Can Chantix Cause Depression?

I am on my sixth week of chantix and am severely depressed. My doctor is taking me off of it. I have no history of depression and am miserable and frightened at how sad I feel.

I was at the end of my second week taking Chantix, first week a nonsmoker when I realized how seriously depressed I had become. I was working, then going straight home to bed with piles of work left to be done. My emotions have been off the scale, from crying to yelling to feeling totally helpless. I have, twice before, quit smoking cold turkey (with the help of some supplements, such as glutamine) and NEVER felt so depressed.

Already, 48 hours without Chantix, and I am full of energy and ready to fulfill my responsibilities. I think, for me, that the depression must be a side-effect and not just the nicotine withdrawl... based on my cold-turkey experiences.

So, I will try again soon, but I think I need to pass on the Chantix. Maybe Wellbutrin, maybe just herbs and cold-turkey.

When I started taking Chantix, I developed crepetis in my neck and -- by about day four -- had "back problems" so severe that I could stand only with pain and leaning forward at about a 45 degree angle.

My doctor was of the view that I developed spinal muscle weakness and told me to discontinue it.

My husband and I were both on Chantix back in June. Neither of us has a history of depression, yet after he was on it and with no warning he tried to take his own life. I tell everyone that is thinking about taking it to make sure they talk to the doctor about ALL of the possible side effects. In rare instances suicidal ideation and psychotic episodes may happen and that is stated in the patient information sheet. It is also stated that depression and anxiety are common side effects. If you have any problems you need to tell your doctor and report it. Also, it should be reported to pfizer and the FDA.

When I quit smoking I was depressed and mad. It was because I lost my best friend, my smokes. Yes they were my best friend--we did every thing together for 39 years. I stopped with the patch. It's been 7 1/2 years now. I was depressed for about 2 or 3 months, then it got better when I started feeling better.

Do not take Chantix. I have never felt drepressed, I am a really strong person with a good sense of humor, and now I am so depressed I don't want to deal with my children, my friends, my family or my life--I don't care about anything. I never want to take Chantix again. I think it should be reported to the FDA, see if they care.

I am 19, and my dad took chantix. He said it worked, but he also thinks it made him tired and his joints slightly achey. Then I thought I should try it. Well, yes it helps you hate cigarettes, but after about 10 or so days on chantix without cigarettes, I felt SO depressed. I have never felt that way before. I tried not taking the chantix and yes, the cigarette cravings were horrible, but i had more energy and felt more lively when i didn't take it. I have had depressive episodes in the past, but I seriously felt "stuck" when chantix was in my system, I felt like there was no way around feeling so sad. I feel that there are several OTHER ways to quit smoking. A pill is not the only option out there. I am a firm believer in exercise and figuring things out the healthiest way without taking a pill. I'm sorry but chantix is not for me, I'd rather not take it. I don't like relying on pills, and that's what I felt like I was doing. I'd rather rely on myself to change my habits. Thank you. Have a nice day and a great life.

I took Chantix for about 3 weeks. I did cut way down on smoking while I was on it. However, I was nauseous for a couple hours after taking a pill and came to dread the feeling. I stopped taking them. One thing that I noticed was that I felt emotionally " flat". I didn't feel moved at all by things that I usually enjoy, My favorite music left me unmoved. I didn't enjoy socializing much and didn't seem to enjoy anything. I felt like all the joy of living wasn't there anymore. I didn't feel depressed I just didn't feel one way or the other and sort of emotionally detached. My friends noticed my lack of enthusiasm.
It was creepy--sort of like mind control. I'm wondering if that is the real purpose of this drug.

I started taking Chantix 2 weeks before I intended to stop smoking. On New Year's day 2007 I stopped smoking and had very little craving. I did fine until I went to get a refill and my plan D wouldn't refill the script. After my doctor authorized a refill on the script for a year, they again let me take the Chantix. However, this time when I started taking the pill, I had trouble psychologically choosing a stop date. I finally quit on May 29th and was very successful for two months. Then my plan D coverage again stopped letting me take them anymore. For the past two months I have wanted a cigarette every day, but so far I'm still free from nicotine.

Being a smoker for 50 years I think Chantix is the best thing to come along so far to help those who wish to quit smoking. I never suffered any side effects.

I took Chantix for about a month. I was nauseous, but it wasn't that bad. Then I started feeling extremely depressed. I was angry, sad, disgusted and somewhat suicidal.

I don't recommend Chantix at all. I'm still smoking, but at least I'm alive.

Chantix is amazing, but the same thing happened to me... the depression... at first everything was fantastic =) but after going to the 1 mg, I'd cry at the drop of a hat, and that just is not me!!! =) So the doc said let's drop back down to .5 mg... so far it's working, I still don't have the energy or the drive I used to, but at least I am not crying =) and I am having happy moments now too (without cigarettes).

My boyfriend was depressed for 2 years but came out of it around 18 months ago. He had since been happy and healthy UNTIL he took Chantix, and by the second week began feeling depressed. Of course it terrified him to return to those dark days. It escalated, and we weaned him off of it on Labor Day weekend. The depression did not ease, and he bacame more and more unfocused and anxious.

Two weeks ago, he took an overdose of Paxil and Wellbutrin in an effort to end his life. Thank God he survived, and I know the Chantix triggered this depression and incident. I urge anyone with a history of depression to avoid this drug. I was shocked that his psychiatrist had no idea of this side effect, and feel it needs to be known and publicized.

I took chantix for 3 months. During the last two months I was very irritable, angry, dizzy, confused, nauseaus and very depressed. My goal was to quit smoking so I stayed on board. After taking myself off the medicine, within days I felt run down, depressed, headache, face swelled and red, ankles swollen etc. I also felt like part of my brain was turned off. I was looking to argue with anyone, and in the morning could not recall what happened. My doctor did not attribute it as anything with chantix, instead put me on antidepressant and sent me to the lab to be tested for lupus. Did i forget to tell you the anxiety I also had? I am feeling better on the anti-depressant but still not right. I am smoking again but will try to quit on my own. The pharmacist also spoke highly of the drug. I hope enough people find out so my children can understand how ignorant and short I was with them. I too would drink at night to help me sleep and to fight the anxiety.... not knowing alcohol with this drug was a factor. Good luck to everyone, at least I was smoke-free for the 3 months.

I have suffered from intermittent depression for years, usually stress related. I started Chantix and by day three I was experiencing emotional outbursts, suicidal ideation, and lethargy. Were any studies done on patients with a history of depression? I have started back on Lexapro as a result... total loss of control for me.

Actually, the Pfizer package insert for Chantix DOES cite the Psychiatric Disorders "Anxiety, Depression, Emotional disorder, Irritability, Restlessness" as frequent "treatment-emergent adverse events reported by patients treated with
CHANTIX during all clinical trials". http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/uspi_chantix.pdf

I think it is unfortunate that all this product does is to make smoking feel unrewarding. What is desperately needed is a product that would also eliminate some of the health problems brought on by smoking cessation. Additional examples of such problems cited as "frequent" in the Chantix package insert include weight gain, hypertension, and disturbance in attention.

I wasn't aware of how truly depressed this drug made me until after I stopped taking it. I was in a fog, and I trusted that this was a normal reaction as my body acclimated to it, but I was truly miserable. Bottom line is that the only truly effective way to quit is cold turkey. You have to want it--I'm on day 3 of the patch...

I too have been taking Chantix. I took it last fall and had severe depression and thoughts of suicide. I could stand being sick to my stomach but not the extreme feelings of loss and sadness as I had never felt this way before. I stopped it after 3 weeks and went back to smoking. I have subsequently started taking Chantix again last week, I am now in severe depression and have taken my last dose.

I started Chantix on 9/8 and totally quit smoking on 9/15, after going through the first week of nicotine withdrawal. During that first week, I felt OK, it just seemed like my cigarettes weren't working right. But I felt good about myself and what I was doing.

Then when I started on the full 2mg (2 pills a day).. I keep getting more and more depressed... my daughters ask why dad is so mushy. I'm usually an emotionally strong 47yo male... and lately I'm crying 2 to 3 times a day. I keep thinking how sad I'll be when my girls go to college in a couple years... it's like this Chantix is stripping all of my "emotional strength"... I'm not smoking but I'm really sad all the time. So far I'm on Chantix for 5 weeks... I only have another 3-week supply. I'm thinking about getting off this stuff... if I can only stay away from smokes..

I have suffered from depression in the past, but mostly for a reason. When I started taking Chantix, everything was fine at first, but then I began to notice I had lost interest in everything. Then when I increased to the maximum dosage, I became so depressed I wanted to die. I literally could not get out of bed, could not go to work, it only took me a couple of days to realize it was the Chantix that was making me depressed and very anxious. Be very careful taking this medication; if you start to feel depressed stop the medication immediately.

I'm sorry to read that so many people have become depressed while on Chantix. My husband has a history of depression. He tried Zyban in the past to quit smoking and became extremely depressed. Recently he tried Chantix and had a very successful experience with NO depression. In fact, he seemed to have a better outlook than usual, and was not irritable at all. He has not smoked for about four months now, has stopped taking the meds and is very encouraged.

My brother in law just committed suicide. He was on Chantix, we think, for only one week. He killed himself two weeks later. Completely unexpected. He had no history of depression prior. He was also taking prednisone and breathing therapy. I talked to him before he did it. His demeanor was completely different. Unrecognizable. I urge caution with this medication.

I started taking Chantix the first of August. Like others here, at first everything was fine--in fact, I felt practically buoyant and was thoroughly enjoying the cool dreams. However, I started noticing that I was more emotional than usual. Then, within the past three weeks, all hell has broken loose with my emotions: I am incredibly sad about everything, but nothing in particular, then I become enraged, usually about something that I've imagined. I took Wellbutrin about 3 years ago and experienced similar side effects (more sadness, less anger). I cannot tell you how relieved I am to find this message board. And I can tell you I have taken my last dose of Chantix! I just didn't put it all together before because I had no idea that depression was a side effect.

I thought I had finally turned a corner, I have smoked longer than I haven't. YEARS (12+) ago I had issues with depression. I went back to college, just graduated in May...have hypothyroid--which, combined with schoo, meant l I gained a lot of weight. In the last several months I have worked very hard just to lose 15 lbs. I started Chantix a little over 2 weeks ago. Never felt any urge to decrease smoking, in fact started smoking more, and binge eating even when uncomfortably full (gained all the 15 lbs back+).

I was supposed to be on my second day of my third week today, and all I can think of was I wished it was over! Everything just over, sick of trying. Funny how a couple weeks ago life seemed great and now everything sucks. Not sure what the half-life on this crap is, but I hope to God it clears my system soon. Please don't make the mistake of trying this product.

Our dear friend committed suicide. He also took Chantix. It was completely out of character for him to be depressed. He was a loving father, grandfather and an ex-Marine. Many of us felt it was caused by this drug.

My husband & I started Chantix at the same time, in our first effort to quit smoking. I have been being treated for bi-polor disorder for many years & my doctor knows all the medications that I take.She precribed Chantix for my husband & me.

By the second week I knew that something was affecting my thinking & my moods & could see it in my husband, who is not of a depressive nature. As soon as I became aware of the changes taking place, changes in mood & behavior, I put the "skids" on the Chantix! Within two days of quiting this medication, my husband was back to his usual happy self, & I was also beginning to feel much better.

There is NO DOUBT in my mind that more testing needs to be done on this product, especially for people prone to depression or taking medication for depression. How can I trust my doctor's advice, if she is not aware of the risks? And WHY doesn't she know the risks? No, this drug is not for me & mine.

I am 6 months quit thanks to Chantix, and I think it's a miracle pill. Smoked for 23 yrs. with asthma at that! Was treated for depression in the past and still had no problems. Has anyone considered the depression being a side effect of the nicotine loss in your system? Nicotine is more addictive than heroin they say.

I have been on the Chantix for three weeks now, however I did cut my dose in half right after I went to the 2mg/day because of negative side effects. I was then experiencing restless sleep, crazy dreams, nausea... etc.

Even at 1mg/day I am experiencing intense emotional shifts, an extremely high sensitivity to any stress, extreme irritability and sadness beyond mention.

Today has been the worst (2 weeks smoke free, 18th day of the meds). I really have felt drained, depressed and on the verge of a panic attack. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.

...but I don't want to smoke either. Before I started this drug I did some research and it appeared to me (as a doctoral student and human being) that if the drug blocks the uptake of nicotine through 'pleasure' receptors in the brain--that the chances were it was going to mess with the balance of chemicals, potentially blocking other 'pleasure' from being processed normally. It was just a pre-thought then... now it is real.

I tried Chantix on two separate occasions. Both ending in stopping the medications. I was so depressed. Didn't want to be a mom or wife. And wondered was life really worth living. Knowing this was not me, I stopped. However, the medicine did work, I didn't want to smoke. I am doing some internet research on other websites, and someone was successful taking 5-HTP (100 mg per day) and Omega 3 fish oil (low) dosage, and 25 mg of Xanax.

I think for us that are on a mood altering drug, Chantix prevents that from entering our brains too. Hence, the depression.

So I will let you all know how I do on 5-HTP and Omega 3... (never have bought it, but it can be purchased over the counter). I will start Chantix on 10/25, anticipating quit date on 11/1.

Pray for me... Nathalie

Saga continues...

I won't be taking the 100 mg of 5-HTP. Spoke with the pharmacist and there is a negative reaction with Lexapro.

Nathalie

My husband has been taking Chantix for 6 weeks. At the beginning of the 4th week he started to behave strangely. His personality has changed completely and he is experiencing preoccupation with sexual fantasy. This is totally out of character for him. I truly believe this is because he is taking the Chantix. He is stopping today. It will be interesting to see if this behavior continues. I have a feeling the Chantix is causing this.

Chantix started out to be the best thing I could imagine for quiting cigarettes. I started it a week before my quit date. I did not have another cigarette and had virtually no nicotine cravings. The only "craving" was when I would have had a cigarette out of "habit."

Anyway, the dreams drove me crazy, and I could hardly wait for the 3 months to be over. I pretty much got used to the dreams. None were like nightmares, but they were not pleasant either. I had been aware of the primary side effects of nausea (which I had sightly, even with food and water) and the alteration in dream patterns. I felt those were worth it to quit a 30-year habit.

I, too, started losing interest in things but frankly never attributed it to the Chantix.... until 36 hours after my last dose. I flipped between rage and suicidal depression so often and so rapidly, I was looking back at menopause as no big deal! I even had some difficulties keeping clear thought patterns and some word-finding difficulties (as though I had had a small stroke--which I did not).

It is now 1 week after stopping the Chantix. The major swings and degree of the depression have lessened, but I still fight bouts of depression several times a day. I had been ready to quit my job and give up on everything. Fortunately, I seem to be holding things together. I do not have a history of either depression or suicidal thinking. I just have to hope that these mental effects resolve soon. This is no way to live!!!

Took Chantix for 12 weeks,and am thankful to say I'm not smoking. However, the depression has just hit me in the past two weeks. Not sure of the residual effects of this drug. I stopped smoking Aug. 15th, and didn't have this desire to smoke again until about two weeks ago. I pray and ask God to give me strength to get to the end of this addiction. Smoked for over 50 years, and like everyone else felt I'd lost a good friend when I quit.

Also, have aches and pains and a rash on my chest that itches. Didn't have these before, or at least I wasn't aware of the joint aches. Have gained weight, this could be the reason.

I would be a little reticent to speak positively about this drug, even though I am not smoking at this time.

I loved the way the very first dose made me feel. It was all downhill from there. Took it as prescribed. Without trying, I cut my smoking in half the first week. Once I started the two blue pills a day, I fell into the worst rage of anger I have ever felt, constantly until I QUIT TAKING IT.

Also women: I firmly believe that this pill exacerbates your PMS symptoms.

NEVER again!

Oh MY GOSH!!! My friend and I started taking Chantix together, and it was a MIRACLE. I put down two packs a day and never looked back. I am on week 8 and slowly starting to notice that I cry at the drop of a hat, am STRANGELY depressed about a boyfriend *I DUMPED* a LONG time ago (whom I truly got to loathe at the end) and just hate my life in general.

If you knew my profile, you would strangle me. On the outside looking in, I almost have what most would consider the "perfect" life. WHAT is there to be so miserable about???
NOTHING. I can't even answer WHY I am so depressed. I don't have ONE thing I want to change. Nothing...THAT is why I feel so out of control.

And I am just now starting to realize that it did not start until recently.

I am FIERCELY irritable, sleep CONSTANTLY, snappy and overall melancholy.I quit working out and NEVER go out anymore. I have lost touch with all of my friends and just not social. And this is not cigarette smoking withdrawal. I was just mean when I quit before, LOL. There is NO bright side. It SUCKS. I am tapering immediately. I did not know so many of us where going through this....

THANK YOU GUYS for having the courage to post these thoughts. I REALLY thought I was going off the deep end.

I know me, and so I guess that is why I was not too concerned- I would NEVER do this, but thoughts started creeping in my head about how my life was so trivial and how I just wish I would die (not plotting suicide ever- more of a teenage angst of "I HATE MY LIFE* And, I am NO teenager- I am 32 fricking years old.) But it is not ALL of the time. It is VERY SIMILAR to PMS. It is like that for a bit, and then when you *snap* out of it you are like "WHAT THE HECK was WRONG with me???"

I am reducing to .5mg 2X a day. If this does not stop, I am done.
Another friend of mine gets euphoria from it. *MUST* be nice....

Thanks for letting me vent this!! :)

~b

I am in my last week of the starter pack. I have quit smoking completely. I sometimes crave cigarettes, but I breathe better and my lips look better, so I can talk myself out of taking a smoke.

I really identify with the lady who has extreme rage. It's like I'm mad at the world. I thought it was PMS, but a friend pointed out to me that it might be the Chantix. I also am experiencing the neck and back pain and extreme drowsiness within 30 minutes after I take it.

Today, After reading your posts, I have gone down to .5mg a day. I'm going to try to wean myself off of it. Wish me luck.

I used Zyban last year 2006 (January). I took those pills only 20 days and then stopped because I had too many side effects. Two months later I got panic attacks--my sister had to take me to the hospital. I had never had a history of mental problems. At the hospital they gave me some medicines and everything was ok. But after a month I became depressed for about 10 months. Now everything is okay.

I just can't understand that those pills are available. These things are too dangerous for some people. I could be dead or something. I had no history of mental problems--in fact, no one in my family does. Also very strange that in the USA (description) there is a warning for suicidal thoughts; here in our (belgium) description there is NO WARNING at all.... But I am absolutely sure that those pills triggerd something in my brain. I am disappointed that no doctor or drugstore warned me. I was in hell, depression is like the BOX OF PANDORA.

greetz
sacha

Chantix has helped me quit smoking and has also left my depression so bad that I called my doctor today. This stuff is not for people with a history of depression and axiety!@!!!!!!!!

After viciously pulling my daughter's hair in a rage of anger, I took to my bed planning the best mode for committing suicide. I had an old bottle of Ambien with one tablet left and called the auto refill line.

While suicidal ideation has been my friend in the past during some major depressive episodes, this latest round is different. In the past suicidal thoughts "helped" me cope, somehow soothing the crushing heartache of depression. For the uninitiated, a near constant feeling I can most liken to the first moments after hearing of my beloved father's sudden death. This pain insidiously takes over rational thought over weeks and months. This chantix suicidal ideation is different. It is meaner. More evil.

Long story short, after bizarre behavior including theft of the water for the full bottle of pills, I listened to the hard won wisdom of a depression survivor and here I am blogging for the very first time. I can say chantix will not be my cause of death.

Please soapbox this side effect and urge the safety of an ER to all those you caution. Be afraid.

I have heard rumors about depression and Chantix so I thought I would look up some info. and it appears that there are a lot of people affected by this drug. I am on my 5th or so week of Chantix, and I tell you, the dreams are disturbing and I am a little bit numb to things and somewhat irratable, but no depression. The only annoying side effects to me have been constipation and slight nausea. The weird thing is when I forget to take a dose I start feeling better and happy.

I don't want to knock the drug, but I think it does mess with your head. However, I am a non-smoker and I know that when I am done I will stay that way ,so it appears to be working. Good Luck.

