I started taking Champix 11 weeks ago and after only 3 days actually stopped smoking. Still crave a smoke from time to time but manage to get past this. BUT, and it is a very big BUT, I now suffer from SEVERE bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts. last night I felt as if a hugh black tidal wave of depression had swallowed me and I could hardly breath! If this is caused by Champix then perhaps I should stop taking them now. I am scared I will actually give myself a breakdown or worse. Any advise? - Tina

Tina Haskins Posted 11/06/2008

I've just sent you a long email in respect of the side effects I have from taking Champix, but I forgot to ask about any alternative treatment. I am concerned that if I stop taking the drug I will start to smoke again and I really don't want this. However, I have cut down on the drug from 2 to 1 tablet a day and have done this for the past week. Can you suggest any other treatment I could try, just in case! Thank you. Tina

Drewy Posted 11/06/2008

This drug has sent me over the edge, look at me wrong & i will end you, dont dare put up an argument because i will beat you into seeing my point of view. if you are thinking of taking champix - think again, this drug is very very scary and should be banned.

Sami Posted 14/06/2008

i am in week 3. Side effects are mainly:nausea, abnormal dreams, dizziness, gas they are very annoying, but having read about side effects, and know why, i believe a short suffering of 12 weeks following 25 years of smoking is worth it IF i can actually stop afterwards.

carol Posted 17/06/2008

l started champex 10 days ago and have symptons of tiredness extreme discomfort in my stomach, tiredness, anger but I have also started getting pains in my arms. Has anyone else had this also? I still haven't stopped smoking but have cut down.

Clare Posted 18/06/2008

I am on day 13 of Champix and have noticed extreme tiredness! Also a bit of muscle weakness, back pain and nausea. I think I'll cut back to one a day and see how that goes.

jen Posted 18/06/2008

I was on champix but had to go off it because it messed with my menstrual cycle and I also had pains in my arms and knees,tiredness..etc. I have quit for a month but still have all these awful side effects.

Paul Posted 23/06/2008

I am in week 3 of Champix and smoke free for 4 days. It's worth putting up with some of the side effects, which in my case were short-lived and 'levelled out' after about 10 days (headache, tiredness, disturbed sleep). I still suffer from a bit of nausea when taking the morning tablet, but even that has improved. As a smoker of 28 years, I think this treatment is fantastic. It's worth bearing with it if you can.

Janette Posted 24/06/2008

Hi, I have smoked since I was 14 - I'm now 54 yep even I know that's 40 years!! I started a course of Champix thru our local council & I STOPPED SMOKING - I never thought I could or would - yes, I had some side effects - in some of my dreams I met people I haven't seen for years in the wierdest of places! But at the end of the day it's now almost July- & that means I haven't smoked (IT isn't easy) for six months. So to everyone and anyone - keep it up IF I CAN SO CAN YOU!

Big Joe Posted 25/06/2008

Listen, I have been taking champix for 3 weeks and let me tell you. I can breathe, taste things, tightness in my chest is gone, I have more enegy, my kids love it, and I'm going to live longer!!!!!!! The minor side affects of this drug would happen to you even if you tried quitting cold turkey anyway! And yes crazy dreams. I think someone is turning on 3 movies in my head before I go to sleep! Will keep you updated on the depression but for now I'm happy. Take a deep breath and tell me you would rather be outside having a cigarette....hmmmmm cigarettes.

Lynny Posted 25/06/2008

I have been taking Champix for 5 weeks now and apart from one hiccough its working, providing I can keep saying NO as I pass the Kiosks! After 45yrs, nothing short of a miracle. Downsides, black depression, feel like I could go to sleep and not care if I didn't wake up again, and not an ounce of energy, looked up this site to check if this is just me or not, seems as if this could be side effects, so will try cutting down to one a day, and see how it goes. I really think its worth it to be a richer, nicer smelling, NON SMOKER! Good Luck everyone!!!!

megs Posted 26/06/2008

I started taking Champix about a month ago and have smoked probably 5 cigs in this time. I feel great for not smoking BUT the side effects of this tiny little pill is something I never want to experience again, my poor children have seen me change from happy to sad to angry to frustrated all in such a short space of time. I was exhausted and felt so tired all the time and yet could hardly sleep and when I did sleep the dreams were bizarre, I feel like I could rip someone's face off one minute then fall to the ground crying the next..I have not taken a pill for 3 days now and 2 of them I locked myself in the house in darkness and wouldn't answer the phone and cried all day as I felt I had no direction or get up and go in me. I am suffering depression, anxiety and anger now, I would not recommend these to anyone.

