Champix User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Champix has an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 from a total of 391 reviews on Drugs.com. 82% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 8% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Champix
- Sto...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 12, 2017
For Smoking Cessation "I marked down 2 weeks to quit day on my calendar and then smoked as usual. I decided that when I smoked, I would not talk on the phone, read, drink coffee, etc. JUST SMOKE! After 1 week, the drugs kicked in and I began smoking less and less. Went from 20/day to 3/day by the end of week 2. Once I quit, there would be no association, thus making the transition to non-smoker much easier. Hope this idea helps others. Good luck everyone!! UPDATE: Day 9 smoke-free. It's been a bit too easy. I keep thinking that I should want a smoke, but I really don't. Impressive!"
- 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."
Frequently asked questions
- What is the mechanism of action of Tyrvaya?
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- What Medications can help me Quit Smoking?
- Let...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 16, 2014
For Smoking Cessation "I took Champix for the first time approx 4 yrs ago and had absolutely no side effects that I can remember, despite people telling me that when they tried it, they could not cope with the nausea, so they couldn't continue with it. I was smoke-free for just over 3 yrs. I thought it a miracle, esp. as I had been smoking 25/30 a day for 44 yrs, ever increasing in amount since age 16 (5/10 a day). However, I started smoking again, slowly at first, thinking, 'Well, one or two with alcohol and friends won't hurt.' Sure enough, I was hooked again. Now, having taken it for the 2nd time, 12 days into Champix, I am tired, have dreadful indigestion constantly, tog with flatulence, headaches, and shaky. Actually threw up yesterday. Will persevere, cos I know it works."
- 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 :)"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- 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!"
- Son...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 5, 2015
For Smoking Cessation "I used Champix to quit smoking, and could not be happier with the results. I am one of the lucky ones and only had minimal side effects, namely an upset stomach and occasional dizziness (that may also have been nicotine withdrawal). I started the program, and on day 14 actually quit. I did not complete the program but stopped after 1 month as that was sufficient in my case. I have not smoked for 6 years now and would recommend this medicine to anyone who wants to quit. Even though the medicine is effective, the most important factor is your own desire to quit, as without that you will start again."
- She...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 14, 2019
For Smoking Cessation "I have been using Champix for 18 days. I quit smoking on day 14 and am very proud that I haven’t had any urges to smoke. Furthermore, the smell of it repulses me. I have had no side effects and think this is due to taking the tablets halfway through breakfast and halfway through dinner. I make sure the last tablet is taken at least 3 hours before bed, so I have had no crazy dreams (as directed by my doctor). I know it’s only been 4 days, but I’m not pulling my hair out as I have before (not literally lol). Would definitely recommend, as I have been smoking since 12 and I’m now 35."
- 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."
- 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."
- Spi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 30, 2019
For Smoking Cessation "Stopped smoking on day 8 as instructed and haven’t smoked since. When first starting the treatment, I noticed vivid dreams, aggression, and feelings of panic. These became more controllable as I progressed through the treatment. The day I stopped taking Champix cold turkey, I felt extremely agitated, panicked, and awful. That was today! I know I’ll never buy cigarettes again, which is amazing. I couldn’t even last 4 hours without buying cigarettes before. I think people taking it should be offered advice and support in dealing with the side effects, as they are powerful and really can put you in tricky situations. But I think I’m through that now and have gone from smoking up to 40 a day to nothing. Hopefully, the withdrawal symptoms from Champix itself don’t last too long..."
- Fla...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 29, 2013
For Smoking Cessation "I stopped smoking 6.5 years ago. I was a very heavy smoker - sometimes 40 a day. I started Champix, and after around 6 days lost the urge to smoke and stopped. I haven't had a single cigarette since and can't stand the smell or thought of it now. I had tried everything to help stop (many times) before Champix. The only side effect I had was a metallic taste if I forgot to take it with food - for me, it was a miracle."
- 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."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 17, 2012
For Smoking Cessation "I found it totally amazing. I want everyone who smokes, no matter how long they've smoked, to take this medicine if able. I smoked for over 35 yrs and have tried different quitting methods, but this took absolutely no effort, side effects minimal and manageable. And best of all, I had no withdrawal symptoms, no real cravings, just need to keep my hands busy. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
- 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."
- 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."
- Bea...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 5, 2019
For Smoking Cessation "I am on day 9 and suffering terrible nausea and a severe headache that will not go away. Having to lie down and sleep due to tiredness and the headache. Not sure if I can continue with Champix. When will these side effects stop? I can't function daily."
- 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."