So glad I found this site. I could not explain why I was feeling so depressed. Seeing as Chantix is a "mind altering" drug I began to suspect the drug might be causing the depression. So, I have a choice, let Chantix drive me to suicide or let smoking do it at a later date. I choose the later date or some other means to quit smoking.

I have a history of depression and attempted suicide (I'm one of the men in the NIMH "Real Men, Real Depression" campaign). I realize any new drug is going to have it's downfall. I also realize that in this day and age drugs are brought to market quicker than in the past without as much scrutiny by the FDA or extensive trials. I for one would rather get back to my old self--can't go to the blackness, will not go back to that dark period--and enjoy life as I have for the past decade.

Many thanks for this forum and all who have shared their experience

Well it looks as if I am not alone. My girlfriend of almost a year and a half broke up with me and though I wanted to quit for myself I also wanted to show her I could quit. I was already experiencing acute anxiety and was depressed by the situation at hand.

For the month that followed I was taking two a day and have never been so sad and depressed in my life. The mood swings and rage also took me on quite a wild ride and the dreams were more than I could bare.

I think a lot of that could be contributed to the loss of my best friend and girlfriend, but I do believe the Chantix amplified my feelings times 10. By accident I did not take it this past Monday and noticed a change in my outlook, and every day I can feel that I am getting closer back to myself. I still have the desire to quit smoking, but never want to go on that ride again--it was horribly frightening, and the emotion was too great even for me, an extremely optimistic and fun-loving person.

I would not recommend anyone who is in any form of personal crisis taking this pill. I think it borders on being extremely dangerous. If you are going to quit, I would quit cold turkey; there is no reason to take this medication.

I TRIED CHANTIX FIVE MONTHS AGO, AND IT WAS GREAT! I HAVEN'T HAD A CIGARETTE FOR FOUR MONTHS! TWO OF MY FRIENDS TRIED IT AND HAVE BOTH STOPPED SMOKING. I HAD SOME WILD DREAMS FOR A WHILE BUT NO DEPRESSION OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I THINK IT IS A WONDERFUL THING! MAYBE PEOPLE ARE GETTING DEPRESSED BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF NICOTINE!

As far as I'm concerned, Chantix is the miracle pill that it has been claimed to be. I started taking the Chantix on August 1, 2007, and quit smoking within a week. The only side effect that I ever experienced was the strange dreams. As soon as I stopped taking Chantix, the crazy dreams stopped. I would have to say that my experience has been extremely positive.

I started taking Chantix at the end of Sept. and stopped smoking a week afterwards. I have been on the meds for 7 weeks, and a few weeks ago I started feeling depressed. I ignored it as being from PMS. But when 3 weeks went by and I was still feeling that way, my mind and body were telling me something was wrong. I stopped taking Chantix and about 2 days later I started feeling better. Personally that medication did not agree with my body and I would not take it again.

This year I lost my mother and was diagnosed with CA 2 weeks later. The surgery got all the cancer. A Dr has had me on Chantix. This is my 3rd attempt on the med. The depression was so severe yesterday that I scared myself. I keep telling the Dr. it makes me depressed; he keeps insisting I try again.

This is the end of taking it for me. I have read enough to know I am not alone. Thank you all for posting--it helps when you're unsure of a reason to know you are not alone.

The Dr keeps telling me depression is not a side effect, but apparently it is on some systems. Yesterday was one of the bleakest moments in my life. My eyes are still swollen from crying over something so stupid. Life is hard enough without something adding to the pain. I wish you all luck and pray that no one takes their life over a drug meant to better the quality of life.

I started Chantix on Oct.1, 2007. After 11 days, I was so depressed I couldn't get out of bed. I quit taking it immediately, because I have had trouble with depression before, but nothing like this. I wanted to die, I would plan ways to take my own life.

After being off of it for almost a month, the suicidal thoughts have lessened, but the depression gets worse every day. I cry all day long and no longer want to live. But because I have been a survivor of deep depression before, I know I can get through it. My job is on the line because I snap at my boss and am in a terrible mood. The anxiety and panic attacks started after the depression.

This medicine in my opinion is very dangerous for someone who has had depression in the past. I would rather die from smoking than taking my own life. Please do not take this medicine if you have had any kind of mental problems, be it depression, anxiety or panic attacks. I am so afraid I will be like this the rest of my life. I have an appointment with a psychologist tomorrow to hopefully save my job. Thank you all for posting.

I am on day 10 of using Chantix. Severe depression, crying, yelling, lots of sleeping, not wanting to do anything started around day 5. The suicidal thoughts started about 3 days ago. I have had depression in the past, but haven't had to use antidepressants for years. After reading all these posts, things make more sense. I'll see my doctor tomorrow.

I started taking Chantix about three weeks ago... and let me tell you, I have never felt so helpless and depressed in my life. I have had problems with depression before... but never like this.

I dont' want to do anything, just go to work and school and go home to my room. I dont want to hang out with my friends, do the things I used to love, and I've noticed that I am very angry most of the time when nothing has even happened. I have been snapping at my mom and feeling very annoyed.

I just don't like the way this drug makes me feel. They definitely need to do some more research on this stuff. I have also had some very bad nausea and sleep problems. I can't sleep but maybe 4-5 hours straight every night. I find myself waking up very often and tossing and turing, which then I wind up waking up with a headache.

I am only 20 yrs old, and I see all my friends out having a good time and being happy, and I just feel like the total opposite. I am going to keep taking it, because I don't want to smoke anymore, so we'll see how it goes.

Am I depressed because I'm really depressed, or is it this medication? Reading all of this, I have my answer but now I have questions--should I keep taking it? It works, but is it too dangerous?

I think this is the most difficult Catch-22 I've ever faced. So far I've quit, I want to stay quit but this depression comes and goes like the wind but with less reason.

Good luck to you all because this is NOT easy.

Hi Lauren. No, it's not easy and my heart goes out to you. Only you can make the decision whether or not to continue with the chantix.

Personally, I made my decision yesterday after reading all of these comments and I threw the bottle in the garbage.

I have been taking it for three weeks--smoke free. But I have also had the last few days from hell with feelings of anger, rage, depression, crying ALL the time. I even wrote the suicide note.

Thank God I found this site. It's not me. It's this "miracle" drug. Some miracle.

I do not plan on smoking anymore. Whenever I have the urge, I just tell myself that smoking is no longer an option for me. But if I did, well, I may not be living a healthy lifestyle, but at least I would be living. And I honestly believe that if I continued with this drug, I would not be around for the New Year. I would not be around to watch my son grow up.

Good luck to you. Good luck to all of you.

Wow, I was thinking i was the only one going crazy on this medication, but I see now I'm not. I have depression and bipolar and I started this medication with the hopes to finally quit smoking. I was wondering with it changing your brain chimicals if it would have a bad effect on me and I WAS RIGHT.

I have stopped smoking for like 3 and 4 weeks before and NEVER experienced what I did with Chantix. In the first week I did not feel like myself. I was dizzy and having trouble focusing on things and thinking straight. The night I started the second dose in the evening was when I noticed I could not continue with medication. I was serverly moody and on the verge of a panic attack. I have had no energy and just not felt like really living my life as I should.

I am a mother of 3 and cannot be put in this situation. Honestly I'm pissed about this. I know the side effects that were listed and other than the tiredness and I mean extreme tiredness and the dizziness none of what I'm experiancing was listed.

I think the makers of this med need to do more research on this before they just start tossing it out to people, especially the ones with a history of a mental disorder.

I started taking Chantix 12 days ago. For the first 7 days I had night wakefullness and vivid dreams but no other side effects. I was taking .5 a day. On the 8th day I doubled dosage and on day 9 and day 10 I had a constant awful metal taste in mouth and exhaustion and nausea. Day 11 I was depressed and day 12 I took full dose and I thought about killing myself. I'm 49 years old and have never taken any drugs,or had any type of mental illness ever. The not wanting to smoke part works.

I just heard that there was a warning about Chantix on the TV. I started taking it August 1st and stopped in October. I am still smoke free and hope to stay that way. As long as I took it with food I didn't get the nausea. I did feel light headed and dreamed at night. Part of the reason I stopped before the recommended time was that I just decided it was now or never to go without cigaretts.

Now that I have been off it for about 3 weeks, I realize just how it was affecting me. I would cry easily, be a complete grump to my son and just generally didn't feel well. A friend of mine started taking them and he couldn't remember people and we all thought he had had a stroke by the way he was acting.

It is all very scary now that I read all these stories and I am thankful I am off it and that I didn't have the affects some of you had.

The first 3 weeks of Chantix were great, set my stop date and stopped. Cravings so mild it was easy to ignore them. The nausea stopped when I stopped smoking, only other side effect I noticed was constipation, upped the fibre and fruit and life was good.

This was the help I needed after 37 years of smoking, with several failed attempts. Week 4 I began to feel weird, difficult to explain but flat and disconnected to everyday life. Continued to work and family life was OK but nothing felt normal anymore. I would sit and have crazy thoughts about ending it all not just for myself but my family as well. Fortunately I could see these psychotic feelings for what they were, a horrible side effect. I just decided to decrease to half the dosage but within 2 days realized that my life and that of my family was at risk.

I stopped taking Chantix after 5 weeks. It took about a week before I began to feel normal again. Thank goodness I now feel in control again.

My life is now back to normal, I am actually sleeping well again, feel connected to people and care about them and my life.

I've no psychiatric history; it was terrifying to think as I did. I'm just so grateful that I stopped taking Chantix before the thoughts took over. I could feel everything slipping away from me.

I also had some really bad anger outbursts which I initially put done to missing smoking, despite the fact that I have never been like that on previous times that I have given up nicotine.

Please be careful if you're taking this medication. It made me so flat I no longer cared about anyone.

I thank all of you for the postings. I am on week 3 on Champix (I am in Canada) and I thought I was going nuts. I have been doing nothing but sleeping for hours after work and even slept for over 15 hours last Thursday. I never sleep for more than 6-8 hours a night.

I feel like an alien has invaded my body. I am not myself. I have never been so miserable in my life, and I feel like I hate the world and wish it would go away.

I made an appointment with my doctor for tonight and I think I am going to stop taking these pills. The first week and a half were ok but I have noticed this has been getting worse and worse and I am afraid it will not stop unless I stop taking these pills. These pills do have amazing results when it comes to the smoking part but I am not going to lose my mind while trying to quit.

Wow! I am so surprised to read all of these comments and experiences. I can relate to every negative side effect posted on this site.

I started taking Chantix over 5 months ago. I had a very easy time quitting on my goal date. I have tried to quit many times using every method that has been popular at any time in the past 30 years. Nothing ever worked for me and I had given up on the idea of ever being a non-smoker.

I haven't smoked for 5 months and think that Chantix is a miracle as far as the ease and success of quitting smoking. I have been feeling extremely angry, bitter, depressed, lethargic, lazy and very, very sad, suicidal (I think about it every day) and sorry for myself since I started Chantix. I have been attributing all of this to possible pre-menopause and some extreme negative changes in my employment industry that have forced me to close my company and experience some major financial problems.

Now I am starting to put the timeline together and realize that these negative feelings started a couple of weeks after my 1st dose of Chantix. That was before the employment crash.

I had planned on taking Chantix for 2 more weeks. I am going to try stopping tomorrow. I hope it isn't too hard. I can really tell if I wait too long in the morning after waking up to take my dose. I get edgy and angry. Thank you for sharing your experiences with Chantix. Pfizer needs to know about this.

Melody

Thank you all for posting because I thought I was alone in how Chantix has emotionally brutalized me. I even ruined Thanksgiving by going into an utter rage on my daughter. I have had horrible thoughts of killing myself, alienated most of my friends and sleep 10 or more hrs a day. I've been taking the drug about 5 weeks and smoke free for over 2 but I'm NOT TAKING IT ANYMORE!! It is evil.

OMG! I am so glad to see that I am not the only one with these symptoms. I only started taking the drug last Sunday and I skipped my evening dose on Sat. and plan to throw the stuff away. I have had vivid dreams of violence, and I feel like I'm in a fog all the time. I'm lethargic and don't care about anything, all I want to do is sleep. I have suffered with depression for three years, this stuff has made it worse. I'm glad I'm stopping it before I start the 1mg dose. I even asked my doctor if this would effect my depression treatment, and was told no. There haven't been enough studies on this drug, I think it's very dangerous and I'd rather smoke than go crazy or kill myself. I am just hoping I can get this drug out of my system quickly.

I started Chantix 6 weeks ago and have not smoked for 30 days now. Over the last few days I noticed I have become very depressed. I stopped taking the pills last Wednesday (it's now Sunday)and maybe that is when I noticed this sadness. I am still not smoking, but was wondering how much longer the depression would last? How long does this take to get out of one's system? Given the choice I will not start the medicine again, and I will try my best not to start smoking again. While some people say they can slip and have one, I am afraid I would just start right up again.

I'm so happy to hear that I am not the only one with these problems. I have been weaning myself off Chantix for two weeks now. I only took it for about two weeks when I realized something was wrong. When I tried to just stop taking it I had an emotional break down. I will be taking my last pill this week. I have been smoke-free since Oct. 31st and i know I won't smoke again. This is my 4th time quitting and I never had these symptoms the last 3 times. I have thoughts of suicide and had two serious meltdowns that almost put me in mental health. Be careful...it works great to quit but it needs to be studied more.

After being on Chantix, my joints ached and my anxiety, depression and raging were most concerning. I am back smoking and off Chantix. Also, do not drink with this stuff, even in moderation, it certainly magnifies the bad effects.

Yes, I truly believe Chantix can cause severe depression. It did for me. Especially after increasing the dosage. I simply could not take the severe anger, depression, and sadness. It really is a shame because the drug really did work in my not wanting to smoke. I quit for 2 months! Think about it scientifically... Chantix blocks receptor sites in the brain... the receptor sites that nicotine binds to. Well, these receptor sites are in our brains for a reason. Other brain chemicals "need" to bind to these sites as well... Not just nicotine.

Chantix is most likely blocking other important brain chemicals.

I took Chantix for about 3 weeks and successfully quit smoking for 2 of those 3 weeks. I usually experience a little bit of apathy and sadness after quitting smoking, but this was out of the ballpark. I would break down crying uncontrollably for hours at a time, and with no apparent cause. I blamed it on the nicotine withdrawal.

Eventually, it got so bad that I started smoking again. Once I started having suicidal thoughts, I threw in the towel and started smoking, and immediately discontinued the Chantix. I didn't even consider a possible connection between Chantix and the depression--I just thought it was the nicotine withdrawal. But this was a more profound, debilitatinig depression than anything I've ever experienced.

I went back to my doctor and got a prescription for Wellbutrin to combine with the Chantix to combat the depressive episodes that I experience when I quit smoking.

I've been taking 300MG of Wellbutrin SR for about 3 weeks now and have had a more extreme reaction to the Wellbutrin than I did to the Chantix. Last night, I started crying and could not stop. I was on the floor, screaming and crying uncontrollably. I started not just thinking about suicide, but started researching the most effective way I could carry it out with whatever I had in my house. I spent about an hour researching the most successful ways to committ suicide on the internet. In the end, I decided to not just slit my wrists, but use a straight razor to sever the veins in my forearms, then sit in the shower until I died.

I didn't do it, but I had a fresh straight razor ready to go. I can't say for sure what pulled me back from the edge.

This is completely out of character for me and has left me in a profound state of shock. The correlation between when I started taking the Wellbutrin and the suicidal thoughts and ideations is too obvious for me to dismiss.

If I had stayed on Chantix longer, perhaps my depression would have been even more intense. I don't know. After reading the messages here, I will never take Chantix again.

Be careful with Wellbutrin, too. The FDA is requiring black box warnings on all Wellbutrin prescriptions (the strongest warning the FDA can issue) that it may increase suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts in people under 18 years of age.

More research revealed that the FDA is planning on expanding this warning to include anyone under the age of 25. It's probably just a matter of time before they expand it to include everyone. I'm 32, and I have no doubt at this point that the Wellbutrin is having an adverse reaction in my system.

As of today, I have discontinued the Wellbutrin and the Chantix, and will never take either of them again. I am going to file complaints with the FDA for both of these products, and encourage anyone else with similar experiences to do the same.

I came very close to ending my life last night, and for no apparent reason. My life is better than it's ever been, and is only getting better.

I'm incredibly angry at the FDA's apparent failure to do its job and protect the public from dangerous drugs. I'm disgusted.

If you're reading this thread and have had similar experiences, PLEASE don't just close your browser window without sharing your experience. And PLEASE file a complaint with the FDA regarding these products if you have had life threatening reactions to them.

I searched Chantix and depression and came to this site. It is eerie how I am relating to a lot of the responses. Before beginning the drug, I researched the mechanism of action and in reading about the reduction in dopamine levels in the brain (the chemical for our natural reward system), I was a little worried about the possiblity of depression, which I have a history of.

I am currently on week 6, but about 2 weeks into taking Chantix I started feeling down for about 3-4 hours a day with no relief. Before taking Chantix, I probably drank about 3-4 nights a week, which I continued. Now I am noticing the rage, sadness, impatience and anxiety that is coming out daily, especially when I drink. I was never like that. I used to be fun with or without alcohol, now I find myself fake-laughing, staring dully at the floor for no reason, and sleeping all the time.

It bacame apparent to me last night that something was seriously wrong when I flew off the handle at my boyfriend. We had had arguments(usually initiated by yours truly) a few times since I've been on the drug and these fights have been increasing in frequency for the last couple weeks, but this one was bad.

I'm hoping that not drinking will solve this, otherwise I'm going to stop taking it. But drinking or not, I just don't feel right.

I've smoked 30yrs and am bipolar. I started Chantix hoping that it would help me quit smoking. It took a couple of months to even take effect on me. Finally i quit. I've had a few cigs over the last four months but each time it tasted so bad that I put it out.

But the mental effects have been horrible!! I'm depressed most of the time and don't want to do anything. I'm glad I'm not smoking but not sure the side effects are worth it!

I'm not a smoker, but I thank you for posting your experiences because im actually doing a report about CHANTIX and the terrible side effects it has on people. I'm never going to become a smoker (no offense to anyone) because I can hardly stand the smoke coming off of a fire.

I just want to say thank you for allowing me to read all of your experiences. ^^

I actually had no reason to write this but i wanted to feel like i was apart of the world like everyone else on this blog. ^^

*BE CAREFUL AND I WISH EVERY1 WHO IS TRYING TO STOP SMOKING LUCK!!!* ^^ tootles!

I've been off of Chantix for almost 2 months. In the last few weeks I have become unbearable. I have this rage of sorts out of nowhere. It's scaring me and my family. I am not a violent person or anything, but I feel that I could rip an oak tree to shreds sometimes. Everything sets me off, it seems. I dwell on things now and get very depressed. I don't have any desire to smoke, but man, this roller coaster ride of emotions is killing me. I have an appointment with my Family Doc Tuesday BTW.

I have also begun using Chantix, but dropped back to 1/2 mg once a day and it still seems to hold back urge to smoke.

I never had high blood pressure but now in Chantix have shooting pains in my arms and neck keeps making cracking noises. My doctor seems unconcerned, BP had been running 140-170/85-100 vs my normal bp 110/65-130/80.

My doctor claims that Chantix has nothing to do with my symptoms, but I no longer trust the medical "industry". The depression valleys I'm in almost totally immobilize me... plus the creature triple feature dreams every night.... and this is all from 1/3 the recommended dose.

I am in my second week of taking chantix, and it's working great... except for my being depressed and just not interested in anything. I have taken the last two days off of work, don't want to go back tomorrow, and am wondering if I should keep taking them in hopes that this will get better, or call my doctor right away? I have a toddler who needs me to quit smoking, but also needs me in the process of doing so.

I started chantix on 10-7-07. By the middle of November I was out of control. I take no prescription meds and have no history of mental illness. In my 35-year smoking history, I have quit twice, once using gum and once with the patch without any of the side effects I have had with chantix. I have been off chantix now for over two weeks and it is scary to think what I was capable of while on this drug. Please make the FDA aware if you have had side effects. If you decide to take this drug, make sure there are always people around you that know its side effects. Chantix can turn you into someone you don't know.

Chantix is kicking in finally. This is week 3. Been a tough day. This is day one of no smoking... Wow, I am going to need Help guys and gals!!!

