Chantix and Headaches: What Users Say

• DJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I was hospitalized the day after Christmas 2019 for other issues than smoking, stomach issues, internal bleeding, and alcoholism. I have COPD. I’ve smoked ever since I was sixteen. I am 63 years old. Up to 3 packs a day. I was a mess. Due to being hospitalized, I could not smoke or drink. After a 5-day stay, I was released on New Year's Eve. I was sent home dry. I tried nicotine patches for about a week and a half. Alcohol was the LAST thing on my mind. I was so sick! Finally, my primary doctor talked me into trying Chantix again. It’s been 4 weeks, no smoking at all or alcohol. I still crave a cigarette, but it’s manageable. Moment by moment, this too shall pass. Side effects: nausea and vomiting if not taken with food, I want to sleep a lot! Slight depression? Occasional headaches. A feeling of “loss”. The pros outweigh the cons at least for me. I truly believe I was going to die after being hospitalized. By the grace of God, it was a wide awakening."

• Suz...
• September 21, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked 2 packs daily for 35 years. After the 3rd day on Chantix, smoked less than 10 cigs a day. On the 5th day, smoked 4 cigarettes. On the 6th day, I threw away my cigarettes. I have just started my 31st day on Chantix. Honestly, I don't think I will need the entire second month's dosage. I feel so much better; I don't want to ruin this by picking up another cigarette. There are side effects that you have to plan for and deal with, such as nausea after each dose. Be sure to eat a meal before each pill and drink PLENTY of water. I have had an occasional headache and vivid dreams. None of the side effects have been deal breakers. The 'magic' that makes Chantix work is directly proportional to your level of commitment to quit smoking. If you are at that point, I would highly recommend Chantix - nothing else worked for me and this has been the charm."

• St ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I'm 76 and have smoked since I was 16, and about 50 years of that was non-filtered cigarettes. I took Chantix for 48 days as prescribed and did not smoke at all after the 7th day. I had no side effects for several weeks, but after about 40 days on the drug, I became extremely moody, had terrible nightmares, a constant headache, and was turning into a very angry person. I stopped the drug on the 48th day, and thankfully the side effects went away after about 4 days. Well, I've been off Chantix now for 2 weeks, feel great, and still am smoke-free. For me personally, this drug did suppress any pleasure of smoking but also suppressed any pleasure of anything. Use with caution!"

• Ham...
• January 27, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have only been on Chantix for about 5 weeks. I stopped smoking 5 days ago. Cravings are minimal and go away after about 10 minutes. If you have tried everything and are desperate to stop smoking, it does work. The side effects can vary: headaches, nausea, bloating, constipation, but it is the only thing that just stopped me after 37 years of smoking. If you have any past mental health issues, talk to your doctor. If you are using alcohol while taking Chantix, even in small amounts... DON'T! It does work, but you have to be ready to stop smoking."

• Kjh...
• November 17, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I am currently on Cymbalta and was told it would not affect Champix. Day 1-3, I was very nauseous with a headache. Day 4, I was angry. Day 5 and 6, I was 'lost,' tired, and emotionally absent. Day 7 to 12, I went from emotionally absent to holding back tears daily. SEVERE sadness. Day 14, I was trying to fall asleep and heard someone say, 'Jesus. She is asleep. ZAP!' I live alone. Later that night, I had a complete mental breakdown. What I needed to do with my animals and if I should pack everything so no one would have to, all while crying hysterically. I was told by numerous people that I do not need to take this medication due to prior mental health issues. I told them, 'A few weeks of crazy is worth me not smoking.' After all, I have had issues for the past 30 years. I just KNEW I had been through and felt it all. I was wrong! If you have prior mental health issues, DO NOT TAKE IT!!!!! It elevates every issue by 100%."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "Back when I tried Chantix, my insurance did not cover it, BUT I worked out I would spend more on cigarettes, so I went for it! The funny part is I really didn’t want to quit, BUT Chantix took away all cravings. Why smoke if you don’t crave them? So I quit a 33-year, 2-pack-a-day habit. That was 6 years ago! Yes, I had side effects: headaches & nightmares... STILL WORTH IT! Benefits outweigh the risks for sure! Thank you, Chantix!"

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Chantix for 5 weeks now and smoke-free for 4 of the 5 weeks. I was skeptical about the side effects but was more scared about what it would be like as a non-smoking adult. What would I do with the extra time? How would I handle stressful situations? Well... I handle life just fine, if not better, as a non-smoker! I had a few slight side effects such as a bit of nausea and a mild headache the first couple of days, but otherwise, I am extremely happy with the results. I continued smoking as normal for the first week. However, as the week continued, I noticed that each cigarette I had started tasting worse and worse. By the sixth day, they were actually making me nauseous. I quit on the seventh day. The only time I have any urges is when I have a few (or more...) alcoholic drinks, but have managed to work through them without lighting up. It's been so awesome being able to breathe easier, smell better, sleep more soundly, less snoring (according to my wife), no more constant coughing, and overall, more energy. I now love being a non-smoker!"

