, having dreamt more than slept, go to the coffee pot in the kitchen and more or less collapse - head down on folded arms on the counter for 10 mins. with legs so weak I could barely stand), yelling matches with people who wanted early starts at work. Not a happy time, but I'd quit and it was all worth it. 3 months after the last pill."

• Ric...
• August 15, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Took a full course 2 years ago. It was amazing. From 1 1/2 packs a day to not wanting one in 10 days. I had nausea after taking a pill (usually about 15 mins.), crazy dreams every night (took me about a month to figure out which event in my life these dreams were about - they were all so similar but slightly different each night), incredible lethargy bordering on exhaustion (I'd get out of bed in the morning, having dreamt more than slept, go to the coffee pot in the kitchen and more or less collapse - head down on folded arms on the counter for 10 mins. with legs so weak I could barely stand), yelling matches with people who wanted early starts at work. Not a happy time, but I'd quit and it was all worth it. 3 months after the last pill."

• KT ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I'm happy to see that Chantix helped people. We all know cigarettes are not healthy, tax your breathing, make you a social pariah, etc. And then there's the ridiculous cost, which is why I wanted to stop; for all the reasons listed above. I knew from the commercial that this could make me depressed and suicidal. I thought it was the common disclaimer to avoid liability if I decided to stop smoking but jump off a bridge, which is where I was pretty quickly into it. I felt like a zombie, was ridiculously tired. No matter how much sleep I got, I was tired. And sad. Cigarettes lost their appeal, as did everything else. I was/am extremely congested, sad, 'lost,' hopeless. My teeth hurt. I also had strange smells. Good news: stopping abruptly is OK."

• Lou...
• February 6, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I am on my 12th tablet, gave up smoking on the 6th tablet, but I am suffering with side effects, tired, nausea, I ache all over and having terrible nightmares, my mouth is constantly dry and food doesn't have any taste to it. However, on the plus side, I don't want a fag and feel sick at the thought of one. I'm hoping to stay on the tablets as long as possible to kick this habit, but with two children to look after, it's hard! I'm going to only take one tablet a day from tomorrow and see if that helps."

• pin...
• June 17, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband has been taking the Chantix trying to quit, and I came here because he has been experiencing depression, irritability, and lethargy. He has seemed more punchy about needing to eat (maybe the hunger?). I thought maybe the medication could be causing the depression, but that wasn't listed as a symptom."

• lud...
• December 14, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I am on my second month of Chantix and am smoke-free. The craving for a cigarette is still occasional. I have experienced mild nausea for about 30 minutes after taking pills in the morning and at night. One thing that concerns me is the lethargy. I just don't want to do anything at all, which is not like me at all. My husband and I discussed this, and we have agreed that I will at least finish the second month of the pill. I think the side effects are worth not smoking. Good luck to everyone!!!!"

• Lyn...
• December 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am on day 10, and I am feeling very frustrated and feel that I am failing at giving up the smokes. Yes, I am starting to feel a bit nauseous, heart palpitations, dry mouth, and tired. Yes, I have slowed down on the smokes, but I feel that it won't be a quick fix! Why can't I be like everyone else and just not smoke?"

• awa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "After taking Champix for 4 weeks, I returned to my GP, who asked me, had I stopped smoking yet? I actually hadn't realized you were meant to stop within this period. Armed with a script for a further 4 weeks' worth, I embarked on the next phase. After smoking for 40 years and with several failed attempts to stop, I was a tad skeptical as to how successful this would be. So, 2 months after starting the course, I am now cigarette-free for 8 days!!!! and quietly proud of myself. I am also 4 days free of Champix, which I am even happier about!!! I am usually not prone to side effects on medication, but managed to suffer through most of the possible ones listed, so the last 2 months have been quite an ordeal!! Was lethargic, disinterested, and tired the whole time, wild dreams made worthwhile sleep difficult, so after 7 weeks, I was happy to stay off the smokes just to be free of the side effects!! Hard yakka but worthwhile!!"

• awa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "After taking Champix for 4 weeks, I returned to my GP, who asked me, had I stopped smoking yet? I actually hadn't realized you were meant to stop within this period. Armed with a script for a further 4 weeks' worth, I embarked on the next phase. After smoking for 40 years and with several failed attempts to stop, I was a tad skeptical as to how successful this would be. So, 2 months after starting the course, I am now cigarette-free for 8 days!!!! and quietly proud of myself. I am also 4 days free of Champix, which I am even happier about!!! I am usually not prone to side effects on medication, but managed to suffer through most of the possible ones listed, so the last 2 months have been quite an ordeal!! Was lethargic, disinterested, and tired the whole time, wild dreams made worthwhile sleep difficult, so after 7 weeks, I was happy to stay off the smokes just to be free of the side effects!! Hard yakka but worthwhile!!"

