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November 22, 2006
WSJ on Pfizer's Chantix Antismoking Pill
Article in the Wall Street Journal -- Marketing New Antismoking Pill Poses Challenges for Pfizer, by Scott Hensley:
For Pfizer Inc., the easiest part of marketing its new antismoking pill may have been winning Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug in May.
Chantix, the first medicine in a decade to help smokers quit, would seem a surefire blockbuster. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., and about 70% of the nation's 45 million smokers say they want to quit, according to government estimates. In addition, existing treatments work poorly, and Chantix got speedy FDA approval in large part because of its superior performance.
But in launching the drug, Pfizer has had to negotiate a marketing obstacle course that illustrates some of the challenges facing the industry, as well as the idiosyncrasies of the huge antismoking market. Aware of increased consumer cynicism and unfulfilled promises made for smoking treatments in the past, Pfizer has adopted a softer sell that it hopes will build Chantix steadily over time. Meanwhile, because insurers are slow to cover smoking treatments, it has priced Chantix so that consumers will be willing to pay for it themselves.
BGS
November 22, 2006 in Chantix, Tobacco | Permalink
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Comments
I and a co-worker started on Chantix to stop smoking. We both remained on the medication for approximately 6 weeks but discontinued due to gastric reflux and severe joint pain. Two days after discontinuing the medication my systolic blood pressure became extremely elevated, I experienced severe joint and muscle pain, severe headaches, difficulty concentrating, chest pain, SOB, and numerous other difficulties. These were so severe I ended up in emergent care extremely hypertensive. My co-worker also experienced elevated systolic pressure and joint pain. It has been 3 weeks now that we have both discontinued the Chantix and we are still suffering effects. I believe this drug has the potential to be harmful and more study of side-effects needs to be done. (Both my co-worker and I are nurses)
Posted by: Julie Pfaff | Feb 27, 2007 9:12:28 AM
My husband took Chantix for 2-1/2 weeks, stopped because of severe joint, muscle, & gum pain. He also had a resting heartrate of 163. We have been to the Dr and Dentist, with no relief. It's been 3 weeks since the last pill and he still feeling horrible and still having bad gum/jaw pain. Any ideas?
Posted by: Lisa | Mar 14, 2007 4:52:37 PM
after taking Chantix for 16 days: hospitalized with very high BP, edema, potassium retention,conjective heart failure and renal failure...prior to Chantix my labs were normal... currently under a nephroligist care with a glomular filtration rate of 25... was 66.
Posted by: David | Apr 9, 2007 6:12:52 PM
After taking Chantix approx 2 months, my BP went crazy through the roof. Ended up in ER, but seem to be okay now. I couldn't find anything that indicated Chantix caused the problem, but I stopped taking it immediately. I don't know if joint pain was part of the reaction, because I have RA and probably wouldn't have noticed a difference.
Posted by: Linda Kemp | Apr 18, 2007 11:41:05 AM
I recently started taking Chantix. I have an old back injury. I thought the pain I was having was due to that. So I kept taking Chantix. I am now on week 4. I woke this morning in horrible hip and back and neck and arm pain. I did not take Chantix this morning. I felt like my kidneys were going to explode. I do not know if this is because of the Chantix. But I have now discontinued the drug.
Karen
Posted by: Karen | Apr 20, 2007 7:19:48 PM
after being off chantix for one week I ended up in the hospital and had to have my gallbladder removed. my wife started and ended chantix one week to the day from when I did and one week to the day of being off it she too ended up in the hospital. They thought she had chrones but turns out she too has to have her gallbladder removed.
Robert
Posted by: Robert Bonds | Apr 30, 2007 8:27:59 AM
Had to stop Chantix after a couple of weeks because of severe joint pain and heart palpitations. I was in a fog, no energy and could sleep for days. Still have joint pain after 2 wks of not taking Chantix and still don't have any energy to do anything anymore.
Posted by: Ann Marie | May 3, 2007 11:03:37 PM
i to am having bad side effects from chantix. some symptoms include edema all over, very fatigued, difficulty breathing (scary), swollen abdomen to a large amount, water retention, body aches and pain,the list goes on (too many to list). i am having to monitor liver enzymes (was 30 prior to taking chantix. 150 last week after taking chantix for a few weeks. and liver enzymes 242 as of yesterday-a big increase within little less than a week.) the doctor has put me off work for a few days. I stopped taking this medication 4/25/07 - i believe that's the date. i stopped when i began to experience edema and difficulty breathing. i don't feel well at all. i am basically a healthy person. i was not on any other medication. now i am having to take lasix and potassium to help with decreasing the water retention. its not doing a whole lot right now. i am still swollen and smothering. i have had a major weight gain. i have to monitor my weight daily. i am very angry because i should have been completely educated prior to this medication being prescribed. i would not have taken this if i knew it had the slightest chance of making me this sick. i did not know of any of these side effects.
Posted by: teresa | May 4, 2007 11:23:36 AM
For anyone interested there is a blog going on at wrongdiagnosis.com concerning bone/joint pain after taking Chantix. It is similiar to this only probably over a hundred blogs. We need to get some answers to how we can reverse what we have done to our bodies with Chantix. I found the site by accident while I was looking for some relief from "gas" from Chantix never expecting or suspecting in a million years that was the cause of the increase in my pain. Doctors don't know anything other than the fact that they were handed Chantix to push to the patients. Don't waste your time with asking them "why or what to do".
Posted by: Candice Hudson | May 8, 2007 11:45:24 AM
My husband and i took chantix, beginning in march 2007.
we followed the instructions and we did stop smoking, although it took longer than the ten to fourteen days recommended. i believe we stopped at the end of the first month. we continued to take the chantix and yes, it was a tremendous help.
a week ago, we began to forget to take our pills. our doctor had told us that weaning off was NOT necessary, so no need to wean after we were done the 12 weeks. since we were forgetting to take them and we were smoke free for 8 weeks, we stopped. neither one of us is having a good time. my husband is back to craving cigarettes and i have joint pain, along with numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. i am not depressed but i do have some bladder issues, including frequency, urgency, pressure. especially at night. while on chantix, we both had extremely bizarre and vivid dreams and insomnia.
the insomnia has passed as have the vivid dreams once we stopped taking the drug. i would expect it will take at least two months for me to feel normal again.
the question is....how much responsibility belongs to chantix and how much responsibility belongs to the cessation of putting extreme amounts of nasty toxins and chemicals in our systems when we smoked. i would imagine it will take a year or so for the body to heal itself.
simply put, i don't think we know what normal is, since we have forced our bodies to adapt to the chemicals in cigs and now to the chemical in chantix. we have two things in common. we smoked, which contains all kinds of chemicals from which we need to withdraw on a molecular level and we took chantix, which also has its side effects.
i think we're screwed for a few months, at least.
Posted by: Shoshona | May 22, 2007 12:17:10 PM
I started Chantix on February 1st. I am still not smoking. I am thankful for that. But the adverse side effects were just awful. I think I had everything that everybody else here has posted. But when I finished my 3 months? Wow, the cravings came back big time. So I got another month's worth of Chantix and am taking them now. The cravings went away immediately. What does this mean? Should we be tapering off?
If Pfizer really cared they would have a website where everybody could write in. Wouldn't you think they would want to know? Has anyone even seen Chantix advertised? I haven't, I just heard about it from my Doctor. And now he is telling me I shouldn't take it any more. That really ticks me off. Why didn't he do a little more research on Chantix before he started prescribing it to everybody?
Posted by: Churchill | May 22, 2007 9:00:41 PM
I started taking chantix in Nov.06 and quit smoking immediately with some shakiness and anxiety which I thought was normal. It's June 07 and I am still having terrible anxiety and real angry feelings (strange) for me. I have also had enlarged liver, abdomonal edema and pain. Low thyroid level, very short of breath just since I used the chantix. I know that it had something to do with these problems appearing within a month of taking the medication. Pizer really needs to print more information for the patient with side effects or educate these doctors prescribing the medication. Yes it worked for the smoking and I haven't wanted a cigarette since I quit, but is all the other problems worth it?
Posted by: Alice Handeguand | Jun 4, 2007 1:12:00 PM
I'm glad I found this sight. I thought I was going nuts or just getting old. Every joint and muscle in my body hurts and I bruise so easily now. I'm not weaning off, I'm just quitting as of today. I think they should warn you of all the side effects, not just a few. The joint pain one is a biggy!
Posted by: Marilyn | Jun 5, 2007 1:55:49 AM
Started taking chantix 8 days ago. within two my neck started swelling increasing over days to my jaw and in to my shoulders.
Posted by: heather | Jun 9, 2007 10:23:19 AM
I took Chantix for 2-1/2 weeks (quit taking it today). I have such severe hip and back pain and am taking Motrin every 4 hours. Without the Motrin, I cannot walk or even lay down. I had healthy bones prior to taking the drug. Chantix isn't right for everyone, as the same holds true for any medication; however, my concern is whether or not Chantix has caused permanent damage. Word of caution for anyone taking it--if you have ANY side effects from this drug, then stop taking it. My side effects started after 3 days.
Posted by: Terri | Jun 9, 2007 7:28:19 PM
Been on Chantix for 7 weeks now, not smoking and will keep it that way. Only side effect has been farting up a storm, wild dreams and some fatigue. I feel for all of you with bad symptoms right now, but you need to realize that when you started taking Chantix you also stopped smoking, So you added one chemical to your body and you suddenly stopped inhaling/ingesting HUNDREDS of chemicals which were in cigarettes. Who is to say that some symptoms are from withdrawal not just from nicotine, but also from all the other added chemicals in cigarettes. I know that my digestive tract is recovering from cigarettes (didn't we allexperience the laxative effects of a smoke?).
For me Chantix has been a Godsend, for the first time in 25 years have i not smoked for 7 weeks, something patches, acupuncture, laser, hypnosis, gum , Zyban etc etc has never given me.
Like with all medications some will have side effect, but the major side effect of smoking is death.
Allow your body to heal, watch what you eat, drink plenty of fluids, and if you can tolerate Chantix, please take it, to quit smoking.