- S L...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 4, 2020
For Smoking Cessation "I haven't had a cigarette in 43 days, and I was still a pack-a-day smoker right up to my quit date. Just make sure you pick a day to stop and stick to it. The side effects I've had are 15 minutes of nausea after taking and the vivid dreams, but I've personally had no noticeable personality changes."
- Fee...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 3, 2019
For Smoking Cessation "I was smoking 20+ a day, just smoking them because it was a habit, and a bad one at that. Then I decided to go on an e-cig. Yes, I just changed from one habit to another one. But after being dependent on my e-cig, I decided it was time to stop using it. I started the Champix, and I can say after day 15, I am free from all habits, and it feels so good to be back in control of myself instead of being controlled by cigarettes. I am still using the Champix, but they do give me vivid dreams, but that will pass, and if I wasn't using the Champix, then the smoking wouldn't go away. So, on a plus side, I would sooner have the dreams for a while. I am so pleased with myself that I can go on a flight and not have to worry about when my next nicotine fix will be. Now I don't have to use nicotine nor want to anymore."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 28, 2020
For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Champix 2 weeks ago. I'm 62, been smoking since I was 13 years old, the last 10 years trying everything from the patches, nicotine gum, vaping-nothing works. After 7 days with Champix, I stopped because I became nauseated with the cigarette. I can say it's been 7 days without nicotine in my body. I'm so proud, and with Champix, it makes it a lot easier. Side effect: a bit of an upset stomach, maybe for 15 minutes after I take Champix after a meal, and I dream more, but so far that's it. I'm a happy girl not to be smoking anymore."
- Smo...
- July 11, 2017
For Smoking Cessation "Fantastic tablets! First week, I was still smoking as normal, I didn't feel any different, so part of me thought the tablets weren't going to work. I set my quit date as day 10. Started day 8 on the higher dose, and that's when I really noticed a difference. Days 8 and 9, I stopped enjoying smoking, and I kept stubbing them out halfway, even when drinking, which is when I usually chain smoke. I'm now 7 days smoke-free, no cravings at all since day 9! I only take the morning tablet on the high dose because the evening one makes me feel extremely sick for some reason, but the morning one alone is working wonders. I don't even crave when sitting around smokers anymore! I can't believe this stuff works! Bit of nausea, no vivid dreams. Worth it!!!"
- Ker...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 11, 2015
For Smoking Cessation "I started Champix on 27th March 2015 by my GP's stop smoking clinic and was advised to keep smoking, with a stop date of 13th April 2015. I wasn't really given any advice about the medicine, other than it may cause bad/vivid dreams. I came home and did some research myself. Days 1, 2, 3 were just fine - no changes at all. Day 4 I started to not enjoy my smokes so much. Days 7-10 I felt exhausted, headachey, tearful, moody, having horrendously black dreams involving murder and my husband cheating - this led to paranoia that he really was cheating. I stopped them two days ago and still feel very low in mood, withdrawn, tearful, and so tired. Please be very aware of the side effects and ask close ones to monitor your moods."
- Ban...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 31, 2020
For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Champix for 8 weeks now. I have not stopped smoking, but I have reduced my nicotine use from 20 cigarettes a day to 10 with no cravings or withdrawal symptoms. I have endogenous depression, so doctors did not want to prescribe it to me. I feel much less depressed on Champix, I feel happy. Not 'high' happy, but much better than I do on some antidepressants. I probably won't stop smoking, but I will ask to continue using Champix for another 3-month period because it's the best holiday I've had from depression my entire life."
- Kri...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 7, 2020
For Smoking Cessation "After numerous unsuccessful attempts to give up smoking over 35+ years, I have finally managed to stop smoking and also not want to start again! Champix worked for me, no side effects while taking it, but I did get a weird reaction when I stopped taking it. Almost like an allergic reaction, not weight gain, just puffy and up two sizes. Hoping this goes away soon, of course, it could be changes to metabolism due to not smoking, maybe. Still glad I did this!"
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Champix (varenicline)
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For Smoking Cessation "I have been a smoker for 35 years of 20-30 cigarettes a day. Never seriously tried to quit until my doctor warned me that cessation is an absolute must. I didn't believe I'd be able to do it since the cravings were tremendous and were overriding all rational thought. I started taking Champix. Within two weeks, I noticed that cigarettes weren't as pleasurable as before and started to ask myself if it was actually worth the effort to go out and buy another pack - I realized then that the drug has effectively eradicated all physical dependence, and that allowed me to focus on the behavioral aspects of my addiction. I have not smoked a cigarette since 3 months ago. Still have occasional cravings, but quite weak and gone after a few seconds."