Champix and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Lil...
• June 1, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on 6th March 2016 and wondered if they would work after smoking 20 a day for 50 years. On the 13th day, I felt really sick when I lit a cigarette, so the next day I had no desire to have one. I'm into my 11th week without a cigarette and feel so much better. Oh, and I have been taking one tablet a day as two were too much for me. The side effects I had were waking up at three each morning, and after stopping the night tablet, my sleeping pattern returned. Many friends, colleagues, and family have remarked on how lovely my skin has become since quitting. If I can do it after all those years, so can you... Good Luck."

• Boo...
• November 2, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Coming up on 1 year on 8th Nov. This product WORKS, but you have to WANT to quit. I had gained weight and needed to exercise. I started exercising, but I could barely breathe due to the cigs. I was still smoking when I started exercising. I started to lose weight. I wanted to work harder, and I knew it would only happen if I quit cigs. So I started Champix. By the 10th day, I was smoking less. I also could not smoke an entire cigarette. On day 13, I had my last cig. I basically got through the day without any cigs. On my 4th month, my dad passed away. But still, I didn't smoke. I am now running half marathons. I am fitter and stronger than ever before. My hair and clothes don't stink. My skin looks amazing. I had some side effects: insomnia and headaches. The exercise early in the morning helped with the insomnia. And I took headache tablets. But a small price to pay for saving my own life. I am my own hero!"

• Din...
• November 16, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Have tried to give up smoking in the past with other methods, always returned to the fags. However, had a health issue that basically said give up or that will be your life over, so had to give Champix a go. My husband also is trying to give up in support of me. I smoked for 40+ years, so a big habit to quit. I have found the Champix a challenge, to be honest, it's the nausea and fatigue, but also I have started a shed load of other medication too, so could be these as well. My husband has no side effects at all now, he had a bit of restlessness at night. I have sleepless nights, but dreams have stopped. We are both on day 28. I haven't smoked for 14 days, my husband has had one roll-up a day for 14 days, but I still think this is amazing. Reading tips on this forum, I will try to take the morning tablet with milk and the evening one after dinner to see if this helps reduce nausea. I will continue taking the Champix, as although I crave a cigarette and feel a bit flat, this is the best it's ever been without nicotine."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I read all these comments before I started taking Champix. I was a little nervous about the side effects. I'm on day 6, and really only side effects are a little nauseous, but only slightly. I dream loads, so not sure that has changed, but remembering all my dreams and seem to dream all night. No bad dreams at all, a little difficulty sleeping when I went to the two 0.5 mg tablets, but I can cope with that. I smoke about 4 cigs a day now, and that's forcing myself, I don't want them. My mouth tastes horrid after, and it's like smoking a twig! Get nothing from it at all. I think my quit date will be sooner than I set, as I can't see me wanting to even light a cig up in a few days."

• Bum...
• July 4, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked 25 a day for 28 years and lost count of the number of times I've tried to quit and failed. Now I've been smoke-free for 9 months (feel GREAT)! Life on Champix was VERY tough. Started off with the usual half tablet and things were fine, but within a couple of days of being on the full dose, the suffering began. Bloated, constipated, angry, vivid, nasty dreams, no sleep, lethargic, and so, so emotional I burst into tears over nothing. In the end, I cut back to half the usual full dose and eventually stopped taking Champix altogether after 6 weeks. Took some time after this for the symptoms listed above to disappear completely, but eventually they did."

• Gus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for 40 years, smoking approximately 40 plus smokes per day. Started Champix 20 days ago. After the first 3 days, I went cold turkey, it's been 17 days smoke-free, and I feel the difference in such a short time. Champix worked for me, unbelievable. Minimal side effects, e.g., broken sleep. I'm very happy, and my wallet is full again. 70 dollars a packet in Australia and more."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 27 years and have tried to quit a few times before without success. I'm now 4 weeks into taking Champix, and I haven't smoked since day 11. I had a few cravings at the start, now I don't even think about it at all, even when I'm around smokers. I now hate the smell on my clothes after. The only side effect I've had is the weird dreams and lack of sleep, but I would rather that than smoke again. I am hoping to cut the tablets back down soon. Anyone thinking of trying to quit, I definitely recommend these."

• CEE...
• May 16, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on the 19-4-16 and carried on smoking till my decided give-up date of 4-5-16 (may the 4th be with you, lol). I experienced a couple of days where I felt edgy, like I could hit someone or cry! I had 10-minute waves of sickness straight after taking the tablets and am now only left with the disturbed sleep on week 4. I am having trouble getting to sleep and was advised to take the second tablet earlier, between 4-6 in the evening, and am currently trying this. I drive for a living, so do need my sleep to improve ASAP! Having said that, this is a wonder drug, I am so impressed with it! I have no urge to smoke, no cravings at all. It's like I want a fag out of habit but don't need it. I will complete the 12 weeks but am very happy."

