Varenicline and Vivid Dreams: What Users Say

• Qan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Took Chantix for less than 2 weeks before quitting cigarettes. Just finished my first week of no cigarettes and NO medication. I was very ready to quit when I started Chantix. Still craving but keep reminding myself of how far I've come and how I really don't enjoy smoking. I'm just bored. Find something to do - it helps. First day of no cigs or meds, I made it all the way to the store for a pack and by the time I got there, didn't want a cig. Side effects were irritability, sleepiness, and definitely weird dreams. Just kept telling myself the sooner I stop smoking, the sooner I can stop taking the meds."

• Ali...
• February 29, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I only completed the starter pack, so 4 weeks of Champix. Been smoke-free for a month. Champix works but my side effects included vivid dreams, irritation to annoying people, and some cloudy thinking. Still worth it. I feel great now, deep breathing gets me through any urges and just feels good to be able to take deep breaths without coughing. Good luck everyone, you've got this."

• KIE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have been smoking for 50 years. 15-20 a day. Now I'm 70, I decided to quit. On Champix for 3 weeks and I'm down to 2 a day for the last week. WOW! As I live in Australia, the most expensive country in the world for cigarettes, it's eating into my pension. It is $25 per pack of 20! Now I keep a big jar and put in the amount of money I would have spent on cigarettes and see it grow. I'll be able to go on holiday after 1 year. Side effects include colorful dreams and slight nausea. No interest in the taste, just the habit of having a beer and a cigarette. No more standing outside a pub in the rain, feeling like a leper."

• haw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked 2 packs a day for about 30 years. Had the start of Emphysema. I started taking Chantix about 2 weeks before my quit date. My own stubbornness had me wait another week before quitting. I started writing down every time I had a cigarette. The time of day. What I was feeling. How much of the cigarette I smoked. Even what the weather was! I noticed a pattern begin to form and changed the pattern. When my new quit date came around, I didn't even want a smoke. Just went outside and started doing yard work. My last smoking date was March 28th, 2008. It's now May 24th, 2019. Over 11 years smoke free. I had no side effects other than funny (as in ha ha) dreams. I do have small cravings even now. But I just redirect myself and it's gone. Oh, and the emphysema is gone!"

• Smo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix for 3 weeks now. I couldn't smoke past day 4, however, I continued till day 8. I haven't smoked in the last almost 10 days. The good thing about Chantix is that it is so easy to manage withdrawal symptoms. I do get some weird dreams, but it is easy to manage."

• Suz...
• September 21, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked 2 packs daily for 35 years. After the 3rd day on Chantix, smoked less than 10 cigs a day. On the 5th day, smoked 4 cigarettes. On the 6th day, I threw away my cigarettes. I have just started my 31st day on Chantix. Honestly, I don't think I will need the entire second month's dosage. I feel so much better; I don't want to ruin this by picking up another cigarette. There are side effects that you have to plan for and deal with, such as nausea after each dose. Be sure to eat a meal before each pill and drink PLENTY of water. I have had an occasional headache and vivid dreams. None of the side effects have been deal breakers. The 'magic' that makes Chantix work is directly proportional to your level of commitment to quit smoking. If you are at that point, I would highly recommend Chantix - nothing else worked for me and this has been the charm."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "After reading reviews, I was terrified to take this medicine, but I really wanted to quit, so I gave it a try. I took it for 35 days and quit due to side effects. I smoked for the first two weeks and haven’t smoked another one in 3 weeks. I did experience nausea, some vivid dreams, but nothing terrifying. I did get severely depressed and literally just got out of bed to go to work, so I decided to quit taking it. I think this drug is effective in helping you quit if you really desire to quit. It was a great start for me, and I’m hoping I don’t start back after quitting the medicine early. Cigarettes taste disgusting while using this, and you don’t get that satisfaction after smoking like you normally would, so I think that’s what helps."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Only been on Chantix for two weeks, due to health issues, really needed to quit. The desire for a smoke has gone down, and they are not tasting as good. I smoked over a pack a day, now about a half pack. The only side effect is dreams, they are not bad but never remembered dreaming before. Still haven't set quit date, still riding out medication and trying to break smoking patterns. I am bipolar and have no mood shift or depression. Looking forward to seeing this through and being smoke-free! Already smoking half as much! Can't wait till the day comes I just put them down!"

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I love Chantix! It's amazing. The only side effects I had were a little nausea and some gas, but only if I didn't eat something or drink water with it. Very mild tiredness, nothing that a coffee or coke couldn't resolve quickly. Also, I experienced very vivid and wild dreams, almost realistic, but to be honest, I really enjoyed them. I have no desire to smoke whatsoever. It's the strangest and coolest thing in the world."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "After 45 years of smoking a pack a day, plus I decided to try Champix. This is my first serious attempt to quit smoking. I continued smoking during weeks one to five, however, the number of cigarettes I smoked tapered off drastically. I am now in week seven and am eighteen days smoke-free. I will be honest, it is a battle for me since I enjoy my cigarettes. I've almost given up a few times due to cravings and the fact that I am cranky as heck. (I'm chalking the crankiness up to the lack of nicotine in my system.) But I haven't caved in yet, nor do I plan to. As for the 'side effects' - my dreams are vivid but interesting. I take this medication with food and the recommended full glass of water, so I do not feel any nausea. The cravings, well, there's bound to be some. Make sure to have lots of gum or mints on hand! Honestly though, I would recommend Champix to anyone who wants to quit smoking."

