has anyone had side effects from stopping chantix

fatfrog · Guest

I have been taking chantix for 3 weeks, at first it was leg cramps and restless legs. Then hips hurt, no sleep,when I do sleep I dream alnight. I don't rest at all. oh and naseau from the very beginning. Now after stopping for the 2nd day I am ill tempered and don't want to be around anybody.I have a headache, my lower back hurts and I just want to lay down a go to sleep, if I could sleep.I sure don't want to be at work. Anybody having any side effects of quitting the drug?
Please answer, I'm not crazy,I don't think. By the way I'm still smoking Crying or Very sad

Guest · Guest

Sorry to hear about your experience. I quit nicotine after 1 week on chantix, and have had no relapses.

Took the chantix for a total of 30 days. Side effects: insomnia, weird dreams, but not too bad. Gave up the chantix three weeks ago...just tapered down on my own, w/doctor's approval.

Have had prolonged anxiety symptoms since: shortness of breath while at rest -- and I'm a runner who does six miles at a pop (I was addicted to nicotine chewing gum, gave up cigars many years ago), a vague sense of dread, nervousnous, tremors, clammy sweating, stomach upset.

Never have these types of symptoms chronically. Don't know if the chantix is involved, or if these are just Month #2 hangover withdrawal symptoms of nicotine cessation.

But at least I'm no longer buying the gum -- it is really expensive.

Guest · Guest

I started chantix about 4 weeks ago, and never stopped smoking. I cut down to half a pack (normally up to one pack a day) but beyond that I could not quit. I did not take both pills so that may be part of the reason I did not quit, but I did have some side effects and was scared to take both pills in one day. I had the strange dreams, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. There was a story on the news in Houston about a person who died and was taking chantix (I think it was a suicide?) so I am not taking it anymore.

Guest · Guest

Guest · Guest

I am a producer at the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. We'd like to profile someone in NY, LA, Boston or Washington DC who has had side effects from Chantix. Can you send me an email if you would like to share your story? Thank you!

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ANN26 · Newbie Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

I have read all your posts and have a few comments. For 1; your not suppose to stop taking it until you have finished the complete three months and actually followed directions the whole time. It has a regiman, and it is not put there for S & G's. You have to follow it, or it will not work. Obviously your not going to stop smoking after 3 weeks, especially if you've been a heavy smoker for years, that's not how this drug works. Another thing, you think a little anxiety and RLS is worth stopping the drug and continuing to smoke until your on a respirator or talking out of a hole in your throat, then go for it. I started chantix 3 weeks ago as well. I feel sick every morning, am way exhausted, but to be able to breathe again is way worth it. Maybe you all should check with yourself to see why your taking this drug. Quitting smoking is not easy, there are no quick fixes and it takes time. Don't bash the drug, until you have acutally taken the whole thing and are still smoking after.

britchk01 · Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

My mother has lung cancer and seeing her go through operations to remove a lung and then the effects of chemotherepy I know I have no choice but to quit smoking. I am currently using Chantix for the 2nd time around. Both times I have been able to quit within the 1st 3 weeks. The 1st time taking it I stopped after 4 weeks thinking I could manage on my own.....I started smoking again 2 weeks after stopping the pill....go figure. I do also suffer from side effects but mine have been limited to nausea and vivid dreams. The dreams I can live with but the nausea is not letting up. I take as directed and make sure I eat and drink water. Has anyone found anything that helps their nausea? My advice to all is to make sure you keep on this med for as long as your doctor allows becuase it really does help and gived you a much better chance at succeeding. I should have stayed on it longer the 1st time then I might not have to be on it again now. Good luck to all of you taking it and remember quitting smoking is hard but not quitting is harder.

Guest · Guest

To britchk01. For the nausea - go to any pharmacy and get "coke syrup." You use a teaspoon or so over ice chips just suck on the chips. It's great stuff. I used to give it to my kids when they were sick.

Guest · Guest

Guest · Guest

I am currently going into my 3rd week. I do have nausea, trouble sleeping or times I get very tired, some dreams and some shortness of breath at weird times but... I have to say, my smoking has decreased ALOT! It is begining to taste bad and I can't stand the smell! Strange!

I do find that if I eat first and then take the pill my nausea is under control, it does specify - do not take on an empty stomach.

Drink lots of water to flush out the toxins in your body. Your body is undergoing a huge undertaking, it will have some say....

Good Luck!

has anyone had side effects from stopping chantix

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