Also you need to stop smoking when on Chantix.....set a date within a week of starting the meds, dont start the meds without that commitment... you will fail otherwise. Peace
Posted by: Jop | Jun 13, 2007 4:38:22 PM
I have been on Chantix for 3 weeks and have quit smoking. The first week I got a sore throat and every lypmh node from ear, jaw, neck and shoulders swelled up. I went to the same doc.(that gave me the meds). He said it was bacerial infection. After being on antibiotics for a week, It got worse. They put me on another type , it did clear up. But my throat is still sore and lyphm nodes are still slighty oversized. If feel sick and it won't go away. Heartburn, consitipation, hip pain on a 33 y.o old women , I can handle.. But being sick will drive me crazy. I do seam to be emotional detached to family and work. The medicine does work, but is it work what it may cause later. Another person who has taken this med, just lost his 2 fingers and 2 different doctors says it is from this drug. We must find out before it is too late. I am keeping up on this. So should you. I have 2 kids that I would like to keep holding hands with.
Posted by: Angela Myer | Jun 23, 2007 3:14:11 PM
While taking Chantix, I experienced euphoria, lethargy, and severe dissociation. As soon as I stopped taking it (due to joint paint) I experienced severe depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, near panic attacks, complete inability to concentrate, forgetfullness, and agitation. 5 months later I am still having trouble with my memory, and it has taken 3 combined drugs to help the mood problems I experienced. Thankfully, those problems have improved. I did not make it to the quit date due to the joint pain...I had to be able to get up and go to work. I wish I had never taken this drug.
Posted by: Brenda | Jun 24, 2007 3:05:49 PM
I too took chantix only for a week and I ended up in the hospital. I had a very low platelet count, high sugar and high liver levels in the 1000.
I think this drug is a miracle for some and a very bad thing for otehrs. Just like all meds there are pro's and con's
Posted by: Robin | Jun 24, 2007 3:15:22 PM
Took Chantix for one month. Experienced side effects. After quitting the medicine I began having dizziness and heart palpatations currently having expensive heart test done and none of this occured until I had taken Chantix. I think that this medication has caused my current and ongoing symptoms.
Posted by: Shannon | Jun 27, 2007 7:45:43 PM
First of all, even my doctor who put me on Chantix couldn't figure out why I was having severe crippling joint pain! She even tested me for Lyme disease. Additionally, I had to go to a cardiologist for an abnormal heartbeat, and I am also having really bad edema! Phizer never disclosed these side effects to anyone!
I started taking Chantix December 20 2006, and took it for 3.5 months. I have been off chantix for 3 months now, but I still cannot move at all without severe joint pain. I spend most of the day sitting in a chair because it hurts to move any part of my body. Muscle weakness and soreness is also a factor.
About 2 months ago, I searched the internet, using every major search engine, to see if there was any connection to the Chantix and the pain, but no connection came up on my searches.
Today I searched again, and that is how I came to this site. Thank you, finally, now I realize that it's not just me! Does anyone here know if or when this joint pain is expected to go away? I am gaining too much weight from lack of normal activity.
Jane
Posted by: Jane | Jul 4, 2007 11:19:00 AM
within the first hour of taking my very first pill, my bp went through the roof and i felt like i was going to have a heart attack. i haven't had another pill since, and it is 3 days later, and i still am having high anxiety and back pain.
Posted by: brian | Jul 4, 2007 8:08:50 PM
I have been on chantix now for about 3 weeks. Over the last few days I have noticed increased pain in my legs and hips, nothing I haven't dealt with before as I have a history of psoriatic arthritis. I actually have been pain free for the last 6 weeks, as my doctor and I have been working on a new treatment and it has helped me tremendously. I was so excited!! I decided to quit and doc put me on this "miracle drug". As of last night, I am in so much pain, I am beside myself. I feel as badly as I did when I first became ill w/the arthritis 9 years ago.
My thought is this... Maybe Chantix has a reaction in people with arthritis or a pre-disposition of Arthrits?? Hence why some of us are having so much problem now that we are taking the drug.
Not sure about all of you, but from what I can read, I am hearing that you are as angry and frustrated as I am this morning.
These drug companies need to more honest about side effects. You can't tell me out of all the people they tested this drug on, they did not realize this could be a problem??? It's all about the almighty Drug dollar.
I am going to wean off this med now, and start on niccorette or whatever if I need help to continue not smoking, but this is really insane. I am not sue-happy, but I will tell you this. I won't hesitate if I don't pull out of this flare.
Posted by: Cassandra | Jul 10, 2007 10:28:15 AM
It should be assumed that side effects go away after we are finished taking the medication! Honestly, if I knew that I would suffer for an underterminable or indefinite length of time afterward, I would have never agreed to using Chantix.
Not fair!
For all we know this could be permanent! So we all were cheated by Pfizer because non-disclosure! I don't want their blood money in a lawsuit, but I do want them to stop hurting people by scamming them into being guinea pigs!
I have been suffering with joint pain from head to toe, depression, major weight gain, muscle weakness, memory loss, palpitations and blurred vision for about 7 months now, and I want to know if this is permanent or not!
Now I hear that they are marketing this Chantix to alcoholics and gamblers too!
Posted by: Andrea | Jul 10, 2007 11:54:18 PM
I'm on my 4th day of Chantix. Been having really bad "ants in my pants" feelings for 2 days now. I can't sit still!! I'm also having a hard time concentrating. I'm afraid of joint pain because I just had cervical spine surgery March '07. I definitely don't need any more pain right now. Should I quit taking them?!?
Posted by: Laurel | Jul 11, 2007 1:46:22 PM
Today was my day 8, "Quit Day". As you all know, this was also the day of the 2nd doubling of the dosage. When I started this med and when the dosage doubled the first time, I didn't like the physical or psychological feelings the drug was causing. Well, today was the same thing times 5. I had a borderline anxiety attack for most of the day and the salt on the wound was that my urge to smoke was just as strong as cold turkey. Very disappointed. Pharmacist (since my doc didn't call me back) said that it was safe to just stop taking the damn things - no tapering off required.
Posted by: Jerry | Jul 11, 2007 11:15:13 PM
I too now have severe joint pain and inflamation after taking Chantix. I was diagnosed with RA a few months ago. I was on Chantix for approximately 2 1/2 months. Before this occured I was healthy and not on any medications. Upon stopping Chantix I abruptly became stricken with seveve swelling, joint pain, and elevated blood pressure. My regular physician was stumped with my symptons because they came on so quickly. I am now on Methotrexate and Predisone, and still having chronic pain. I was a healthy 51 year old who wanted help to quit smoking. Now I am limited to things I used to be able to do that were just simple tasks, like opening a jar, or lifting a glass with my hands, or even going down the stairs. I have good days and bad days, but for the most part I am in great discomfort everyday. I want my life back !!!!
Posted by: Barbara | Jul 14, 2007 10:40:59 PM
I started chantix in May 2007 and have been angry, mean and a distended abdomen, knee pain,weight gain and all kinds of crazy things. Reading the comments posted here I am really afraid to stop taking chantix now. I don't know what to do and I am calling my doctor tomorrow. I have quit smoking but still crave smokes now and again.
Posted by: Ursula | Jul 15, 2007 4:17:55 PM
Wow!! I can't believe there are so many people suffering from Chantix. I was on Chantix for 14 days, and sick the whole time. I thought I was having the flu, when it all hit me like a ton of bricks on the third day. I had been working outside, and thought maybe I got got a bit to hot, and laid down. when I got up a couple of hours later, I was light headed and dizzy, and sick at my stomach, and I ached in ever joint in my body, especially my hands and wrist. I just thought I had a touch of the flu took a couple of aspirin, and laid back down. I went on to take Chantix, thinking that it was the flu. I had terrible leg pain, and pain in my hips and knees like I had arthritis. After two weeks of feeling terrible I started reading where many others were suffering the same symptoms as I was from taking Chantix, so I quit it. It has now been four days, and I am not feeling much better than I was when I quit. My doctor has ordered a battery of blood test for me to take in the morning to see if they show any abnormalities. Hopefully this all goes away soon. I feel like I have been hit by a Mac Truck, I hurt in the joints in my knees and hands, my skin is super sensitive, I feel like I am in a fog, and I have ringing in my ears. If anyone is suffering these kinds of symptoms, I would recommend talking to your doctor, and asking about getting off the Chantix.
Posted by: Renegade | Jul 16, 2007 10:19:55 PM
I TOOK CHANTIX ON JULY 31 2007...I NOTICED ABOUT 4 HOURS LATER AFTER EATING MY LUNCH I WAS NOT RACING OUT SIDE TO SMOKE.. THAT WAS A GOOD THING...BECAUSE THAT DAY I HAD MY LAST SMOKE... THE NEXT DAY I ATE MY BREAKFAST AND TOOK MY PILL WITH A FULL GLASS OF WATER.. I STILL DID NOT HAVE A URGE TO SMOKE.. THIS IS GREAT I THOUGHT.. BUT I NOTICED THAT MY HEAD STARTED HURTING AND MY LEGGS AND FEET WERE HURTING SO BAD THAT I COULD NOT FUNCTION IT HURT ME SO BAD TO RIDE IN THE CAR AND FORGET TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE.. I ALSO BECAME SO EVIL THAT I COULD NOT STAND MY SELF.. I STOPPED TAKING CHANTIX EVERYDAY WHEN I NOTICED THESE SYMPTOMS AND I THEN TOOK THE CHANTIX ONLY WHEN I NEED IT WHICH WAS EVERY 4 DAYS I DID THIS TWICE BUT MY JOINTS AND LEGS AND BACK HURT SO BAD I STOPPED I HAVE BEEN SMOKE FREE FOR 18 DAYS WITHOUT CHANTIX BUT THIS PAIN HAS NEVER LEFT. IT WAS BAD THAT THE FDA LET CHANTIX USE PEOPLE AS PIGS..
Posted by: LYNETTEE | Jul 17, 2007 8:10:53 PM
I have been on Chantix for a month and a half. I haven't had a cigarette in more than a month...I think part of the drug's magic is that your memory gets so bad that you forget that you ever smoked. I have serious CRS!!! (Can't remember $#!+) I have also been farting like a cow. I take an anti-inflammatory every day for back pain and I haven't noticed any increase in joint pain, but the first week was a battle to see if I could hold down food. I start to taper off of Chantix in a couple weeks...I hope it's easier to quit Chantix than it was cigs.
