Varenicline and Nausea: 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."

• 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!!"

• JAY...
• January 26, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "First off, this pill works for what it is intended for. 10 days after starting, I stopped smoking and had no desire to have a cigarette. I continued using for 3 more weeks, stopped and still am not smoking. As for side effects, I did have nausea, but if I took it with food, it helped a lot. I did have very vivid enhanced dreams, but nothing scary or nothing that bothered me. I do want to add, though, if you are on any psychiatric medications, I'd use caution and talk to your doctor. I have been on medication for bipolar for over 20 years and haven't had any kind of relapse for over 10 years. However, while on this drug, I did have a setback with some depression and mood swings, where I had to take a 3-week leave of absence from work. Now, this could be just a coincidence, but maybe not. I am better now, stable on my meds, and smoke-free. I would still recommend this drug, as it was very easy and effective to quit smoking, I'd just use caution."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bet...
• July 19, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on my 10th day of Chantix. I have not smoked for two days. The first few days, I was smoking more than normal, then around the 5th day, I cut my 20-a-day habit down to 3. It felt easier than I imagined it would, then 1, now none. Chantix is a strong drug. I suffer from depression anyway, so I have been very cautious about the dosage. I only take one pill a day. I have felt depressed at times, but I have had worse days. I keep a close eye on my mood and make sure I keep telling myself it's my mind and I will control it. I felt queasy at times, but never got that sick feeling after smoking. I still crave a cigarette, but I feel Chantix makes it more bearable to get through the craving. It's still early days, but I've never managed to go this long without smoking in 22 years. Fingers crossed to a better me."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "After reading reviews, I was terrified to take this medicine, but I really wanted to quit, so I gave it a try. I took it for 35 days and quit due to side effects. I smoked for the first two weeks and haven’t smoked another one in 3 weeks. I did experience nausea, some vivid dreams, but nothing terrifying. I did get severely depressed and literally just got out of bed to go to work, so I decided to quit taking it. I think this drug is effective in helping you quit if you really desire to quit. It was a great start for me, and I’m hoping I don’t start back after quitting the medicine early. Cigarettes taste disgusting while using this, and you don’t get that satisfaction after smoking like you normally would, so I think that’s what helps."

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I love Chantix! It's amazing. The only side effects I had were a little nausea and some gas, but only if I didn't eat something or drink water with it. Very mild tiredness, nothing that a coffee or coke couldn't resolve quickly. Also, I experienced very vivid and wild dreams, almost realistic, but to be honest, I really enjoyed them. I have no desire to smoke whatsoever. It's the strangest and coolest thing in the world."

• 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."

• pfa...
• May 13, 2009

For Smoking Cessation "I have smoked for 38 years. I liked smoking. I never let my cigarettes run out. They were a friend. I could not imagine life without cigarettes. Chantix changed that. Chantix made cigarettes less important to me. I dwindled down to one cigarette a day over 6 weeks, and when the pack ran out, I didn't buy another one. I had the crazy dreams, brief nausea, and I also became terse, impatient, and snappy. When I started the 8th week, I decided to cut down to one pill a day to wean myself off the drug. I am still smoke-free. My mood has improved. I feel more like myself only I don't want to smoke. If I can Quit, You can Quit. Try it. LIVE BETTER WITHOUT CIGARETTES. GOOD LUCK!"

• 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."

• Wan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "I will be starting my 3rd month of Chantix in a few days. I’ve smoked a pack a day for 35 years. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 2 COPD. I’m down now to 5-6 cigarettes a day. I will smoke my very last cigarette tonight. However, the side effects as far as nausea have been very hard to tolerate. But I’ve learned from my doctor that I can take Zantac, and it works really well with the stomach upset. My dreams can be really vivid. I have some depression. I do find myself more tired and irritable, eating more and experiencing weight gain. The medication works, but you have to let it do its job, and you have to work with it. I’m stubborn, and I like smoking. I decided to try Chantix because I first read the reviews in here, and you all were my inspiration. I thank you for that, and I hope my quit date tomorrow, 12/20, is successful so that on Christmas, I may have the first few days of the rest of my life smoke-free to report to my kids. Thanks for listening, and thanks for your help."

• tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2014

For Smoking Cessation "I started taking Chantix in August after filling the prescription in late June. I had read so many reviews on mood, behavior, and emotional changes, I was so afraid to take it. I had to make a decision and finally started the first week of August. The first 2 days I had severe nausea and confusion. I called my doctor, they advised to take it right after a meal. I did that the next day and had no nausea or confusion. I'm so glad I did not give up on this medicine. To be honest, I have had a few cigarettes here and there. I guess after smoking since I was 16 (now 42), it's a hard habit to break. I don't even enjoy smoking at all. I take a couple of puffs, and the taste is so disgusting in my mouth that I put the cigarette out. I'm done smoking. Go for it."

• 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."

• Cl0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Today is day 7 of using Chantix. I'm a 33-year-old disabled Army vet. I have bipolar, depression, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and I have been smoking for 20 years. I have tried everything to quit smoking, patches made me want to smoke more, the gum made my stomach feel like it was on fire, and cold turkey made me homicidal. On day one, I was smoking a pack a day. By day 4, I was smoking 1/2 a pack, now I smoke about 3 cigarettes a day, but only 1/2 a cigarette at a time. I have no nausea, no sleep issues, and no other side effects that I have noticed. I just seem to be craving cigarettes less and less. I'm really hoping that within a few more days I won't smoke at all."

• 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."

• 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."