• pfa...
• May 13, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I have smoked for 38 years. I liked smoking. I never let my cigarettes run out. They were a friend. I could not imagine life without cigarettes. Chantix changed that. Chantix made cigarettes less important to me. I dwindled down to one cigarette a day over 6 weeks, and when the pack ran out, I didn't buy another one. I had the crazy dreams, brief nausea, and I also became terse, impatient, and snappy. When I started the 8th week, I decided to cut down to one pill a day to wean myself off the drug. I am still smoke-free. My mood has improved. I feel more like myself only I don't want to smoke. If I can Quit, You can Quit. Try it. LIVE BETTER WITHOUT CIGARETTES. GOOD LUCK!"

• Wan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I will be starting my 3rd month of Chantix in a few days. I’ve smoked a pack a day for 35 years. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 2 COPD. I’m down now to 5-6 cigarettes a day. I will smoke my very last cigarette tonight. However, the side effects as far as nausea have been very hard to tolerate. But I’ve learned from my doctor that I can take Zantac, and it works really well with the stomach upset. My dreams can be really vivid. I have some depression. I do find myself more tired and irritable, eating more and experiencing weight gain. The medication works, but you have to let it do its job, and you have to work with it. I’m stubborn, and I like smoking. I decided to try Chantix because I first read the reviews in here, and you all were my inspiration. I thank you for that, and I hope my quit date tomorrow, 12/20, is successful so that on Christmas, I may have the first few days of the rest of my life smoke-free to report to my kids. Thanks for listening, and thanks for your help."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for the 1st month while taking Chantix, waiting for cigs to taste bad, but it never came. I did notice after about 3 weeks I was smoking out of habit and cigs were not doing anything for me, so the 3rd day after starting the 1 mg 2x a day, I said no more, but really wanted one, but strong enough to say no even though it’s basically going through my mind a hundred times a day. I actually got through it. And the next day and the next. Today I am only 8 days without a cig and I still often say I want 1, but strong enough to say no. I have sat next to people that were smoking and it didn’t bother me at all. Taking 1 or 2 tokes of weed a day has helped me because breathing in smoke or something. Now not using that for a crutch. Side effects - few vivid dreams and also I can’t seem to control my anger. I get mad and confrontational, I blow up and then force myself to take a time out. I’m not sure if it’s the meds or just me getting rid of nicotine."

• tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was prescribed Champix by my doctor and started on the them on the 12th January. I had to pick a date as a quit date, I chose the 25th Jan. I was a heavy smoker for over 20 years and on 2 packs of 20 a day (awful). I am proud to say I am a non-smoker after taking Champix for just 12 days. To me, this medicine is a pure miracle. I have to finish my tablets which were to last for 14 days. I have had headaches and really bad dreams that have woken me, but I can live with that. I have no cravings at all to smoke, and the thought of it does make me feel a bit of nausea. I just pray this lasts as it truly is a miracle medicine."

• Lot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Champix has worked. I was scared of taking them but my health had declined and my fitness levels were shocking. I had a history with mental health issues like anxiety, so you can imagine how scared I was given the long list of side effects. I took these with food and did not get any nausea, I haven't had one bit and have been on these 5 weeks now. It completely stopped my desire to smoke after 2 weeks. I'm short-tempered, but my boyfriend and I discussed all this before I started Champix, so we knew it was coming. Even he says it's worth it to give up. I have also had weird dreams, but not bad ones. In yesterday's dream, I won the Formula 1 race in France! I haven't had any cravings, and I'm pinching myself. I was also a heavy drinker, and I haven't wanted one since I can't smoke. So my real test will be a glass of wine, but I'm waiting until the 12-week course is up to drink, as I don't want to fail, and so far I haven't wanted to drink. All round, I'm super impressed."

• MOM...
• March 25, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I have smoked for over 20 years. I took Chantix and smoked for the first 3 weeks. I did, however, notice after the 7th day that cigarettes were not as enjoyable. I stopped on the 3rd week because I was bored with smoking. I am now just 6 days smoke-free but feel amazing! I smell good, I can breathe better, and have saved enough to buy some nice perfume, which I can still smell on me at the end of the day. My smoker's cough is even going away. I am having strange dreams, but that is the only side effect. Chantix makes it so easy. I am going to continue to take it a few more weeks to be sure this monkey is off my back, and I plan to stay smoke-free forever. Thank you, Chantix. Update - 3/25/14 - 2 weeks smoke-free and the urge is gone!"