From reading all of your personal experiences with Chantix, I'm getting pretty nervous. I've been on Chantix for a week and a half now and I have been feeling a little bored lately with life. I've also been very pissy at work and snapping at my co-workers a lot. Nothing I can't control but just the things they do that usually annoy me now annoy the crap out of me.

The depression, suicidal thoughts, vivid dreams and all the other side effects have not kicked in yet. Will this happen if I keep taking Chantix? Should I stop? I know once I stop I will smoke in a heartbeat. That's how much I miss smoking. Has anyone successfully taken Chantix for 2 or more months and quit with no side effects?

I took chantix and in the beginning battled depression as well. It is not the medicine, if you look at the quit assist website, depression is common for about three weeks if you stop smoking because of the changes your body goes through. If you have a history of depression or attempted suicide, I would not take the drug.

I took Chantix for three months and did not ween myself off of it. Looking back on the past three months it just seems like a blur--like it was someone else living my life.

While I was taking Chantix I did not drink much at all. Now that I'm off of it (2 weeks now) I have more of a desire to drink alcohol. With the holidays I've had all sorts of parties to attend and I have drunk quite a bit. The hangover now is off the charts horrible. I feel physically ill and depressed the morning after drinking, even in moderation. The best way I can describe the feeling is that it feels like the worst flu I've ever had.

On top of that I also have what I guess are panic attacks. My heartbeat is extremely fast and erratic.

I'm not sure how long it takes for the chantix to be out of your system. It's pretty apparent to me that it's not gone yet and drinking in the meantime is a horrible idea. I'm also experiencing joint pain and the weirdest thing is that my face, particularly the right side, feels tingly and numb.

I'm 35 years old, active, and healthy and I've caught myself wondering if I've had a stroke. Here's hoping that Pfizer's stock plummets.

I am 37 and have smoked for almost 20 years. Due to Chantix I am a non-smoker. It has been amost 5 months since I started taking Chantix I have been off since mid-September and I still cannot taste anything at all. I can tell what is sweet or sour but, I cannot taste at all. I have read everyone's statements and no one has said anything about losing your sense of taste. Can anyone tell me has this happened?

After 2+ months of being off chantix my depression seems to be getting worse, and I cannot feel pleasure at all. I am starting to feel as though nothing can help. I have called attorneys and they are only taking cases of suicide and death. I guess I must kill myself to get someone to understand the devestation that Chantix puts on your life.

i initally found this web site through my mom. i told her i was having serious aches and pains in my legs and was wondering what might be causing it. i have been in a very stressful environment for the past year, so i have already been very moody and ready to fly off the handle... only recently it has greatly intensified.

i have been on the chantix now for 4 weeks, tonight was actually my last pill of the first set and i am not taking any more because i cannot afford it any longer. i have had many bursts of anger and rage over the most meaningless crap, and my wife is scared for our family.

i dont want to be like this... i dont smoke now, but i wonder if it was worth it... my thoughts of suicide have been very fleeting, just in my head and brushed aside in a moment, but if my rollercoaster of emotions cause me to lose my family who knows where it might take me... i wish i had done more research before i started takng this stuff.

This is unbelievable!! I took chantix for a month and quit smoking but these bouts of depression are killing me!! It comes out of nowhere. The really scary part is I haven't taken the medication for about 2 weeks and it is still happening and even getting worse. I would rather die of lung cancer then continue to go through this. Does anyone have any idea how long these symptoms will last? Thank goodness I found these postings, at least now I know I am not going crazy.
KC

I posted some initial experiences with Chantix on or about 12/2 and wanted to give a follow-up.

I never got beyond the 1/2 mg twice a day--the dreams and depression got so bad I wasn's sleeping and was obsessing about life not being worth living, plus i found myself afraid to go out in public because I'd go into a rage for no reason. NOTE: I have always been a very laid back and even tempered guy and the couple of people I know said that I seem to be very edgy lately.

Other issues on chantix; my blood pressure went through the roof, while smoking bp was always perfect.

Someone else mentioned this and I want to add, I totally lost my sense of smell and taste after starting chantix. Of course doctors say chantix doesn't do any of this.

I tapered off chantix 1/2 mg once a day, then every other day, etc. I have been off it about 9 days now and the anxiety, rage and depression are really bothering me.

I still don't have the urge to smoke very often and when I do it passes in a minute or less, but I wonder if just taking this god awful drug for only a month has done some permanent damage.

I will go the rest of the way cold turkey.

I would almost bet a couple of years from now pfizer will be in the news, a class action suit for damages.

But if chantix works for you, good.

Effects that include depression, considerable mood swings, anger, anxiety, consistent negative thinking--I just can't chalk up to nicotine withdrawal. The past three weeks have been such a crazy, out of control emotional rollercoaster for me and anyone that comes in contact with me. I'm stopping Chantix today and pray I just don't have to go through any residual side effects. Thankful that suicidal thoughts haven't crept up, yet, anyway. This needs to be more publicized.

Chantix caused me to have terrible depression and nausea. I could tolerate the nausea, but not the feeling like life was not worth living. I really want to quit and am very motivated--but not enough to take this. The FDA does need to investigate the side effects of Chantix. BTW I did quit smoking 4 years ago with Zyban and did not have any bad side effects. My Dr. pushed Chantix when I asked for Zyban this time. On the upside, depression symptoms did go away after a few days off Chantix.

Work is stressful, quiting smoking is stressful. I thought these stresses were causing my depression and oral ulcers. I asked my doc, who said no. My friend just got a prescription to chantix and is doing research and sent these articles to me. Now I am certain the chantix is the problem.

Now knowing I can handle staying on the pill through the holidays as this is the first time in all my attempts to quit that I actually feel succesful. All of these comments have helped me to handle what could otherwise have been tragic. Thank you to everyone who has made comment.

I went off Chantix as of last night. I was on it for two weeks and on Christmas day had the worst panic attack I have had in my life and spent much of the day zoned out with Klonopin just to cope. I had five more attacks yesterday and said enough is enough. Today I am so angry and irritated with everyone over NOTHING. I'm hoping this goes away, but at this point anything is better than the non-stop panic I was having. I called my pharmacist and they were not able to find any information on how to wean off of it. Good luck to anyone who is on this or looking to go off the drug.

I stopped taking it over a month ago and have been experiencing constant numbness in my leg and foot as well as severe leg cramps/spasms and recurring depression, obessive/compulsive behaviour. What can i do to get it out of my system for good?

My husband and I both started taking Chantix 2 moths ago. We were able to successfully quit smoking--however, our realtionship has been very turbulent. My once laid-back, fun husband has turned very mean and distant. He cannot sleep and does not act like the man I knew 2 months ago.

We are no longer on Chantix and things seem to be getting better. However, he is still not sleeping through the night. It did help us quit smoking, but it has been absolutely miserable.

I have been taking Zoloft for depression for almost 17 years and I sometimes feel like its effects have worn off. Since I've neen taking Chantix (2 mos. now) I haven't smoked and I've been more energetic, clear-headed and happy. It's unfortunate Chantix isn't working for others like it is for me.

I am thinking of starting Chantix, but I am concerned about the side effects, especially the depression, anger, suicidal thoughts. I am not depressed at all and have an active, full life. I have smoked for approx. 30 years. I deal with people in my line of work and need to be pleasant and positive. Is there anyone who has taken chantix and quit smoking and did not have these side effects?

Came down with shingles 5 days after starting Chantix. Within a week of recovering from the shingles, I developed severe anxiety attacks and decided to quit Chantix (started weaning) because I was quite concerned about it devolving into depression. I had had a similar problem 4 years ago with Wellbutrin.

My children (in their thirties) persuaded me to take anxiety medication (Lexapro -- with Valium as needed until the Lexapro level worked). They really wanted me to give up the 40 year-old habit.

Success so far, but I wish someone had warned me and put me on an anti-anxiety medication BEFORE I started the Chantix.

This week, I will be totally off the Chantix for one month. I agree that there need to be some warnings and better management of the psychological effects of both Chantix and Wellbutrin (Zyban). Chantix does work as a quit-smoking drug -- the warnings need to be stronger and the doctors need to do better case management, especially with patients who have a history of anxiety or depression.

I have been taking Chantix for 5 weeks now. I have not yet attempted to quit smoking, due to other activities interfering. Although I have cut down on cigarettes easily due to bad taste, my overwhelming depression can't be blamed on smoking withdrawal. I had a bad depression 20 years ago, have done well since then, and take Wellbutrin.

Having been there before, I know this depression is significant. I can't handle life events now and have been crying for days. I thought I had conquered this, and now I'm back in the hole. I can't wait for the connection to be made by the experts; I have to stop the drug now. I am determined to find another way to quit. There's a depression involved in all smoking cessation activities, but this one is just too dangerous for me. Chantix affects me badly. I'm sure it works very well for some, but physicians need to be very careful and need to do close monitoring of this drug's effects.

Thank you for posting your experiences with Chantix. I don't feel so badly now. Just where do I begin to tell my story. First, let me say I quit with 16 weeks of Chantix after 51 yrs of smoking. I took my first pill June 2, 2007. I thought I was going crazy and felt a lot of the 'things' that were happening to me were all in my head, now I know they were not.

Depression? Yes!, but no anger or bursts of rage, etc. Just didn't want to see anyone outside of my house (I live alone) LOL, and I still don't.

I had a bad back and went through four months of therapy just before taking Chantix. My back was wonderful. Can't say that today, and not only my back, my breasts, my elbows, hands - especially my thumbs - hurt all the time. So badly, that I had reservations to fly to see my family for Christmas and had to cancel for I knew I wouldn't be able to walk, my knees hurt so much as does my back. Did I feel badly that I had to cancel the week before? NO, I felt relief that I didn't have to go out of my house and put up with the public, and yes, even my family. That's sad. Didn't even make it to church for Christmas and I had a ride from someone from church, which I cancelled.

Depression? I don't know what you call it when you don't want to see anyone. My back and knees hurt so much I cannot stand in the shower, can't get out of the tub, nor bend under a faucet to wash my hair. The real truth is -I don't smell or look too good right now.

Change of taste YES! I drank water for the last 7 yrs all day long. Got to the point I had to use Liptons Ice Tea w/raspberry to stir in my water. It tasted like sewer water w/o it. I have regained my taster again.

The 1st 2 mos. I lost 10 lbs. and my triglicerides were almost normal when I started the 3rd pack of Chantix, ice cream - wow, and I hate ice cream. Candy, bakery, cookies, chips, choc. covered raisins, you name it and if it was sweet I had to have it. Dr. got so upset, my triglicerides jumped to 400.

And the dreams-what can I say. It was a mishmash of dreams, erotic, but mostly normal dreams for someone else. I WAS ACTING them out. I woke up kissing my pillow, putting out a cig. on my sheet, petting the corner of the mattress comforting my grandson, running my hand along the top side of mattress petting a cat, and if there were no 'acting' parts I would wake up talking in my sleep and even awake, I HAD to finish what I was saying. How stupid does one feel?

9/22 was my last pill, but the sad thing about the dreams is that they kept getting more demonstrative, and the shocking thing about it all, they DIDN'T go away. They are by far worse now than ever. Night before last I woke up telling my mother where to get off and wasn't done telling her and after waking I kept talking. My mom, bless her heart, passed in 1991, and I would never talk back to her.

As for sleep, I take Sominex to help me get to sleep and it starts working about 2 or 3 am. Sleep to 11 or noon, eat and am ready for a nap at 2 again. There are so many things I know I must do and just don't care if it gets done or not, or I hurt too much to do it.

So when does all this bad stuff stop? Do we pay the rest of our lives for taking a FDA approved pill to stop smoking, quit, and then live with the agonizing side effects for the rest of our lives?

Don't know what to tell you who are on it or want to go on it. I can only tell you what I am going through and I thought it would all stop when I stopped taking the pill. I am easily distracted now too. Eating and sleeping I can do, but the rest is 'just life'. I even found an empty coffee cup in my fridge this morning from yesterday. Go figure.

Good luck to you all, and I hope the FDA does more research on the drug beyond causing death. May God bless and my prayers are with you all. I am curious if anyone else out there is experiencing what I am, some of you touched lightly on it, but it went away, I still have those dreams. Thanks.

I started chantix about two weeks ago and have been smoke-free for about four days now. I too started obsessing about a former partner that I dumped months ago but still talked to. I told her I cannot talk to her or see her anymore because it was just too much. Then I got fired from my job on New Year's Eve. Now I'm starting the new year at zero with only the four days of smoking cessation going for me.

I am cutting the dose in half tomorrow and firmly believe I can continue to stay smoke-free now that I have a good start. I still think about smoking a lot but I need something positive in my life right now. Suicidal thoughts started this past week and while I have been this depressed before, it has been a long time and last time was mostly due to a heroin addiction that I was getting over. This is worse than that. It is lasting longer than that. I've cried multiple times the past week. All my friends have noticed my mood and have said they've never seen me like this.

Before I started chantix I was excited about the idea of meeting a new girl and loving the money my new job was giving me. Now I'm jobless and more upset about my ex than ever before. Not to mention the anger I feel when I see her with him. I have to avoid situations in order to cope now and I thought I was done with this a long time ago.

I feel like I've regressed and that 2007, despite all I thought I had accomplished and experienced, amounts to absolutely nothing now. 2008 is here and I'm starting over yet again. At least I haven't smoked in four days and I want to stay smoke-free.

Chantix worked great for killing desire to smoke and killing the pleasure one would get from cigarettes, but for me, it took a lot more and I'm waiting for that spark in me to light up again so I can face the pile of s**t I have to sort through in order to have some sort of life that I've been chasing for too long now with little luck.

I do have a history of depression and have been taking Cymbalta for over a year now. It helps me sleep, my biggest issue. I knew when I started Chantix it would mess with my sleep patterns, so I stuck to taking it in the morning. It really did help me not enjoy cigarettes... but I also felt pretty empty inside.

After 3 weeks, one week off cigarettes completely, I quit Chantix because of the nausea. The next week was completely insane, I felt I had lost all self-control and my mood swings were scaring everyone, including me. I realized that by quitting the Chantix, I had basically also quit "smoking" or at least getting those receptors in my brain filled with that good feeling. But I didn't connect the mood swings to the Chantix immediately.

I wonder if this was withdrawal from the drug, and not the actual effect of Chantix use. So I'm hesitant to say that Chantix causes depressive episodes in people who are prone to having them... maybe it's because I didn't take it like I should have. Also, people forget that smoking is often a coping mechanism as well as a physiological addiction... so when you stop smoking, the anxiety and depression that results may have always been there, you just need to find better ways to deal with it. So there are my thoughts...

Today is day 9 and I completely quit today. I couldn't bare the taste or the way smoking a cigarette made me feel, so I gave it up. I am very happy that the chantix worked for me, however I'm quite worried about what I have just read. I have never really been depressed, and I don't think I feel that way now, but this has truly made me afraid!!!!

I teach young children and from what I hear people have been aggressive, combative, and suicidal, and I can't have any of that at work. When does all of this kick in or is it not going to??? I actually feel better not smoking at all today. The past few days I dealt with nausea and headaches, and fatigue, but that's all. I was just curious to know if I should just stop taking this drug now before it's too late.

Highly UNreccommended drug! Chantix worked really well after that first big dose, but within a few days after the larger dose, it was PMS in HELL! Horrible anger, frustration, and irritability.

Guess what folks, I tossed the stupid, EXPENSIVE Chantix, and am doing it cold turkey.

Ask yourself, would you give a supposedly 'safe' drug like this to your kid? If not, be careful.

I realize it works for a lot of people, but this thread has shown that it can be very dangerous. What really sucks is that you won't know how it will affect you until you take it.

no thanks.

I found this site because I wanted to know if I should stop taking chantix after 9 weeks of successfully quitting. Then I read all the stories--You guys are scaring me! I took the Chantix as prescribed and although I had trouble sleeping the first 3 or 4 nights and then the very vivid and wacky dreams came in, I quit on day 8 and it has been 2 months.

I still have the weird dreams (probably did before but didn't remeber them) but none of the other side effects I'm hearing about--in fact I'm the happiest quitter I've ever known. People who know me say they have never seen someone having so much fun quitting smoking. I do even drink beer a few times a week, with no problems!

I started Chantix approx. 3 mos. ago. I didn't equate my rage, lethargy, worsening depression, gas, headaches, fear of my job, etc. for sure until reading all your letters. My pharmacist told me when I picked up this last package of Chantix that, yes, there have been reports of psychotic episodes in people with any predisposition for any mental health issues or depression after taking this "new" drug.

It has definitely been the cause for most of my anger and sleeplessnes for sometimes 3 days at a time. I am on anti-anxiety meds for this, but had a horrible episode last night, woke up terrified with my palms literally dripping, my heart in palpataions and me wondering if I should have my mother drive me to the emergency room to tell them what was happening to me or call 911. I have been having horrible anxiety attacks daily and almost non-stop since I started this medicine. Also I haven't completely stopped smoking due to the extreme duress I seem to be under, some of which is warranted but not to this extent. I panic over almost everything I do.

My prayers are with all of us who have ingested this medication, as from what I've read no one knows if we'll be permanently affected by this. I am going to call my physician who prescribed this tomorrow as well as get a letter from my pharmacist that witnessed my rage and anxiety attacks, as well as my sleep deprivation attacks. Good luck to us all. TA

Champix (as it is called here in Canada) started off as a great drug, but the severe depression into week 3 has forced me to come off of it. I am prone to depression, so I expected some as an effect of nicotine withdrawal, but this was heavy and fairly sudden.

I have not taken my pill last night or this morning and seem to be much more upbeat... Thank God. I think I will continue on my own one day at a time like I did it the last time I quit smoking for 3 years.

The depression the last few days had been increasingly brutal. I felt like starting to smoke last night just to end the suffering. I decided to drop the meds instead.

Seems like a very good med at first... just be aware and be vigilant, if you feel very heavy depression consider coming off of it or at least speak to your doctor.

Good luck

Claude

I took Chantix. First I thought it was great because I did not smoke for 2 month... then I couldn't understand what was happening to me... I was mad and angry at the world, my family, my husband, my co-workers, anybody that said the wrong thing to me, I chewed them out... it got to where I hated myself and was scared of what I was doing, and yes I did have suicidal thoughts... I got off Chantix and told my doctor. Of course, he didn't say yea or nay. It messes up something else in your brain, they need to take it off the market... I have lost a lot of friends because of this...

I can't help crying as I'm reading this. I've been on this medicine for 42 days (quit date 11/26/07) and something is soooo wrong... I've attributed it to other things that have been going on in my life, but this just keeps getting worse. I've never slept for entire days before getting on this medicine, either... This kills me b/c I want to quit soo bad and Chantix works. It's the ONLY thing that has worked for me. THIS IS SO SAD.

I too am looking at coming off champix. I've been smoke free for 6 weeks but the last couple of weeks have been horrendous with panic attackes, sobbing (not just crying) every day pretty much, wanting to distance myself from people, temper rages. It's not true that this is purely nictone withdrawal--this is something that you are aware of but have no control over at all. I feel as if I'm possessed when I'm at my lowest.

I have been taking chantix for 6 days. Was feeling nervous from day one but today had a full-blown anxiety attack and almost had husband take me to the hospital. I'm not taking another one of those chantix pills!!

I started Chantix on 9/11/07 as a 1 pack/day smoker, but never could do any better than cutting back 50%. Someone else who quit on Chantix told me they read that some people need to use 3mg to 4mg per day to quit. After 3 months on 2mg/day I started taking 3mg/day on 11/13/07. By 12/13/07 I had began having uncontrollable crying spells, serious difficulty concentrating (running stop signs - almost caused a wreck a couple of times, couldn't count to 10 at times, checking account got ALL messed up - 300 in the hole). My mother alerted me to the possibility it might be the Chantix... then I found this web page & RAN to my doctor's office for help.

I'm much better now, but still having some crying spells. My doctor sent me to a chiropractor 2x/week for 4 weeks to relieve excruciating pain in my right shoulder and right hip - possibly from tensing up to make it through the first half of December with this temporary (I hope) chemical brain damage.

I have struggled with depression before, but have been symptom-free for the last 8 years until now.