Sylvia and John Posted 28/06/2008

I started my champix in April. I had weird dreams and increased appetite. I reduced to one tablet on week 11 for one week and have had one week tablet free. This week I have had pains in upper arms this changed to severe wrist pains and very heavy solid knee pains. The pains have been on and off and appear at random. I think this is the withdrawal from the drug. I am still happy to have taken this as I smoked for 40years+. John has stopped without any side effects except the dreams. FOR US ITS BEEN WORTH IT.

maria Posted 03/07/2008

I am in my third week of taking champix, am not smoking but will be very surprised if my marriage is in tact at end of treatment. I had a baby 4 weeks before I started treatment so unsure if champix, or baby hormones causing depression.

scott & angie Posted 10/07/2008

My partner and myself commenced taking champix about 3 and a half weeks ago. We stopped in the 3rd week after experiencing weird dreams, metallic taste in mouth, stomach pain and nausea, in addition to this I felt depressed detached, agitated deply sad to the point of tears, the penny dropped the night I had two beers, and verbally attacked my partner, which nearly ended our relationship. I cant even remember all the things I said. I would recommend people proceed with extreme caution when considering this anti-smoking drug.

chris Posted 12/07/2008

just wanted to let you know.. this pill maybe blocking receptors in the brain, however it is not made to take away from all withdrwl syptoms, many things people are talking about here are symptoms of withdrawl. your body is used to 5000 chemicals + several times a day.. now you are not putting anything in it... withdrawl is a long and painful process so stick with it...

Erin Posted 14/07/2008

Much like most of you, have been getting the nausea, vomiting and trouble sleeping every day, twice a day for the past month. But this is NOTHING compared to what I have had to deal with when I had tried to quit smoking in the past due to a chemical inbalance in my brain. Just remember, this is like any drug; DRUG SIDE EFFECTS < NON-DRUG SIDE EFFECTS. Always try to quit smoking using other methods before thinking you can do a quick fix with a pill. If you start getting very depressed and think about suicide, dont even stop and think! Just quit the pill and start smoking again. If you are going to die from smoking, make it the one that will give you cancer in 20 years (because thats 20 more years that you can try different methods to quit). I am 20 years old. I have tried quitting smoking about 5-8 times in the past 4 years, using about 4 different methods.

Robyn Posted 14/07/2008

The only thing that is happening to me is really vivid dreams....almost like watching a movie in my sleep. I am now a little nervous though about all the comments about sucidal thoughts and bouts of dark depression. I feel fine but now a little paraniod. I stopped smoking on the 12th day and now it is day 19 so I think I will stick with it but as soon as I start to feel sad or angry I will have to quit because I do not want to get mad at my husband or my little one. I wish I never looked up these articles about people committing sucicide or killing people while using Champix now as I freaked out. But like other people mentioned, it could also be the effect of nictotine withdrawals.

sarah Posted 14/07/2008

I have known several people crash into severe depression just from quitting smoking WIHTOUT Champix, so it may not be the fault of the medication. I am only on day 3 but very hopeful that this may work. If only I can stay awake....

Jen Posted 16/07/2008

HELP!!! I have now been taking Champix for just over 4 weeks. Like most of you I have been feeling extremely fragile, feeling angry one minute and ready for crying the next, the sickness I can handle but the tirdeness and change in personality I can't. I am doing really well with the smoking and I am scared if I stop taking these I will go back on the cigs (which I dont want to do ever) I am on 2x1mg a day is it safe to cut this down to 1mg a day? Has anyone tried this? and has it made much of a difference with the side effects?

Halina Posted 21/07/2008

WHAT ABOUT THE PARTNERS WHO ARE LIVING WITH SOMEONE ON CHAMPIX? I can soooo relate to what all of you are saying - I am not even on this stuff but I live it every day. My boyfreind is just about to end his treatment of 3 months - and our relationship is at risk. All the symptons of depression, suicide, upset stomach, fatigue, muscle pain, paranoia, lack of sex drive, etc...has taken a huge toll on our "couple" - We are constantly fighting because of his mood swings, and agressive behaviour and erratic temper tantrums. I have held my tounge on many ocassions - becuase I am trying to be supportive of this treatment - in part he's doing this for me because I am a non smoker. However, I am just about to lose it at this point... Can anyone else who is living with someone on this stuff provide support?

Chris Holmes Posted 21/07/2008

This is insane. You all seem to be assuming that your only choice is to smoke, or take this mad drug that is causing mayhem in some people's lives. Don't fall for the line that the only people who get bad reactions were ill anyway, or that it's caused by "withdrawal". Go to www.truthwillout.co.uk and find out the horrible truth. This drug is killing people, and making a lot more people seriously ill. Don't risk it - the answer is good quality hypnotherapy.