Posted by: ace | Jul 19, 2007 7:34:39 AM
My husband and I both took Chantix in April. He took it for one month, but I could only tolerate it for a couple of weeks. As of July 17th we both have stayed smoke free, but on the three month anniversary of having stoppped smoking, we both agreed to one statement, we have not felt well since taking Chantix. He has had problems with really high blood pressure and aching and my neck and arms ache, but it is my feet and ankles that are killing me. I did not have this pain before the Chantix and I still have it. I really am starting to wish we had never heard the name Chantix before.
Posted by: monica mullins | Jul 20, 2007 1:48:40 PM
This is my day 3 on Chantix, I feel terrible, not sleeping, dizzy, and OMG, this joint pain! My neck, shoulders, hips, knees, feet are killing me. I was a very active person before starting the Chantix, I do not deserve this, WE do not deserve this! After reading all the post here and at wrongdignois.com. I am scared and very angry. We all remember the scare with the new drug PHEN-PHEN. I believe Chantix will end the same way, with a lawsuit and people suffering long term.Well, not this chick, if its not to late already, I refuse to take another pill.
Posted by: Donna | Jul 21, 2007 2:40:20 AM
I have been taking Cymbalta for about 8 months and it was working well for depression and fibro pain. After being told that there were no drug interactions by both the doc and the pharmisist, I began taking Chantix on a Thursday, I immediately noticed fatigue and rarely moved out of my chair during the day. After taking it for 8 days, I suffered from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I immediately stopped taking the Chantix. That has been since May and I still suffer from bouts of severe depression and the fibro pain has returned with a vengance. I believe that the Chantix damages the receptors that it is supposed to address to assist in stopping smoking.
Posted by: Karen | Jul 21, 2007 12:05:49 PM
Damn! Wish I would have found this information before Chantix. I've got it, the Chantix Syndrome, too! 14 days into it, I'm not smoking, but I near fall down from "blackouts," and my joints hurt. Guess I'm going to stop the meds, and see how this all plays out. Again, damn.
Posted by: Will | Jul 24, 2007 2:44:33 PM
I've been off Chantix for almost a month now. I have no urge to smoke and am very happy for that. I only took Chantix for one month, and didn't realize that the symptoms I experienced and am still experiencing were in any way related to the Chantix. Joint pain such as an aching or burning feeling in bones of my feet, the back of my legs behind the knees; this comes and goes, I seem to spend a lot of time in the bed with a heating pad. My neck, hips, legs, arms, and shoulders bother me but I do get some releif with the heating pad. These are all things that I can muster my self to get past BUT, I'm a firefighter and the thing that really frightens me is the shortness of breath, I feel as if there is a heavy object sitting on my chest that keeps me from breathing freely, my pulse rate is slow, 68 to 80. I also am having a fluctuating BP, one day it will be high for me, 140/90 then the next day it will be low, 102/60, the norm for me would be 110/78. My heart feels like it gets an electrical charge through it every once in a while, very odd. I have had swelling (edema with some pitting)in my legs and ankles for approx. 3 weeks now, this with the heaviness in my chest lead me to ask the Doctor about taking lasix to releive the fluid from my body. I have some distention to my abdomen during the day as well as those swollen legs and ankles, when I urinate it is no large amounts but, at night I get up at least 2 to 3 times and urinate large amounts, thus when I get up in the mornings I don't have a swollen abdomen and my legs are normal.
Prior to taking to Chantix, I smoked but never had any respiratory problems, as I said, I am a fire fighter and stay in good physical condition. I am now worried about going in to a fire, the number one killer of fire fighters is heart attacks and the symptoms I am having feel like I am on the verge of one. This is no way to live, I sometimes wonder if I should have just continued to smoke......
I look back a couple of months and wonder about the death of a close friend. This friend is the person that told me about Chantix, he smoked for many years and took Chantix, he stopped smoking and suggested I take it, a week and a half later my friend who was in good health when we talked was admitted to the hospital with phenmonia, intubated in ICU and deceased. How did this happen? How does a paramedic go from fine to intubated to dead from upper respiratory problems in a matter of a couple of weeks?
Posted by: Kelly | Jul 24, 2007 3:11:49 PM
I was on Chantix for a little over 3 weeks and quit cold turkey. My reasons for quitting included nausea, insomnia, bizarre dreams when I did sleep, joint pain, and elevated blood pressure. Although these effects were bothersome, the most concerning effect was when I quit. I became very depressed and emotional. I cried at everything and generally just felt awful. I am now on Ambien to help me sleep. I have read in blogs on the internet that I should have "weaned" myself off of the drug to avoid some of the side effects. I, too, have serious concerns about Chantix. I don't believe doctors are well versed on the side effects and are not warning their patients adequately. I hope that venues (like this) will cause Pfizer to investigate this drug further- especially long term effects. I still do not feel "back to naormal" after being Chantix-free for a few weeks now.
Posted by: Anne | Jul 27, 2007 12:05:43 AM
I was only on it for 7 days and stopped due to effects. That was almost a month ago and I am getting worse. My feet and hands are swollen everyday. It is so painful I can hardly walk.
I see my doctor tomorrow.
I want to know has anyone had these symptoms go away in time?????
I am so angry that I ever took this horrible drug.
DON'T Risk it
Posted by: LD | Jul 30, 2007 5:18:31 PM
I took chantix for 6 weeks, had a horrible episode of vertigo and 7 months later I am still plagued with balance disorder and visual distortion. I also developed a tic which the neurologist has given me a medication usually given to tourets patients to control them. the medication (orap) has helped quite a bit. In the fine print Pfizer has admitted the medication can cause neurologic disorders. How unfair to take a medication to stop smoking and now have a neurologic disorder.
Posted by: Donna | Jul 30, 2007 5:53:49 PM
I've started Chantix twice. The first time I was on day 11 of Chantix when I came down with a case of DX:Asthmatic bronchitis. I have had it before but nothing like that! I was off 18 days and I was scared at times. I could barely breathe at times. After much medicine I finally got over it. During that spell my neck and face swelled up horribly and I had headaches that were unbelievable. Literally immobilizing me. After a month of being well I got a new prescription of Chantix because I needed the starter pack. On day 5 at 2 in the afternoon while I was at work, my neck started throbbing. It got worse and worse. I was having to push in on the front sides of my neck to relieve the pain. It moved into my chest, ears, back of neck and head. All of these places were throbbing with my heart beat. I went to the ER and was admitted for chest pain. By the time I got a room I couldn't walk for the pain. I couldn't even move enough to use the bedside toilet with the aid of a nurse. All of my labs came back normal. My EKG, x-rays, stress test with some radioactive shot involved, and scans all came back normal. That was two weeks ago. I have hurt in all of those areas since the hospital every day. It hit me hard again today at work. I go in the morning to see my doctor. His nurse said he would probably order an MRI. I don't know what damage has been done but I hope and pray that it is not permanent. Living in this pain from now on would be horrible.
Posted by: LR | Jul 30, 2007 8:21:25 PM
Me and my partner started Chantix on the same day and he only lasted 3 weeks where I am still on it which has been 5 weeks for me. He has had severe nightmares and the doctor told him to quit. He had injured his back almost a year ago and now he is in constant pain not only in his back but in all of his joints. He takes pain killers but they don't seem to work either. He also has been suffering severe depression which is not good. I have always had nightmares and unusual dreams all my life so I can't blame it on any drugs I take but I did not know that it would cause joint pain. One of the reasons I chose to quit smoking was because I found out about 4 months ago when I had to have fluid drained off my knee that I now have arthritis in my right knee from having surgury on it in 1989. So I was told that if I quit smoking that I could slow down the progression of the arthritis but if everyone is saying that the Chantix is causing joint pain then what good is it? I would like to still be walking by the time I hit my 80's and I'm only 46 years old and my partner is only 48. I really wish these drug companys whould do longer and better testing before using all of us as test rats. Yes I'm angry because my partner is feeling the efects 100 times worse than me and because he doesn't have insurance he can't get any real help. His Dr. doesn't want to believe him. I'm really scared for him.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | Jul 31, 2007 8:22:04 PM
I truly believe this story, and the many, many others like it are going to cause Pfizer to change Chantix at some point in the future. At least to let people know there are more than "mild" side effects from using it. Some people have no side effects at all, and some people are in excruciating pain, even months after quitting. The only thing I can think of to do is this: I consulted with my Doctor and found out he had several people having bad side effects. So many that he called Pfizer and told them he wanted some answers and until he got some he would not prescribe it any more. Maybe everyone should call Pfizer and complain, or ask their Doctor to.
But the one thing that I think is just the weirdest? Chantix has been out for over a year now, and has anyone ever seen it advertised on TV? In a magazine? On the radio? Nope! Why not? Look at all the other drugs that are plastered on TV, Lipitor, Plavix, Viagra, just to name a few. Why nothing for Chantix? Makes me think we are just the guinea pigs for Pfizer. What else could the reason be?
I have been smoke free since January 1st, 2007. Tomorrow it will be 7 months. I should be celebrating, but it's kind of hard to when my body still aches, my ankles are still swollen, I am very depressed, and seem to have a brain fog. I know, I know, everyone says I should just be thankful that I do not smoke anymore, and how much better my life is. Really??? I do not remember feeling this bad, and as far as being worth it, here's how I compare it:
As a non-smoker I sit here depressed, in pain and a brain fog, but am told I will add a few years to my life, pitiful as it is.
As a smoker, I had a good life, full of fun, exercise and work. Loved life and people. But my life would be a little shorter.
Sorry to be so negative. I just can't seem to get with it any more.
Posted by: Churchill | Aug 1, 2007 12:33:08 PM
Are these symtoms going away for anyone?? This is awful that we all are going through the same side effects and were just trying to get healthy!!!
Posted by: kris koster | Aug 1, 2007 1:11:35 PM
I am in the middle of my 3rd month of Chantix.
This is my 4th attempt at quitting - and by far the most successful. I "slipped" twice during the first week - but was able to get some mental stamina behind the quitting process. I am extremely happy with this result, and the lack of agony during the process.