Pfizer really should have given stronger warnings about this possibility. Thank God for this web page. I hate to think what might have happened if I had stayed on the Chantix any longer than I did.

Nothing smoking might do to my health could be worse than the completely disabling depression I felt for most of December. I'll try again with the patches or something once I've had time to get over the shock of this horrid experience with Chantix.

Oh thank god it's not me. I'm on day 4. I have a history of depression and anxiety. This morning I wake up and have thoughts I had never had before. I took my morning medicine and as I spilled a handful out I thought, you know, if I just take all of these...

Then leaving a store I was waiting for traffic and thought what if I just pull out in front of this truck... It was like mind control, like somebody was telling me how great that would be...WTF???

I'm sitting here scared, by myself...and I read this board and am even more scared because people out of the blue are trying to kill themselves, Please tell someone what this stuff does, don't let more people end up like we have......

After 35 years of smoking I finally quit tobacco nine months ago using Chantix. I felt incredibly cheery and downright happy for the first couple of months on Chantix instead of behaving like a crazy b***h going through withdrawals. I enjoyed the vivid dreams but found the insomnia to be insufferable, so I cut back to one pill in the morning. Wow, the half-dose worked just fine and most nights I was able to fall asleep within 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, I had to give up drinking alcohol because I drank way more than I normally used to. It was strange how I seemed to be unable to limit myself to 2 or 3 drinks. The last 3 times I drank, I really wanted to smoke, so I'd rather stay sober AND smoke-free.

Chantix is amazing -- it's the "magic pill" I had always dreamed of. NO feelings of depression at all.

I began Chantix last fall. I never even made it to the quit date before the thoughts of suicide began on day four. By day seven, I decided it had to be the medication causing these violent and disturbing thoughts, so I stopped taking the drug.

I called my doctor and left a message with the nurse regarding my suicidal thoughts. They never called back and he's never mentioned anything about it other than disappointment that Chantix didn't help me quit smoking.

I was diagnosed with depression over 15 years ago (associated with a divorce), but after a six month round of Prozac and some counseling, I recovered and have had no more problems until the Chantix. My suicidal thoughts are much less violent and the frequency is much less, but the depression is still with me. I thought I was loosing my mind, but after reading may of these comments, I think the ongoing depression is a left over of the Chantix.

For the women, I do agree that it is similar to severe PMS symptoms, but without a beginning or end. I am currently in the process completing the FDA "Med Watch" form. (www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/FDA3500_fillable_2-21-2006.pdf) My doctor's office is not happy about me reporting this, but I'm going to submit the form anyway. Maybe we all should submit this form since the alarm has started, but from my viewpoint, no one who can do anything seems to care very much (FDA or Pfizer). Reporting these negative side effects may save a life.

I can't help but think about the book/movie "I Am Legend" as I read of people having these negative life altering side effects...a bad dream for some, a nightmare for others.

Bless you all as we journey through this maze of addiction and hopefully recovery and healing at some point.

I took Chantix for two weeks. I've never had any type of illness or depression (I'm 50). On Chantix I felt worthless, and disposable. I just wanted to die. I stopped taking it about 3 months ago, but continue to battle very negative feelings and thoughts. It has been frightening. This drug eliminated my desire to smoke; however, it seems to have replaced it with something I do not recognize or understand. What's up? I'm a little concerned.

I was on Chantix for about 5 to 6 weeks. The drug helped me quit smoking but I had such nausea, severe abdominal pain and low back pain with it that, after talking to my doctor, I quit taking it. Soon after that, I started feeling severely depressed and 2 days before Christmas, I attempted suicide by overdosing on muscle relaxants. I was taken to the hospital for treatment and overnight observation.

I am a housewife and mother of 2 teenage daughters and am 55 years old. I had never attempted suicide in my whole life before taking Chantix. I am still trying to deal with the bouts of severe depression though. If any of you are experienceing any of these symptoms, please stop taking the drug before it's too late.

It has been almost one year since I stopped smoking. I smoked since age 20 but had tapered off to about 3-4 cigarettes/day. I was seeing an ENT due to allergies and a deviated septum. I had no particular thoughts to quit smoking, but he suggested Chantix and out of curiousity I tried it.

The first week was not bad, and it DID stop any desire to smoke. But the second level... well, now I consider it the drug from H***. It made me nauseous to the point of not being able to eat. What I couldn't stand was the feeling of being completely out of control. I am normally an easy going, fairly happy and tranquil person. Suddenly, things that were a normal part of my life became things that I flew into rages about. I could not control the anger and the irritability and the depression. Like others here, I felt as though someone else was inhabiting my body. Some of that I do attribute to the changes of quitting smoking--but not the irrational, over-the-top anger and rage about minute things, and the severe depression.

What is worse, I became extremely irritated by our dog. She followed me everywhere, all of the time, and I was really the only one who walked her, played with her etc. But that NEVER bothered me before the Chantix, or only mildly, once in awhile. I daily went ballistic on the family and could not stand to be around the dog--with the end result a family member took her to the pound. In trying to get her back, I found out she had been immediately put down. Had I not ever taken Chantix, this never would have happened... and now I have to live forever with the guilt--and the knowledge that, had I not taken Chantix and completely lost my mind for awhile, our innocent dog would still be with us. And I miss her dearly.

It is NOT worth taking a chance on this medication. All the drug companies want to do is make a profit. They don't care in the least what happens to the consumer. There was something on the news about Chantix and depression--and who did they have to discuss it? A rep from the drug company that makes Chantix, who denied any connection between Chantix and suicidal thoughts. Tell that to those of us who experienced the side effects firsthand.

WOW, this is all so real to me. I started taking Chantix a little over two weeks ago. I started having weird dreams, but that was the least of my worries. It was the depression that set in once I started in on the blue pills. I didn't care if I lived or died, which wasn't me. I had told several of my friends about this emotional ride I was on, and told them that I believed it was the Chantix and I stopped taking it. My friend called me today and told me that this Chantix was on TV and that people were commiting suicide due to it. I knew it. Now reading all these stories, I believe it should be pulled.

I am going to start Chantix tomorrow. I must admit I'm a bit nervous reading all this. However, I know several people who took it and reported a minor feeling of anxiety and weirdness, and nausea, with slightly stranger than normal dreams, but none of them reported anything to me on the level of what I'm reading here. Their mental side effects seemed quite consistent with those most people experience when quitting cold turkey (anxiety, disconnect, anger, mood swings, etc.). And, they quit smoking.

I plan on keeping a close watch on myself while taking Chantix for all of these extreme symptoms you all have mentioned, since I have suffered from mild depression in the past.

Thanks, and good luck to you all!

I am back on Chantix after an 8-month absence. I did very well on it, was really impressed. However, as a very, very heavy smoker, one month didn't cut it. But it did keep me cut down quite a bit for months after stopping it.

The side effects I currently have are feeling drugged the first week, feeling nauseous and some headache. I did notice last time that I seemed to be going back into the anorexic and obsessive compulsive behaviors. I'll watch for that this time. It went away after awhile of being off Chantix.

However, last time I exercised 4 times a week, drank a lot of water, and overall felt terrific after the initial 2 weeks. I think exercise and the water kept me balanced. I had upward, improved moods. I have to say that I felt great, and during that time I was really dedicated to that treadmill (obsessive???). I think for me, these side effects are perfectly all right for short term. The drugged thing? I don't know, I am very sensitive to drugs, so I think I need a week to adjust.

I feel terrible for the people here that are having the depression, etc. I do wish you the best. What a horrible experience for you.

I do think Chantix is different for everyone. I think we each have to gauge how this drug effects us and our health and lives and make our decisions carefully.

I started Chantix about 5 weeks ago. I did have two bouts of depression, both after drinking, lasting about 24 hours each time. Along with the depression there was considerable anger. I attributed it more to withdrawal and pms than the medication. Aside from this one night I got a lot more stressed out and uptight than the norm, the next morning I realized I had forgotten to take my pill. I took it, but for the majority of that morning and into the afternoon I remained uptight and angry, then it passed.

Aside from these incidences I've felt fine all the other days, and do have to consider my two problems were both with drinking. Not only do I feel fine, I feel pretty darn good, especially for not smoking. I am concerned about what so many have to say and I just hate messing with mother nature and altering the mind and body. I plan to get off it soon and probably eariler than recomemnded.

One sympton I felt early on and not so much now was a sort of shortness of breath, or perhaps it was a feeling I could not breathe as deeply as normal. I walk every day and see a personal trainer 3 times a week and it has been business as usual.

Good Luck everyone

Of course you are depressed, it's depressing to quit smoking. I miss it. I really enjoyed smoking. However, Chantix worked for me. Yeah, I feel empty and sad, buy who wouldn't when they know they aren't getting ready to have that next cigarette. Chantix gives you the power to quit. Once you start feeling like you did it, you don't feel depressed any more. However, I am afraid of going off of it. Is this just a false sense of security that I am experienceing? Also, the dreams are CRAZY! I wake up in the middle of the night exhausted! Better than waking up and wanting a cigarette. Why can't they make a cigarette that is not so bad?

Last night I told my boyfriend of two years "I'm such a loser." I am almost threw my first week of the blue pills, and I am extremely depressed. I've had "down" days before, but this is crazy. I feel so sad, don't want to talk to anyone, everything gets on my nerves, and I am so scared that I'll lose my boyfriend because I'm being such a grump. I guess I just need to remember that the Chantix is making me feel this way and to try and snap out of it.

Well, I've been on Chantix for a week now, and I must say, all of my fears were for *nothing*. I feel no nausea, no weird dreams/nightmares (just more vivid dreams), and no depression or rage *above and beyond* that which is *normally* experienced during any quit attempt. It's nicotine withdrawal, nothing more. There's nothing sinister going on here... it's just part of the healing process.

I accept the fact that others might feel more than what would be considered normal (severe depression, suicidal ideation, homicidal rage, etc.) but can that be blamed on the drug, or on the person taking the drug? People handle situations differently. Perhaps some people are smoking as a kind of therapy. When that therapy is gone, the feelings of depression and loneliness and rage surface. Just a thought.

As for me, it's working as intended, and I'm loving it!

To those of you reading this site with the same fears I had before starting, this site almost convinced me not to take Chantix; approach Chantix with the same caution as you should *any* drug, but don't be too frightened to try it. My advice is to keep a journal/blog of your thoughts and feelings through the process; and most importantly, keep in contact with those who will support you. Remember that withdrawals from nicotine *will* produce all of these feelings described on this website. If you feel that your rage/depression is at a dangerous level, seek help. But don't allow fear to keep you from quitting tobacco.

Good luck to you all! :)

I started taking Chantix in the middle of last August and quit smoking two weeks after starting the drug. I had gas and the vivid dreams, but no depression at first. The depression hit me after a month. However, at the same time my father was finishing chemotherapy, had a stroke and then surgery, so it could have been facing my dad's mortality and my own, so the timing could just be coincidental.

I finished the three months of Chantix and have been off it since November. I still burst into tears at the drop of a hat, I have no hope for the future, I'm obsessed with aging, death, trying to look younger and looking back at the past. I'm not suicidal (frankly I'm too chicken to do that), but if I died tomorrow I wouldn't care. My marriage is suffering as well as my job. I wish it was the circumstances with my dad combined with Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I'm afraid it's the Chantix. Has anyone else experienced depression long after stopping the medication?

But, hey, at least I don't smoke anymore *sarcasm intended*

I am feeling extreme sadness, anger, weepiness after being on Chantix for 3 weeks. What's odd, though, is that it seems to hit as the dose is wearing off. When I take my evening dose (around 5 pm), I begin to feel better about 4 hrs. later. So, for me, it appears that it's the reduction in the level of Chantix that causes the psychiatric symptoms.

I took Chantix for 6 weeks, and after 3 weeks on the pill, I too started getting very depressed and angry, which is out of my character. The one thing I noticed is that I was fullly aware of my behavior and was able to stop myself and walk away. I sat my family down and discussed it with them before taking the pills. They were aware of why I was having mood swings. I blamed it on the Chantix, so I stopped taking it early.

I have not smoked or even wanted to smoke for 3 months now, and everything is back to normal with my behavior. I even lost 10 lbs--I didn't have the desire to eat, like other stop-smoking methods have.

I have a few friends who are taking Chantix, and we all didn't get the same symptoms, we were all different. I was 1 out of 3 who got depressed. I have the 4th friend who decided to stop smoking with no help at all, cold turkey... well he has depression and anger like me. I truly believe it is not the pill at all. It is our own bodies going through withdrawal from the nicotine, and our bodies releasing the nicotine.

Please dont judge Chantix too soon, because it really works. I feel I am done smoking and lost the desire to pick one up again. If you have family monitor your behavior and bear with you for 2 to 3 months, you can get through it. A longer healthy smoke-free life is worth it to them if you talk to them about it.

Good luck to all who decide to try Chantix. Stick with it until you feel like you are done, then stop taking the pills, leave a few as security. I quit after 35 years of smoking--so can you!!!

Hey guys. Reading these anecdotes has been very interesting. I myself took Chantix for about 2 weeks, and it made quitting smoking effortless, which I appreciated.

I have experienced several of the things that have been referred to on this page as symptoms (depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, anger, etc), but the fact that I often experience all of those things can't be dismissed.

Neither can the fact that everybody's story on here is a little different. Some people experience these things after they get off Chantix, some people experience them on Chantix, some people after a week of taking it and some not until after a few months. This variation is important, because it makes one possible cause of these experiences mass hysteria, in fact, probable.

My guess is that some of these things are due to nicotine withdrawal/psychological effects of smoking cessation (which I knew from the beginning was going to make me feel sad and empty inside--I loved smoking). My guess is that some people who linked their depression etc etc to Chantix would have experienced it with or without being on the meds. My guess is also that many of you probably started feeling worse symptoms after you heard that Chantix has been linked to depression and other psychiatric disorders, and especially after reading all of these testimonials.

Chantix does need to be researched more, yes, of course--all new drugs do. But be careful before attributing all of these things to the meds. Mass hysteria, confirmation bias, self-fulfilling prophecy, and I could go on--all of these are very real and powerful (and possibly dangerous) phenomena. Read up. Be smart consumers--both of drugs and of information.

I took Chantix, developed Shingles and the Chantix added complications to the shingles. Every part of my body hurt 24 - 7. It was the most unbarable pain I have ever had. As soon as I went off Chantix, half of my shingles pain subsided. Needless to say, I have not been the same ever since I have been on the Chantix.

In response to the posting regarding the possibility that negative side effects people have experienced could be due to "mass hysteria" or to the effects only of nicotine/smoking withdrawal, I would like to mention that I experienced side effects as soon as the Chantix dosage was increased, and that I took Chantix before all the media stories began about the link between Chantix and depression, anger, etc. I was not "pre-disposed" to expect any type of serious side effect at all. And I do know the difference between what can be construed as normal nicotine withdrawal and psychological/physical withdrawal from smoking as opposed to over the top, abnormal symptoms.

I do believe that every individual is different in how they respond to medications, and for some, Chantix does pose some very real and serious problems. I am not a dr. nor a scientist, but just common sense dictates that any medication that affects the brain can cause negative side effects (good example is antidepressants, that can actually worsen what they are supposed to treat).

I would just reiterate to all, be watchful, and understand that Chantix may aggravate depression/anxiety that have perhaps may have been "hidden" by smoking; it can also (in my case) cause serious side effects that were NOT in existance prior to Chantix.

I am a woman, a registered nurse for many years. I smoked for 18 years, then quit for 20. Two years ago I started again. I tried to stop. I began the Chantix a month ago. I began having a sense of depression and lack of joy in life a week after starting this med. Nausea and some vomiting are predent. That is tolerable. But this sense of emptiness is awful. I am thinking of stopping. I have had diabetes for 40 years, so it is important I quit smoking. A trade-off? Uncertain.
Kay

Has anyone known of any sexual inclination or preference changes under the use of this drug, like abnormal and deviant thoughts or behaviors?

OK... found this site and now I know it's not just me. After a 36-year history, I'm on week 5 of the chantix, and I haven't touched a cigarette for the last two. And even tho people around me still smoke, it doesn't bother me, I just don't want one.

But emotionally I've been on this really evil roller coaster, and I'm not enjoying the ride. Normally I'm a very calm, quiet, soft-spoken person. Been through some rough times in my life and came through it ok without taking antidepressants.

I've never felt like this before... I feel like it's an angry depression. I'm having vivid, violent, homicidal dreams. I actually spent about ten minutes at work the other night sobbing uncontrollably in a closet. I feel like I'm frowning all the time. I'm still quiet, but on the inside I'm screaming.

I am happy that I'm not smoking, and I have a lot of wonderful things going on in my life right now... so why am I feeling this rough? I'm afraid to go off the pills, but also afraid not to. Wish me luck... and good luck to all of you out there, you're not alone.

Alas, I am another... I started on the "double dose" of Chantix two weeks ago... about a week ago, I have become an entirely different person. I called in to work two days in a row (I have NEVER called in to work) simply because I couldn't find the gumption to take a shower, get dressed and go to work. I feel EMPTY. I feel sad and tired all the time. I have no interest in doing anything that I previously enjoyed--today I wanted (in my mind) to make some jewelry which is something I love to do... I stood there looking at my beads and things and just decided to go lay on the couch and sleep instead.

I have no interest in doing anything with my family... I just feel blank. No emotions whatsoever. I found this site while doing a search on Chantix and depression, because I have not had depression issues before... I wanted to see if it was a side effect... I guess it is. I have not had suicidal thoughts, just this empty, sad feeling. It's so emotionless I'm not even crying... it's like there's no emotion whatsoever.

I was used to the other side effects and they didn't really bother me... not bad dreams, just lots of weird dreams.

Stomachache for about 15 minutes after taking it. Would get better.

Gas.

I got used to these side effects, but am now on about day 7 of this horrible empty emotionless feeling and have spent all day today on the couch in a blanket.

Also, this started just today... I'm FREEZING all the time. My husband has the heat turned up to 75 and I'm still cold.

I've gained 12 pounds in two weeks... but figured that is from not smoking? Maybe?

Anyway, calling my doctor tomorrow and not taking the Chantix anymore.

Oh, I did quit smoking... haven't had a cigarette in two weeks.

Brandy

I began taking Chantix in early December. After a few days, I began having horrible palpitations, anxiety, depression, and my blood pressure soared. I quit taking the Chantix after a total of 10 days. I am still suffering severe depression and anxiety. My blood pressure has not stabilized, and my hypothyroidism is worse. I am taking antidepressants, and anti-anxiety meds. I feel no interest in anything, other than sleeping. Without these meds, I don't know what I'd do. Commit myself to a psych ward, I guess. I am barely functional most of the time. I want my life back!

I was on my second round of chantix and took img for one month. I am severely depressed and wonder if I will ever feel normal again. I have actually scared myself with bouts of rage and anger. I've been off the med for five days and don't feel a lot better. Anyone know of residual effects? I have also been to the er with loss of potassium, irregular ekg and high blood pressure from this medicine.

Wow... now I know why I've been so bummed out! Today is day 5 on chantix and I really feel depressed. I'm going to stick with the chantix... but this is quite a price to pay to be smoke free. Thanks to everyone!

I purposely looked for a site like this to see if IT WAS JUST ME ALSO. And a little relieved it's not, but also a little disappointed to believe almost without doubt that it is the Chantix. This is my second time on Chantix. I'm into my 7th week and I can only say the past 2 weeks have had me on an emotional roller coaster. The mood swings are unbearable. Not to mention very scary. I can be up, happy, no anxiety of any kind one hour, the next so down I cry, I yell, I'm just plain mean to the ones I love. I don't care if I live. Not suicide, just no reason to live.

I mentioned it's my second time. The first was with my husband and daughter in Nov. 2007. They successfully quit after taking the Chantix only 5-6 weeks. My daughter stopped taking them because she felt tired all the time. They have been smoke free 14 months now. I stopped taking the chantix at 8 weeks because I constantly looked for minutes in the day to nap from lack of sleeping at night. Made it 10 months smoke free. I went back to smoking for 3 months, foolishly, because I felt having them would help me to cope with a suicidal death in my family. Anyway, decided I'd try again. I had convinced myself that maybe, I'm not like my husband and daughter and I just PLAIN NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE 12 WEEKS, no matter how much I felt I didn't need them.

