Champix and Nausea: What Users Say

• Moj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I began taking Champix a couple of months ago. The side effects are pretty grim. I felt nauseous most days, struggled to concentrate at work, exhausted by 7 pm, then experienced some very vivid & bizarre nightmares. I persevered with it though because I was determined to stop this time and knew people who'd successfully stopped using it. I stopped smoking on day 10 (after vomiting with my last cigarette) and haven't smoked since. I honestly can't believe how effective it's been. I spoke to my doctor about stopping it early because I was sure I no longer needed them, he said it was entirely up to myself and everyone was different. I took my last tablet on day 35. I have now been smoke-free for around 8 weeks and feel great for it. I just wish I'd done this years ago instead of wasting time and money on patches/vaping/hypnotherapy(!)/inhalators etc. I have been a heavy smoker of tobacco and weed for 20 years and if I can stop, honestly, anyone can!!"

• KIE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have been smoking for 50 years. 15-20 a day. Now I'm 70, I decided to quit. On Champix for 3 weeks and I'm down to 2 a day for the last week. WOW! As I live in Australia, the most expensive country in the world for cigarettes, it's eating into my pension. It is $25 per pack of 20! Now I keep a big jar and put in the amount of money I would have spent on cigarettes and see it grow. I'll be able to go on holiday after 1 year. Side effects include colorful dreams and slight nausea. No interest in the taste, just the habit of having a beer and a cigarette. No more standing outside a pub in the rain, feeling like a leper."

• Spr...
• August 15, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I was advised that Champix is a 3-month course to stop smoking, but I could only stand 3 weeks. I felt weak, tired, and nauseous the whole time. I can honestly say that I have never felt close to as bad as Champix made me feel. Before Champix, I was also drinking a bottle of 5% wine most evenings. My tolerance is low, and I was tired of feeling groggy in the morning and the compulsion to drink. Champix turned me off alcohol before cigarettes. Within 10 days, I wasn’t smoking or drinking, and it’s been 3 1/2 years now since I had a cigarette. I can count on one hand the number of times I have drunk alcohol, and it has been a very small amount in celebration of something like New Year. I have pre-existing high blood pressure, but since stopping smoking, my meds have halved. Post-Champix, I lost 3 stone in weight. I no longer worry about not seeing my kids moving through adulthood with all the milestones that brings. Champix saved my health, my bank balance, and most importantly, my future with my kids. I cannot recommend this medication highly enough."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 30 odd years, about 12 a day. I have had multiple attempts at quitting over the years but always started up again. I know a few people that had quit for good using Champix, so I thought I would try it. Well, all I can say is WOW!! I am on day 23 of taking Champix and have not wanted to smoke since day 10. During the first week, I noticed that I could only smoke half a cigarette and was only smoking about 5 a day. Then on day 10, I woke up not even wanting to smoke. It feels like a miracle. I am finally free and know that it will be lifelong. The only side effect for me was a bit of nausea, but I found that taking it straight after breakfast and dinner worked well. Give it a go, and good luck."

• Jen...
• January 13, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 35 years, 40 a day. I tried patches for 3 months, went back to smoking, tried vaping, and went back to smoking. So I thought I would try Champix. I stopped smoking one day before my stop date. I did feel nauseous but fought my way through. The dreams are not bad, some of mine were funny."

• Riz...
• February 11, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Day 8 on Champix. I've smoked for 22 years. For the past year now, my smoking has increased from smoking all the years, 6-7 per day, to double the amount. Side effects: slight nausea after taking the pill lasts around 5-10 min. I don't eat breakfast, so I just take it with a large glass of water. Bad constipation, bloating, takes me ages to fall asleep at night and wake up constantly. No bad dreams. I'm eating more and feel hungry all the time. I'm now at the point where I don't go out first thing upon waking in the morning with my coffee to smoke. I love my red wine, and I have found that I don't even feel like having wine or drinking since a couple of days ago! I can only really smoke half a cig, then I have to stub it out. Champix works by slowly reducing my craving to smoke. Each day, especially since starting the 1 mg twice daily, I'm not thinking of smoking, and today I only had 3, which is already a big achievement for me. The best thing I've done for myself and my family."

• Mrs...
• January 9, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Been on Champix 12 days now and not smoked for 9 days. Since taking the two a day, I have had a feeling of nausea in the mornings that lasts for about an hour and is easily managed by sipping water! I have zero cravings or desire to smoke. I cannot believe how quickly this has worked for me. I have more vivid dreams but not nightmares. It has been brilliant for me. Although I only smoked 8 a day, I have tried countless times to quit cold turkey and it has never worked! So far, so good. I have no intention to return to cigarettes!"