I experienced the gas, strange dreams, mild insomnia and jitters - but all have at least mostly subsided. I still suffer from the joint pain regularly. I don't attribute the pain to the Chantix so much as the quitting process itself. I experienced this same discomfort cold turkey and on NRT (both patch, and then gum). I remember when I was a 2-pack a day smoker any withdrawl started with irritation and the normal signs, but would evolve into tension, jaw pain (caused by tension and grinding teeth), and finally into total soreness. If I got that far, it would take 2 back-to-back cigarettes just to normalize.
I can definately see how first time (or first *serious* time) quitters would attribute every side effect to the newest foreign substance, but experience has shown me that this major life change comes with speedbumps beyond "Oh, I really want a smoke right now" as I had first assumed.
Also, some have said they experience a horrible time when going off of or finishing the course of Chantix. The support programs I participated in with NRT were very upfront in telling me that it would be at least a year before I could expect to be "normal" again. I dislike Chantix' attached support plan for not informing quitters on the entire process of quitting.
Posted by: Dan | Aug 2, 2007 2:48:17 AM
I posted back 7/10 re: quitting chantix due to hip pain. I wanted to update that I am not feeling any better, if anything, worse. I have been to see my doctor weekly now, they have run blood tests on pancreas/liver, I just had Ultrasound of kidneys and abdomen due to swelling and pain.
My fingers hurt so badly I can barely bend them. In reference to my musk. pain, it has gotten so much worse since I started Chantix. I am also having a hard time breathing today, which is new. I just don't know what to think. I have no doubt in my mind that chantix had something to do with all these problems I am having right now, although my doc does not think so. Then, why would he??
The only good news I have is .... I am still not smoking. I should be happy, and I would be, if I wasn't in so much pain right now.
Posted by: cassandra | Aug 7, 2007 6:48:29 PM
It is truly a pity that I have found this website a few days too late. After taking Chantix (days 1-3), I had severe headaches which prompted me to cease immediately. Unfortunately, I still have very severe vertigo for which my MD has prescribed yet another medication that compromises cognitive processes. Working in health sciences within a research university, I thought I had done my homework and sought the opinions of several professionals prior. While I anticipated some potential issues (how can you not when you are complicating brain functions); none of us thought adverse events such as these would occur. I have, however, found much disclosed on this drug since and have noted that all of the above were not disclosed within inserted literature simply because they did not find "significant cases" during clinical trials. In short, I fear this drug made it through Pfizer as well as the FDA far too soon. There is little evidence to suggest that these "side effects" will or will not subside.
Posted by: GM | Aug 7, 2007 7:03:26 PM
I started taking Chantix at the beginning of the year as my husband did. I wasn't feeling weel so I had a CBC done and my
LIVER ENZYMES were off the charts, the highest got to 1900, normal is 23
Billirubin was also off the charts.
I stopped the Chantix and ended up at the doctors office after I started itching to the point that it was unbearable and everywhere I itched it turned into huge yellow welts. Of course it ended up that I was extremely jondice from the liver enzymes. Doctors still can't figure it out, but after doing research I have discoverd through the first two websites I looked at that when you are put on this medication that they want a CBC done prior to use and checked for the first three months of taking it. Didn't happen to me and now I'm paying for it. They put me on steroids with the attitude that we don't know what else to do. I could write a whole new book on the side effects of steroids now. I was relatively a healthy person prior to this and the Chantix compounded with the now steroids - it has been a sucky summer. In the beginning the specialist put me on a liver transplant list "just in case", now I have convinced them to wean me off of the steroids to see how my body will cope. My levels are back at normal, but I don't know if what the steroids has caused will subside and cause no further problems. But mostly I am concerned about what permanent damage the Chantix has done to my body. This whole experience has scared the living crap out of me, my small children thought I was going to die. I hope this gives someone insight into what this medication can do.
Posted by: Sandra Hall | Aug 9, 2007 1:10:33 PM
I and many other people have quit using Chantix. I myself had an adverse reaction, which forced me to stop taking Chantix. That, however, didn't stop me from staying off cigarettes, and now being at 7 weeks smokefree. There are rough patches quitting smoking, that's expected. It's especially hard to figure out what symptoms everyone's having are caused by Chantix, and which ones are caused by you actually quitting smoking. All those years you smoke, your body changes DRASTICALLY! Which means when you quit, you disrupt your body big time! So I find it hard to blame Chantix for much bad stuff happening with a lot of people. Some things are obvious, yes, like nausea, bloating, and some others. The rest, though, would be hard to gauge unless there was an actual scientific proof. I wish everyone success in their fights for smokefree lives!
Posted by: Stan | Aug 11, 2007 4:36:28 AM
I took Chantix for 3 weeks with great results. I've always had joint and back pain so I cannot officially blame Chantix. The only thing that I've noticed after taking it was that I developed a terrible cough. I've been told that it's associated with the stopping smoking and that it will go away. I sure hope so. I'm headed to the doctor today for a general check up and will have him look into it. Overall, I would have to say that my experience with Chantix was positive. I've been smoke free for 5 weeks now.
Posted by: Erik | Aug 13, 2007 9:37:14 AM
I quit smoking 3 years ago. I did it cold turkey. I have no side effects from smoking I feel great and I am glad that I did it.
My husband started Chantix last Feb. He did finish all the pills and now he has anger issues, can't focus,muscle aches, and his BP is thru the roof. I wish he had never started on the Chantix I believe all these problems are because of it. It has been extremely difficult these past 7 months. I hope someone can get something done because this is not a good trade off.
Posted by: Pam | Aug 20, 2007 11:24:12 AM
I started taking Chantix almost one month ago and have had ZERO side effects other than a few strange dreams the first couple of nights.
I would chalk up a lot of this purported pain to be a combination of a psychosematic effect as well as normal withdrawal.
I don't think it's the Chantix. I have known DOZENS of other folks who've quit smoking thanks to Chantix, and the worst complaints I've heard are a few belly aches. Yes, my stomach hurts when I smell cigarette smoke. And for that I am grateful.
I'd hate for someone to read these postings and decide to forego the WONDERFUL drug that is Chantix based on what they read here.
I love Chantix. I am so grateful for it. I don't even remember pleasures of smoking...I don't long for it...I don't THINK about it...
The fourth day after taking Chantix I couldn't stand the taste of the cigarette I put in my mouth. I'd recommend Chantix to anyone. Don't let anything you read on this page make you think differently.
Try it and see for yourself. I would wager my money that you'll find success with this AMAZING drug.
Posted by: Jamie | Aug 22, 2007 10:41:21 PM
I had leg bypass surgery last April and stopped smoking cold turkey for 6 weeks. I went back to work at restaurant which was not smoke free at the time and started just a little 5 or so a day which for someone in my condition is not good. I quit again for a week when I had dental work done, cold turkey. Again I started 5 or 6 a day and none at work since we are smoke free now. I developed osteoarthritis in my left knee where surgery was. I take aspirin for circulation.I started the Chantix last week when my mother died and now have extreme joint pain.My internist prescribed this and insurance didn't cover it.I have not smoked in 4 days and when I was at my sisters only smoked 2 a day.I see my psyche to discuss this with him tomorrow. I took no Chantix yesterday and at the end of the night I was in a very bad mood and not pleasant.Also I did not smoke that day.This drug wreaks havoc on joints,sleeplessness and nightmares.Am going to try cold turkey tomorrow.
Posted by: Robert Strong | Aug 23, 2007 4:35:51 PM
I tried Chantix about 3 months ago but stopped medicaiton due to anxiety issues. Still wanting to quit, I tried it again. Two weeks into it, not smoking, I've gained 8 pounds (2 of them yesterday). In anticipation of that kind of problem, I joined a gym and have been working out daily. Watching what I eat and still gaining quickly. Dr. prescribed fluid pills but they don't work. I can go all almost all day and never have to "go". Most weight gained is in abdomen!! Anyone else had major issues with immediate weight gain and fluid retention?
Posted by: Sue | Aug 24, 2007 8:49:08 AM
I had leg bypass surgery last April and quit for 2 months. Since wirk was not smoke free on my return I started to smoke about 5 a day. I shouldn't be smoking any. I quit again for a week after dental surgery. My mother died 2 weeks ago and I started the Chantix that day. I also had arthritis in my knee prior to taking Chantix. Have not had a cigarette in 8 days.But the joint pain is very intense and my job requires me to be on my feet all night. I have started to wean myself off little by little. I have to take aspirin every day because of surgery. Does anyone know if Chantix interferes with aspirin? I also have neuropathy in my shin and have been prescribed neurontin(this I attribute to the surgery).Am ready to go cold turkey again but I get real cranky at work.
Posted by: Robert | Aug 28, 2007 5:02:13 PM
regarding the trouble breathing with chantix, i have it too, and it's largely due for me from indigestion. very very bad indigestion.
i will taper off this drug, i will not stop it abruptly. i urge all to do the same.
Posted by: t. m. m. | Aug 28, 2007 11:03:42 PM
Chantix worked for me!
I took it as directed, quit smoking on the 8th day.
I stayed on the full dosage for 3 days (the time it takes for the nicotine withdrawal symptons to pass)
then reduced my dosage in the same manner that I increased it in the first place.
Actually took chantix for two weeks not months.
It worked for me.
I think Pfizer would like people to take it for as long as possible so they can make lots of $$$.
Best Wishes to all Quitters out there!
Posted by: Teresa | Aug 29, 2007 2:42:46 PM
I began taking chantix 1 month ago.in the past 2 weeks I have experienced severe headaches. The headaches are always at night and are brutal - up to 4-5 200mg ibuprofrin pills to came them down. My dreams are disturbing, my sleep is irregular and deep. I have never had a history of headaches or sleep issues. I did not smoke much , but wanted to quit. But now I wonder if I wold have been better off quitting cold turkey than using chantix. Following brutal headache last night I was on a mission to find reason...it is diturbing how much negative feed back on chantix there is here.
Posted by: c. p. | Sep 2, 2007 8:34:53 AM
For some reason your postings are messed up here, as someone else is using my name.
I just want to update. I have now been off Chantix for almost 2 months and have been in such severe pain, in and out of emerge. room, doctor offices, I have had abdominal ultrasound, xray, blood tests, gastroscopy, HIDA scan. I can barely eat, I am so nauseated and the pain I have in my upper right abdomen radiating to back is excruciating. Quite frankly, it's like when I had my gallbladder attack, but instead of being intermittent it's 24/7.
