Chantix and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Pat...
• October 7, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 41 years and tried to quit on my own, no luck. I tried the patch, ha ha. I could have plastered my body in them and no luck. Could not use the gum as I lost 12 teeth in a horse accident, but I tried Chantix and only got a little tense a few times, but it made it so easy for me. I gave been tobacco-free for 2 years in February. Thank you, Chantix."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried so many times to stop smoking without any success until Chantix + a good mindset. I smoked for 35 years, so I spoke with my doctor about Chantix. My start date: September 29, 2019, official quit date: October 7, 2019. I weaned down over a week and then just didn’t want them. It is now November 11, just over 30 days on Chantix, and the weird dreams I can handle. I've had a few episodes of anger but remembered this is a side effect. What I can’t take anymore is the anxiety, I have had daily anxiety attacks over the last 2 weeks and one full panic attack that lasted hours. So I have decided to also quit Chantix early since I’m getting scared of these attacks. It definitely works, just remember to read and understand side effects and identify those during the process. Let others around you know you’re taking it, and if they realize you’re having these side effects, have them remind you that it’ll pass, and if too severe, then see your doctor."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I have tried so many times to stop smoking without any success until Chantix + a good mindset. I smoked for 35 years, so I spoke with my doctor about Chantix. My start date: September 29, 2019, official quit date: October 7, 2019. I weaned down over a week and then just didn’t want them. It is now November 11, just over 30 days on Chantix, and the weird dreams I can handle. I've had a few episodes of anger but remembered this is a side effect. What I can’t take anymore is the anxiety, I have had daily anxiety attacks over the last 2 weeks and one full panic attack that lasted hours. So I have decided to also quit Chantix early since I’m getting scared of these attacks. It definitely works, just remember to read and understand side effects and identify those during the process. Let others around you know you’re taking it, and if they realize you’re having these side effects, have them remind you that it’ll pass, and if too severe, then see your doctor."

• Jef...
• July 5, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "Everybody reacts to drugs differently, and Chantix is a great tool for quitting for some, but my experience has been a NIGHTMARE!!! After ramping up to the full dosage, I experienced anxiety, insomnia, and bouts of depression. I would pace for hours - couldn't help it - living hell! I quit taking Chantix a few days later because of these symptoms, and the depression became more severe and more continuous. I haven't been on the drug for a week now, and I'm still emotional and have occasional panic attacks."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've been a smoker for over 10 years now and also a heavy drinker (borderline alcoholic). I've tried every way possible to quit with no success until Chantix. It's only been a week, but I have zero interest in smoking. I have had a few side effects: I'm extremely nauseous if I don't eat beforehand, weird dreams, slight irritability/anxiety, constipation, and a good amount of loss of concentration (forgetting to complete simple daily tasks at work). However, I feel overall great, the withdrawal is so minimal, the thought of smoking makes me sick, and a plus is I have zero interest in drinking either! One BIG suggestion is this medication really, really works wonders, but you have to want it and make the change."

• rep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "This is my 3rd time taking Chantix. The 1st time I took it for 3 months and quit smoking for 3.5 years. I experienced the dreams but no other side effects. The 2nd time I took it for 1 month and quit smoking for 6 months. I still had the dreams but had nausea also. This time I've been on it for 4 weeks, smoke-free for 3 weeks. I'm having the dreams and had nausea for only the 2nd and 3rd week, but in the 2nd week, I started experiencing more side effects. I started feeling tired, lazy, bummed, and in a bit of a depressive state. In the 3rd week, I became paranoid and obsessive with racing thoughts. It's hard to focus, and now in the 4th week, I question if I'm hallucinating or dreaming. No thoughts of suicide. I quit taking it today and hope to stay smoke-free."

• Nee...
• May 20, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Chantix works. No one loved their cigarettes more than me. I knew I needed to quit, but I couldn't give up my cigarettes, my best friend, my coping mechanism. I looked at other smokers who managed to quit, and it was obvious to me that they just didn't love their cigs the way I did. After 35 years, I was just too much of a hardcore smoker. Then I started having some health problems, and I knew I had to stop. I was afraid to try Chantix, but everything else I had tried didn't work. I started taking it the first week of March 2018. I am 100% smoke-free as of May 7, 2018. I never believed I would be a non-smoker. It's surreal. I actually enjoy my crazy dreams. They're pretty funny. No other side effects except a bit of anxiety and social withdrawal the first few weeks. Very minor."

• SRX...
• April 13, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I had used chewing tobacco for 30 years and wanted to quit. My doctor prescribed Chantix. One thing he told me to do was to take the second daily dose in the afternoon rather than in the evening to help prevent strange dreams, and I never did have any. Make sure you eat something before taking it to prevent an upset stomach. Chantix did make me feel paranoid and nervous, and I did worry more than normal, and I couldn't drink while on it. I had one drink after I had started it, and the next day I had the worst hangover I had ever had. Actually, I haven't drank now since I quit Chantix since I no longer have a desire to do so. All in all, I feel it is very effective."