• WA2...
• October 12, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I am convinced that this medication has saved my life. I set a quit date for 2 weeks after I started Chantix, and by day 3, I had no cravings, and when I did try to smoke, it tasted like crap. I am 47, and I have been smoking 1/2-1 pack a day since I was 20. I'm now on day 17, and I have no urge to smoke, and I have no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. I did have a mild headache for the first week, but nothing that an Advil wouldn't fix. I have to admit, I was terrified to start taking Chantix because I had heard the horror stories (I actually had the meds for 2 weeks and was afraid to take it), lol. Since starting the meds, all I can do is kick myself for not asking my doctor for it sooner. This is an answered prayer. I'm a non-smoker now!!!!! WooHoo."

• Sar...
• June 4, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "After a health scare, I opted to try Chantix even though I was a bit nervous about the side effects. So far, I am amazed with how well it's working. Definitely got some nausea (pretty bad) and headaches, but helped a lot if taken with food. Dreams were vivid, and I remember them more, but nothing awful. I just started a week ago and stopped smoking fully 3 days ago - obviously a long road ahead, but I can't believe how easy this has been. I have had no withdrawal symptoms, very few cravings - which I can easily shake off. I've been smoking a pack a day for 20 years and never thought I quit! I highly recommend."

• Ex-...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I was a smoker for 45 years, one or more packs per day, and have tried to quit numerous times. Nothing worked, not the patch, cold turkey, gum, or lozenges. With Chantix, it has been a miracle to be able to quit smoking and not even miss it. I am currently on Day 24 of Chantix and have been totally quit smoking for 19 days! Unbelievable. No real urge to smoke and absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. The only side effect of Chantix for me was a headache in the beginning (took Tylenol and it went away) and some nausea if I don’t eat before taking Chantix. For years, I have had a lot of trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I had a little trouble sleeping the first night on Chantix, but I have slept like a baby every night since. No nightmares, but definitely vivid dreams. I think that means I am sleeping deeply, perhaps. If you are ready to quit smoking and WANT to quit smoking, Chantix will work for you."

• tle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I'm 31 years old - female. Been smoking 16 years, about a pack a day. I'm still smoking and just started my 3rd week on Chantix, however, I feel I do NOT need cigarettes anymore. Yesterday I smoked 1 cigarette and didn't enjoy any of it. I find myself only smoking still so that I find it more disgusting and no longer will want it (in the future). I have 4 cigarettes left in the pack and will NOT be buying any more. I don't think about running outside every 30 minutes to an hour. And when I do think about having one, I actually get turned off and end up forgetting about it. When I started Chantix, I wasn't totally ready to quit, but I'm there now. Side effects hit me about 2 weeks into it - mild constipation, quick to be irritable (but doesn't last), headaches (pain relievers help)."

• Pin...
• November 8, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix on 10/14/16 after discussing with my doctor what my options are as a bipolar. Because I have not had an episode or been on medication for two years, we decided it would be safe to try. I selected 11/01/16 as my quit day. 7 days into the medication, I really started to notice that cigarettes weren't satisfying anymore and would often get a headache and an odd metallic aftertaste afterward. I went from a pack a day to maybe 6 cigarettes a day afterward. I smoked my last cigarette on Halloween at around 9. It's been 7 days, and I'm still smoke-free. My husband still smokes, and I'm fine. I've had zero side effects and finally confident that I can stay quit this time."

• don...
• June 18, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 37 years and quit with Chantix. I stopped after 3 weeks, continued medication for about 6 weeks. Side effects were some nausea lasting for about 30 minutes after taking. Did have some headaches. Had great dreams. I felt like I would never be able to quit, but 2 months before I started, I saw 2 of my coworkers quit, and they smoked like 2 packs a day while I smoked less than a pack. I started Chantix with a positive attitude that this was going to work for me and could not be happier with the results. I am now 6 months smoke-free, even had almost a full pack in my purse for about a month, then threw them in the back seat of my car one day because they were in my way. I am confident that I will remain smoke-free and with more money."

• 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."

• ESa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I started Chantix four weeks ago, and I have completely stopped smoking after 15 years. This is a great product! I slowly dwindled down on the amount I smoked per day until my body just didn't want a cigarette anymore. The only side effect I had was headaches in the beginning. I'm on an antidepressant as well. I feel great and am so thankful for this medication. The smell of cigarettes is horrible now! Yay!"

• ali...
• January 11, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "I have not smoked in 4 months, and I owe it all to Chantix. I had shortness of breath, severe headaches, felt very lethargic, absent-minded, and depressed. I ended up in the emergency room. I am fine now, but I have not taken it for 2 months. And the best is I am a non-smoker! They say it will take a few months before I feel myself again. I have no desire to smoke."