• hil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 50 years. Last 20 years, 2-3 packs a day and lots and lots of alcohol. I came to a mindset that I needed to stop. Took me a month and a half of Champix every day and I've knitted a scarf that would go around the world. Had a couple of very vivid dreams, not scary. Learned very quickly to eat a good balanced meal before taking Champix to keep nausea away. Drank lots of water and still do every day. For the first time in over 3 decades, I have a clear head, feel good, and confident that I can make good decisions. Now I am at a stage of getting more motion into my days. I truly was amazed how stopping smoking and no drinking went hand in hand, and my healthy food choices all work and I feel GREAT."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "After 45 years of smoking a pack a day, plus I decided to try Champix. This is my first serious attempt to quit smoking. I continued smoking during weeks one to five, however, the number of cigarettes I smoked tapered off drastically. I am now in week seven and am eighteen days smoke-free. I will be honest, it is a battle for me since I enjoy my cigarettes. I've almost given up a few times due to cravings and the fact that I am cranky as heck. (I'm chalking the crankiness up to the lack of nicotine in my system.) But I haven't caved in yet, nor do I plan to. As for the 'side effects' - my dreams are vivid but interesting. I take this medication with food and the recommended full glass of water, so I do not feel any nausea. The cravings, well, there's bound to be some. Make sure to have lots of gum or mints on hand! Honestly though, I would recommend Champix to anyone who wants to quit smoking."

• 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."

• tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was prescribed Champix by my doctor and started on the them on the 12th January. I had to pick a date as a quit date, I chose the 25th Jan. I was a heavy smoker for over 20 years and on 2 packs of 20 a day (awful). I am proud to say I am a non-smoker after taking Champix for just 12 days. To me, this medicine is a pure miracle. I have to finish my tablets which were to last for 14 days. I have had headaches and really bad dreams that have woken me, but I can live with that. I have no cravings at all to smoke, and the thought of it does make me feel a bit of nausea. I just pray this lasts as it truly is a miracle medicine."

• 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."

• Lot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Champix has worked. I was scared of taking them but my health had declined and my fitness levels were shocking. I had a history with mental health issues like anxiety, so you can imagine how scared I was given the long list of side effects. I took these with food and did not get any nausea, I haven't had one bit and have been on these 5 weeks now. It completely stopped my desire to smoke after 2 weeks. I'm short-tempered, but my boyfriend and I discussed all this before I started Champix, so we knew it was coming. Even he says it's worth it to give up. I have also had weird dreams, but not bad ones. In yesterday's dream, I won the Formula 1 race in France! I haven't had any cravings, and I'm pinching myself. I was also a heavy drinker, and I haven't wanted one since I can't smoke. So my real test will be a glass of wine, but I'm waiting until the 12-week course is up to drink, as I don't want to fail, and so far I haven't wanted to drink. All round, I'm super impressed."

• Mar...
• January 21, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 20 years and tried gums, patches, hypnosis, etc. No joy. I took Champix, and on day 12, I just effortlessly stopped. The minor side effects were a bit of muscle tension, a few minutes of nausea each day, and for the early weeks, I felt a tiny bit vacant in my mind (probably withdrawal). I stopped Champix after 12 weeks and have now been smoke-free for 7 months. It's been really easy, but always be ready to say 'no' whenever the opportunity arises to smoke. I'm just gutted I never did it earlier."

• Kee...
• April 22, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 28 years and I have a very addictive personality. I thought I'd never be able to quit smoking. It took me longer than what is suggested in the info pack for Champix, but now I am smoke-free! It is truly a miracle. I have suffered with many of the side effects ranging from vivid dreams, nausea, increased frequency of migraine headaches, acne, eczema, dry skin, tiredness, increased anxiety, and significant weight gain. However, everything that I've had to go through as far as side effects have been worth it to say I'm smoke-free and I know it will improve as I go back off of the medication. Good luck to anyone reading this who is still trying to quit. You can do it!!"

• Chu...
• September 7, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix just over 8 weeks ago (been on them before but ended up back smoking as I stopped taking them too early!) I smoked 20 a day for 10+ years. By day 8, I had no craving at all and haven’t smoked since. These tablets really do work, but obviously do come with certain side effects?! I have found it’s an absolute definite to take them just after eating (at least 2 pieces of toast or so for AM and a proper meal for PM.) The nausea is horrific if you take them on an empty stomach, as I found on my first attempt with Champix. I have also been suffering with really bizarre nightmares/dreams? Quite cranky and easily irritated - suppose it’s expected though? This time around, I have struggled getting out of bed in the morning, but I don't struggle going to sleep - if anything, I could sleep longer (normally have a good 8-9 hours a night??) Feel a bit flat some days and no motivation or energy. Definitely think they are worth a go though - Good luck!!!!"

