By Bobby, 62yo
I was told that this drug (which here in Canada is called Champix, don't ask why; I am talking about the drug whose generic name is varenicline) would react with my dopamine receptors, the ones activated by nicotine, in such a way as to give me the satisfaction I got from smoking; and that, at the same time, it would, if I smoked, prevent the nicotine from getting to those receptors. Made sense. Didn't work. Yes, it did in fact prevent nicotine from getting through, yet it absolutely did not in any way give me the satisfaction I got from smoking. As a result, I smoked more and more attempting to get a nicotine hit. I quit the medication after 1 day; but it seems to have done something permanent, or at least long term: i.e., it seems to have reset my daily nicotine need level, so that I am now after many months smoking on average 11.5 cigarettes daily, whereas before I was smoking 8 daily. Whoopee.

Bob, 53yo
My Chantix side effects : mild/short nausea, EXTREMELY CRAZY DREAMS, blah feeling

THIS DRUG WORKS EXACTLY LIKE IT SHOULD. If you are pondering the thought of taking this drug--you will stop smoking. The best analogy is that smoking a cig tastes like you are breathing in campfire smoke. It's as if the "idea" of smoking is gross. I stopped smoking after day 4. I'm a 28 year old guy. Up until I started taking this drug, I would have an occasional (once every month or so) dream that I could only remember foggy parts of--if at all. After I started taking this drug, I would wake up tired--thinking that I have pulled an all-nighter!!! These dreams you have... I still remember every detail of every thing--just as if I were there. Some are very nice, some not so much. I think that this side effect puts one "out of cycle" for lack of better terminology. Besides the dreams, I experienced a little discomfort for the first 20 minutes upon taking a pill-like I want to yack all over the place. I recommend taking the pill with some food, and possibly lay low for the next 20 mins. It helps a lot. Also, little things at work and at home (with my roommate) would send me over the edge (i.e. extremely short fused and crabby). I'm generally a very happy go lucky person. I can not say this was from this drug, but it is, at the least, a coincidence. Bottom line: it's worth it. Yeah, life may be a little rough for 2 weeks, but, you stop smoking, slowly stop taking the drug, and life goes back to normal without cigs!!

Tim, 42yo
Chantix side effects : Nausea, very vivid dreams, feeling detached/dopey, feelings of depression and hopelessness, severe bloating, horrible flatulance. My husband also taking the tabs also seems to be always angry/aggressive.

am now 3 wks smoke free, but quit the tabs 3 days ago. I found giving up smoking very easy on this medication(remarkable after 25 years smoking, around 50/day for many of them). I have found that I am unable to function properly (everything seems just off normal) and have been sinking deeper into negativity and depression. Painful bloating and foul smelling constant flatulance is still a problem even though I am no longer taking the tabs. I am yet to shake the negative feelings, and the "dampened" perception. Luckily I do not drink, so I have no feedback on the effect of alcohol for me. I have a wonderful marriage and two beautiful kids, but have found myself having negative thoughts ie "why do I bother", though not suicidal. I immediately stopped the tablets but am still working through these feelings. Please note that I am proud that I have stopped smoking and fully intend continue with quiting. I am not feeling depressed about the loss of the cigs, and the tabs have helped me kick them easily. I would think that if depression is related to withdrawal, a component of that would surely be regarding how hard it is to do without your "fix"???? This drug does the job, but am concerned about what else it is doing at the same time. So many people state that the side effects of smoking far outweigh those of this drug. WAKE UP, a life ruined by cigarettes or by any other source is a life ruined. How big is the risk for severe side effects really???

chantix side effects :
Nausea and vomiting, gas and bloating, mood changes, "busy" dreams that left me exhausted, all over body aches and pains.
Nausea after taking tablet until I realized I should eat first Very vivid dreams Visual hallucinations when waking during the night (still evident)

As a 50 year 1-2 pack per day smoker I used Chantix per instructions and never varied dosage until I was slowly weaned from the drug per my physician's instructions during month 5. The drug was effective on about day 10 for me. I have now been a non-smoker for 17 months. I have some concern regarding hallucinations when waking druing the night which are still present.