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I'm in two minds about this drug. I'm on my third week and have not had a cigarette for a week now. I smoked around 20 per day and always found it hard to quit. Tried patches, inhalers, gum, etc., in the past but found the cravings really hard. This is actually working, and I'm not wanting a cigarette so much. HOWEVER, I feel awful. I'm extremely tired all the time and have zero energy, which isn't like me. I'm having terrible nightmares and other strange dreams and waking up in sweats. I feel sickly all the time with a metallic taste in my mouth, headaches, and over the last couple of days, I've had severe stomach cramps and terrible wind. Going to the doctor for advice. I do not feel good at all."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I'm in two minds about this drug. I'm on my third week and have not had a cigarette for a week now. I smoked around 20 per day and always found it hard to quit. Tried patches, inhalers, gum, etc., in the past but found the cravings really hard. This is actually working, and I'm not wanting a cigarette so much. HOWEVER, I feel awful. I'm extremely tired all the time and have zero energy, which isn't like me. I'm having terrible nightmares and other strange dreams and waking up in sweats. I feel sickly all the time with a metallic taste in my mouth, headaches, and over the last couple of days, I've had severe stomach cramps and terrible wind. Going to the doctor for advice. I do not feel good at all."

• Wis...
• September 19, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for most of my life. I was told by my daughter (a nurse) originally about Chantix. Many of her co-workers were doing great with it. I too have had a few side effects. I have the dreams and sometimes feel slightly lethargic. I did have a queasy stomach for a few days when I started taking it, but that has subsided. Overall, I think that it has helped tremendously. 39 days without a "puff". Hang in there, all you good people."

• Iam...
• November 7, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "So funny how some of the responses say Chantix didn't work. I have smoked for the last 13 years, around a pack or more a day. I have tried to quit on many occasions but was not successful. Like many new endeavors, losing weight, etc., unless you truly want to quit, nothing will work for you, please do not blame the medicine or program! I took Chantix for a month, had some of the symptoms like crazy dreams, it made me a little tired and most certainly take with food. I noticed the first week not smoking as many cigarettes. I purposely stepped down the numbers I smoked every day, by the 3rd week, I laid them down! I had a few trigger moments but got through them and have never looked back. One day at a time and truly wanting to be free is the way."

• Lig...
• February 4, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix is phenomenal! I started smoking just over 10 years ago as an occasional smoker, but with some time, I was totally committed to taking years of my life, especially when I would add an alcoholic beverage to the mix. There was nothing tastier than a cigarette. I started taking Chantix, and during the first week, I was still smoking, not because it was enjoyable, but mostly because of habit. They tasted horrible, so I would take 2 puffs and throw it out. I stopped taking Chantix and was able to remain smoke-free. Like some of the other comments, the dreams are intense, very vivid, very weird, and I actually remember them when I wake up. Another downside is that I am tired, but it's worth it! Quit while you're ahead."

• mil...
• July 8, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "Second attempt at Champix, so far so good, but will say this time round I think I have every side effect: craving, feeling sick, strange dreams, tiredness, eating a lot more. I'm on week 4, but determined to do this. I smell better, my bank account looks healthier. Good luck to everyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I've been on Chantix for 2 weeks. I have reduced the amount I smoke, and they smell awful, and I can't finish the smoking. I also live with smokers who have decided not to quit and refuse to honor my request to smoke outdoors, making it even more difficult to quit. I am a 2 to 3 pk a day, sometimes 4 pks a day smoker. I am down to less than 2 pks a day. I do have issues with my chest feeling very heavy and shortness of breath since taking Chantix. I have developed vertigo and upper respiratory infection since using Chantix. The cravings aren't as intense, and I don't feel any anger. I do have very vivid dreams (not nightmares). I am also very itchy all over and get chills and hot flashes since taking Chantix and am very tired all the time."

• Smo...
• April 29, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I started smoking the second time around for about 7 years now. I am 43 years old with high blood pressure. Cholesterol is fine. So I talked with my doctor, and I am on week two, day three of taking Chantix. I have experienced bouts of nausea. I have been reading the reviews, and I am going to take it with milk. I used to smoke at least 10 cigs a day. Today I only had one, tried smoking another one. Nah, it was awful! I'm glad because I don't want to stroke out from high blood pressure. I now have to take blood pressure medicine. I've only had one crazy dream. I do feel tired at times. Cried a few times, but I'm gonna tough it out! Thank you for your reviews and suggestions. I'll keep you posted. Be blessed, all!"

• Cou...
• May 31, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 10 years. I am at the end of my 4th week on Chantix and have been nicotine-free for 6 days! I still have the urge to smoke when I initially get in my car to go somewhere or after I eat, but the craving subsides surprisingly easily and rather quickly. I take one tablet in the morning and at night (be sure to eat and let your food settle before you take the morning dose to prevent the nausea!). I do feel more tired than usual and cranky during week 2, but not unmanageable. I've been having vivid dreams, but good ones! I'm dreaming in color and wanting to go back to sleep to find out what happens next! I've tried everything before Chantix. I haven't had any depression episodes, though it is a known side effect. No medicine is a one size fits all, so if you do take it or don't, understand that the reactions aren't the same for everyone. I would suggest if you try it to take it exactly as prescribed and visit your doctor regularly to monitor how it affects you."