Like I said, it's been hell, I have turned into a person I hate, I'm sick of feeling sad, worthless, not caring and angry. I want to lash out at everyone. And then, it's strange, almost like turning a switch off, I am okay again. I believe after reading these posts, most of which are about depression, I know now, it's the Chantix. I never thought about the fact this medication is blocking the feel good from smoking that it of course would block other emotions. How can it distinguish between a nicotine feeling or a content feeling... happy feeling, etc.

I hate it, because this drug really works... it keeps me from wanting or caring about a cigarette. I too can be around smokers, no problem except for the stink. Beginning this evening I'm going to try taking 1/2 a pill in the morning and 1/2 in the evening. I'm hoping, that will be enough to keep me from smoking and not have the sadness, etc. If not, then I guess I'm going to ween myself off them and continue the quit on my own. Life is too short to feel this way and I'm going to count on the fear of cancer or emphezema will keep me quit.

Anyone who reads these posts, needs to go to the home page and see for themselves the percentage of posts contain depression.

And Lee Ann, I understand the feeling of going off the pills. Life feels good to you right now, and you said good things are going on in your life. Do it now, go off the pills, the nicotine is out of your system. You may still have parts of the "habit", find ways to work through those... I guess I'm just saying, I'm on week 7 and it hasn't gotten better.

I just started taking Chantix about 3 weeks ago and I have quit smoking. I love that I am smoke free, but do I love that more than feeling emotionally drained, depressed and tired? I have had a past with depression, but have been free from it for 2 years. This pill has not only triggered the depression, but made it worse. Today in our world, people are too hasty when it comes to putting chemicals in our bodies. We are supposed to trust our FDA and that's why I believe this pill should be recalled. Please don't take this pill if you have a history of depression and make sure if you begin to feel these symptoms, quit taking it. Your life isn't worth it.

I started taking Champix beginning of January and stopped cigarettes three weeks into tablets. I still have not smoked, but with much difficulty. I had to stop tablets as they were making me feel very ill. But now two weeks without tablets I have started not sleeping, ie maybe only 2 hours per night!!!! for the last 3 days or so, also breaking down in tears and very negatitive thoughts about myself and my role as a person or my place in the world. Has anybody else suffered this after stopping tablets, and will this go away? I feel utterly -- don't even have any words to describe it.

I have never been diagnosed with any depression or mental problems before, and there is no history of it in my family... Chantix worked well for me, except for the crazy vivid dreams (which my doctor's solution was to prescribe Ambien), gas and the loss of enjoying a glass of wine (or any other alcohol), coffee and just lately the desire to do anything social... I plan on taking my final tablet on Saturday and actually am a little nervous that I may have the side effects for awhile after I am done... but hey I guess the "good" part is that I am now a non-smoker...

Add another to the side effects drove me to stop taking Chantix group.

Everything was fine, I lost the urge to smoke and did stop rather easily. I was thrilled. I had the dreams, but they were never nightmares, more of a highly realistic dream. The dreams were so realistic that although I hate to admit this, I dreamed that I was at a party, got up and walked into the bathroom, felt the cool seat on the back of my thighs and released my bladder... Yep, you got it... At 41 years old I wet my bed because the dreams are so damn realistic... (and the husband of my best friend did the same thing. So I'm wondering if we're the only ones... lol).

I kept taking Chantix, but I cut back on drinking in the evening. Instead of dreams I was brutally ripped from my sleep by horrible calf cramps in both legs (from the dehydration, I guess...).

I finally quit taking Chantix due to waking up and being unable to bend enough to put socks on. It took me 3 days to realize that the decrease in evening fluids (to avoid having to get up to pee 3 times a night or wetting the bed) was ticking off my kidneys, thus the lower back pain... I phased down to one pill in the morning only, but started smoking again, and stopped the meds.

Looking back (hindsight and all), I didn't slip into a "deep depression." More of a slow decrease in basic contentment, and a slow increase of basic irritation at anything and anyone. I was so "angry" that I avoided everyone, from the fear that I might lash out at people closest to me (and that I didn't want them knowing I was smoking again).

It took about 3-4 weeks before it felt like the medication was letting go, and getting out of my head. At that, the joy of laughter began to return.

I figure at this point the good ole "cold turkey" may be the only way to go about breakin this addiction...

Good luck to everyone, and I agree with many others. I suspect that Chantix and its side effects are going to be hitting the evening news programs more and more.

I was looking today to find if Chantix caused depression in those that have a history of depression because I have been off the handle lately. Well I found this sight.

It gives me hope because I feel that Chantix really is a "miracle" drug. I have been smoke-free for just over a week and have been on the medicine for just over 2 weeks. Although I must admit I am depressed, my mother, a physician assistant, warned me about suicidal tendencies in people that took it.

When I have thoughts of that, I just tell myself that is not really me talking. Since I know this medicine may be causing these feelings, I now know that it is not me. I can overcome the medicine and not let it ruin my life like a depression would.

I will continue to take the medicine as prescribed for the remainder of the month and then see how I feel when trying to cut back in month 2, but I do not want to start smoking again. I already paid enough for the medicine to put any more money into cigarettes.

I've noticed my husband, we started Chantix together, has been easily angered lately and I think that is his side effect. Even if we are like this for a couple months it will be worth it to be smoke-free in the long run.

Good luck to everyone!

It's scary to see how many people have shared the same side effects as I have on this medication. A friend of mine had started taking Chantix about a month before I started. He was excited to quit smoking finally, but after taking the pills for a month he became very depressed, talking about how he couldn't figure it out given that his life was going so well.

I hadn't heard of this side effect at the time, so I began with my prescription. My experience has been nothing short of terrible. The Chantix did in fact allow me to quit smoking, but my mood swings have become so severe that I feel that I cannot be around people at times. I work in a sales job, and a lot of time is spent face to face with my clients. I used to be personable and friendly, but now I feel as if I'm always faking a smile and over-thinking how I interact with people. Tonight was the kicker, when I went out for drinks with a few good friends of mine. The conversation was so dry and depressing I actually left after only being there for around an hour. I am never like this. Usually I am the life of the party, encouraging everyone to stay out and have a good time. I came home and my wife and I got into a long talk about how bad everything was going (which it's not), and then I broke down in tears for no reason after she went to bed.

I tend to agree with the others that have posted comments on this site. Nicotine is a terrible drug, and I hate that I became addicted, but at least it didn't ever make me feel suicidal. I will pursue other means of quitting, but until then I have to let others know about this drug. If anyone reading this is considering trying Chantix, please read these posts carefully.

This site is REALLY encouraging!!! I've only been on Chantix for 13 days. I have had HUGE outbursts of RAGE... and I mean PURE RAGE! I have a 3 year old & 3 month old... and I have yelled at my 3 year old in ways I have never yelled at her ever before. I'm EXTREMELY short-fused & don't even have patience to figure out what has been going on with my baby!!

I have been wondering this last 7-9 days... am I going crazy? Am I just stressed? Am I having post-partum now? But today... I feel sooo completely disconnected... my daughter gets hurt & instead of sympathizing... I just tell her, well you shouldn't have been messing around.

I threw a bottle at my kitchen cabinet (this is NOT me!) I almost broke my hand this weekend from pounding it on the desk! I mean, I have been having RAGE!! And I'm ANGRY about everything!! And unable to cope w/ anything!

The sad thing is... I haven't totally quit smoking yet. I've cut back to 1/2 pack BUT I'm really wrestling w/ is this worth it?!?

I'm afraid if I continue this medication I will hurt myself or my children. My step-daughter comes this weekend (and I am normally 'tested' with patience) & I think I may just have to stay elsewhere... I really am having way more anxiety about her coming more than usual & that scares me at this point.

I don't think I'll be continueing this medication.

My boyfriend has been on chantix for about a month, and he has had the side effects and more... insomnia, crazy dreams and sexual side effects like no libido.

The first week of taking Chantix was a bit rough with the nausea and bloating. But I kept trying different approaches. Finally learned to eat first, wait approx 30 mins, then take the Chantix, the nausea was minimal and subsided quickly. I took Tums and drank ginger ale too. Feeling bloated still was a problem, but this has kept me from overeating and gaining weight, so I consider it a plus. I have had no depression, etc. I think the vivid dreams have been the most annoying, but even that is getting better. I'm on week 4 of Chantix and day 9 of being smoke-free...I think I'm going to make it.

Glad to find this site. I only took Chantix for 2 wks, began 1/29. By day 3 or 4 began having insomnia, chronic fatigue, bad mood swings, really bad headache. I figured it was because I was still smoking, as per the instructions, and that it was the Chantix "fighting" the nicotine trying to get to my brain.

Yet even when I went smoke-free the symptoms persisted, and if anything got much worse & more intense. After one final disturbing violent mood swing, I decided to quit taking it.

That was over 2 wks ago, and I still have all the symptoms. Fatigue so bad I can hardly get out of bed, the SAME headache I've had for 4 weeks has never gone away, I freeze all the time, it's like I'm in a constant state of coming down with the flu, but never have any congestion.

Had a brain CT scan today and it was negative for anything out of the ordinary. They took some blood, but won't get those results till next week... wish I'd asked for thyroid test, because the symptoms sound a lot like hypothyroid.

I'm 44, WAS in good health.... was going to gym 3 or 4 days a week & felt great, which is why I wanted to quit in the first place, because I thought "if exercise feels this good as a smoker, imagine how good it would feel as a nonsmoker." Now, however, it's all I can do to get in my 8hr shift at work & come home & crawl in bed with a toboggan on my head, wearing sweats.

I just think that in some people the Chantix is binding to other receptors & components of the brain than just the nicotine receptors that they are supposed to bind to.

I am so glad to have found this site. I went to my Dr. on Friday experiencing the same problems as almost everyone here. I kept looking for other reasons to figure out how I got so depressed. Blamed it on Feb. in the northeast and the lack of light. It's been the Chantix. Amazing drug, but made me dead to the world. Supplemented some B vitamins, which helped with my energy, and slowly coming out of this funk. Hang in there...

Wow...never knew Chantix was affecting so many people like me. I thought after 37 years of smoking, I would have a hard time quitting no matter. Well, just like they said...set my quit date on on the 8th day and quit. However, I have NEVER in my 54 years, been depressed. Oh, sad once in awhile due to family/friend issues, BUT NEVER DEPRESSED.

I only did the drug for the first month and did not get a refill. It has been two months without smoking...do not have severe urges to smoke, but am still depressed. Seems to be getting a little better as time goes on.

If this affects me, who has never been depressed, please, if you have ever been depressed, make sure your doctor knows before taking this medication for your own sake and those of your loved ones.

Same story another person. Started taking -- thought it was great, didn't want to smoke. People told me to watch for depression (which I have a history of). I was aware and conscious of this side effect. Approximately a week ago when I was standing in the shower absolutely disgusted with my body and sobbing, I knew there was something wrong and was very familiar with the signs. I have not taken chantix for four days and will never take it again. I will quit with the love and support of my family and friends.

My husband and I started taking Chantix almost 4 weeks ago. Our urge to smoke is becoming less and less but I am having SEVERE depression. I am currently on meds for depression--Prozac and have anxiety meds. About 2 weeks into taking Chantix I noticed my depression was at an all-time high. I cry all the time. I can sleep anytime. I am so miserable. I stopped taking my depression meds. I want to quit smoking so have decided to continue Chantix but quit the prozac. Hope the depression lightens up. Sympathize with anyone else that is going through this. It is awful....

YES! It only takes 2 weeks before it all changes. I feel like everyone else here; I thought this was GREAT and the best thing out there because I did not crave a cig after 28 yrs of being a smoker! I started to find myself depressed, hopeless, nothing excited me and I just did not care about anything. I felt like I just lost all my "spunk".

I never related it to the Chantix, since it was not listed as a side effect, which I checked over and over again to make sure, because I just could not figure out why I felt this way. I have been married for 21 yrs, and it got so bad that I wanted to divorce and could not stand my husband anymore--I actually started hating him. On Valentine's day, I ran to the Dr.'s and fell apart crying to him and telling him that I was having marriage problems; I could hardly speak those words without sobbing. I never told him that I was on Chantix because I did not think it was important.

My Dr. saw that I was an emotional WRECK, and I left there with 30 Xanax! I never had these issues before. After talking to a friend, she said some people are having issues with Chanitix, so I decided I will stop taking it and see what will happen. WOW, I feel like I have my life back and I now love my husband again.... These meds messed with my head too much. Please be careful and stop these meds if you feel the same.

After 50 years of smoking, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had to have a lobe of his lung removed, the one that contained the tumor. He started Chantix prior to surgery. He was fine for a couple of weeks, and then two weeks post-surgery, he went into a serious funk. This is not a man who gets depressed. This is not a man who sleeps all day, doesn't shower or change, and takes his feelings out on his adult children.

I was dreadfully scared for him, and knew it must be medications making him feel this way, as he is just not the type of man to be depressed. I did a little research on Chantix, and thanks to this board and other blog sites, found he was not the only one who suffered a radical personality change once on Chantix.

He's been off the drug for a week now, and I have my father back. It was like he woke up. He's back to conducting his business, he's pleasant to be around, and he's mentally ready now to take on chemo. I definitely think the FDA needs to know about this, and I have written them a letter and talked to the doctor who signed off on the prescription.

Thank you all for sharing your message, it was a huge help!

I felt the same way being on this "drug". I also did a lot of research and found out that A LOT of people are feeling the same exact way coming off of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. If you google antidepressant or benzo WITHDRAWAL, you will see the hundreds of thousands of people that are going through hell getting off of these mind-altering drugs. Please do not go to your doctor and ask for an antidepressant and a benzo. You will have the same problem but a thousand times worse, and the withdrawal from these drugs can last to months or years. Please take care.

I am 53 days smoke-free, and I owe it ALL to Chantix. The ONLY two side effects I had were constipation and vivid dreams. I am still taking it, but I only take 1 one mg pill a day, and I take it with my multi vitamin after I eat breakfast. I was going to go off of it, because I think I'm doing so great, but I was told that the cravings start quite immediately, and I do not want to fail. I am going to stay on it the full three months, then go off. If I even start to have bad cravings, I will get another script and go right back on it. I'm so glad to be smoke-free!!

Holy cow, I'm extremely glad that I came across this website. I've smoked a pack a day for over two years and I'm currently interested in quitting. I heard that Chantix worked really well to quit smoking and I was about to make my decision to try it... until reading these comments.

I have a history of sporadic depression and suicidal thoughts, but I've never gone to see psychiatrists or ever wanted to take medication for those symptoms. I just held myself together and toughed my way through it. After reading these comments, I'm doubting that I'll be able to resist those feelings and urges the way I did when I was unaffected by a mind-altering drug (like chantix). Come on people, there are comments in here about people committing suicide while on this drug!

My days of depression are behind me and I want it to stay that way. I still intend to quit, but I will absolutely not be using Chantix.

i must admit chantix works really well on the smoking bit... but it will also rip your life apart in the process... this stuff is like a 30 day plan to the road of depression... please if you are interested in stopping smoking I strongly advise you go another route... no matter what your history is like... this stuff should be banned!!

Been taking chantix since the beginning of the year and haven't had any depression despite a history, but I have blacked out and gotten aggressive if I have more than one drink. This is completely opposite my personality. Only one month left, thank goodness. It worked perfectly for the quitting smoking, but I hope the side effects don't continue after I quit the pills. Has anyone else heard of this?

I am so glad I found this site. I thought I was losing my mind. I have never been depressed in my life. After taking chantix for about 7 weeks, I became extremely depressed! Crying daily, feeling hopeless and wondering why I even existed. Thank goodness I had already cut my dose down several days before the depression hit--I don't know what I would have done if I had been on the full dose.

I thought the chantix was causing headaches (and it was), so I had been on 1mg daily for about 8 days when the horrible depression hit. It took 2 days after stopping chantix completely to feel any better at all (not normal) but better. I began to see how I had isolated myself for the previous weeks, and I had found it hard to return phone calls from friends and family and to do about anything other than drag myself to work and hurry home to try and sleep.

I quit smoking and lord knows I am glad of that, but what a horrible way! I am so glad to get off that stuff, not sleeping, the crazy dreams, the constipation, depression, wierd thoughts, headaches. It isn't worth it. I hope I don't start smoking again, but the side effects are just not worth it, nothing is worth all that I have been through in the last few weeks while taking chantix. I feel bad, because I thought it was a great drug in the beginning and told people to try it. It was an easy way to quit smoking! What a joke--there is NO EASY way to quit smoking, there is a price to pay for everything. Chantix has not been worth it to me even though I quit smoking. I now have a new understanding of depression and how horrible it is for those who suffer.

I am on day 12. I am a veteran who has gone through quite a bit of depression over the last 2 1/2 years. For a while things seemed to be going well, so I decided to quit smoking--Chantix! It worked amazingly: by the 8th day I did not touch or want to smell a cigarette.

However, since day one I have been very irritable. My pregnant fiance has been the brunt of most of my verbal attacks and rants. She has cried more in the last twelve days then in the last 2 1/2 years.

As of this morning I have stopped taking Chantix and will try to update my situation over the next few days to see what change may take place. I will have to rely on willpower for now, and I hope that will be enough. I'm not sure how many other people have found that they have been irritable on this drug, but I know I can't be the only one. Good luck to everyone and just hope for the best.

-Marine

Thank God my sister found this website for me. I started taking Chantix in August. I was surprised how quickly it cut my smoking in half. I continued with the Chantix till mid-January when I finally quit. I stopped the pills about a week after my last cigarette.

Looking back, I can see that a depression was creeping up on me. However, nothing prepared me for what happened a week ago. I woke up feeling as if I'd never be happy again. I have never felt such despair in my life. I have struggled everyday for the last week. I am away from home, and have found it almost impossible to get help. I have gone to a mental health facility who could do nothing unless I was suicidal and then comitted myself to their locked facility.

They sent me to the emergency room, but all that they would perscribe was a mild anti-anxiety med. As far as getting an antideppressent, I needed to see a psychiatrist, for which I would need to wait 6 to 12 weeks. Finally, I was able to get my cardiologist (he prescibed the Chantix) and my GP to confer and they called in an antidepressent and a stronger anti-anxiety. I will start both of them tonight.

I am hoping that knowing I am not alone with this problem and the new meds, I'll be better able to get through these horrible days. Did I mention that I seem to get better in the evenings? Good luck to us all.

Come on guys, it is totally known that when someone stops smoking they are going to feel blah or an emptiness. I am reading all of these blogs, and no it is not the chantix, it is not having the nicotine anymore. I quit a little over a year ago, about 2 weeks later I was totally blah, my doctor put me on wellbutrin (then I became a raving maniac) so I stopped that immediately, but in all seriousnous, it's the not having nicotine anymore that is causing this, plain and simple!

I started taking Chantix 2 1/2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it. The only side effect for me is nausea. I feel better, look better, teeth are whiter. I love it. I am so grateful we have a medication like this.

I'm only on day 8 and I am so down that I ran an internet search on "Chantix depression". WOW! I'm sorry so many people are having troubles, but I'm glad that it's not just me. I'll stop Chantix immediately, and call my doctor on Monday morning.

How soon does the depression usually hit? My husband took his first dose of Chantix this morning, and by the time he got home from work he was a different person, very down on himself and depressed. He's struggled with depression before. Has anyone else seen depression within the first day???

I began Chantix a five weeks ago and I was feeling pretty good until about 10 days ago when I noticed depression setting in. I have been down this road before so I began looking for other causes. Everything else has pretty much remained the same. I found this website today and I truly believe that the Chantix is causing my symptoms. I don't think it is the "nicotine" withdraw as I smoked about 3-4 cigarettes per day.

My friend has been taking this medicine too and for the first time a few weeks ago he mentioned "suicide" and I was so shocked because he has never, EVER, spoken like that. We are convinced that anything that can alter your brain can do many things besides just helping you to quit smoking. Please look out for others taking this medicine! It's important that people realize what can happen and they should look for the signs.

I am so happy I found this site. I started Chantix 3 or 4 weeks ago. Have only smoked several cigarettes since then. I have a history of depression, but have not felt that way in several years. Until now.