• CEE...
• May 16, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on the 19-4-16 and carried on smoking till my decided give-up date of 4-5-16 (may the 4th be with you, lol). I experienced a couple of days where I felt edgy, like I could hit someone or cry! I had 10-minute waves of sickness straight after taking the tablets and am now only left with the disturbed sleep on week 4. I am having trouble getting to sleep and was advised to take the second tablet earlier, between 4-6 in the evening, and am currently trying this. I drive for a living, so do need my sleep to improve ASAP! Having said that, this is a wonder drug, I am so impressed with it! I have no urge to smoke, no cravings at all. It's like I want a fag out of habit but don't need it. I will complete the 12 weeks but am very happy."

• Don...
• July 20, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I read the reviews on Champix and thought maybe my experience may be helpful to someone. I stopped smoking for 2 months cold turkey and experienced nearly every side effect listed by people as being caused by Champix. Could these be possibly caused by nicotine withdrawal? And not the drug? Cold turkey, I suffered anxiety, low mood, felt like time was standing still, difficulty concentrating, headaches, irritability, insomnia, vivid dreams that actually seemed real, restless legs, gastric disturbances, and tingling of my hands and feet and cravings. I found lots of water and making myself exercise helped. Starting Champix today and nicotine patches as recommended by my Dr."

• Wal...
• October 14, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've smoked for over 30 years and have been trying to quit for the past 15! I've tried vaping, hypnosis, cold turkey, the Alan Carr method - everything. I was skeptical about Champix because I'd read a lot of horror stories. They worked almost immediately. Cigs started tasting bad by day 3, and by day 5, any urge to smoke had completely passed. By day 10, even the habit disappeared. I don't even think about smoking - it just doesn't occur to me, and I consider myself a non-smoker, not someone trying to quit. I've had some side effects; some insomnia at first and again when the dosage went up to 2mg per day, but this only lasted a day or two. Likewise, I've had some stomach cramps and upset, but again, only when I first started taking them and when the dosage increased. Lots of food and water help. I didn't think it would work this quickly, and the side effects have been mild to nonexistent. I can now envision a life without smoking!"

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 14 years, tried quitting several times, but always went back to cigarettes. At first, I was skeptical about taking Champix, the side effects alone are enough to scare anyone off. I researched and researched, read all the positive and negative reviews, and thought to myself, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. I mean, anything is better than smoking. I took Champix for 60 days and quit about two weeks in. I had minor side effects, such as nausea, sleep disorder, and felt spaced out most of the time, all well worth the final outcome... smoke free. I am now smoke free for three months, and I couldn't be happier. For those of you thinking of trying it, I would definitely recommend the medication. Stay strong!"

• pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I started a 12-week course on Champix. I lasted 4 weeks. I can't rate them enough. I only lasted 4 weeks 'cause that's how long it took me to stop smoking, and 3 months on, I don't even have the need or urge to pick up a cig. I've been smoking-sorry, I used to smoke-for 20 years, tried everything to stop, and nothing helped. The only side effect I had was a few restless nights where I found it hard to sleep, but that's a small price to pay to kick the habit. Thank you, Champix!!"

• rea...
• November 13, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I didn't tell anyone I had quit smoking when I started taking Champix 4 weeks ago. At the end of week two, I had stopped, but not without the cravings I had to overcome. When I had control of the cravings with healthy substitutes, I then told people I had quit. I was told by one friend that she knew two people who had suffered from depression and one committed suicide, along with the fact it has been banned in other countries. Of course, I ignored the bad rap because I knew I was succeeding. During week 4, I have experienced major anxiety, difficulty sleeping, at least 3 trips to the toilet during the night (every night). Today, I have realized the anxiety is prominent for no reason at all. I will probably stop the Champix."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I are on day 7, and it's the first day I've not had a cigarette. By day 3, I was already down to only 3 a day (first thing, after lunch, and after tea), and doing it together has definitely helped. Like other stories on here (and doctors' warnings), we have both had extreme nausea, headaches, nightmares, and an inability to sleep all night. But you know what? If it means I won't be smoking again, I can put up with those for the short term. After 20 years of smoking, it finally took a doctor's warning due to mild emphysema to get me to quit. For others out there, don't let it get that far. We didn't pick a quit date, we just went with the flow and let our body tell us when we had had enough. When I try to smoke now, it just makes me feel sick."

• Nos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 20, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "First tried Champix about a year ago, pretty weird and vivid dreams for a couple of nights, but after that all OK. Tend to take the second tablet at lunch or early afternoon to lessen any impact on insomnia. Only stopped initially for a few days, but cut down to only 4 or 5. I had smoked around 20 a day for 38 years after starting when 12 years old. I kept taking Champix for the next year, paying full price, as figured the cut down was worth it, even though still smoking - the Champix did not seem to affect me or my desire around those 4 or 5 (but if I had more, I felt pretty crook). Finally stopped 18 days ago and pretty confident that is it. I am back on the second lot of PBS subsidized scripts with about 4 months to go and will see them through."