I am waiting for test results to HIDA scan, but this all started w/chantix and I am soo sorry I ever tried it. Yes, I am smoke free after using the drug for 6 weeks, and having to stop because of the pain, for that I am grateful, but other than that, the state of my health is terrible. I would never recommend this drug to anyone!
Posted by: AnneCassandra | Sep 2, 2007 10:45:58 AM
I am currently on Chantix. I found this site looking for a reason why I feel so sick only in the morning after taking my pill but found so much more.
I have been quitting smoking since I started 20 years ago. This is the first non-mentally and non-physically painful way of quitting for me and I have tried it all, over and over (with the exception of morning sickness when pregnant). I went back to smoking after my fourth child because I couldn't take the pain any more - the dull brain, loss of concentration, weight gain, depression, stress from not smoking when I badly wanted too. At that time I also read that former smokers are more likely to have Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid causing hypothyroidism. The doctors kept missing this in me. They would read my TSH results but never ordered an antibody test (Meaning TSH looked normal but the antibodies I was creating blocked my body from receiving the TSH). I felt like I was dying. I had symptoms just like everyone here has listed - heart palpitations, severe joint pain, ankle swelling till it felt like my skin would burst, waking up with all of my extremities asleep, tingling/pins and needles, no brain left to think with. It was just awful. I think I put so much stress on myself subconciously that it affected my body physically as well as having a hidden thyroid problem.
We all know here that when you quit smoking cold turkey that you are more dull mentally, constipated, depressed (because you just lost your best friend - that cigarette). I'm not so sure its the medication here causing the problem so much as it may be just the side effects from quitting smoking itself. But I do have to wonder if others are having thyroid problems like myself from quitting smoking or if Chantix can interfere with thyroid function. I am having my endocrynologist watch me closely. I saw him a week after I quit with lab results that were taken from the day before I quit, a week into Chantix. I will see him in another 3 months to see if my levels do change. I'll keep you posted.
Way to go all of you, though! You are smoke free and on your way to leading a better, longer, less selfish life. Its hard but I know it will be worth it.
Posted by: Ann | Sep 6, 2007 2:37:43 PM
Tired at all times, constipation, anger, depression, vivid dreams, insomnia, joint pains, lack of concentration, memory loss, heart palpitations, raspy voice, tingling, vertigo - all could be medication side effects or symptoms of hypothyroidism, but also of qutting smoking. The pill takes away the urge but not the withdraw symptoms of quitting smoking, it appears.
Posted by: Ann | Sep 6, 2007 3:41:43 PM
took chantix in may, felt like crap. shortness of breath, constipation, incredible hip pain, brain fog, depression, you name it. Thought it was symptoms from surgical menopause after hysterectomy. Stopped chantix, had abd. cat scan
done for abdominal pain, neg. except they noticed fluid around my heart! Arm hurts, numbness and tingling, feel like I'm going insane
lots of anxiety. I hope this does not damage my hip or other bones permanently because I ski and ride a motorcycle. Anyone else have fluid around their heart? did it go away ? Did hip and bone pain go away? Please let me know. Scared and upset. Thanks, Karen
Posted by: karen | Sep 9, 2007 6:19:58 PM
I took chantix starting on 7/10/07 for about 2wks have not taken it since. I'm very greatly that I quit smoking but have have bad headaches, mouth ulcers and joint pain. As far as shortness of breath it comes and goes. I have been recently put on medical leave to have test ran on me. I'm very scared that chantix has messed up my system some kind of way. Is there any type of relief from taking chantix. If anyone has any answer I would appreciate it.
Posted by: mary f | Sep 11, 2007 3:08:55 PM
I found this site because I was looking into Chantix side effects. I am on week 3 and I want to stop taking it. I haven't smoked in 9 days and that's terrific but this drug is making me sick. My head hurts everyday, I cant sleep, and I feel like I am in a daze half the time. I guess nothing works like old fashioned will power
Posted by: Tim | Sep 13, 2007 10:04:24 AM
Wow! I have so many of these symptoms! I started Chantix in May and stopped taking it in July. It helped me immensely! I was nauseated the whole time I took it but it was worth the end result! It has been 5 months with no smokes!
BUT...
I have had extreme weight gain and very short of breath, Edema all over,(my feet were terrible!)Docs put me on Lasix and Potassium but doesn't work that well. Pulmonary specialist has run many tests trying to find the cause. Cardiologist has checked for heart problems. Found a slight increase in pulmonary pressure. They cannot find any good reason for these feelings.
I feel so dizzy just talking and if I laugh hard I almost pass out! I find myself just staring. My brain is not working up to par. I'm grasping for words when I speak. My knees hurt so bad that I can barely get up or down steps. It's so hard to make myself keep going and I'm so tired. The docs put me on oxygen now to sleep because they found a "nocturnal desaturation"! Not enough Oxygen when I sleep but Not sleep apnea? I have chest pain and palpatations that will even wake me from sleep.
I don't know what has happened to my body but I can tell you this. I wanted to quit smoking Not quit living. Now that I've seen this post, I will never advise anyone to take it again! The end result is not worth this pain. I have two young children that need me to be able to function.
I hope and pray that we will all recover fully from this!
Posted by: Tracy | Sep 14, 2007 11:01:12 PM
Good luck to all. Smoking sucks!
I got Chantix from http://www.pillavenue.com and started my journey to a smoke free life. I didn't face any problems and quit smoking after 6 weeks. I haven’t had a single cigarette since then. This is after 12 years of continues smoking (1 pack a day!)
Also, no major side effects from Chantix considering that I was also drinking when taking this medication.
Posted by: Sam | Sep 17, 2007 6:13:24 PM
I am a nurse and a smoker of over 20 years. I started on Chantix and was on it for about a month, it worked great and I am still smoke free. BUT after stopping it because of the horrible gastric pain I experienced the whole time I was on it I found that my knuckles in my hands and joints in my feet feel like someone has taken a hammer to them. Its been over a month and they still hurt constantly and swell. I cant even stand to have my hand squeezed or carry a bucket, I cant open a jar, I cant hardly grip the reins to my horse to stop him. When is someone in the legal feild going to do something to help us?
Posted by: Dawn Eaker | Sep 21, 2007 5:18:07 PM
gum bleeding joint pain esp. in feet and hands, edema, does anyone have any help with the joint pain. Ibuprophen doesnt do much at all. I wish I had never taken Chantix.
Posted by: Dawn Eaker | Sep 24, 2007 10:29:58 AM
I started taking Chantix on Aug 27th, I quit smoking on Sept. 3rd, but I stopped taking Chantix on Sept 7th due to incredible hip pain that started when I started the Chantix. I had previously had some mild arthritis in my hip that only affected me with weather changes and that was just a dull ache, now the pain in my hip is severe and constant. I am 35 years old and should not be wishing for a hip replacement yet!! I was just wondering if anyone else that has expierenced the joint pain has had any relief since stopping the Chantix???
Posted by: Becky | Sep 25, 2007 10:28:11 AM
I have been on Chantix for about 4 weeks and have quit smoking for 19 days now. The first week at full dose (1mg twice a day), I started having a tooth ache but overall felt pretty good. By week 3, my tooth, jaw, ear and temple were in severe pain. After going to the dentist, I found that I have TJM which results from high stress / clenching teeth. I have never had this before. A week later (today), I still have severe joint pain in the TMJ. I have taken up to 18 Advil in 24 hours, 2 Tylenol and BC powder and still have severe pain. After goggling " Chantix and Joint Pain" - and reading all of these stories so similar to mine- I know it's the drug. I have cut my dose in half- going to get off ASAP. I have had other effects such as nausea, vomiting, and I am feeing kind of weird. Things seem to overwhelm me. Things that I could easily handle 2 months ago. I am also a tad bit depressed. I have no reasons for these feelings- happy job, husband, family, and friends- the good life so I am 100% confident, it’s this drug.
Good to luck to everyone with your symptoms. I think Chantix needs to get off the Market ASAP.
Posted by: Cindy | Sep 27, 2007 7:57:56 PM
I, too, like so many of you are experiencing tremendous side effects of Chantix. I am on my 3rd and final week. I am not going to continue with this medication because I fear what could be. Yes, it does work for smoking cessation but along with this comes the following: First and foremost, the scariest, is depression. I was an extremely energetic 49 yr old. I feel so fatigued and lifeless because sleep is a rare thing lately. I anticipated the weight gain. The gas is extremely embarrasing. I have turned down being around others. Within the last few days I noticed yet another problem. When I go to stand after getting out of bed or from sitting my upper legs are so painful. They don't seem to want to pull me around. A few seconds later I become warm and lightheaded. So back down I go. I had to go to the dentist because of pain in my jaw leading into my ear. At night only, I urinate 3-4 times with large amounts. My everday life is changing for the worst and my choice is to bear this misery or take the chance of lighting up again. I contacted my primary care physician today and she is placing me on an antidepressant. So now I get to take another drug to elieviate the side effects of this one. After reading so many of these comments stating even after they stopped the side effects remained is dreadful to hear. How is it a drug could be available that may continue to harm one, even after stopping it. In the clinical studies conducted by Pfizer(I also contacted them with no response as of yet)were there any indications these patients did not feel better after coming off of the medication? I am praying that once I stop Chantix I will go back to my old self. I miss doing the things in life I enjoyed.
Posted by: Barb | Sep 27, 2007 11:20:09 PM
I stopped taking Chantix immediately after finding this web site. My blood pressure went crazy...up and down...but now after about a month, I'm starting to feel normal. Aches in joints are gone and I don't feel like an old lady walking around in pain all the time. What a horrible drug.
