Question for people who have taken Champix to stop smoking

Question

I've had these pills now for about six weeks. A family member had recommended them to me as she knew someone who was a heavy smoker and had managed to quit by using Champix. Then after I got them, she advised me not to take them as some guy had killed himself while he was on them.

I'm a bit scared about taking them now, as I'm prone to depression anyway. I've had quite bad reactions from antidepressants, where I would feel extremely anxious, panicky and just completely out of it. I couldn't leave the house and couldn't really do anything, I looked like I was completely out of my face on drugs. I don't really mind having some physical side effects, but am very wary about taking something which might affect me mentally.

I'd like to hear about any of your experiences of Champix. Especially from people who have taken it and are also prone to depression. I would like to at least try it as I really do want to stop smoking but just find it so difficult. I don't really understand how someone could have taken them and got to the point where they killed themselves, and not realised that this drug was affecting them.

Answer 1

You are talking about serious issues.

Please consult a doctor before starting a drug that "might" cause your premature death. Death is not an acceptable way to stop smoking !

If you do not have a personal doctor or cant afford to get one then please call your local health department and get a appointment for a free consultation (also a good place to get free or cheap stop smoking medications).

Good luck ,you can stop smoking

Answer 2

My husband is currently taking Chantix, and he is also prone to depression.

He thought he could handle the side effects and decided to give this a shot. The first two weeks were rough...he was more down than usual and also experienced nausea. I was becoming worried about how down he was and I told him he wouldn't disappoint me if he stopped, that I would understand. He said good, because he really wants to stop.

So I thought that was that, he wasn't taking it anymore. But just a few days ago I saw him taking his pill. I asked him about it and he said he had decided to keep trying. He is in his fourth week and the depression feelings and nausea have stopped. I think he must have thought about it some more because we are trying to have a baby (and not much luck). Stopping smoking could really help us.

HOWEVER...you said you were on your sixth week. As far as side effects go I would imagine you are pretty home-free. Most people have these in the beginning. However, since you are prone to depression it wouldn't hurt to take some precautionaries. Make sure your family and friends know you are taking this drug so they can check up on you.

Good luck!

Answer 3

stop little by little cuz my great grandma died from just immeditly stop smoking

Answer 4

I tried it...made me dream so much that I could not get any rest..I don't know how that is possible? ha! ha!  my eyes would hurt upon waking from all the moving from the dreams...I believe you will know if its making you sad enough to kill yourself honey...way in advance...if your that afraid then get a friend or a loved one to pay attention to you until you quit smoking and get off of it...smoking addiction is just so stupid...I am one of those still addicted. i am a mad smoker..LOL! i smoke only when I get mad.....other wise i don't...course thats not helping my lungs any...zyban/wellbutrin same drug....works fantastic!  for many i am told...and it is an anti anxiety drug...you might consider that instead of the chantix...best wishes on your journey :0)

Answer 5

My sister has suffered from manic depression for some years,she is still on medication. She was also a smoker who gave up after taking champix. She had no problems with it at all.

Answer 6

I used Chantix for six months without feeling depressed, but depression and suicidal ideation are common side effects of this drug. The company gives the following advice:

"Advise patients and caregivers that the patient should stop taking CHANTIX and contact a health care provider immediately if agitation, depressed mood, or changes in behavior that are not typical for the patient are observed, or if the patient develops suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior."

Whether this adequately mitigates the risk, I don't know. The response could be too overpowering, or you could stop caring. I didn't as I said become depressed, but I did notice a peculiar impulsiveness, e.g., I'd see something sweet at the supermarket and buy it without even thinking about whether it was fattening or not. Did me no harm beyond a few extra pounds, but it's definitely a weird drug.

Answer 7

Im probably a totally diff case from you my friend, i was on Champix for 3 months, i managed to stop smoking on my 2nd month however was on Champix for four months alot of it is the drug but most of it's down to us and i was a 20- 30 a day guy n feel great now, take it at your own pace but you can do it, Good Luck.  

Answer 8

I tried chantix over a year ago when it first came out.  It made me sicker than a dog so I quit taking it - at the time there were no recommendations to take them with food.  It was some time later that they came out with the warnings about suicidal thoughts associated with the drug.  I've known several people who have tried the drug with limited success but they have always relapsed.  None of them ever complained of suicidal thoughts.  You should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Answer 9

use the easy way by Alan Carr it works and its so easy you don't need anything else no patch gum or tablets trust me if you really want to quit you will find no other program like it and you can smoke until you finish the program he recommends you smoke until the last day of the program    

Answer 10

I've never heard of Champix. But the drug Chantix works by blocking the pleasure receptors in your brain. In theory that's great - the nicotene has no effect on your brain, so smoking becomes pointless and you quit. The downside of this is - IT BLOCKS THE PLEASURE RECEPTORS IN YOUR BRAIN!!! I came up with a new slogan for Chantix - "I coulda died smoking. But now I'm killing myself."