chantix - problems after quitting or weaning

Mike, Thanks for the update. This sleeping thing seems to be a issue for so many. Hopefully taking the dosage so closely may be the problem.......hope a nap helps!

While taking Chantix, I experienced euphoria, dissocation, and joint pain. I quit taking it on day 6 because the joint pain was becoming a problem. 2 days after that, I began experiencing severe depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, crying for no reason, panic attacks, a complete inability to concentrate (I was really worried about my job) and out of body sensations. It took 2 antidepressants and something for panic to regulate my moods somewhat. Today, 6 months later, I am still having trouble with confused thinking at times, and extreme forgetfullness. I would like to know what is causing some people to experience side effects months after they have discontinued the drug. I went from a very happy, upbeat person to a blithering idiot in the space of 8 days. I did not make it to the quit date, due to the joint pain, so I continue to smoke. They list 'suicidal ideation' as a rare side effect, but another lady I work with is having the same problems, 7 months after the fact...panic, bouts of crying, and thoughts of leaving this world. I think this drug needs to be reviewed again for long term effects, and that someone needs to be made aware of the severity some of these symptoms are having on people.

Thanks everyone. I did get a nap and it helped. I think I'll be able to sleep better tonight. Its now been 24 hours since I took any of the Xanax so that of course means I have not been feeling any of that anxiety at all. My wife has noticed an improvement in me too.

Trish in Virginia wrote:

Stacey: What did you decide to do about starting Chantix?

Stacey, I'm curious too. If you are still undecided, let us know what you decide after you have.

BLB, now this is scary what you have been through. Hope things get better for you real soon. I agree with Trish that if you haven't discussed this with your physician recently, maybe you should. My physician wasn't aware of these problems with the anxiety and depression until I told him what I was experiencing and then I even copied and pasted posts from this board and another and showed him I wasn't alone with that problem.

BLB wrote:

While taking Chantix, I experienced euphoria, dissocation, and joint pain. I quit taking it on day 6 because the joint pain was becoming a problem. 2 days after that, I began experiencing severe depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, crying for no reason, panic attacks, a complete inability to concentrate (I was really worried about my job) and out of body sensations. It took 2 antidepressants and something for panic to regulate my moods somewhat. Today, 6 months later, I am still
having trouble with confused thinking at times, and extreme forgetfullness. I would like to know what is causing some people to experience side effects months after they have discontinued the drug. I went from a very happy, upbeat person to a blithering idiot in the space of 8 days. I did not make it to the quit date, due to the joint pain, so I continue to smoke. They list 'suicidal ideation' as a rare side effect, but another lady I work with is having the same problems, 7 months after the fact...panic, bouts of crying, and thoughts of leaving this world. I think this drug needs to be reviewed again for long term effects, and that someone needs to be made aware of the severity some of these symptoms are having on people.

Thank you! I have had all of these symptoms too, only I didn't want to just assume it was the Chantix causing it, I tried to blame it on other things.

A few times I even had a sort of brain-freeze that scared me too. For example, I remember arguing with a cashier that he gave me the wrong change, I was so sure he was wrong, but he was right the whole time. He gave me change of a $100, and my brain was expecting change of a $50 even though I knew I gave him a $100. This was while I was on it, and it scared me to think my brain was being affected by Chantix, but I really wanted to quit smoking badly, so I just stayed home alot in case that happened again.

Trish, I try to exercise, but can't do much because every joint is still inflamed and it hurts to move. That could explain some of the weight gain. If this pain goes away,

Andrea wrote:

<quoted text>I remember arguing with a cashier that he gave me the wrong change, I was so sure he was wrong, but he was right the whole time.

I think I had already mentioned that I augured at a drive through at McDonald's because they had stopped serving breakfast a couple of minutes early, according to MY time. This was after I had been off of the Chantix and going through the withdrawal and anxiety that is caused me.

Wow! This is some scary stuff! You know I don't believe anyone knows what all the side effects are, especially long term, including Pfizer!!