Posted by: Lauralee Pinter | Sep 29, 2007 8:26:18 PM
I smoked for over 30 years, had been diagnosed with COPD a couple of years ago. I started the chantix in January, I had started retaining fluid, sob, but I take lasix and potassium anyway but this was different. I never swelled this much or was that sob. I could walk outside to take my dog and I was out of breath by the time I got back inside. I went to the cardiologist, and he did a thallium stress test, said there had been a little change but not much. I had stopped smoking but got nervous about the test and started back. I had also been having some problems with my hands, thought maybe I was getting arthritis. My legs ached, my upper back and shoulder hurt, I had zero energy, I slept ok most nights because I take ambien. I got on the pc and typed in chantix causing muscle aches and pains? I couldn't believe that many others were having some of the same problems. I called Pfizer and they asked a bunch of questions, said I was having rare side effects, wanted to know the lot no, on my box, what pharmacy etc, said they were going to send a new box and would I send back the old one and they would investigate it. That was the biggest lie I ever heard, all they wanted was information. I don't really know if I had the BP problems, I take medicine for it, but I know I felt horrible and it seemed worse after I stopped taking it. My joints in my fingers are swollen in the morning and I have to re-type alot of this as the fingers don't want to cooperate. I think the FDA jumped the gun on this medication, and I think Pfizer knew about all these side effects but didn't care because they were making a huge amount of money. I feel like Sam, when are the legal experts going to jump on this. I am 52 years old and can hardly use my hands without pain. The FDA should be held accountable for not making Pfizer let people know the REAL risk in taking this medication.
Posted by: KathySue | Sep 30, 2007 7:59:25 AM
I originally started Chantix in March of 2007, was on it for 10 days and came down with a miserable cold. I didn't want to mess with a new medication during that, so I quit.
I started taking Chantix again on July 18, 2007. I quit smoking July 29, 2007. Initially, I had nausea with Chantix and was extremely tired, however I do realize that because Chantix isn't a Nicotine Replacment Therapy, I went through withdrawal the first week to 10 days after I had my last cigarette.
I smoked for 29 years...1 1/2 to 2 packs a day. I do feel foggy and that I'm not as "sharp", but that's also a misnomer of nicotine. Currently, I have what I call gallbladder attacks...I am aware of some twinge in my right side occasionally. Right now, the most predominant side effect is the joint pain. Unbelievable. Across the lower back/hips, knees, elbows & neck are the worst. Again, it could be attributable to coming off of a long nicotine additions and purging the toxins out of my body. I honestly don't know.
I will continue to research. I backed off the 2x daily dose because of disrupted sleep patterns, so I only take the 1 mg pill in the morning and make sure I have something to eat.
I notice that my gut is bloated and I've gained weight,
which is also typical of quitting smoking. (I'm sure my metabolism is totally in shock). I only have a couple more weeks for the 12 week program and will hold out. I've been to the Doctor 2x and had CBC's done for unrelated surgeries. (2 vocal polpys removed)
My blood pressure is down, and apparently everything else is good.
I hope that is is not the result of Chantix, and instead is a factor of getting off a much more dangerous drug, Nicotine.
Posted by: Linda | Oct 1, 2007 5:55:29 PM
Help help help-I have been off this drug for 3 months and still have continual shoulder & neck pain. I only took it for two weeks and had severe paranoia, depression and panic attacks. i have been seeing a chiropractor to figure out why my neck & shoulders have so much pain and he figured it all out! I can't beleive this drug is still onthe market! Will we ever get a chance to bring a class action lawsuit on this garbage! I have spent more $ & pain in the last 3 months on trying to figure out why I feel so rotten-Will it stop soon? I'm very scared... If anyone has info on how to stop this pain-please post it.Has anyone tried a liquid detox? Susie in Montana
Posted by: susie | Oct 1, 2007 11:07:58 PM
I took this drug in June for 5 days and ended up in ER 2X in 2 days for heart attack, BP off the charts and severe chest pain. No heart attack but still have severe chest pain after 4 months. I have depression, can't get up in the morning, trouble with joints, no joy in my life, numbness in my lower face, just to name a few problems. I have been sick ever since with chest congestion, respiratory infections, trouble swallowing, urinary infections, now on an inhalor, phantom pain from old injuries, going for more testing now on gall bladder, barium swallow, thyroid, more chest x-rays, etc.
I read all the warnings and was not warned of any of this and they already knew about these reactions, as I was told one night when I called a Pfizer doctor who told me to continue the pills but also "smoking will make the pain worse?????" I quit Chantix right then.
Before this drug, I had just recently married, was never sick a day in my life, never depressed, had more energy than most could deal with. Chantix ruined the last 4 months of my life and I am sure after reading all posts, more to come.
None of the doctors want to believe it is the Chantix...It IS!!!!
I have found that muscle relaxers, antacids and Rocket Bars (Pop-sicles) are the only way to ease up on the chest/shoulder blade pain. Ice packs pushed into my spine helps also.
This just reinterates my feelings about doctors and drug companies and the quest for the almighty dollar. We have been used as lab rats only before the ads hit the airwaves. Now everybody who drinks to excess, gambles, smokes, likes drugs will be exposed to this and more problems will enter their lives and probably permanent new ones. I have yet to read anybody ridding themselves of the pain and other problems.
I want my life back before my 5 days of Chantix and the road to living-hell!!!
For more reading, go to the postings on "WrongDiagnosis.com". There are over 450 posts of people with the same problems you are having here.
Posted by: Terry | Oct 8, 2007 3:48:08 AM
I started taking Chantix in January 2007, took it for 2 1/2 months and stopped smoking. I wound up with depression, excrutiating body pain that worsened, insomnia, vivd dreams and an odd painful pain in my ribs that doctors could not diagnose (you know when they look at you funny?). I just knew it was a precursor to a heart attack.
I relapsed and started smoking in July, smoking 10 or less cigarettes per day but knowing I had to stop again. I started Chantix last week and now the depression is back so bad that my sweet husband of 20 years says that I am so unhappy that we do not have to live together (he was blaming himself) and I was supposed to make and appointment with a doc today to get some drugs for the first time in my life, for depression! I JUST figured out that it is the Chantix doing this because after 8 days the old body pain is starting back!
I got up this morning and typed in "Chantix body pain" and I am not crazy! I fully recovered, Thank God, from the first episode of Chantix after 7 months, but I now know what I am about to go through if I stay on it. I blamed the pain on Magnesium! I was so crippled that I asked my husband to help me out of bed to go to the bathroom. I am 5'9" tall, 51 years old and NEVER have had to ask anyone for help before.
Chantix does a great job at helping to stop smoking, but at what cost?
Posted by: Cheryl | Oct 16, 2007 7:49:50 AM
Yesterday, my Doctor diagnosed me with Lupus (95% chance) because of the symptoms I have. Today, he called and advised the Lupus test was negative. I know what it is - Chantix Syndrome--My body hurts, and I am wondering if it will ever stop. Please let me know if there is anything that can be done.
Posted by: Terryl | Oct 17, 2007 9:08:17 PM
Go to Wrongdiagnosis.com and read from the very beginning till the end. You are not crazy and are not sick. Your brain has changed. Not for the better. I do not know how long this lasts. The more poeple that post their problems, we may learn something.
Good luck and we may hopefully soon recover when we figure it all out.
Terry E.
Posted by: Terry | Oct 21, 2007 5:31:27 AM
Hi Yall, I posted back in March I think, somewhere around in there, because of all the problems I was having. I haven't gotten any better, I still have no energy, and my hands kept getting worse so I went to Dr. Monday, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in both hands. I wish the makers of this drug had to take it themselves. My hands hurt so I am having to take me time or I mess up t;yping. I could just cry but what good will that do the damage is done. I never had any kind of arthritis or any problem with my hands till I took chantix. My legs are also bothering me as well as the knees. People had better think twice about taking this medicine. Don't even bother calling and talking to the people at Pfizer, they just lie. Take care!
Posted by: KathySue | Oct 21, 2007 3:49:06 PM
My fiance and myself took chantix for 2 weeks and could not stand the gastro side effects. We have been off of them for 1 month and still cannot eat much without having horrible gas, bloating stomach pain. My fiance developed flu like symptoms after about 1 week of stopping the pills and continues to have that occasionally. The gastro is the worst!!! have never had it so bad. Hopefully this will eventually go away. We never did quit smoking, but while we were taking it found that we had no interest in ANYTHING, TV, sex, family, nothing. Find another way to quit if you can because I feel like we are lucky just to have the side effects we have after reading this blog.
Posted by: Carolyn | Oct 23, 2007 5:25:25 PM
Like most of the posts, I started Chantix Jan 2007. I stopped the end of Feb. Started smoking again in Mar. Started running in May to get in shape for the USAF fit test in Oct. Joined my civilian company's gym in the summer to beat the heat. A week later started on chantix again. Followed the directions to the letter.Stopped smoking and had no craving. The biggest side effect for meat this point, was the nausea and constipation. After week 4 I started noticing a lack of motivation and struggling to make it through the work day and wanting to sleep alot. I'm in an online university degree program and had been very motivated until this point and decided to stop taking the drug again. Now I seem to be forgetting alot of things, I'm depressed alot and my ability to concentrate is very low. My resistance to wanting to smoke is weakening. I am 4 classes shy of completing this degree and just don't feel like it(completly out of character for me) and I don't know what to do about it.
Posted by: JAS | Oct 28, 2007 9:48:02 PM
I started Chantix Jan 2007 worked great I quit smoking. Since that I have had pain in my knees and shoulders. I no longer have a sense of smell so as you can imagine I don't taste anything ether. Just came from the doctor because since I quit smoking I have been congested nonstop and sneeze 20 plus times a day. I am 41, have always worked out, in good shape and never was one to go to a doctor before this. I was there to have a wart removed and asked in passing if there was anything to help me quit smoking. Sorry I asked. Be careful it works but has some bad side effects that they don't tell you about.
Posted by: Sean | Oct 30, 2007 4:09:36 PM
I still have no energy and still have the chest/back pain. I can't get up in the mornings. I don't want to bathe as often as 2 times a day. I want to run away. So depressed. 5 months since and still no good feelings any more. Let's hope this wears off soon.
Posted by: Terry | Oct 31, 2007 6:02:13 AM
I have been taking the drug for 2 weeks and in that time I have slipped back and smoked 2 packs I am a 55 yr old male, that had a 2 pack a day habit for 30 yrs. I have had the dreams and the gas but none of the other side effects. I have more energy and sleep good, although it is sometimes a twilight sleep. I feel rested and ready for the next day . Eating everything in the house but my job keeps me active, so very little weight gain. Now I am scared and want to stop the drug
Posted by: Paul | Nov 1, 2007 5:17:32 AM
I started Chantix 8 weeks ago. With the exception of two slips, it works. However the bladder infection symptoms started on week 7. I am going to go off Chantix gradually. I only took half a blue pill twice a day (don't weigh much) and will go to half a pill once a day and then every other day. Besides the depression, which could just be from nicotene withdrawal, loss of desire for beer (great side effect), I would have stayed on chantix but for the urethral syndrome, which I hope stops soon.
