Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

How Good Is Chantix for Quitting Smoking?

Over the last few years we have received many powerful stories from visitors about the stop-smoking drug Chantix (varenicline). Some have been very pleased with the ease with which they quit smoking. Here is just one testimonial:

“I was a smoker for 25 years when I started using Chantix. I quit in about 2 weeks and I haven’t smoked since. The best part of my story is that my 2 sons who smoke also took Chantix and quit. My niece and her husband were impressed with the results and quit with it. I can’t tell you how it has changed my life. I always saw myself smoking and it scared me but I never thought I could quit.”

Rhonda, Jan. 28, 2011

Others have found this drug extremely difficult to use. Some have experienced intolerable side effects:

“Within the first week of using Chantix, I experienced side effects of depression, anxiety, nausea, and vivid dreams. I knew that they were part of using this medication. Within the next month, though, I started to become severely depressed, even suicidal. Never once before had I experienced depression.

“It has always taken a lot to get me emotionally upset and now I cannot stop crying. Even the smallest things can set me off. I have also gained almost 30 pounds within two months. My husband finally said no more and wanted me off the medication. It was not worth the medical and emotional complications even if it helped me quit.

“That was a mistake. I quit Chantix cold turkey. Within 24 hours I was rushed to the emergency room with extreme nausea and what felt like a heart attack. I am still experiencing side effects such as headaches, low libido, nausea and insomnia.”

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
5- 1 rating
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.