• ars...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "On day 8, decided that I can't take a morning dose, because no matter what, I usually can't keep it down. Initial nausea is fleeting but intense (much more so in the morning), and feeling somewhat nauseous all day. Ginger root pills don't touch this. Also experiencing regular/constant headaches. No problems with vivid or disruptive dreams. I'm going to bed earlier and sleeping like a champion!! BUT as a 20-year smoker, I don't want to quit (but feel like I need to), and Chantix is AMAZING at blocking the desire to smoke. Only a week in, smoking 1/2 as much or less, and solely out of habit. No cravings, cigs no longer taste good to me."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I've smoked now for 24 years and was up to 1 pack a day for about a year. I started Chantix 1 week ago, and I continued to smoke in decreased amounts. However, on day number 3, every time I smoked, I felt nauseous, very weak, and got a very bad headache regardless of eating before taking it. I'm now on week number 2, and for the first time as of 7-2-18, I've only smoked once! I'm so proud of myself because by now I would've smoked at least 7 cigarettes! I know being smoke-free is attainable for me, but I do get very strong cravings, especially in the morning, but it is much easier in the evenings to fight the cravings. Thus far, the side effects I have experienced are constipation, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, and vivid dreams, but good ones! So far, I would say Chantix is helping me battle the urge to smoke, and I do see a smoke-free road ahead of me!"

• nnn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I was skeptical. I heard so many good things, and it sounded like a miracle drug. After learning I developed asthma, I got scared enough to take the plunge. It was free with my insurance (bonus!). After taking Chantix for two weeks, I started noticing a disgust for cigarettes. I would try smoking out of habit but would become nauseated. It smelled bad and tasted worse. From there, I pretty much didn't want to smoke anymore and didn't even have many cravings. There were days that I did crave, but I pushed through them easily. I also had two days of off-and-on headaches from, I presume, withdrawal. Now I can say I am two weeks cigarette-free thanks to Chantix, and I love being able to breathe, not to mention the extra money I save."

• Ami...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I was a heavy smoker since 13 years ago, 2 and a half packs a day. I am 31 years old, one day I thought I would never see my 50th birthday, so I decided to quit. At first, I took Zyban for one month, my cigarettes were cut down to 10 a day within the first week, but after a week my body resisted. I continued taking Zyban for one month and nothing changed, so I decided to add Chantix to my regimen. After 2 days of taking Chantix 3 mgs per day, I completely quit! Now it's been 3 days, and I am tobacco-free. The only side effects that I think are from nicotine withdrawal are intense headaches all day long. I just wanted to write this review for those who failed to quit. Try combining drugs, especially for Chantix, some of us may need higher doses to work. There is absolutely no interaction between Zyban and Chantix. This review is mainly for those who couldn't quit using one of the drugs alone. I hope this was helpful."

• 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."

• blr...
• April 24, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I just started Chantix yesterday morning. As far as symptoms, I had a brief headache when taking it and nausea for about 10 minutes... nothing that wasn't tolerable. I was very hesitant about taking the med because I have heard so many horror stories, but honestly, it isn't that bad so far. I did have pretty vivid dreams last night that were just strange and didn't make much sense, but nothing terrifying. I normally smoked anywhere from slightly over half a pack to a pack per day. Yesterday, I smoked 6 in total, and today so far I have had less than half. I'm already starting to feel some withdrawal symptoms such as sore throat, sore tongue, slight headache, etc. I plan on sticking with this med and will update later in the process."

• jan...
• September 27, 2007

For Smoking Cessation "This past Sunday, I took my one pill in the evening as usual. Within a few minutes, I had a migraine headache, and my left eye went totally blurry. I've had a few headaches since I went on Chantix, and I haven't had a migraine in many, many years. I have totally quit taking Chantix, and I still am not smoking. My eyesight in my left eye is still somewhat blurry, but not as bad as it was Sunday/Monday. Everyone, please let your doctor know about any side effects you're having on this medicine."

• ale...
• May 31, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "Smoked for 35 years, quit for a year once and was miserable. Have been taking Zyban/Wellbutrin for depression for 12 years and still smoked. Started Chantix 4/21/09, smoked a few in the first weeks but they made me gag. Still went through a little nicotine withdrawal the first week, but very mild compared to the other times I've quit. Still occasionally think about smoking, but just a habit, not craving. No nausea or nightmares, but an amazing amount of gas, a fair bit of constipation, and a little foggy. But side effects are nothing compared to how bad cigarettes were making me feel. Actually, fewer headaches than before quitting. If I can keep this up after stopping Chantix, it will be the best thing to happen for me in a very, very long time."

• boo...
• February 14, 2008

For Smoking Cessation "Starting 4th week, Sat. Only smoke when I drink alcohol. Even then, don't crave, doing it out of habit. Am going to stop consuming alcohol for a while. It makes me feel weird on the meds anyway. Also, when I smoke, I get a headache and sometimes nausea/dizzy. I am amazed at the lack of withdrawal symptoms. Constipation, some gas, vivid dreams, sleep a lot sometimes. I think that has a lot to do with no more nicotine. Overall, feeling great. Breathing better, more relaxed, will continue the program."