• amy...
• May 20, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I am a 53-year-old woman who started smoking when I was 9. By 13, I was up to 2 packs a day. I smoked 2 packs a day for 40 years. Every woman in my family died from emphysema. My mother was 59, my aunt 69, my grandmother ?. I have been wanting to quit for over 20 years. I've tried hypnosis, smoking camps, Smoker's Anonymous, pills, patches, anything. Nothing worked. A friend told me she had gotten Chantix and it gave her weird dreams, so she stopped taking it. I said I like weird dreams, can I have what's left over? (I know this is not the right way to get it.) She gave it to me with instructions. On the 6th day, I woke up (you can smoke for the first 7 days) and didn't even think about a cigarette, NO CRAVING WHATSOEVER!"

• Hap...
• October 30, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I was extremely skeptical about Chantix. I needed to quit. I have tried gum, patches, lozenges-nothing worked, and the withdrawals were always really bad using the nicotine replacements. Now on Chantix, I have been 78 days without a cigarette, and my husband smokes. I don't even want a cigarette. I weaned myself off the Chantix, afraid I would have side effects like the other nicotine replacements-nothing. The only side effect was I had one weird dream that I was pregnant with twins, and I'm 51, that was as scary as it can get. I am so happy with this product, and the quit app is good too. In the beginning, I thought the app was lame, but I found myself really looking forward to checking it. I didn't smoke today on the calendar. Thank you, Chantix."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Absolutely brilliant. I’m now on week 12 without a cigarette. I stopped taking Champix after week 3. Dreams a bit weird, felt a little bit sick in the first 2 weeks, so tired, but all worth it. Will never smoke again. I highly recommend Champix, it works."

• Fra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 16, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried so many unsuccessful times to quit smoking. I have used patches, tried cold turkey, even hypnosis! Nothing worked. I have smoked for more than 35 years. I finally decided to try Chantix, thinking the entire time that it would fail as well. When my doctor told me that it actually blocked the nicotine receptors in the brain instead of just simply replacing the nicotine itself, I began to have some hope. I smoked for about a week, and the craving began to diminish. Cigarettes began to taste different. I had cigarettes, but I just did not want to smoke them. I knew then that something had changed. I had very crazy dreams, not scary, just crazy, but that was doable. I didn't get depressed at all."

• Moe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I had crazy dreams, I ended up getting depressed, it made me sick at times. I felt like I was crazy for about 3 months. I had to go on it a second time. I have been smoking for 20 years since I was 13 years old, and in the past, nothing has made me quit-not even one day, not even getting pregnant with my children. I would recommend Chantix to anyone that is serious about quitting. I've never been prouder of myself in my whole life. I have now quit for 24 weeks, I don't plan on ever smoking again. Thank you, Chantix."

• Kee...
• April 22, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 28 years and I have a very addictive personality. I thought I'd never be able to quit smoking. It took me longer than what is suggested in the info pack for Champix, but now I am smoke-free! It is truly a miracle. I have suffered with many of the side effects ranging from vivid dreams, nausea, increased frequency of migraine headaches, acne, eczema, dry skin, tiredness, increased anxiety, and significant weight gain. However, everything that I've had to go through as far as side effects have been worth it to say I'm smoke-free and I know it will improve as I go back off of the medication. Good luck to anyone reading this who is still trying to quit. You can do it!!"

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "It's been 5 years since Chantix killed my multiple decade, hardcore, 2.5 pack a day tobacco smoking addiction. Given the very vocal community against the medicine, I think it's important that those of us whose lives have been saved by it speak up also. Chantix gave me some weird but not unpleasant dreams and made me moody. However, cold turkey withdrawal makes those side effects seem laughable as cold turkey attempts would make me close to completely irrational. Chantix is a miracle, don't miss out on it. As a final note, I do have to say, while Chantix does the heavy lifting, you still have to be committed to quitting. To this day, when I see someone smoke, I still have pangs of longing, however, I also have a healthy terror of smoking."

• Jim...
• January 5, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I was coming up to 60 years old after being a heavy smoker since I was 16 years old. I have previously tried everything to quit for the last 20 years with no success. I was diagnosed with COPD ten years ago, so I tried Champix on a course recommended by my GP. I cut down and totally quit after two months, that was 2 years ago. I still occasionally fancy a cigarette, but they have worked well. My only side effect was lucid dreams, but they soon stopped after I finished the course. Try them if you're serious about quitting, nothing else worked for me. Highly recommended."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried so many times to stop smoking without any success until Chantix + a good mindset. I smoked for 35 years, so I spoke with my doctor about Chantix. My start date: September 29, 2019, official quit date: October 7, 2019. I weaned down over a week and then just didn’t want them. It is now November 11, just over 30 days on Chantix, and the weird dreams I can handle. I've had a few episodes of anger but remembered this is a side effect. What I can’t take anymore is the anxiety, I have had daily anxiety attacks over the last 2 weeks and one full panic attack that lasted hours. So I have decided to also quit Chantix early since I’m getting scared of these attacks. It definitely works, just remember to read and understand side effects and identify those during the process. Let others around you know you’re taking it, and if they realize you’re having these side effects, have them remind you that it’ll pass, and if too severe, then see your doctor."