Simon Schloss Posted 22/07/2008

I've been on Champix for 10 weeks now. I had a little nausea the first week or so, very vivid dreams almost every night a lot of them involving Jessica Alba and I've been off ciggarettes longer than I ever have trying to quit cold turkey. I've seriously attempted to quit twice in the last year and ended up very irritable and depressed and aggressive both times. This time I'm feeling very positive and I'm no longer getting cravings at all. All you scare mongers should go spend some time at a cancer clinic or a morgue, as cancer and death are both scientifically proven side effects of smoking, but not of taking Champix.

Chris Holmes Posted 28/07/2008

There it is again! The sneaky suggestion that taking Champix is better than "cancer and death", as if those were your only choices! Who is scaremongering now, Simon? Just because you personally have not had a bad reaction does not mean everyone else will be safe too - and anyway, you're still taking it! Kindly reserve your recommendations until you are off both for a reasonable period!

Phill Posted 28/07/2008

I used champix to give up and it worked great. It was difficult in the early days but manageable, I had suffered severe depression in the past and worried this would return, it did not during use of the drug. However since I have stopped smoking and using Champix I am suffering mild depression. The other major issue I have is indigestion or heartburn which started about 1 week into the treatment and has never subsided, it is now a daily issue 2 months after finishing the treatment. I attended a stop smoking group and the heartburn issue is also being experienced by the other members choosing Champix...

Dr Bee Posted 31/07/2008

I've had a mixed bag with Champrix. I stopped smoking on day 13 and have finally finished the course of tablets after 10 weeks or so. Yes, I'm no longer smoking but even though I've not taken Champix for a week now I still feel chronically tired and dizzy. Let's hope this subsides. Mind you it feels fabulous being a non-smoker now. The chest feels fabulous.

Preeya & Mario Posted 01/08/2008

We started taking the drug 10 days ago (today is our quit date) I found I couldn't smoke after day 3 but my partner (who has been smoking for 15 more years that me who i never thought would quit) threw his ciggies out the window 2 days ago!! Amazing. I am slightly worried about him and will keep a close eye on him. Work, friends and family are all supporting us and know the warning signs and side effects so are keeping a close eye! Its working well so fingers crossed. We also have to check in with the doc every 2 weeks

Beth Posted 02/08/2008

I am on day 9 and have not yet stopped smoking although I really don't want one today, so I think today is the day to quit. BUT the side effects are awful, sore throbbing head, horrible taste in mouth, lower back pain, heart racing,feeling sick. BUT I will stick it for one more week to see if they ease off, if not I'm coming off them.

Scott Posted 03/08/2008

Well I am on week 2 and have not smoked for 3 days - which for me is a miracle. I have been smoking 20-25 per day for 16 years - and tried everything - this is working!!! I have been sick once - and had great dreams - and had the mood swings - but I have combatted this with reminding myself - I dont smoke. This makes me feel much better

Diane Posted 03/08/2008

I stopped taking Champix on day 18. I, like most of you, got a small amount of nausea, which passed and was very tired but I was ok. I gave up smoking on day 9 and that too was ok, doesn't take away all the effects of withdrawal, far from it, but was 'do-able'. then suddenly around day 16 and 17 I couldn't sleep at night and my legs especially felt very irritable, I was so tired with not having any sleep that I stopped taking champix, thinking that would be the end of it - not so. I have not taken champix for 4 days now, but am experiencing stomach cramps, back ache, both pretty uncomfortable. My knee hurts to the point of nearly giving way on me, and I am so bloated that I can hardly get my clothes fastened, these don't seem to be getting any better and I have now got to the point where I am going to have to go to the Dr as I am so uncomfortable. Having read all your comments I'm not sure they will be able to do anything - But hey guys I have NOT started smoking again, so as it turns out I don't need the champix after all! - Just hope I can get over what I'm feeling now :-(

Dan Beamish Posted 05/08/2008

Horrible experience with a family member and this drug. After being told that the side effects were minimal by a hospital-run cessation programme and that the class action suits now starting in the US are groundless, a family member was convinced to give it a try. By day 8 she had no desire at all to smoke and simly quit. But by day 11 anxiety was building and she began to experience mild depression. This is a woman who had no prior history of mental illness or depression. By three days later (day 14) she was completely delusional, in a severe depression, and highly suicidal. She was physically restrained and admitted to a phychiatric emergency ward. Five days later, after stopping the drug, she was almost cleared of axniety and uncontrollable shakes and fidgeting. Now eight days later she seems back to normal and we have our fingers crossed that there will be no long term effects. The only reason for me to write this is to prevent others from experiencing the same problems. It was horrible for our family to go through.

Susan Hopwood Posted 06/08/2008

I stopped the day I started taking it and apart from a little nausea and mad dreams I'm fine. If you compare only champix and smoking (take note chris Holmes) champix is much better. If it stops you smoking its a good thing, yes there are other ways but this seems much more manageable.