• JRa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on Champix for the past twelve days. The first week of taking medication was an extremely horrible experience. I was nauseous most of the time, especially after taking the medication and then still smoking, but I knew that if I was to really quit, that this was my last and only chance. The medication slowly makes smoking less enjoyable and takes away the cravings a bit at a time and also makes you resent that nauseous feeling when smoking (I guess that's part of how it works on the mind). I have been smoke-free now for four days. The extreme cravings have come up but go away as quickly as they came. I am on the 1 mg dose in the morning and evening, I have felt nauseous this morning but not as bad as the first week, thankfully. I would highly recommend that you give this a try with the consultation of your doctor... it really seems to be working. All the best :)"

• Mar...
• May 9, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "30 years of smoking 20-30 a day. My personal experience of strange “side effects” appeared to be as follows: only taking on a very full stomach, nausea. A strange body odor like French Onion Soup. Labyrinthitis towards the end of my course. But most bizarrely, my usual extreme social anxiety and fear of telephoning and speaking to people completely changed, I felt euphoric and completely in control for the first time in my life. I booked a week in another country for myself and some family members: accommodation, train, and ferry tickets-the lot! Phoned around Dublin to find a specific doctor's surgery to get help for a family member who lives there. None of these things would ever have been possible before or have been since. I have only heard bad reviews of this and just thought I would give my account, as this has been a complete success for me. It is May 2021, and I haven't had any tobacco products since the 21st of January 2017."

• Reg...
• August 26, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Guys, I was on this forum a few days back when I was desperate for answers. I loved reading everyone's varied stories about Champix and their experiences. I will try to make this as short as possible. I quit smoking 30 cigs a day 5/6 years ago but felt comfortable staying on the nicotine gum 2mg as a substitute. The thing is, I was going through 500+ a month. Ok, so I'm now taking Champix to get off the nicotine gum. Trust me, the first few days I felt anxious as anything and was chewing on the nicotine gum like a cow chewing the cud. I went through them even more quickly in a week than usual. Vivid dreams and nausea on and off. By day 7, my stomach was bloated like a balloon. Day 8, I was now on 1mg in the morning and 1mg in the evening, feeling ok. Day 9, sweet Lord, the tiredness. I felt so flat. I went to the doctor for a review, he said it would pass, and it did. I've now finished day 13 and feeling almost back to myself. Every now and then, I chew regular sugar-free gum because that in itself was another habit."

• Pol...
• June 10, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I highly recommend this drug. I was a smoker for 24 years. When I think about it, I am disgusted with myself. Well, men and women, I am no longer a smoker, thanks to this incredible drug. On my week 2, I had slight nausea, headache. Week 3, incredible, did not feel like smoking. It's like this drug erased the memory in my brain that I ever smoked. Week 4, well, the thought of cigarettes makes me queasy. I forgot what it was like to feel the way I feel today. Healthier."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 7 on Champix and feel fine. I eat with every tablet, drink a big glass of water, and I've had no nausea. I can feel the cravings subsiding, I'm not enjoying smoking as much and have already cut back to about 3 per day. I had nightmares the first night, but that has eased, and I just have vivid dreams that aren't frightening. Other than that, I'm waking up earlier than usual and not experiencing any more fatigue than I usually would. So far, so good! The dosage gets upped tomorrow into week 2, so we will see how that goes!"

• Bud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "So I started taking Champix in early March, smoking a minimum of 12-15 cigarettes per day. Almost immediately, it started to reduce the amount I smoked. Within a couple of weeks, I was down to 4-6 cigarettes a day. A few weeks later, I was down to 2-3 a day and could not stand to smoke the whole thing. By week 6, I didn’t really need it anymore, I had no cravings. The only side effect was nausea, which went away completely after no longer ingesting nicotine."

• SNA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years. At the end of week 4 on Champix. Still have a slight craving for cigarettes, but can deal with it. Side effects included slight nausea soon after taking the pill in the morning, accompanied by a light headache occasionally, but not at night. Struggled to sleep in the beginning, but now I sleep well now (maybe too well). It is definitely worth a try and worked so far where everything else I have tried failed."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Quit day was yesterday. Day 16 on Champix. Side effects of nausea and vivid dreams have been a struggle, but weighed up with how I have sailed the last 2 days, it's worth it. With willpower mixed and support of my physician, I recommend Champix if you truly want to stop. Early days, but 35 years of 20 a day, I knew my addiction had to be helped."

• Sun...
• July 12, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "It works, it really works... but I have felt absolutely horrific, but probably not as horrific as I would if I continued smoking... As a scientist, I knew the side effects could be bad, given that the medicine involves chemical neurotransmitters which some people, like myself-admittedly a sensitive soul-don't like very much. But it is worth it to me. It works; I woke up one morning and just didn't want to smoke anymore, the joy was removed. I felt great and empowered until the medicine built up in my system, then I began to feel dizzy, nauseous, would vomit if I took it on an empty stomach, and completely exhausted. But then the side effects of nicotine withdrawal in itself left me feeling a bit down in the dumps. I had another health issue simultaneously which made me feel a bit downer in the dumps, and Champix on top of that-I was a bit of a zombie. I don't advise buying from an online doctor, as this medicine really needs close monitoring; it is very strong."