I had a complete break down last night. I took my dose this morning, telling myself that not smoking is more important, and I just have to suck it up. But I can't take feeling depressed any more. I'm relieved to see I'm not the only person going insane because of this drug. This morning was my last drug

It's true.
I am and always am a person with
and a very good sense of humor.
I'm on chantix and it does cause
depression.
If you hear differently, then you
may be hearing it from some sort
of advocate of the drug company.
Things are no longer funny and
I don't have happy thoughts.
I experience different levels
of depression. Some are light
and some very strong.
It's the drug since I don't take
any other drug that would cause this
so it's the chantix doing it.

Forgot to state:
Chantix does work, but if can't
handle the depression that will
try to creep into your life,
stay away from it.
I've been on it for a few months
and plan on continuing for another
5 or so months to make sure.
I told my doctor that I won't
commit suicide until I quit smoking.
Why commit suicide because I'm
trying to stop something that's
killing me ?

This stuff was the best for me. I don't know why I'm not going thru the deprssion like most, but I have taken it for 3 weeks and the 1st 2 weeks were awsome dreams and absolutely no side effects. The 3rd week my dreams were getting a little freaky so I stopped, but that's it. Just weird dreams. Now I hate the taste of cigarettes and am butt free. I was turned on to this drug by a friend that smoked 2 packs a day for 20 yrs and he had the same great experience I had. Try it for a week? Good luck...

I threw my Chantix out today. I have only suffered from depression once before in my life. I was pregnant and unhappy at my job. That was several years ago.

I started Chantix Jan. 27 and I quit smoking in 2 weeks. Cigarettes tasted nasty and made me sick to smoke, so it was pretty easy to quit. The first bothersome side effect was the nausea, then after a month I began to notice how tired I felt. So I started taking 1 pill at night instead of the two. I did that for about a week.

In the meantime I talked to someone from a quit smoking program that I joined. I told her that I have relapsed on weekends when out socially and about the nausea and tiredness. She suggested going back to taking two pills a day and deal with the side effects.

I started taking the two on Monday and by today was crying uncontrollably, had a panic attack and feel so severely depressed. I called my doctor and spoke to a nurse. She told me to go to the emergency room immediately.

But instead I called my sister who has taken Chantix successfully and she told me not to go the the ER because they would probably put me in the psych ward in the condition i was in. My sister is very supportive and talked me through my meltdown. It really scared me.

I threw it away! Tonight has been difficult as I have gotten nothing accomplished and feel very down but I know tomorrow I will start to feel better as the Chantix begins to wear off. I am not going to pick up a cigarette I keep telling myself. I still think Chantix works better than anything else out there..but as we all know here, it can bring some severe consequences. Proceed with extreme caution...

I have been taking chantix for 4 weeks now.At first it was great and working well to kill my cravings.3 days ago i woke up and felt consumed with sadness!I am not a depressed person at all.I have never felt so dark and hopeless in my life.I having been crying for the past 3 days.

My doctor told me to stop the medication now.today is the first day off and i still feel terrible,and emotional,the worst part i am already wanting to smoke!It will take 3-4 days for the meds to leave my body.This is not a rare side-effect,I have been reading a lot about this reaction!!NO CHANTIX!!

i think chantix can be a great drug to quit smoking on.. but about 2 weeks after i started it i became depressed, i had to stop taking it but then i started smoking again so after 4 days i restarted it. now 5 days later i am severely depressed, it took all my energy just to turn on my computer right now and look this up... i dont know what to do i dont want to smoke but i dont want to live like this

any body quit with out chantix... is it normal to be so depressed after quiting? i knew i was going to be sad but now i am just so depressed with suicidal ideations. i do have a tendency towards depression but i can usually just shake it off and be positive.

nicotine withdraw or chantix?

PEOPLE

Go to any forum and type in any drug..and this is all you will see.

What people need to understand is no positives ever post--only people who have had problems.

With millions of people taking these meds..you are going to get many thousands that have had problems--just do the math.

You should also note how many have said they had prior depression. And how many that dont understand the depression and anxiety that comes from stoping smoking.

Obviously anyone who has had past problems should either be taking very small doses or not at all.

I'm 60 and started smoking at 13. I've tried many ways to quit. Chantix is the first success story and I see it as a Miracle. I'm on day 78 of quitting. I'm taking one pill a day of Chantix (couldn't take the dreams).

I haven't really had the other symptoms. I'm feeling empty etc. and have lost interest in things which used to give me pleasure. I'm mildly depressed. But I don't attribute it to the Chantix at all. I believe it is because I've lost my best friend. Smoking for me covered up a lot. I'm not surprised by my lack of feelings and my lethargy. I have no rage or irritability.

I'm able to work just fine for some reason, but everything else is an issue. It takes a major effort just to get out the door for food or do my laundry or bills.

I saw my Dr. today and I've been prescribed Wellbutrin to help kickstart me back into the world. We both agreed that it is the lack of the smoking addiction that is causing the mild depression.

So, I came here to find out people's experience of taking Chantix and Wellbutrin at the same time and found a plethora of people having problems with Chantix instead.

I can say that again that I think Chantix is great. But clearly it isn't for everyone.

Good luck to all of you and may you all hit day 78 as a nonsmoker.

On Chantix for 4 days. On day 3 started crying. Cried for hrs.and hrs. Have never been depressed before. This is a terrible drug and shouldn't be on the market.

I started taking Chantix 3/1/08 and my stop smoking date was 3/8/08. I felt great while taking it.

However, I've been smoke free for about a month now but I'm going through some extreme depression. I'm angry and confused all the time and I've been experience crying spells. None of these symptoms are part of my normal character.

It started about a week after I stopped taking the pill. I've scheduled an appointment with my family doctor to get to the bottom of this. I feel like I'm crashing without the pill in my system. This is scary!

I too, had a severe reaction while taking Chantix. The last time I took it, I also tried to take my life. Ended up in the hospital and can't express the humiliation and embarrassment the whole ordeal caused. I have been off of it for about a month and experiencing severe depression. If I had not experienced this myself, I never would have believed it to be true about this drug.

I have been on Chantix for 2 months and one week. It did help me stop smoking, but I also had a firm resolve to do so this time. I didn't notice that I was becoming so tired and uninterested in doing things anymore. Then, I had a severe anxiety attack and depression. Felt like I could cry at any moment.

My question is how long does this last after you stop the Chantix? I do have a history of anxiety, but have not had any attacks in over two years, and that one was solely due to external circumstances.

I'm sorry to hear everyone has has such terrible things happen while taking Chantix. I took it last year and have not had a smoke since March 3rd. 2007. I was not depressed or anything on the medication. In fact, I felt happier and I had a better outlook on things.

I did try Welbutrin a year prior to Chantix, and that medication did make me depressed. I was miserable and quit taking it after a week. I think everyone has different reactions to drugs, and we always seem to see the bad in things, but never the good. Good luck to all of you in quitting! You can do it. :)

There are people on here who keep saying that we are crazy to think Chantix and the severe depression and suicidal thoughts are linked. I say...take the Chantix for a while and see for yourself.

I am tapering off of them because I have been beyond severely depressed & definitely with suicidal thoughts to the point I was ready to find a way to end my life. I am serious. I have never experienced this before.

I have been depressed before, but not "this" depressed and ready to die. Someone named "Ellen" in one of the messages says that we are just "blah" and it is not the Chantix...I say bull friggin crap. Ellen, I "would" strongly urge you take the Chantix for a decent amount of time, but I do not want you or anyone else to experience what is being experienced. Off chance, if you have taken it and were just jolly as a child on Christmas morn...good for you...I am happy for you...but, give us a chance to cope...k?

This depression has been instense and I have never felt such intensity before even when I did quit cold turkey; I really do not need someone insinuating this is all a delusion. I am seeking others who have experienced this, not people blowing hot air as if it is all in our heads. After coming to my senses, I decided to search the net and found this site and know that others are experiencing this weird bout of depression and suicidal thoughts while on Chantix. I actually sighed in relief knowing that it IS NOT my imagination.

Ellen, sorry for being rude...but, I cannot explain what I have been though and still going through. I just want this med out of my system. Once several weeks go by I will assess my mental state. If not depressed and not having suicidal thoughts, I may repost to mention the change for the better.

I am known for my upbeat positive attitude and always having a smile on my face. I had a brief mild bout of depression a few years ago during some trouble with my marriage, but that was my only history of it.

I started taking Chantix January 5 '08. By January 25th I was so depressed and anxious I went to my doctor who prescribed klonopin and Lexapro. I crawled into bed and couldn't get out for a week. All I wanted to do was die. The anxiety was horrible and I had absolutely no interest in my life. My children got on my nerves horribly and I contemplated suicide.

It was then some friends told me they heard a report about Chantix and related depression and suicide. I quit the drug. But continued to spiral. I lost 17 lbs (I weighed only 92 lbs). Finally my family checked me into a psychiatric hospital where I was for a week. It is now April 18, a little over 3 months from starting Chantix and I'm still struggling with depression, lack of concentration and anxiety. I can't work and often call my husband home from work because I am terrified by how I feel. I feel like I've lost my life.

I am now on Zoloft and still on klonopin for anxiety and to sleep. This has been the worst three months of my life. And yes, I did quit smoking.

I am convinced the Chantix caused my depression and suicidal thoughts.

After 3 months of Chantix, one night I was scared to go to bed because of all the bad things I was imagining they would happen to me. the following day I almost fainted in the restaurant. I had weird sensations: fatigue, nautiousness, dizziness...I later learned that I had a depression attack...

hi my name is julia, i have lupus sle, and diabetes type 2, i need to quit smoking cause i have to have back fusion surgery in 4mos, but i have to get all the nicotine, out of my system, before the doctor will do surgery.

I started taking chantix 2 days ago, and i feel really awful, if someone has lupus and diabetes and is taking chantix could you let me know how it is affecting you, i really think i can stop on my own, and i take effexor for depression right now, so i do not want to become more depressed or suicidal, i also have high blood pressure, and high cholestral, eme please at collinwood@netzero.net with your input thankyou and god bless all

I had recently recovered from my first major depression (scariest thing that is ever happened) with the help of a therapist, psychiatrist, medications, exercise and other positive changes in my life! I had never felt better, so I thought I would try to tackle quitting smoking with Chantix, and watch for symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation. The nausea and headaches started right away, then the depression and after a week I was thinking over and over of putting a gun to my head and pulling the trigger (new for me). I'm stopping Chantix and just informed my psychiatrist. Be careful!

I am on day 97 of being smoke free, and I went off Chantix 2 weeks ago. I was only taking .5 mg a day (1/2 a pill) in the morning for about a month and it was enough to take the edge off. I truly believe you have to want to quit smoking 120% and be 120% COMMITTED to wanting to be smoke free.

The best thing I ever did was get my script filled in January. People quit EVERY day withOUT chantix... it's not impossible, Chantix just helps you along.

Quitting is a lot of work, and no drug is going to do it for you! I joking say I owe my life to Chantix, because I don't know if I would've even tried to quit otherwise because I was afraid of failing. I hope people can get past the "side effects" and just QUIT. It makes me sick how many years I paid A LOT of money to KILL myself.

With the avalanche of bad experiences reported here I feel compelled to share my positive results. I just completed taking Chantix for six months and am now completely smoke free. I experienced nausea initially, but this was easily fixed by taking the medication with food. I also had extraordinarily vivid dreams, but they were nothing I couldn't handle and in most cases pretty entertaining.

I had a few days when I felt a bit down or irritable, but this is natural after giving up a twenty year habit that is as addictive as heroin. Chantix helped me overcome a a terrible addiction -- so I am very grateful.

If you have tried Chantix but quit taking it because of a few unpleasant side effects, then perhaps you should consider that it may be your love of nicotine that led you to conclude that "it's better to smoke than to put up with this". Don't let your addiction get in the way of trying a safe and effective product.

Embarrassingly, I am a professional quitter. I have been smoking for over 12 years (1-2 packs a day) and have tried to quit more times than you can imagine. I agree that drugs affect everyone differently and any reactions faced by one person should not automatically be assumed to be the same reactions another person will experience. That being said…I had a horrible reaction to Chantix and have subsequently ceased taking the medication.

My concern with the drug stems not only from the severe depression, but from the apparent long-term consequences some have described. I experienced drastic emotional differences when taking this drug than from any other times I have quit smoking. My longest quit was 9 months and that was cold turkey. Sure, there was what I would refer to as situational depression from quitting smoking in general. And yes, some crying and the blues. However, the depression associated with previous quits is nothing even remotely comparable to the depression I experienced after taking Chantix. Listen to these posts, some are even posting signs of depression due to the drug while they are still smoking. There has to be something more to this.

If the drug works for you – GREAT! Take it. If the drug causes dangerous side effects for you– DON’T IGNORE them. Stop taking it. I can’t pretend to know what anyone else taking this drug actually experiences, and neither can anyone else. Please don’t assume that because you did not experience side effects, that other people must be overly sensitive to the natural depression associated with quitting smoking. Please don’t insult my intelligence! It is a relatively new drug and you could never completely understand how it affects me anymore than I will ever understand how it affects you.

I have taken Chantix on several occasions and it does totally eliminate the withdrawal from nicotine. The reason I started back smoking is because of the psychological addition I have to cigarettes. I associate them with certain things (after meals, driving the car, first thing in the morning, when I'm bored, etc.).

I am taking Chantix again and am having better luck letting go of the smokes this time. I've never had the depression so many speak of but I did have the nausea at first. I was not taking Chantix on a full stomach, which was making me really queasy. What I do now is to take a Chantix after I eat lunch and then one again after I eat dinner. So far, so good.

After reading all of these comments... I started getting depressed! This is the 2nd time that I have tried Chantrix. I quit for a month the first time. This time I smoked longer on it but I am not smoking right now. I do get bizarre dreams, but it is kind of like watching a movie, some are happy, some sad. I also have suffered from anxiety and depression most of my life. I have gone off of all of my medication for the depression and have been feeling pretty good, even being on the Chantrix!

I don't really feel that this pill causes depression, or anxiety. But quitting smoking does! After smoking for 30 years, you depend on the cigarettes to make you feel better; when you are done with the cigarettes, it is like you have suffered a death in your family. That is depressing!

Just being able to breathe makes me feel better! Knowing that I will be around to see my grand children and to dance at my childrens weddings is enough to make me happy! Thinking about how my dad died of lung cancer and how my mom is now suffering the effects of COPD (she never smoked) because of my dad and my sisters and I is more than enough to make me want to quit! I haven't gone too long as of yet without a cigarette, but I am hoping that this time I give Chantrix a chance!

This is my first day on Chantix. I just popped my first pill and decided to see what the possible side effects were. I have never had any symptoms of depression. Every blog that I've read states symptoms of depression.

I tried wellbutin to quit and it made me very edgy, and I took what people said the wrong way and reacted so. I hope that chantix does not have the same outcome.

I started taking Chantix about 2 weeks ago. I have never been diagnosed with any psychological disorder... I'm actually very outgoing and strong... After a week on Chantix, I started having suicidal thoughts which I never had... I threatned to kill my boyfriend and I thought everyone was conspiring against me. I feel horrible... my boyfriend has been tortured and it's hard getting back to my old ways... I've never felt so helpless

After taking Chantix for 2 months, I slowly began feeling depressed and stopped taking it shortly after. Now, 8 months later, I am still not myself and have been put on antidepressants. They are helping a little but I fear that I will never have the same zest for life that I had before. I have never had problems with depression until now. This is a nightmare.

I decided to stop smoking after smoking most of my life. I'm 40 now and smoked off and on all my childhood, but my heart pains is what made me want to stop, and I had patches and used them till I ran out. Then I tried chantix and was on that for 3 nights and 3 days, and my friend said it causes suicide, so i looked it up and I had been begining to feel depressed when i read that. But the past 2 weeks since I stopped chantix have been horrible. I keep feeling this extreme panic over everything. I mean i could take a subject and get so horribly depressed over it and feel like I cannot go on, like I cant funtion everyday things wiithout feeling every descision is impossible to make. I feel like I've gone crazy.

Day 4 of no smoking with Champix the driver! I have tried every other method of stopping smoking and have never got as far as this. (No cheating this time.)

The slight feelings of anxiety and depression were experienced when I tried quitting with patches and zyban! I believe it is just the withdrawals of stopping smoking. If I had to rate how I am coping on Champix compared to other methods of quitting smoking I would give it a 9. It has been the best method for me.

Dont get me wrong--it is still really difficult, and at times the voice in my head says just one more smoke, but I feel stronger and more determined not to listen.

The only problems are lack of sleeping and constipation! Much more acceptable than the cough I had no control over and the aches and pains I experienced when smoking.

I began taking chantix on 3/10/08. At first it made me very nauseous, but thankfully that part only lasted about a week. For the first month everything was going great. I haven't had a cigarette since St. Patrick's day, so roughly 2 months now.

Here's where it gets bad. About a month in, I started to notice my attitude began changing. The things that used to excite me no longer did. Every day I'd come home from work and just not want to do anything. I don't know how else to put it except to say I became almost a recluse.

My friends immediately noticed that I wasn't my energetic nutty self. Additionally, I began to get very irritable. The slightest little thing would just set me off and enrage me. My sex drive became non-existent, which is odd considering I'm a 29 yr. old male. That's NEVER happened to me. Finally the depression set in.

It wasn't until last night that I found this site. The depression on a scale of 1-10 was a 15. I've never had a history of depression. Previously the worst depression I had experienced consisted of a bad break-up with a girlfriend or the death of a loved one. I thought that was depression, but little did I know it was nothing compared to how Chantix made me feel. To say I was sad was a bold understatement. I guess you could say I felt completely hopeless.

Last night was my turning point. I had a horrible day that felt like it lasted a month. It was "the worst day of my life" but here's the catch. NOTHING HAPPENED to make me feel that way. When I got home, I laid in bed and stared at the ceiling for hours trying to figure out why I was feeling this pain inside. I have problems in life like anyone else, but nothing that would ever make me feel this way.

It was at that point that I got out of bed and went online. I found this site and read every single post on here. (Boy, that took awhile.) It was only then that it dawned on me. It's the chantix doing this to me. At that very minute, after reading all these horror stories, I made up my mind that I'm no longer going to take Chantix. Already I'm feeling happier today... perhaps just a mental thing knowing I no longer need to rely on some pill to make me feel a certain way or behave a certain way.

The only downside is my brother started taking Chantix on monday of this week. With only 2 days under his belt, I had to face the dilemma as to whether or not to tell him how it made me feel. Being very close to my brother, I decided that I'd rather see him smoke or at least try other avenues to quit than to go through the depression and pain I did. I wouldn't wish those feelings on my worst enemy. I told him, and he stopped using it.

I will say it works wonders with regards to not smoking. Do I think the side effects were worth it? Who knows. If it works in the long run for me, then yes, I suppose 2 months of agony was worth my health in the long run. If it does not work... well, I won't be a happy camper. I haven't had a single craving today even w/o taking it. Only time will tell how this will pan out.

I will say the FDA seriously needs to re-evaulate the efficacy of this drug and its side effects. All I know is I'm looking forward to being me again.

My husband took chantix for 3 1/2 weeks. He had the nausea & the vivid dreams, but it wasnt until the 3ed week when all of a sudden he felt as though he was stuck in a bad dream. This is his 2nd marriage, and he all of a sudden was experiencing the thought that what happened to him the first time was going to happen again. He became someone I didn't know, he got really clingy so that I didn't leave him, and he just kept saying that he was stuck in a bad dream. 3 days after being off the chantix, it's getting better, but still stuck.

So it's been a few weeks since my last post. I haven't taken chantix since 5/18, and I'm feeling much better. The cravings were worse than before but I have managed to stay strong and away from cigs. I noticed w/in days of quitting the chantix that my energy level began to increase and more imporantly, the sad feelings of desperation and depression have gone away! I feel like me again..... me w/o cigarettes! I think the chantix worked well for the quitting aspect but seriously needs to be revamped to get rid of the the depression side effect.

I have always lived a happy life, turning difficult tasks into fun, turning worries into joy, having great sense of humor, having positive outlook of life, and being highly self-motivated and self-confident. Then I took Chantix in September 2007 and completely quit smoking within 4 weeks. I haven’t touched a cigarette since. I was so excited about being successful at giving up smoking that I started telling others about this wonderful drug.