• SRX...
• April 13, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I had used chewing tobacco for 30 years and wanted to quit. My doctor prescribed Chantix. One thing he told me to do was to take the second daily dose in the afternoon rather than in the evening to help prevent strange dreams, and I never did have any. Make sure you eat something before taking it to prevent an upset stomach. Chantix did make me feel paranoid and nervous, and I did worry more than normal, and I couldn't drink while on it. I had one drink after I had started it, and the next day I had the worst hangover I had ever had. Actually, I haven't drank now since I quit Chantix since I no longer have a desire to do so. All in all, I feel it is very effective."

• Ath...
• February 10, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for 2 weeks and had to stop taking it. I was having very bad headaches, bad vivid dreams, anxiety, and I was extremely moody. My poor husband would just look at me, and I would get mad at him. It got so bad I was yelling at the kids for no reason, and I honestly believe that if I continued taking Chantix, I would be divorced today or worse. I was NOT myself on that medicine, so I stopped. It did, however, stop any craving for nicotine."

• MBW...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "It took me 3 weeks on Chantix before I quit. I was worried, thinking it wasn't going to work, but I wasn't going to give up. I took it with food and never had any problems. I did feel some strong anxiety for a few days, but I didn't blame the Chantix for that; I feel it was just part of withdrawal. Within the first 3 weeks, I was able to cut down from a pack a day to 2-3 cigarettes a day. After the third week, I smoked the last cigarette I had and told myself I was not going to spend money on them anymore. And I haven't had any since. It was hard; I honestly enjoyed smoking; but as each day went by as a non-smoker, I was more fearful that if I had even a puff, I would go back to smoking and all this fight to quit would be wasted."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I've been on Chantix for four days now and feel great. I have 3 cervical hernias on my neck and had difficulty breathing, so I had to quit smoking. The feeling of suffocation from smoking has gone away. Whew! I think I will have my last cigarette in a few days. I'm down to one cigarette a day. Woohoo! When I get off of Chantix, I will talk to my Dr. just in case there's any anxiety. So far, so good!"

• MeJ...
• October 19, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Took Chantix for about 8 weeks. Initially very crabby (horrible) that never went away during the course of meds, nauseated and couldn’t smoke much if I wanted to. Cravings decreased and really started hating cigarettes - cut down some. Coffee + Chantix did not mix well for me. Week 9, I’m thinking this is not working and quit taking the pills. 2 days later, I was having caffeinated coffee and smoked and felt like I was going to die - foggy brain, shaky, cold sweats, clammy hands, anxiety x 10. Forget it. I’ll try to quit on my own. No more of these pills."

• Ka2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix on 11/14/21. I wanted to smoke less right away, and from the end of week 1 to about week 2 and 1/2, I was smoking 1-3 cigs a day. I was a pack-a-day smoker for about 20 years. I haven’t had a smoke since 11/30. I have had moments of strong cravings, but it feels more like it’s not that I want to smoke, it’s that I don’t know what to do with myself sometimes. Hoping that feeling goes away with time. It’s mostly been manageable…some mood swings, anxiousness, irritability, fatigue. I take it with food, so haven’t had any stomach issues. And the dreams. Holy crap, they are vivid and weird. I actually look forward to them! I still have some doubts here and there that I can stay smoke-free, so I’m gonna stay on for probably at least another month and hope to feel stronger. I don’t think I would have gotten this far without the help of Chantix."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I was considered a light smoker, a pack every few days. I had regularly smoked for five years. I didn't think I would ever be able to quit. Chantix worked so well with blocking out the headaches, anxiety, loss of sleep, and all the moodiness that accompanies quitting. I took it for about two weeks total. I actually quit smoking around the 8th day. Pretty painless."

• mag...
• November 15, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "My husband and I started Chantix on Oct 12. We both smoked a pack per day for over 45 years. On Oct 30, we both stopped smoking. We took the last week's pills once a day. We both had crazy dreams. I had nausea, anxiety, heart racing, depression, and/or mood swings, just felt funny. I have COPD, so I needed to quit. I stopped taking the last pill, but now I am having cravings, and they last a while. I am going to get a new script. All of the side effects are worth it. I am going to quit."

• ter...
• November 21, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "Partner started taking Chantix and stopped a week later due to having breast cancer surgery. Was down from 2 packs per day to 1 pack per day - just nausea as a side effect. I started Chantix a week ago and have not completely stopped smoking yet. Down from 1 pack per day to 6-10 cigarettes per day. Side effects: gas, anxiety, nervousness, heart racing, sleeplessness, and a few vivid dreams. Didn't realize it could be from this medication. Will continue taking it so I can be there for her while she battles this cancer."