• GR1...
• January 14, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "The only downside to this drug for me has been difficulty sleeping and crazy dreams. But to me, that's worth it! I quit on day 6 of taking Champix and am now 8 days smoke-free, and I couldn't feel better. Exercise is much easier, my skin has improved, and I am proud of myself. Smoking always made me feel guilty. I felt ill for the first 3 to 4 days and cut down from 10 to 2 a day, then just decided smoking was worthless to me because it really felt that way... for the first time in 8 years! I have decided to remain on the lower dose of Champix as I quit on it and feel confident I can continue. It always lowers the risk of side effects and makes it easier to come off the tablets, so an all-around win for me. I highly recommend these tablets!!!"

• Ada...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix in the middle of May. By the 10th day, I quit smoking. I continued to take them for about a week and a half after quitting... I haven't had a single pill in about 5 days now, and I'm suffering so bad! I got to the point last night that I thought I was having a stroke. I was 100% sure I was gonna die. I have no focus. No drive. I can't sleep for more than 2-3 hours a night... I get chest flutters frequently. I am often disoriented. Hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold at night. I have had to take an Ativan every night for the past 3 nights now. I'm honestly afraid to try to go to bed now."

• Ari...
• December 7, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have used Champix before and stopped smoking for 2 years. I stupidly started and have gone back on them. I have tried lots of different nicotine replacement methods, and this is the only one that works. Those of you with little willpower (like me)? This is for you. I do suffer side effects but can manage them as the alternative is smoking! Side effects include stomach pains and sickness. To solve this, take the tablet after a decent meal and a lower dose (I can manage on the .5 mg). Hard to sleep and nightmares - no solution, but better than waking up coughing up phlegm every morning. At times, I still get the urge to have a cigarette, but the experience of this is a big mistake as they taste awful, and as soon as you light up, you will put it out. Keep busy."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Started taking Champix in May this year and had picked my stop date, but on my stop date, a family member died, so I smoked like a mill chimney and stopped taking the tablets as it wasn't the right time to quit. Started again 8 days ago and haven't had a cig in 2 days. Not only do I not want a cig, but the thought of putting one in my mouth makes me want to vomit! The thought of putting food in my mouth also makes me want to vomit, but at least I won't put on weight replacing cigs with food! Because of the food thing, I'm cutting the tablet down to 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night, as it has also affected my sleep. No crazy dreams, just find myself awake at 1 a.m. and can't get back to sleep. Wondering if I need to take all 12 weeks or if I can stop taking them sooner?"

• jsj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've been on Champix since November 6, 2016, and not had a cigarette since the beginning of December-not a full one either, as I had to put it out halfway due to the awful taste and felt sick. Yes, they are fantastic at stopping you from smoking, which I did for 37 years on and off, as nothing worked as well as these do. But the sickness, headaches, itchy eyes, and skin, and sleepless nights are really a big problem for me and have been since Day 1. I have asked my nurse if I can reduce my dose from 1 mg twice daily to 0.5 mg twice daily due to the side effects, but she wants me to persevere a few weeks longer. I also have raised blood sugars, being diabetic, and although struggling with the Champix severely, I have cut down to 1 mg once daily, and it's worked."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I was on a 3-month course, after 35 years of smoking. Followed instructions and dosage, didn't want another ciggie after 12 days. The only side effect I experienced was a few restless nights. I'm now 7 years a non-smoker. It's weird, I love the smell of a cigarette but am not tempted in the slightest."

• Cak...
• November 9, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "On day 6. So far, so good. The only side effect that I seem to be having is disturbed sleep. This is relative to other factors, as I've had a few ridiculously early starts for work. My weekly average is about 10% less sleep than normal (Fitbit). My dreams are slightly more vivid, but not nightmarish. Grumpiness seems to be underlying most days, but I work with the general public, so that could just be normal, and I'm suddenly more aware of it due to keeping an eye on my mood because of the tablets. I cut down from 20 a day to 10 after 3 days. Yesterday, I smoked 7. Today, the smell of cigarettes and smoke is noxious. I'm at the point of washing everything I own just to get rid of the smell. Luckily, I never smoked inside my home."

• Kiw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Now onto Week 5 of non-smoking with Champix. Have tried many cessation tools (patches, etc.), but this has been the best for controlling urges to smoke easier. However, side effects for me have been crazy, so will be stopping the course early. The side effects include insomnia, tiredness, lucid dreams, lethargy, swollen legs and ankles, sore feet, constipation, nausea, and mood swings that feel more in line with bipolar depression/quick to anger/anxiety/frustration. More than the usual nicotine withdrawal-associated symptoms."

• ex ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix mid-November 2015 and have been smoke-free for over 3 weeks now. I was a regular smoker for 40 years, and now this is the end of my smoking career. While the product works very well for me, I do find no energy, bloated, gassy, and no sleep at night. Also, my appetite has changed a lot, and my eating habits have improved as well, no sugars or fatty foods as cravings have dropped. A good way to lose weight. Dropped 6 kg in 1 month. Will now see how it will be once I stop the medication in mid-February. Best choice ever made."