But, I have been depressed for the last 5 months. I get up in the morning filled with anxiety, sadness, increased heartbeat and elevated chest temperature. I don’t see any purpose in life. I start worrying about the things that are not even important. I feel helpless and powerless. In spite of being financially comfortable, I see a void in my future, and I worry about the uncertainty. However, after about lunch time, I usually snap out of my sadness and feel secure, confident, and self-motivated -- but not with the same intensity as before.

After reading several stories posted here, I feel that the reason I am not affected severely probably because I never took more than one pill a day. I want to thank all of you who shared their stories because now I know what to do –- just stop taking Chanix completely and let this chemical flush out of my system. After all, it has already served its purpose.

I started having problems with depression about a week into starting the Chantix. I immediately contacted my physician and got some Lexapro (which I had taken before during a family tragedy). This enabled me to take the Chantix long enough to quit smoking. I couldn't take 2 pills a day, so I took a whole one in the morning and half at night (you're probably not supposed to split them, but I did). At least I could sleep a little better.

After that I went to one a day, then half and then said NO MORE! Eight weeks on Chantix-5 of those smoke free. I intend to continue taking the Lexapro for a bit longer. Being depressed is a horrible place to be. For those of you still struggling, don't be afraid of the anti-depressants, they can be extremely helpful and you most likely won't have to take them long term. They may just give you that little bit of help that you need to get your life back again.

I still have the urge to smoke, but I can control it and besides I don't ever want to have to take Chantix again. It really works, but it was a REALLY rough 8 weeks. Hang in there everyone!

I took Chantix from January 12th thru February 23rd, 2008. I had to decrease the dosage the second week because I could not sleep at all. I had the vivid dreams, but they were not disturbing. I was happy that I had managed to quit smoking and quit the Chantix after that first prescription and still haven't smoked over 3 months later.

The problem is that I put on quite a bit of weight and still seem to be gaining even though I have been eating a healthy, low-fat diet. Also, I had begun feeling very tired, lethargic, easily stressed and had an underlying sadness that has never gone away. In fact, it seems to have become worse in the past two months.

I have 6 of the nine symptoms of depression and am going to see someone about getting on an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. I have never been on any of these types of medications in my life. I smoked for 38 years and am glad to be rid of that addiction but am so very tired of being sad all of the time. Am hoping that the new meds will only be temporary and that my life will soon be back to normal.

My roommate took Chantix back in February to quit smoking. It was doing great for the quitting part, but it made her pyscho. To the point where she put a hole in the wall because of a flat tire she had gotten. She has never, ever been an angry person in the long time that I have known her. It got to the point where I forced her to see what was going on and to quit taking Chantix.

Now it's June and she still seems very depressed. She is still a bit angry and tells me she doesn't feel many emotions. Has anyone else felt these feelings for such a long time afterwards? I'm scared for her and I hate seeing her like this. She also told me she doesn't want to go to a therapist because they'd probably put her on anti-depression pills (which she's scared of taking because of what the Chantix did). I just don't know what to do for her. Any ideas please...? Thank you so much.

Oh my... I am so relieved to have found this site that it makes me cry. Just like everything else in my life.

I took Chantix from January until the middle/end of April. I had no idea of the depression link. I only know I hate everyone who wanted me to quit smoking (I only smoked 1/2 pack per day so leave me ALONE). I thought it was just because I miss my friend and I never wanted to quit--I succcumbed to the pressure and my state raising the cig tax!

Here it is, June, and I still want to die. Life, with all of its problems, is just not worth it anymore. I cry several times a day... almost constantly. I even cried during a summertime boat ride, which I always loved and would lift me out of any slump. If I get 6 hrs of sleep a night, I consider myself lucky. I lay awake from 3am on. When does the depression GO AWAY? Can anyone out there give me hope?

Even my faith isn't helping me, and I've been trying to look to that more and more.

I suffered from periodic depression in my youth...was very self destructive and self wounding, but have been solid psychologically for decades. Everything going right in my life.

I began to experience increasing paranoia, panic and thoughts of ending my life. I really thought that I was going to kill myself; it was on my mind constantly.

I have felt better and better the past few weeks. I now feel great and am more productive than ever at work, engaged with family, etc.

I did not until this afternoon even begin to pin this episode on Chantix, but the timing is right. The weekend that was darkest was when I had been at my highest dosage.

As others have said, this drug really does do what it claims; you will not want to smoke. However, I think it almost killed me. Please be cautious and speak to family and physicians if you think you are getting depressed/suicidal while taking this med.

Oh my, kb. Thank you for posting that! It makes me feel better, because she is my best friend! I want this drug taken off the market and soon! It scares me that other people are feeling this too... Will you keep in touch and possibly e-mail me and let me know if anything's changed or what-have-you? Thanks again!

This was not for me, I got horrrible chest pains & panic attacks. This really scared me!!! I stopped & am feeling back to myself!!! Everyone reacts in a different way, I guess.

The dreams were bad too. My husband is doing fine, makes you wonder.

I have been taking Chantix for about 5 months. I started to quit smoking but my new doctor took me off my old anitdeppresent and left me on chantix. Oh my, I have experienced the most severe mood swings ever. I have not felt this kind of anger and resentment since I was a teenager. I am 47 now. I even catch myself wondering if I may be experiencing a moment of insanity. I am finding it very scary to be of this age and have the anger issues I am having now and trying to figure out why. I have decided to stop taking chantix 2 days ago. My neck, back, shoulders ache, my joints in fingers, ankles swell. I have not stopped smoking. I was down to 3 cigs a day and then stress came into play and I am back up to a pack a day. For this individual chantix has made me miserable.

I starting takin Chantix to quit smoking. At first it was not bad. I threw up a lot, but whatever. Then I started having really bad dreams. Then a few nights ago, I woke up with my body numb and tingly; I started seeing things--whether or not I closed my eyes--like I was on acid.

I have been miserable for days, crying and angry. It's ruining things in my life. I just finally realized today it must be the Chantix. And now after reading what everyone else has to say-- I am definitely going off these meds. I would never recommend this to anyone. Or wish these feeling on anyone.

I quit smoking 7 days ago, I did the prescribed dosage, but starting feeling a little out of sorts the last few days. I cut down the dose to .5mg a day over day 12 and 13, and feel back to normal. Day 8-11 I was feeling really antsy like I was on pins and needles. I didn't have any stomach issues. I had some crazy dreams, but they were actually kinda cool, very vivid.

I am going to take 1 more .5mg tommorow, and I am done. The way I figure it, the Chantix did what I wanted it to do, which was curb my physical cravings; now that the nicotine is gone from my body, I can move on without smoking and without this drug.

I have also taken Chantix. The first time on it, by the end of the first week I broke out in what I thought was hives. I stopped the medication before finishing the first week. I never had hives, so I went back to the doctor.

I took only the first month and ended taking the medication. Reason for it was: I have never been this depressed ever in my life. I would wake up in the morning and cry for no reason. I cryed for one week straight, locked myself in my house, had no contact with the outside world. I lost it and went to the doctor.

At that time it never occured to me nor the doctor that maybe it is the Chantix that is causing this so I continued taking the medication. Until it occured to me one day when I was thinking about taking my life that Chantix is doing this to me. I have now been off of it for almost two weeks and I am starting to feel better. However, I think about smoking all the time. I do not crave it, just the idea. I have not smoked in over a month and feel, throat wise, very good. Mood wise, I am getting back to my normal self. Chantix is wonderful in the way it made me quit smoking, however it is horrable in the way it made me go into severe depression.

I took Chantix for 5 weeks Quit smoking, and stopped taking the drug. Only side effects I had were strange dreams. Immediately after I stopped taking Chantix I have been suffering from depression. Cry almost every day. It has been 2 months now and it doesn't seem to get any better.

I was told by Pfizer that the depression side effects were stated in the pamphlet given to doctors and when you picked up your Chantix. I would like to KNOW EXACTLY the date they did this. Pfizer is stating that they gave out this information in Nov. 2007. I cannot believe that my medical doctor would give me this medication with being on medication for depression, NOR can I believe that my own "shrink" could NOT find anything in Jan.2008 on this particular side affect. He actually thought since NOTHING was stated about suicidal ideation that my worsening depression must be caused by something else. It is now July and I am still working with him to get my dopamine levels back up. I am much better since stopping, however, there are still some major problems.

Thank you. I am looking forward to your response. I was even told by Health and Safety at Pfizer that they started to officially report these side effects Jan. 17, 2008.

I need to know what is the truth. Thank you for your help.

RH

I have been on Chantix for over 2 weeks now. About the same time I started there were some minor setbacks at my work but I found myself going into a deep depression.

I have a history of depression but have not been able to take antidepressants (due to side effects) and have generally "toughed it out" and waited for things to get better. This time it hasn't worked. Today I called a Suicide Hotline. I don't know if it is the Chantix but after reading other comments on this website I think I need to cut back or stop entirely.

I have been taking Chantix for three weeks and tonight I had a bizarre episode where I started texting and calling a friend of mine because I had woken up from a nap convinced that she was in serious trouble.

I actually got in my car and drove to her apartment building even though she was trying to tell me that everything was ok. I ended up looking like some kind of psycho. On my way home I kept asking myself why I had just done what I had done, I truly believed that I was going insane.

Since I started taking Chantix I have been depressed, moody, manic, and just not myself! I'm calling my doctor today to find out why I wasn't told of these other side effects. I am never taking Chantix again!

It works, but the cost is too high. This drug makes you not care about anything in which you might normally find pleasure. I have never had a history of depression, but I was not a happy person on Chantix. It is, in my opinion, ridiculous that this drug has not been tested more. WE are the guinea pigs for this drug company.

I used to be a very upbeat and silly person. January 2007,I started taking Chantix and successfully quit smoking. I continued the Chantix until July.
Since then I am a different person. I believe Chantix killed my HAPPY receptors.

I am never chipper anymore and really have to force myself to make it through the day. If you know anyone that is considering this method of smoking cessation, PLEASE try to dissuade them and have them read this blog. I just want to be happy again and I fear I won't ever be the same, as I've been off of chantix for a year now and am still miserably depressed.

I tried Chantix about 6 months ago & found my craving for cigarettes very diminished. I went thru some really bizarre dreams & nausea & a feeling of being detached. I stopped smoking for about 4 months & then picked up where I left off. I decided to give the Chantix another shot, because I do think it is effective for stopping the craving.

I decided to take Chantix again & recently filled a prescription for the starter pack. I took my second .5 mg tablet & developed severe nausea, muscle cramps in my calfs & arms, fever, & projectile vomiting. I am not prone to severe headaches, but on day 2 of Chantix I experienced the worst one in my life. Needless to say I abandonded the Chantix (I've never been so sick).

I take antidepressants & after taking Chantix for 2 days I started having these sensations of snapping in my brain. My depression has increased & have stayed home from work the last 1-1/2 days. Could be that Chantix is not responsible for this bout, but I'm not taking any more chances.....this time has been especially awful.

I posted in here last Fall when I started and ended Chantix. ON the second day i lost the urge to smoke, by the end of the first week, i lost the urge to live, i was totally unable to enjoy anything, totally lost my senses of taste and smell, plus any sexual desire

I went off Chantix after a month on Dec 6 2007, and stayed smoke free until April, but at great cost. The side effects never went away even after months of the damned drug. I have no sex drive, am totally impotent. Doc claims chantix had nothing to do with it, but all this crap began after taking it. My sense of smell and taste never came back either and i have lost the ability to feel anything

Doctors reply, "well you're a rare case, shit happens now you just have to live with it, damage is done"

Of course his solution is SSRI's for depression, and every one I tried in the past made me 100 times worse.

About 80% or more of people I have talked to who tried chantix said they had to quit due to severe mental problems

I just want my life back.

Was only on Chantix 3 weeks, as it made me vomit for weeks.

I have quit smoking, but since May (It is now September), have had the following symptoms.
Can't Sleep, Extremely Scared (Feel like I’m losing my mind), Extremely Angry, Extremely Tired, VERY Impatient, Want to Cry, Depressed, Head, Back, Neck, Shoulder Pain, Heart Pounding, Hot Flashes, Not enough oxygen, Eyes Ache, Off Balance, Shaky.

I have dealt with Depression / Anxiety most of my life. But since taking Chantix, Can no longer sleep & have a lot of stomach issues.

I took this for about one week and became severly depressed. When the medication came out, there was little to no warning about the depression side effects. I became so depressed, I could not speak. I also suffered from visual hallucinations while I was in the dark. I took myself off of the medication and have been successful at my attempt to quit smoking with the patch.

okay, the one lady said not to leave without commenting, so here goes: i've only been on chantix for two weeks and a day; i started out taking 1mg once a day and the dreams were vivid to say the least; when i started taking 1mg twice a day i had nightmares so scary i decided to stay at one a day. i was having nausea but had nearly completely lost the desire to smoke, and as someone else said, that seemed a small price to pay for my health.

well. today i left my new job early, due to extreme irritation and depression. i had become resentful of friends and family, started sleeping too much, and generally became lethargic after JUST TWO WEEKS. luckily a friend had seen the commercial about the link between chantix and depression, so i am stopping immediately. nothing, and i mean nothing, is worth sacrificing your mental well-being. even your physical health.

why be healthy if you're not in your right mind? anyhow, i am so grateful that i realized in time what the problem was. i had gotten short with clients, lost the happiness i normally get from every day things... SO not worth it. it really bothers me to read the comments on here that say people are depressed but don't know if they will stop taking it or not....STOP!!! it's not worth it!!

I'm on day 10 or so of Chantix and feel the entire weight of my past decisions bearing down on me. Its like back when I was in college with severe depression. Thinking my girlfriend is cheating on me with no rational reason to, feeling like a failure etc etc. I am going to try some exercise to see if it can counteract the nicotine withdrawal before I give up on the Chantix.

I have quit smoking using chantix 1 yr ago. Great yeah I quit however the side effects are still with me today, My dreams have come to almost nothing. And I used to dream all the time, And I now have mood swings, it is like I just snap and look out, also the biggest side effect yet is my sex drive! it is almost in reverse! its like I don't have any at all and it is really taking a toll on my relationship. And now I wonder will I ever go back to normal? my doctor is speechless and doesn't know what to say. So really was it really worth it??

OK, To begin I quit smoking on 6/12/08 taking chantix for 9 weeks approx. total. Had to deal with feeling ill and some depression and eventually I quit taking the chantix due to the side effects. I cut back to half dose for a few days and then stopped totally. So far so good in that I'm still alive and smoke free for at least 9 weeks or more. Though I still feel a desire to smoke I'm able to control it simply based on the fact that not smoking is a lot healthier.

I do seem to have a change in my sense of smell which is effecting my taste of foods. It is a very strange feeling in that I seem to smell smoke or something similar but can't quite place it. Now I had smoked for almost 40 years and so I feel that chantix was effective. I don't think I really could have quit any other way. Currently I'm employed and single which does take some of life's pressure off of me. In any case time will tell.

I to got shingles about two weeks after taking Chantix to quit smoking. I am or was a healthy 30 year old female who wanted to quit smoking. I started taking chantix and it worked, one week after staring I quit. After about three weeks every time I took a Chantix my stomach burned and I would vomit. I had to stop taking it. After week 2 on Chantix I felt an incredible itch on my back. I thought was a spider bite.

I kept asking my husband to look and see if I had something on the right side of my back, nothing appeared. About a week after the itching I started to get a painful, aching, burning sensation from my spine to right below my right shoulder blade. It was so painful I thought I had a slipped disk or something. After about 2 weeks of this it got so bad I went to the doctor. I told him about the itch that turned into this intense burning pain, how it was on one side of my body and how it started after taking chantix. I had no rash but he said he thought it was shingles. He prescribed me elavil. I took it for 2 days but the pain was intensifying so I called his office and got the on call doctor. Thank goodness because he said I should also be on valtrex and a pain medication and pain patches.

I went and got my meds and the lortab gave me relief right away. I found a small red bump on the sight the same morning so I assume the rash might start. I hope not. My aunt got shingles after Chantix too! She said her arm burned and hurt for a month before she broke out into the horrible shingles rash. I want to warn any one about this serious condition that can occur. After googling and seeing all of the message boards of people getting shingles after Chantix I hope this helps awareness. I could have to live with this painful condition on and off for the rest of my life. Hopefully it will get better. I plan on getting the shingles vaccine as soon as possible after this bout has cleared, lets hope it is soon, IT HURTS!!

well i started taking chantix on october 13th. My quit date was the 20th. I do believe that chantix makes quitting easy, i have smoked since i have been on it, but not because i crave it. I just do it and don't like it at all..

A few days ago i noticed that i just can't remember when i felt excited about something. I just met a guy about a month before i started taking chantix, he don't smoke so that was a huge incentive for me, but now after 20 days on this drug, i don't really care if i see him, but i know i like him..
it feels weird, or just not normal..
i don't care if i go to work, but i know i need to, i have been sleeping, for me, more than normal
last night at 9pm i am laying in bed, not wanting to do anything, which is also very unusual for me, my 20 year old daughter came into my room and said "mom, I think I'm seeing side effects from you taking the chantix" maybe you should cut back..
so today, even though i have taken one chantix already.. I'm not going to take another till tomorrow, I'm going to start weaning myself off of them. I'm also going to still try to quit smoking, i think i can do it..

good luck to everyone that tries chantix, or to all the ones that have had bad experiences with it, Everyone of us knew that this drug was pretty new when we started it.. so hopefully, pfiser will figure it out and make it better down the road..

I took Chantrix for 4 weeks - after smoking 30 years i have NO desire for a cigarette. BUT now i am so depressed all i do is lay in a heap and cry. I am getting nothing done and find no joy. Surely there is a way to get rid of this?

Today is NOV 13th, 2008. Despite all the warnings , I am beginning Chantix tommorow morning . I so want to stop smoking . Why do I think I am different from the 95% of you who experienced depression , mood swings and tears ? Keep u posted .

How long does the depression and anxiety last from Chantix? I am a nurse who took Chantix for 2months without side effects and successfully quit. One week after stopping I had my first serious bout of depression and anxiety. That was 4 months ago. Have tried various anti depressants which make me worse. Can anyone give me hope?

I was on Chantix last year, but realized that I wasn't ready to quit smoking and stopped after 3 weeks. Plus the nausea was driving me nuts, I actually got sick a couple of times on my drive to work in the mornings. I went back to my doctor a few months ago and requested Chantix again. She gave it to me, but warned me that if I start to see signs of depression, I should stop taking it and call her immediately.

There was a problem I had a few days ago with my fiance and usually I'm able to get over these things as soon as we resolve it, but I felt different this time. I was constantly reliving the moment and would try to argue with him about twice a day. I haven't had the energy or want to clean anything for a week and sleeping has been a large problem. I wake up many times.

I also have had to force myself to eat the last week as well. I took a depression test and found out that I'm severely depressed. I stopped taking the Chantix this morning and am calling my doctor on Monday, I'm going to try a different way to quit.
I recommend Chantix to anyone who has never had any psychological disorders because it works very well.

I have been taking Chantix for 3 weeks, and am smoke free for two weeks as of now. My previous smoking habit was for 47 years.
I never have tried to quit before now. Basically, I am just fed up with being controlled by the habit. and then being taken advantage of by society because of my self afflicted addiction. (taxes, constant bombardment in relation to my choice, of habits, Etc.

Up until most recently, (3days), Everything to do with Chantix has been fine. I now however am unable to sleep at night for 3 to 4 hours at a time. I am not restless. I am just wide awake, bam! just like that, right in the middle of the night. After about 3-4 hours I fall right back to sleep. Now comes the scary part. I have been having wild and realistic dreams, that upon awakening tend to bleed over into my reality and seem to want to become part of my awakened life.

I have decided to discontinue the Chantix. I am going to talk with my Dr. today and see if I have to slowly quit or if I can just stop. I am hoping that for the 2 weeks that I have been smoke free that I can resist going back on mind power alone. I really am wanting to remain a non smoker for the rest of my life.

It is well known that if you continue to smoke while taking Chantix, that side effects such as nausea are extreme and exaggerated. The recommendation of the drug is to quit smoking on the 8th day, however by day 5 of being on Chantix it is common to start experiencing the nausea.