Posted by: cindy | Nov 1, 2007 8:55:51 AM
Wow, what a site! I tried chantix for a total of three days in April. What a horibble ride and apparently after reading these posts I am still on it! BY day three I had a panic attack like you can't imagine, had a brand new job and had to leave to rush to my doctor, I suffered with that for about three months. I have also been experiencing leg pain, mainly in my calfs, which myself nor my doctor could understand, just in the last 2 weeks that has subsided. Am I to assume that was caused by Chantix also? And the back and neck pain? All which I attributed to computer work. Well, I hope we all get through this and get our "normal" back. I would rather take my chances smoking then suffer panic attacks and chronic pain causing me to run to the doctor which I have never done in my life. Good Luck to All.
Posted by: SLC | Nov 1, 2007 3:03:45 PM
I took Chantix in September and stopped taking it on day 7. I had severe depression, anxiety, anger and sucidal indications along with wierd dreams, and chest pain. I called Pfizer and they said that it would take about a month for the side effects to wear off. I am still experiencing the depression, lack of energy, racing heart beat and shakiness. While this drug may work for others it has been a horrible experience for me. I wonder how long it will take for me to get back to normal. I am usually an energetic and optomistic person. I think this drug should be taken off the market.
Posted by: Kathie | Nov 2, 2007 12:27:08 PM
I took chantix for four days and felt like my liver and kidneys were going to literally jump right out of my body, I felt like I was dying, I couldn't concentrate and could barely hold a conversation or even get up off the couch and I have a 1yr old that desires and deserves lots of attention, I am still smoking, but still feel the side affects of the chantix. My doctor is going to give me a cbc at my next visit next week, I will post the results then, but for the long run I will never take another new RX without further investigating it first.
Posted by: cathy | Nov 2, 2007 2:43:20 PM
I wish I had read this before I started taking Chantix in early October 2007. While Chantix certainly curbed my appetite for cigarettes, I have quit with a few puffs since I went off the drug. If I could go back in time, I would have quit cold turkey or never quit at all if knew how my life was going to be a month down the road.
Chantix is a horrible drug for some people, I am one of them. I did have some of the normal side effects, including vivid and awful nightmares that caused me to become an insomniac, the dreams were so awful, when I did fall asleep I would awake crying...every dream involved someone close to me dying.
While the dreams were not good for me mentally or physically, I believed it was worth it as long as I no longer smoked.
My mind changed after I started my third week and the dose went from .5 to 1.0, I took my pill after dinner and that night I tried to fall asleep and just couldn't do it. So I tried to relax and think about good things....then my heart started to race so hard that I thought for sure I was having a heart attack, it was so bad I told my husband how much i loved him and make sure our kids knew how much I loved them.
I tried hard to relax and my husband took my pulse,which was normal so he rubbed my back and I eventually fell asleep only to awake an hour or so later with the pounding heart and tears in my eyes.
The next day is a blur to me, I had no energy, I was in a fog, I was sick to my stomach, and cried all day long. I suppose this behavior would be normal for someone with past experiences of depression. That is not me...I work a 40 hour week at a job I like, I love my husband, yes we argue, but he is the best thing in my life...my children are wonderful, not perfect, but wonderful little beings who make my life happy.
Chantix has robbed me of my former self. I went off of it a week ago, today is 11/2/07. I am depressed, bloated, sick to my stomach and angry. I have no intrest in anything.....I just float through my days not playing with my kids, not keeping up my relationships and falling behind at work.
Do I smoke a 16 cigarettes a day anymore? No. Was taking Chantix worth it? No.
I want my life back....cigarettes or not....I hope I start feeling better soon.
To anyone considering taking Chantix, read this blog and others like it and make sure your decision is informed before you take your first pill. It may be better to be addicted to nicotine gum than deal with these damning side effects.
Posted by: Linda | Nov 2, 2007 7:28:19 PM
My wife started Chantix and immediately got a urinary tract infection. THen, she had dreams so vivid I had to convince her the next day they were not real. Then her thyroid started swelling, we are having a thyroidectomy tomorrow
DO NOT take this medication.
JIm
Posted by: Jim | Nov 5, 2007 7:43:01 PM
Well I took Chantix for about 6 weeks and went insane on it. Yes, I quit smoking. I also quit my girlfriend, got in trouble with the law for the first time in my adult life (I'm 39), and felt horribly suicidal... I had to quit the Chantix to get my life back together. On the other hand, I quit a two pack a day habit, and I don't regret that part...it's just that it made me someone else in the process...it took a few weeks off of Chantix for me to feel sane and like myself again. Given the literal Hell I went through from that drug, I am never going to smoke cigs again. That is the only thing that can make it worth what I went through. I did enjoy the crazy dreams, just not the insomnia and the plunge into the pit of temporary insanity.
Posted by: ecinalaska | Nov 8, 2007 2:39:03 AM
Chantix..my husband had only mild symptoms with nausea every now and then so he says. However I know that he turned into a demon for 3 months and instantly got better when he was off the Chantix. So he quit and now its my turn to quit. We assumed it would be best doing it separately. He agreed to try it first. He calls it a miracle drug...I tryed and was so sick on it I would rather die of lung cancer than have constant life altering nausea temporary or not. So I gave it up 6 months later...I am trying it again..lowering my dose slightly this time. Now I am experiening severe shoulder pain and indigestion...hummm..heart attack at 30??? Nahh...I think its the Chantix...My sister is a doctor and shame on her a smoker, and she refuses to take Chantix becasue so many of her patients have suffered severe side effects..she reccomeds Zyban with Nicotine replacement...I give up on Chantix...my husband thinks it is all and excuse to go back to smoking...I really have tried very hard to quit but I cant seem to shake 1 cig in the morning and one cig at night even when the Chantix makes it taste like "poo" and I know I get nothing out of it but I do it anyway. I think its wonderful people have quit on Chantix...but its not for me and now I just have to find a new way to quit...nothing sucks worse...I curse the day I smoked my first cigarette...they should ban them...and Chantix ;)
Posted by: Susy | Nov 12, 2007 11:58:55 PM
I am starting my 7th week on Chantix and finally called my doc to ask about weaning myself off of this pill. While I haven't had a single cigarette in 5 1/2 weeks, I have had a string of awful side effects that, frankly, I reported to the FDA.
After my starter pack, I had such awful nausea, headaches, exhaustion, no memory, sleeplessness, and dreams of death/destruction, that I opted to reduce my dosage so that I was only taking a 1mg tablet once daily (instead of twice). Over the last two weeks, I've had SIX PANIC ATTACKS---ONE THAT LANDED ME IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND ANOTHER ONE BAD ENOUGH THAT I SCRAPED UP MY HUSBAND'S CAR TRYING TO GET HOME. After the first one, my doctor put me on Celexa. After the third, they added Ativan (like Xanax) as needed AND I'M STILL HAVING THEM! What's ironic is that, prior to the panic attacks, I actually feel incredibly lethargic...then suddenly, my legs get warm and tingling. I feel hot all over and I start to feel like I'm separating from myself (bizarre, I know) and then my heart starts racing. It's all the symptoms of a heart attack (and all the fear) but without chest pain. Last night, I felt like someone was smoothering me before the attack started. After about ten to fifteen minutes, I become lightheaded, exhausted, full body shakes, etc. WORSE YET: I'M DRIVING MY KIDS AROUND IN THIS CONDITION. When they start, I have to pull off the road and my kids watch me breath into a paper bag to keep from hyperventilating. Now, they are scared to drive with me. My husband has had to leave work to come get me and the kids. I'm scared to leave the house now. I can't raise three small kids like this. Oh, I hate this stuff and I'm only on half a dosage!!!!
In addition, I saw a chiropractor last week for severe neck and shoulder pain. I've always had back problems with pain that comes and goes, but it seems so severe now that the pain actually extends to the joints of my arms. I didn't realize other chantix users were experiencing joint problems. It could be a coincidence, but I just thought I'd throw it in there. I'm a healthy, active 36 year old mom of three kids. Quite happy up until now and yet I feel like I've lost my mind. I don't trust myself driving the kids around. I'm seeing a cardiologist after Thanksgiving. All my tests came back normal in the ER, except that I had increased blood pressure. But the doctors will want to have me where a heart monitor for a day and possibly get an echocardiogram.
BOTTOMLINE: Yes, you may quit smoking, but the side effects can be very costly. I feel like I'm losing my mind and I'm racking up a lot of expenses like hospital and car repair bills. I wish I had just gone back to the patch.
And from what I read here, withdrawing completely from this medicine can cause even worse side effects. Great!
Posted by: No more smoking | Nov 13, 2007 10:36:04 AM
I had major back surgery back (anterior double lumbar fusion)in Jan 07 for degerative disk disease. It failed (which now I found out is typical! At the time I was told that the success rate was 80% which I find now is not true with DDD! It's actually about 20%!)So after about $70,000 and a ton of misery, now the Dr is telling me about something called a Spinal Cord Stimulator which blocks the pain completely.(Why didnt they tell me that before major surgery???) but I've been told that I have to quit smoking before they'll do the surgery. I have tried EVERY other method to quit without success so now I started the Chantix. I researched it and found out about all the people out there with horrible side effects. Well, my choices now are to not take this poison and deal with debilitating pain for the rest of my life OR take the poison and PRAY that it works to help me stop smoking, then have the surgery that very possibly will give me my life back but also that I don't have the horrifying side effects! I don't feel that I really have a choice!!! I am on day 4 of the Chantix and so far things are ok (some minor effects). But today is when I double the dose so I'm scared to death. I am having some anxiety that is pretty scary though! In my research, I have found that during the initial trials, Pfizer screened everyone and illiminated people from doing the trials that had heart issues, diabetis, anxiety, depression, ta da, ta da, ta da. Well, first of all,that sent up some red flags! But what really ticks me off is that the Drs don't screen people before they hand Chantix out! I had heart issues last year and had to have a heart ablation done but the Dr didnt say a word about not taking it because of that! They only told me that I may have nausia or constipation! Today I talked with his nurse and told her I was having some wierd dreams and she casually said 'well, that is one of the side effects'. I told her that is not something they informed me of. ANYWAY, it is pretty sad that we are the ones being the guinie pigs but they don't bother to tell you what to expect. We are spending tons of money on Dr appts because of all the side effects and in the mean time Pfizer is getting rich. If I knew how to stop them, I am bold enough to do it but one person won't be heard. It would take an army of people. One thing is for sure though. If anything bad comes out of having to take this POISON, I WILL SUE THEM! People deserve to be told the truth always, but especially when we are the ones who may have to suffer so the drug companies can make the big bucks. Just thot I'd throw in my 2 cents. Linda
Posted by: Linda Brown | Nov 13, 2007 2:55:23 PM
I have been having horrible elbow, shoulder and knee pain since taking chantix. My elbows feel like they are on fire in the mornings. When my right elbow started hurting, I saw an orthopedist. He said it was bursitis. Within several days, the other joints started hurting, thats when I knew it had to be due to the chantix. Still trying to quit, but am taking myself off the chantix to see what happens
Posted by: shannon Huber | Nov 14, 2007 10:37:36 AM
Three months after finishing Chantix, I am having anxiety problems. Not so much depression though. Feels like a meltdown somedays. My Dr. prescribed an antidepressant and an Anxiety pill and I don't feel they are helping. Before all this I was very happy and enjoying life. I have to make myself do just normal things. Don't really know if the combination of Chantix and the other prescribed medicine I was taking is causing this mess I feel I'm in. Not so much a magic pill to me. My friend had to stop taking Chantix only after a few days. I don't think this pill is for everyone....probably needs more research done on it!