Nicole Posted 07/08/2008

I've smoked for 20 yrs and began taking Champix 1 month ago. I was a little nervous about the nausea, that was the only side effect I really heard about but as long as I take the pill on a full stomach with a big glass of water I'm good, oh I do have the vivid dreams too. I quit on day 6 and was amazed, it just happened, I just didn't feel like going to the store to buy any..so crazy and the best part is no real cravings, so for the most part no weight gain.But now like some others I am nervous about the side effects on one's mental state..I would also like to know if you can drop from the 2 pills a day back to 1 without issue?? does anyone have an answer to this? I feel if I ask my pharm or Dr. they will not recommend it. In the end though I have to say it has been great for me and I have also raved about it to other family and friends who are smokers. I would love to know the stats on these issues now that it's been out for a few years.

Gary Posted 08/08/2008

This is my 2nd time taking champix. 1st time, completely stopped smoking after day 12 and lasted 6 1/2 months until went on a trip with biker friends. DO NOT SMOKE EVEN ONE after you quit. Initially I went 2 months and then stopped the champix after kept on forgetting to take them and noticing craving was still under control. No side effects except all of the ones others get when quitting cold turkey. This time around have now been smoke free for 7 days so far. 1st time I heard about depression and suicidal feelings. Never experienced them. Smoked 25 years non-stop before taking champix the first time.

Jo Posted 12/08/2008

I started taking champix knowing the side effects weren't great but thought it was my only chance to kick smoking... I was totally willing for a bit of nausea and other minor side effects, but not for the horrible depression that has hit me! I stopped taking the pills 2 days ago - after only 3 weeks. I am normally a very happy, outgoing person but at the moment I want to lock myself in a room and cry. I don't want to go out, I am angry and sad for no reason, I am pushing those I love away and I don't know if what I am feeling is true or just a product of the drug....This is the worst feeling and I can't wait until I feel like myself again. Although I am not smoking I would not reccommend this drug. There has to be another way. A safe way.... I hate to think of how my crazy moods have effected those around me, the ones I love....

Emma Posted 12/08/2008

I was prescribed Champix by my GP about 4 weeks ago. A Colleague of mine had successfully given up smoking on them and I saw it as a last resort as I have tried giving up several times and failed. I started to feel sick more or less immediately and the sickness got so bad I too felt like I couldn't even do my job. The comment above (Jo's) it's like you have read my mind and put down my thoughts and feelings. I was fully prepared for the nausea as I thought it might help me give up. I too locked myself away, was snapping at everyone and have NEVER EVER felt so depressed in my life. It was the worst feeling I have ever experienced. I am normally a very happy person but Champix made me feel paranoid, angry, upset, firey ... the list goes on. All these feelings are so out of character. I survived less than two weeks on them and now reading stuff like this has made me realise I wasn't alone and I'm not a psycho. I guess I'm lucky I have dealt with it and come off of them. I feel for those less fortunate who are trying to power through on them and may have had pscychological issues already because Champix might just be the nail in the coffin. Scarey thought.

Val Posted 12/08/2008

Look people - side effects are a price we all have to pay in one way or another, but please can anyone tell the difference between the worst side effects from champix and those you get from quiting cold turkey anyways? My advice for those of you feeling down and out is to look at it as a price worth paying for those evil cravings. I know for a fact that if you think you are depressed and irritable from champix, you need to try the version of depressed and irritable from going cold turkey to appreciate the difference.

Johanne Posted 12/08/2008

This,for me,is like magic.I have tried to quit so many times its unreal.I've been on for a month today and smoke free since the 1st of august.WOW!!!Symptoms;nausea,stomach pain and I sleep 9 to 10 hours a night and feel like napping in between,but its ok,I DON'T SMOKE.

hi all
i used champix for 13 days. stopped smoking after day 5 and haven't had a smoke since then. the side effects were strange but funny at the same time. i couldnt sleep for a week or so, my wee smelt horrid i got bad wind, and bloating wich i still get but only when i eat bread....very strange. as it goes after packing the fags in im happier then i can ever remember evan my kids and wife commented on how i am now..........i got the dizzy spells and sick feeling 20mins after each pill but i wasn't SMOKEEEEEEEEEEINNGGGGGGGGGGGGG for the first tme in 28 years. i can walk and talk at the same time with out getting chest pains - im loveing it. i've told a good few of my friends about champix and they have all stopped smoking
this pill is the best if you realy want to stop.......you ppl that cant sleep try taking your pill 2 hours earlier than you are now it helped me but as i say i didn't even finish a full box before i stoped for good!

good luck people you can do it.


olly

I know it reduces the craving for smoking. I have even heard that there are starter and maintenance packs for this drug.