• ter...
• November 21, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "Partner started taking Chantix and stopped a week later due to having breast cancer surgery. Was down from 2 packs per day to 1 pack per day - just nausea as a side effect. I started Chantix a week ago and have not completely stopped smoking yet. Down from 1 pack per day to 6-10 cigarettes per day. Side effects: gas, anxiety, nervousness, heart racing, sleeplessness, and a few vivid dreams. Didn't realize it could be from this medication. Will continue taking it so I can be there for her while she battles this cancer."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2013

For Smoking Cessation "I started smoking at 11 years old. Smoked 2 packs a day till I was 48 years old. I have tried several other products before, but nothing worked. I am bipolar but really wanted to try Chantix. My psychiatrist gave me the script and is watching closely. I quit smoking after 2 weeks on Chantix and have been quit for 5 1/2 months now. I stopped Chantix cold turkey 3 days ago. I am having some anxiety, mood swings, but today was much better than yesterday. I suffered from constipation, swelling, bloating, terrible gas, sweet cravings, sweats (day and night), and I have gained 30 lbs while I was taking Chantix. But I am smoke free. I am a diabetic, and I have cancer and heart disease in my family, so quitting was very important to me."

• App...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am stunned at how well this is working! I was a heavy and committed smoker. I have never been able to quit for even one single full day. I am currently on day 13 of taking Chantix. I have had exactly 2 cigarettes in the past 4 days. For the overwhelming majority of the time, I do not think about smoking. There are still moments in the day when triggers happen that make me want to smoke, but they are getting less and less severe all the time. I really am in disbelief. The only side effect that I can think of is that my dreams are a little more vivid and memorable than usual. Some of them leave me feeling anxious, but they're not what you would call nightmares either. Other than that, I am trying to drink lots of water, and I think it helps."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2012

For Smoking Cessation "Amazing. Yes, of course there were side effects. I felt tired and a bit nauseous about an hour after taking the pill. I countered this by taking the 'evening' pill at night before bed, and then I would be fine. I had a few vivid dreams, but nothing crazy. This medicine works...if you really want to quit smoking. It isn't magic, and you do have to put some effort in. Of course, you will be cranky and a bit more anxious than normal, your brain has no idea how to deal with stress without smoking. None of these are reasons to not try it. I was a pack-a-day smoker for 15 years, and I have not smoked for 10 weeks and have zero desire to do so. It's truly a miracle medicine."

• Ann...
• August 6, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "I have been smoking since the age of thirteen, and seven years ago started chewing Nicorette and most of the time smoking at the same time. I am 34 years old and decided that I was done smoking and chewing. I started the Chantix on 7/28/07, and as of 8/4/07, I am 100% smoke-free. It has really worked for me. I have experienced light nausea within 30 minutes of taking the pill, then it goes away, craving to eat, heightened anxiety with occasional confusion, and sometimes extreme apathy."

• Som...
• October 4, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I used Chantix for about 2 weeks, and the side effects were horrible: depression, insomnia, anxiety, etc. But it did get me to quit smoking. You could attribute those symptoms to quitting, since they are common symptoms of stopping smoking, but I will nip that argument in the bud. I was an emotional wreck, barely able to function at all. Cold turkey wouldn't be as intense as what I experienced on Chantix. I would recommend Chantix as a last resort for anyone wanting to quit smoking."

• Anonymous
• February 21, 2010

For Smoking Cessation "Although I have tried nearly every quit-smoking method out there, Chantix was the only thing that has actually worked for me. I took it for one month and then decided there was no need to renew the prescription. The biggest negatives for me were increased urination, difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, anxiety, irritability, and weight gain of about 6 pounds. The weight gain was very sudden at the start of taking the prescription and was very odd because I am a distance runner and am very conscious of calories in vs. calories out. Now that I've stopped taking the drug, I'm still struggling to get off these last few pounds, but I'm much less irritable, am sleeping better, and still have no desire to smoke. :)"

• Ell...
• January 18, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Don't play Russian roulette with your brain. I took this thinking it was a miracle and experienced throwing up with no warning, even while driving a car. Really dark, horrific dreams that were very vivid. Deep depression, anxiety, feelings of dread that were so bad I couldn't face another day, insomnia that lasted for 8 weeks before being put on Xanax, Trazodone, and Citalopram, all prescribed the same day as my doctor didn't recognize me. I couldn't perform the simplest tasks at my job and having panic attacks that would put me over the edge. This medication should not be for sale. It ruins your brain. Don't let this drug take away all the good things in life just to get rid of one bad habit."