Posted by: Debby | Nov 15, 2007 1:40:13 PM
Started the starter pack on Monday, November 5, 2007 taking as prescribed. On the following Monday, November 12 I awoke to the most excruciating back pain I ever remember having. This pain was primarily from the upper middle to the lower and was piercing. It lasted for about 4 hours. I chalked it up to a muscle pull and went about my business.
The next morning, the same thing happened. I had to urinate so badly I actually contemplated peeing the bed because I couldn't get out of it!! I mean I seriously entertained this idea!!
Wednesday and Thursday morning, same story. I went to the ER today (Thurs) and was informed that I had a UTI. The NP said that's what the back pain is from. I've had UTIs before and have never experienced this kind of pain before, so I am highly skeptical. My spine actually hurts.
After reading all these posts, I'm a nervous wreck and not sure what to do.
Posted by: Denisei | Nov 15, 2007 6:21:20 PM
The Queen of the house and I quit smoking on 12/31/06.
We view it as a miracle to go a year without smoking
because we smoked for 50 years.
The Queen looks better today than she has for over 15 years and I too feel healthier and happier.
We finally did it by taking Chantix!!
We are surprised to learn so many people and especially the young that are having so many problems with Chantix. It's horrible for drug companies to release medication to the public without full disclosure and honesty. Something we may never see!
Due to the comments listed by so many people we can no longer recommend Chantix.
We hope the best for you all and may you have the strength to quit smoking.
Posted by: Bobbiejane | Nov 20, 2007 10:41:53 PM
Chantix has caused severe reactions to this 50 year old male who has never had a concern with any medication prior to this devastating experience. Do not drink alcohol with Chantix as the reaction can be very troubling to say the least. Increased aggression and out of the norm behaviour occurred. Increased anxiety is quite troubling as i attempt to wean myself off. My spouse and I are most concerned about the effects of this medication.
Posted by: jd | Nov 21, 2007 12:57:39 AM
I went on Chantix and by day 6 was feeling like a cripple, very sore knees and lower back pain and burning that over the counter meds did not touch. I quit for a few days and was feeling better so decided maybe some of the stuff I experienced was not from the Chantix and tried again. This time for only two days at half the dose. Quit again, due to pain in knees, neck, upper and lower back and a stange burning sensation that runs from my lower back along the outside of both legs to my feet. I was fine before I started Chantix but it seems every ache and pain I have ever had has been reawakened and increased. I am off the Chantix for six days now and still with bad effects.
Posted by: Kate | Nov 21, 2007 7:57:40 AM
I took Chantix for about three weeks back in August/Sept, and had severe anxiety and disassocation with everything in life! It felt as if my body was walking two steps ahead of my norm, but my mind was two steps back - it was a strange feeling. I actually had my first (and hopefully last) panic attack, which was so bad that I thought I was actually having a heart attack (and I'm only 32!).
Even though it has been a couple of months since I last took Chantix, I still feel anxiety and maybe even depression. There is no history in my family of depression, and I don't think I've ever been depressed before now... but my state of mind is definetely different now that it was before I started the treatment.
Oh, and I should mention that I went back to smoking after a 5 day stint of none, and a couple of weeks at only 1 or 2 per day. I was completely willing to start back up in an attempt to regain some part of my previous state of mind...
Posted by: ar | Nov 21, 2007 6:07:59 PM
I took Chantix for 3 months. Had terrible fluid retention while on the drug. My nerves were horrible. Had to stop taking it about 3 weeks ago because of terrible panic attacks and anxiety. Now, it's affecting my driving or even riding in a car for that matter. I feel as if I'm falling out of the car and can't keep control of what I'm doing. I've suffered with panic attacks before but hadn't had one for 2 years till now. This vertigo is ruining my life. I can be standing in the middle of a room and feel as if I'm falling off a mountain!! Please respond as I'm searching for help!! Feel free to email at tufenuf1105@yahoo.com
Posted by: Jennasue | Nov 24, 2007 7:05:31 AM
6 days after my "quit day" still on chantix.still taking a couple of puffs and putting 'em out.Very bad day yesterday, first suicidal ideations in years-very depressed and yes more angry...no irritated,tense. mostly intermittant nausea,slight headaches, alot of brain fog and over sleeping. Thankfully no major joint pain. I'm a healthy 46 year old, who's smoked for 20 years,lifetime battle with depression and anxiety but I've had it beat for a few years now this.It must me the drop in dopamine levels in my brain from dropping from 40 cigs to 2 or maybe 3 per day.This is so messed up, who to hate more Pfizer or Phillip Morris?
Posted by: Flo Couch | Nov 24, 2007 9:07:50 PM
Hello All,
I'm new to this site. Wanted to share my experience. I wish I had found this board before taking Chantix, would have saved me alot of worry, wish Pfiser had been more upfront about their research into the psychological and nervous system effects of this drug, it seems to me that with all the people out there who are effected, we should be warned about it by our Dr's, what I was told was that there may be a disruption in sleep patterns and possible weight gain, as far as I'm concerned, those are the least of the side effects produced by this drug.
One great thing is that I quit smoking 6 days after taking the Chantix. I stayed on the medication for a total of three weeks. After three weeks of being on this drug I could not stand the way I felt anymore and quit that too. The urge to start smoking again is overcome by the fear of having to be on such a powerful drug again to stop the addiction.
The dizziness started almost immediately, even before I quit smoking. Now, after smoking a pack a day for almost thirty years and quitting 4 times before, I was expecting that little euphoric feeling you get after coming off the nicotine. This was different, this wasn't a happy euphoric feeling, it was a head in the clouds, can't get my thoughts straight feeling. Thinking it would pass I didn't notify my Dr. Then my nightmares began to invade my days. I had a hard time differentiating between what was real and what was a dream. I can't remember when the memory loss started to occur but it's no joke, I have trouble with long and short term memory. Anger, yeah I've had anger issues too, absolutly out of the blue, like its not even me. Due to my line of work I have been on anti depressants now for two years with great success, now I feel as though the anti depressants are no longer working and since going back to my Dr, who prescribed yet another anti depressant, so now I'm on two medications, I can feel the depression just hanging there again.
After making a mistake at work (I'm a police dispatcher) I felt that was enough, I took a few days off of work and saw my Dr. I told her all about the strange mental issues I was having and she told me it had nothing to do with the Chantix, I felt as though I was loosing my mind and going off the deep end.
I have now done some research myself into this self proclaimed wonder drug and found out what I wish I knew before I took it. www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/chantix_ad , follow this link, it has alot of information we were not told about the research on this drug.
I plan on taking all the information I have gathered and talking to my Dr. I am still tired all the time, have that feeling I'm in a dream state, trouble with memory, sleep and am very affraid, I have now been off the drug for I think about 3 weeks. I hope this isn't permanant and can't wait to feel the way I used to feel. If this is a permanant thing I'm going to have to consider quitting my job.
Yeah, it helped me quit smoking but at what cost.
Sue
Posted by: Sue | Nov 26, 2007 9:32:04 AM
It is a shame to have found this site a few days to late.I have a friend that is taking Chantix and the second day that he had taken them started to experience severe shaking in his whole body.Also,joint pain and stomach pain.I have also noticed speech problems almost like a stuttering problem.I found this blog and immediatly told him to discontinue use until he talks to his dr.Thank you all for your posts...and hope all will be better soon
Posted by: Cyndy | Nov 26, 2007 11:12:25 AM
I started Chantix 2/7/07, quit smoking 2/23/07, stopped Chantix 3/31/07 when I got sick. I was euphoric while taking Chantix and everything was fine. When I stopped, I couldn't concentrate, it took hours to accomplish what used to take minutes. I couldn't focus. I had some gastric pains, and my memory started to fail. I was exhausted, feeling like something's keeping my brain awake at night and feeling washed out during the day. I was so dizzy, I literally felt like I was driving drunk. I rarely drink! If I did have one, I'd be dizzy for days. My occasional glass of red wine wasn't worth having. My liver and my kidney lab work was constantly out of whack. My iron levels would shoot up then drop to normal. My blood pressure would roller coaster.
I spent thousands of dollars on lab tests, MRIs, CT scans, GI tests. I've been through three regular doctors, an endocrinologist, a nephrologist, two neurgologists, a gastro-enterologist, and a cardiologist.
I used up all my sick time and just about all my vacation time.
I'm grateful that I've never picked up another cigarette (nor have I felt like I wanted to) so this stuff works for that, but what's the cost? I didn't wnat to die of lung cancer but feeling like I have alzheimers isn't living either. I'm in my mid-40s.
I took Chantix for 6 weeks (Feb/March). It's been 8 months since I STOPPED taking Chantix. The only relief I get from the brain fog is when I'm pumped up on caffeine or some other heart racing medication like SudaFed (the real stuff, not the PE c