Again, this is because of the nicotine in your system. Once you quit smoking, the nausea almost completely disappears from most reports. So if you plan to keep smoking while on this medication, prepare for all of the symptoms, especially nausea, to be exaggerated. This does come from my own personal experience and reports from quite a few other family/friends on the medication. Fortunately, not one of us has experienced any depression from it!

I took chantix for only two weeks (stopped due to nausea and vomiting) but it still worked. I haven't had a cigarette in a year and two months. I lost most sense of smell, which might have been helpful in staying off. Two weeks ago, while vacationing in Sicily, my sense of smell returned. Hallelujah! All of a sudden, I could smell everything. Going on 15 smoke free months. I think I am done forever.

I have been on Chantix for 1 month now, 3 weeks without smoking. 2 weeks without an urge to smoke even when I see someone smoking. I was hoping for the vivid dreams but I barely remember my dreams like usual.

Only weird thing is that I occasionally smell smoke when nobody is smoking near. I might be mistaking another smell for smoke.

I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to extend my prescription.

For all of the readers who are experiencing long term effect from Chantix use, I would like to offer some encouragement.

In late 2007, I began taking Chantix. I noticed and at first, I rather liked the vivid dreams. After about 2 weeks, I noticed that my long standing depression took on an entirely new dimension. Not only did I feel more despondent, I began to experience the most disturbing morbid dreams and feelings that I have ever known. I would awaken drenched in perspiration while shivering uncontrollably. Virtually all pleasure disappeared from my life and was replaced with an almost constant preoccupation with suicide and death. These thoughts and feelings would arise from unrelated stimuli such as a TV commercial or just looking at a picture in a magazine.

I believe that in me, as well as many other people, Chantix shuts down our ability to feel pleasure of any kind. Not only did I no longer enjoy smoking, but I felt no pleasure from my usual interests in work or hobbies.

I strongly believe that in some people, Chantix has a generalized effect on the body's entire endorphin reception mechanism. Further evidence comes from my experience that the opiates I take for back pain no longer gave relief.

I began selling and giving away my possessions as if preparing for death and at times consciously wanted to die. I fought off thoughts of suicide by thinking of the people whom I love and realizing that I would not want to bring suffering to them even if death would end my own pain.

It was also helpful to meditate and when relaxed to visualize my endorphin receptor dendrites shedding the Chantix that I believe was blocking the endorphins. I don't know if this is actually the case but I did feel some sense of taking control over my problem which helped reduce my thoughts-feelings of helplessness.

In the past few months, my symptoms have finally subsided. I am able to feel pleasure again from my old interests and the pain relief medication is working again.

So, take heart. In my case, recovery has taken more than a year, but I want to assure and encourage those readers who feel hopeless and helpless that you will return to a normal life. Meditation, prayer, exercise, and relaxation are helpful. Just do not harm yourself – you will soon begin to feel the pleasures and joys of life again.

I had been on chantix for 2 weeks before feeling like quitting and it was not the chantix that did it, although it did help tremendously . There is a great book out there i urge all to buy The easy way to stop smoking by Alan Carr. I found it on Amazon.

I have been off of chantix for about a week and have not smoked in 3 weeks and really don't crave them however i am so depressed I could die. I have a history of depression but this is the worst i have experienced. I am thinking it must be the chantix.

I have gained about 7 pounds but that is because i have eaten to fill that empty feeling I had. Chantix certainly helped me but i give more credit to the lord and the book.

Well, I have only been on Chantix for a month now, and if i had read these posts before i started taking it, I would have never started.

That's why i decided to write, I'm glad I'm taking Chantix, drugs effect people differently, and for me, Chantix is great! I have no urges to smoke, I of course have the "habit" withdrawals, the 10am and 3pm breaks, after meals, drinking with friends, but that's in my head, I'll overcome that also!

Side effects I do have, the dreams, nausea, increased appetite, and increased sex drive. My attitude and demeanor actually seems to be better, I feel great! I am dieting, so hopefully I don't gain weight, but even if I do, oh well, its easier to lose weight than it is to quit smoking!

I just think its fair to also let people know that the drug does not effect everyone horribly, if it did, it wouldn't still be on the market. I hope if you do take chantix, it is as successful for you as it has been for me!

I began Chantix almost a month ago and have been smoke free for 3 weeks tomorrow. While I do credit the drug for helping me not smoke, I have been feeling so despondent for the last few weeks that I am going to stop taking the rest of my pack. Luckily, I have not felt suicidal, just totally flat and without any motivation. I can't muster up energy to do anything besides go to work, and that is only because I have to. I do have a history of depression and am taking Zoloft, but it has been under control for years. Be careful. I hope I can stay smoke free without this stuff. I also hope there are no side effects to ceasing the medication for me.

I have seen shingles mentioned in this thread and am curious how many others have experienced shingles after taking Chantix?

Chantix has greatly reduced my desire to smoke though not eliminated it. I do experience more vivid dreams (or at least I remember them better) but have suffered no other side effects discussed, yet have developed a case of shingles at the same time. Is there a correlation?

First month: wow this is a wonder drug! No cravings, no side effects beyond some strange dreams. I felt "normal" most of the time which is more than I can say for any of my previous quit attempts when I was permanently edgy, grumpy and not sleeping properly. I recommended this stuff to all the smokers I knew.

Second month: depression and anxiety crept up on me and eventually became so crushing that I was barely functioning at all. I withdrew from everyone and am only just back at work after going into hiding for a week or so. I have never experienced anything like it before.

I have plenty of other things going on right now so nobody could prove the Chantix did it, but my doctor decided to take me off it straight away to see what happens. It's the first and most obvious candidate for a sudden and completely out-of-character change like this.

I check back in a week and for now am trying to stay active and engaged in things, in the hope that my brain will re-balance itself naturally. It's possible though I will need SSRIs or some psychotherapy to pull me back safely above water. We shall see.

I am at the end of my second week of taking Chantix for smoking cessation. During this second week I became very blue, sad and felt a huge void. I struggled at work and couldn't understand what was happening to me. It dawned on me that this sadness and emptiness that I felt may have had something to do with the Chantix.

I phoned a local nurse who runs a support group for people who are trying to quit smoking. I asked if she's heard that anyone else has had these depressing feelings from taking Chantix. She phoned me this morning to validate that Yes, she has heard this from people using this drug. The original prescription that was given to me made no mention at all of depression as a side effect.

My doctors office was giving out old information. I am so happy to have done some research and networking to find out that I'm not loosing my mind, however, experiencing a side affect that I had no knowledge of after beginning the drug Chantix for smoking cessation.

I took Chantix last summer, and after a while on the drug (not immediately) I did quit smoking.
Unfortunately, it lasted about two months and I slipped because of something stupid on a business trip and started again. I got the nausea when taking it and the constipation after quitting smoking but that was it. None of it was unbearable other than ONE night on the second week when I had a manic episode in which I could only calm by staying away from other humans and soaking in a hot tub. Only the once.

I tried the drug a second time almost immediately but gone NONE of the affects that made quitting smoking possible the first time so I stopped taking it. I thought, at the time, a break from the drug might get me back to the effects I'd had the first time.
My third (and final) attempt with Chantix started a couple months ago. It seemed to have some of its original affects but nothing like the first time, but I've not quit smoking. So, I've decided to stop the Chantix and try some other means (perhaps Zyban?). Any advice on Zyban?

HOWEVER, since quitting this drug for the third time I have had a nagging lower back pain and in the last day or so have begun to realize that I am severely depressed. What at first I thought might be a male, mid-life crisis type thing I now believe may be a withdrawal from Chantix or some other strange side effect!? This just isn't making any sense.
Has anyone heard of the drug having different affects (at different times) on the same person!?

Worst, I've NEVER been clinically depressed. Can anyone offer advice? When will this depression end? Will it end? I've stopped working out and have seriously thought of quitting my job. I never felt this way after stopping Chantix twice before?
Is Zyban any better? Anyone, please, do you have any advice to lend? I stopped the drug nearly a week ago.

I have a history of depression and suicidal ideations, but haven't been severely depressed in years. I am taking care of my mom, who has lung cancer, and I really want to quit smoking. I have been on chantix for only one week, and I am having some depression..so bad that I hate my life and wish I could just run away from all my responsibilities. I am going to call my doctor and discontinue the chantix....this drug is dangerous.

I've been smoking 30 years, 2/3 of my life.

This is my third attempt to quit smoking with Chantix. I have attempted to quit using other aides including Commit, patches, Nicorette gum, Zyban and cold turkey. Each attempt with limited or no success.

My first attempt with Chantix wasn't really serious I think, meaning I really didn't want to quit but my doctor recommended it (don't they always). I took the Chantix for 3 months.

Symptoms were -

- Weeks 1-2, nothing other than nausea when I took the medicine. I realized this should be taken while or immediately after eating.

- Weeks 3 -5 Depression (that I contributed to the holiday season). Weird dreams. I stopped smoking weeks 2-6, completely - then started sneaking in 1 or 2 a day. You know where this is going. Even though I didn't NEED to smoke, I still wanted to and therefore did. I missed cigarettes terribly and starting substituting eating - gained 35 lbs over this 3 month period

-Weeks 6-12, Still with the annoying dreams (none scary for me) and a bit of fatigue and the 1 or 2 a day became 1/2 pack by the last week so I quit the meds. I would smoke just because I could in the beginning without needing to - then realized it was silly to stay on the drug if I wasn't really going to quit.

* What I took away from this is that my addiction wasn't just about nicotine, it was also a tactile thing for me. Eat when you take the Chantix so you don't become nauseous but don't substitute eating for smoking.

My second attempt was last summer. That lasted only 3 weeks or so and I had also purchased a book called 'How to quit smoking the easy way' by Allan Carr. The book was interesting (the author a bit pompous), no scare tactics though, which was good - they never worked in the past and really just annoy me. It just explained the nicotine cycle. I read the whole book, it was pretty sensible but I started smoking again so quit the Chantix... again. I wasn't on it long enough to really see any symptoms. I had a bit of a family crisis and of course I went right back to smoking to relieve the stress.

I don't care what doctor's say - it DOES relax me, regardless of what it does to my vitals (by then I was dealing with high blood pressure which I attributed to the weight gain since I never had a problem until AFTER the weight gain but my doctor was sure it was the smoking - I really hate doctors sometimes). Lessons learned here was the nicotine cycle and that I used smoking to relieve stress.

* So at this point I knew the following...
- there would be symptoms
- I was addicted to the act of smoking as well as the nicotine so even after the nicotine was out of my system - I would still crave the comfort of smoking.
- I needed to find something that would replace smoking, and it could not be food (still working to get those darn 35 lbs off)
- I needed a way to get that same sense of satisfaction in a less harmful way.
- Symptoms of Chantix were manageable (I thought!)

This attempt I was armed with the book and its CDs for the car (to help remind me how I got here) and having done research on smoking alternatives that do not involve actual tobacco products - I thought I was ready.

I already knew that I would miss the motions of smoking so I decided that I would use the e-cigarette since a no-nicotine version is available.
This should help with the relapsing, if I felt the urge to fill my lungs - this was a good substitute without tobacco. Also, this would replace the nervous eating.

I have been on the Chantix now since 02/20/09. I waited 3 weeks to quit smoking cigarettes and then moved to a low nicotine e-cigarette. I was intending to use this low nicotine version for 1 month, then go to the no-nicotine version completely for a month and then quit the Chantix.

However, this time the side effects from the Chantix are extreme compared to in the past. Since mid 3rd week I noticed I was getting cranky and sort of sad and occasionally having crazy vivid dreams. I took a week vacation from work and have literally been in bed for the last 4 days - I'm writing this from there now. I have no energy, no interest in going out - wow 'WHAT THE HECK??!!' I really feel lousy. Won't pick up the phone for family or friends. Man, this is rough.

Of course, I wasn't prepared for this big twist and do not yet have the no-nicotine version for the e-cigarette although it has shipped. By the way, just a puff or 2 is enough to satisfy the urge to smoke. I am unwilling to quit the Chantix because I know that if I do, and I use the e-cigarette I currently have I will start back on the nicotine cycle (thank you book!).

So I am sitting here, waiting for my e-cigarette no-nicotine, tobacco flavored 'juice' feeling like absolute crap. If the order shows up today then I am halving my Chantix and getting off this medicine as quickly (but safely) as possible.

Fingers crossed it shows up today. I am tired of feeling like this!

* So - lesson learned from this time is that if you have tried it before, you may still react to it differently the next time around. Plan for everything and wish for the best.

Lord, took it for a month or so before I actually had the nerve to cut them out entirely. Never thought anything could help. omg what a dream drug. I never had one side effect except the desire not to smoke a 2 and a half day habit now gone. no big deal at all. love Chantix

I started taking chantix on feb. 18 and had the freaky dreams to the point where I would wake up and feel like I couldn't breath. I keep waking up throughout the night then go to work exhausted the next day. I felt so nauseous, then I finally just quit smoking on March 9th and seemed to feel better. At first no bad taste and not nauseous, but then within that week I quit I started to feel just sad all the time and cry over anything or nothing at all like i didn't even know what was going on with me.

So I went to the doc on march 17 to see if I should quit taking it or what, and he said yes. I had never told him about my past history of being bipolar but I did that day. I just had all these strange feelings going on inside of me like not wanting to be around people, not wanting to be at work and feel like people are judging me, and crying all the freaking time. Also seem very irritable and angry at little things that barely matter.

Anyways I am grateful that I have quit, but I think about starting again everyday. My doc put me on welbutrin and zanax but it hasn't really helped me any. I'm going to go talk to a psychologist tomorrow, march 26th. I highly suggest you tell your doctor if you have a history of metal illness before you take this stuff. I wish I would have anyway.

I am seriously scared that I am never going to feel the same. I'm so depressed and feel so alone its like no one understands whats going on inside of me.

I posted above on March 4, just wanted to give an update.

Although I think I started improving as soon as I came off Chantix, doc put me on a course of Zoloft (Sertraline) to get things stabilized. The first week or two was all side-effects but it seems to be working now - I'm still a little down in the mornings, but no crying for hours at a time and no more sudden (downward) mood swings at random moments.

I feel almost normal again, although antidepressants do leave you feeling a bit "flat" overall... hopefully that passes once the course is complete.

I have to add my story as well. I have also never been diagnosed with any type of psychiatric condition. I had heard good things about Chantix, and really felt ready to stop smoking, so decided to give it a try.

The first week I experienced the nausea, the sort of disconnected feeling. As time went on, the depression hit me like a ton of bricks. I lost all interest in anything I enjoyed before, which unfortunately included my career. I was just gone. Nothing mattered, I couldn't bring myself to go to work, and inevitably, I started planning ways to end my life. I obsessed over it. I couldn't think clearly and was just barely present when with other people.

My behavior became increasingly bizarre and would vacillate between extreme and illogical rage and the deepest despair. Ironically, it was doing virtually nothing for my nicotine cravings.

Needless to say, I stopped taking it, and am obviously still here, but months later, the depression has stuck with me. I can actually track through my calendar the sudden drop off and decline of my personal life, starting precisely when I began the medication. It's pretty unbelievable to be able to look at an actual paper trail.

I wasn't warned by my doctor. Nothing was said in my follow up. And to those hinting this may be normal withdrawal par for the quitting course, I've quit before, and let me assure you, this was NOT normal, and it was not okay. It would appear that the overwhelming majority do indeed experience these effects to at least a degree.

Many people that I've known who have quit successfully using Chantix without such severe repercussions are smoking again. The drug needs to be taken off the market-it's doing more harm than good.

If anyone has any advice about recovering from the lasting side effects, I would be deeply grateful for your input. I just want to be functional and feel good again, do my best to put my life back together.

I used Chantix to quit smoking and the only side effect I felt was some depression after I stopped taking it.

A while after that I started smoking again and went on Chantix again. This time I felt extremely depressed and had serious thoughts of suicide. So the "wonder drug" has turned into a nightmare. I do have a predisposition to depression and I've been on antidepressents for many years so I can not be sure whether this effect is due to the Chantix or just my mental illness. Good luck to all!

My husband and I started Chantix together. I've been smoke free for two weeks. I feel it's very important to eat before you take your pill, and drink a glass of water. I really does help with the nausea. Prior to quitting altogether, when I did take a puff, it made me feel sick to my stomach. I also switched brands. Went from my favorite menthol brand to the cheapest non-menthol I could buy. It is hard giving up smoking, it's been a part of my life for over 35 years.

The issue I'm really dealing with is my lying sneaking husband. I cant tell you how many times I've caught him cheating with a cigarette. We were supposed to do this together, and I haven't really seem him make an honest effort to go even one day without smoking. He has cut back, and he no longer smokes in front of me, but waits until I go to bed to sneak one or two on the deck, or he gets up in the night and smokes.

Thing is, now that I quit, I can smell it on him right away. We had many reasons for quitting, cost was a factor, and for our health. But the big reason for quitting was because my husband had a tendency to fall asleep while smoking. Our sofas have dozens of burns on them, as well as the area rug. We've only been married for 3 years, and our relationship is dying with every burn he makes.

He tries to hide them like some little kid. Cuts the burn out of the carpet with scissors, and glues carpet fibers back in the hole. He burnt our bedspread, and for weeks was real quick to make the bed, so I wouldn't notice. I could go on and on about his antics. But anyways, I think Chantix is good, I think my moods and depression have more to do with my husband and withdrawal. But I'm only 5 weeks into this. If only my husband would quit. He's walking a thin line right now.

I am begging anyone considering taking Chantix to NOT do it. My husband took it. He began having very bizarre dreams, dreams that he said were too disturbing to tell me about. He told me his dreams scared him. His behavior became very odd, at times even scary. As time went on his behavior became worse and he sank into a very deep depression and got very distant.

On 12/31/07 I lost my husband and my children lost their father, he took his own life. He left a note stating he just could not stand the mental pain any more and he didn't know what else to do. This was after he was seen by two different doctors and spending a night in the psych unit at a local hospital. So please, don't let anyone you know take this medication, especially those who have had any degree of depression before.

Having to follow that last entry is not easy. My thoughts and prayers go out to that family. I took Chantix and after 3 weeks smoke free, I stopped taking the pills. There is weirdness associated with the medication as well as quitting smoking itself. And when I read these forums, it strikes me as odd that some people act as if they expected it to be nothing but smooth sailing. There will be side effects from the meds as well as the loss of nicotine and smoking in your body and life.

Perhaps people need to have a sit down with themselves before taking Chantix and make sure their thoughts are in order. It worked well for me. I couldn't have quit without it. I indeed had nausea, eat with your pill. I had strange dreams, I liked them. I felt depressed, I identified why I was and that it was only temporary, discussed that with my family.

The biggest thing that got me through some of the not-so-pleasant side effects was reminding myself that cancer and chemo probably make you nauseous, give you headaches, depress you, and have side effects that wont be so temporary. I wish you all the ability to quit smoking, however you need to or can! Good luck!

As of today (4/24/09) I have discontinued taking Chantix. A decision made "before" reading "all 9 pages" of posts here. I'd been aware there had been mention of side effects that included depression and suicidal thoughts and wanted to learn more so as to decide if perhaps this was related to my case. Sadly, like so many others, I found I was not alone. It has been a gradual decline in my behavior and attitude. The good news is that I obviously haven't taken on the notion of hanging myself from my loft's beam. I'd pondered that as well as just packing up and running away. From EVERYONE! I burst out crying for no legitimate reason in addition to all the other symptoms associated with depression. I ignore phone calls from family and friends so I don't have to pretend all is good or appear foolish having no excuse to provide for my "uncontrolled" despondency.

I'd been on week 3 of my second month of .5mg 2x day. I have only been taking one tablet a day though the last two weeks finding it was enough to control cravings and at the same time figured it might help alleviate the crazy dreams by eliminating the evening dose. It's troublesome to read that these moods have continued for many folks weeks and months after they have gone off the prescription. I work because like most everyone else, I have to. Although this past week I took a day off to remain in my bed, where I'd wished my heart would just stop beating.

There has been a lot of success with the drug indeed, but for myself, can't determine if I'm kicking the habit or kicking the bucket?! My hopes is that I not only remain smoke-free, but more importantly I just regain my sanity!

Chantix is wonderful! I did feel depress