Q. Taking Chantix was the worst thing I ever did in my life. I wish I could undo the damage it has caused in my life. It triggered a manic episode that lasted 6 months, then a spiraling depression that ended with my relationship crumbling and me losing friendships, my family and my house.
A. The stop-smoking drug Chantix can be useful for some people. For others like yourself, however, the psychological side effects of Chantix can be devastating.
The manufacturer offers this caution: “Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking.”
Other readers have also had difficulties with Chantix. One person said:
“My mother has taken the stop-smoking drug Chantix for nearly a month. She no longer has any desire to smoke, but she has had severe side effects. They were nausea, a bad taste in her mouth, stomach cramps, gas, bloating, irritability, vivid dreams, extreme sleepiness but inability to stay asleep, chills, increased appetite, mild confusion, and aches all over. She also had dreams that continued a few minutes after she woke up and she was convinced they were real. She’s had vomiting spells, audio hallucinations and tinnitus.
“I just found out that if there are signs of anger, depression, confusion or hallucinations, the drug should be stopped immediately. I also read online that people with heart problems should not take this medicine. My mother’s doctor must not be aware of this problem. How worrisome is it?”
The psychological effects themselves are certainly troublesome, as you discovered for yourself. There have also been studies demonstrating an increased risk of heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, congestive heart failure or heart-related death (Canadian Medical Association Journal, Sept. 6, 2011; Drug Safety, Jan. 1, 2012).
Not everyone who takes Chantix has trouble. We also heard from this reader:
“I was a heavy smoker for 45 years. At my worst, I smoked 3 packs a day. At my best, a little more than a pack a day. I had tried many times to quit smoking with the patches, cold turkey, sucking or chewing on various things (I.E. candy, mints, straws, gum, pen caps, beef jerky), anything to keep from putting a cigarette in my mouth.
“I then tried Chantix and was on it for 3 months. I did not have any side effects. I have heart problems too from smoking so many years. After 6 weeks on Chantix, I was able to not smoke anymore. I continued on the Chantix for another 6 weeks and I do not smoke now. It has been several months since I stopped using Chantix.
“I carry the lozenges with me to help me with the cravings. I don’t need one too often, but I think if I did not have them I might want a cigarette instead. Nicotine is not easy to get away from.
“I think it is up to the individual to WANT to quit. I have to thank Chantix for helping me do what I could not do on my own.
“I advise anyone to quit while they can, in whatever way is best for them. I had to quit because I would have days that I feel like I could not breathe. Each day since I have quit, my breathing is getting easier. I felt like I was being choked by an invisible phantom!”
The advice that each smoker must find the best way and time that works for him or her is strong. It is the foundation of a classic book, still in print, called The No-Nag, No-Guilt, Do-It-Your-Own-Way Guide to Quitting Smoking, by the late Tom Ferguson, MD.