Mike221 wrote:

UPDATE;
I hope I'm not jinxing myself by posting this update this soon but I'm going to anyway. Those who have been reading my posts today will know that my Dr put me back on the Chantix and I'm starting to take them at half dosage(half mg twice a day) I took half a pill at 1:30pm and then another one at 7:00pm. I didn't wait 12 hours between dosages because I wanted to get on a regular schedule of taking them at 7:00am and 7:00pm. Now heres the update; I now have gone nearly 7 hours without taking a Xanax and I even now I don't feel the need for one. The longest I had gone prior between dosages of the Xanax was 5 hours and I normally I thought I was doing well if I went 3 or 4 hours between dosages. Can it be possible that the Chantix is working for my anxiety already? I realize I may not be completely done taking the Xanax, but this right now is very encouraging for me and I just wanted to share it with all of you.

Thanks for the tip Mike. This morning I skipped the 1mg and will take it at night. It's 8:29 pm- so far so good. I had planned in one week to quit altogether. After reading your post, maybe I'll do the halves. Thanks

all of this is so scary to me, and yet i just keep taking this drug....I have a history of sucide in my family and depression....It might be time to just call it quits and stand on my own two feet! any suggestions?

Andrea wrote:

<quoted text>
Thank you! I have had all of these symptoms too, only I didn't want to just assume it was the Chantix causing it, I tried to blame it on other things.
A few times I even had a sort of brain-freeze that scared me too. For example, I remember arguing with a cashier that he gave me the wrong change, I was so sure he was wrong, but he was right the whole time. He gave me change of a $100, and my brain was expecting change of a $50 even though I knew I gave him a $100. This was while I was on it, and it scared me to think my brain was being affected by Chantix, but I really wanted to quit smoking badly, so I just stayed home alot in case that happened again.
Trish, I try to exercise, but can't do much because every joint is still inflamed and it hurts to move. That could explain some of the weight gain. If this pain goes away,

Andrea,

I have had so many experiences like that since I took Chantix, it isn't even funny. Oddly enough, one was over getting change back from a clerk, same as you. Or, I will deposit one amount into an ATM, and type in a different amount. Or arguing over a bill 'my mind' swears I paid, only to look back and see it was a totally different bill I was remembering. These types of problems are my main complaint today. While they may seem like little things, I know it isn't the way my brain functioned before I took that drug.
Are the people on this board aware of the blog going on at wrongdiagnosis.com ? There are 28 pages of posts there regarding problems relating to this medicine. They seem to fall into either of 2 groups 1. Severe joint pain which may or may not be going away after treatment and 2. Very bad to severe depression, panic, problems focusing...the things we have experienced.
I am sorry to hear of the problems you are having, and I hope for everyone that there is an end in sight.

Maggie wrote:

all of this is so scary to me, and yet i just keep taking this drug....I have a history of sucide in my family and depression....It might be time to just call it quits and stand on my own two feet! any suggestions?

Boy this is a tough one Maggie. It sounds like you are a candidate for antidepressants, but for sure call your doctor. There might be some truth in what Curious too said, about taking a puff or 2. Chow was on Chantix forever, and quit 3 times, I think after smoking on and off until she finally quit for good. Seeing as how you have only smoked for 3 years, I wonder if you have a lot more going on than missing smoking right now. All these new things that are going on in your life may REALLY BE STRESSING YOU, and stress is such a trigger.

I would smoke if only a last resort. You may try the little red straw, IT REALLY WORKED FOR ME!!! I used it like a cigarette, it probably was the deep breathing that helped.....

Also call your doctor Monday. Please Maggie take care of yourself...pamper yourself, and lots of DEEP BREATHING!!!

BLB and Andrea,

You both have some real issues. You both need to discuss these problems with your doctors. The doctors, all over, need to be educated on the possible, horrendous side effects of Chantix. The more I've been reading these forums, the more I really believe that Chantix may need a lot MORE than a "closer look"!!

Andrea, I've gained quite a bit of weight too. I have never heard about Suboxone...very scary.

Trish,

I am really starting to worry about you. You have been on Chantix, full strength...right?, for so long. Do you think there is any possibility you will or have any long term side effects?

My Best to you all....

Maggie,

Wait! DO NOT GO TO THE STORE! I just read your post on the other forum, and now I'm confused. You sounded very "steady" on that post. You said you have too much time on your hands, that may be a big problem, too much time to think about smoking. Do something positive read a book, go for a walk...HANG IN THERE!!!

Tony wrote:

Thanks for the tip Mike. This morning I skipped the 1mg and will take it at night. It's 8:29 pm- so far so good. I had planned in one week to quit altogether. After reading your post, maybe I'll do the halves. Thanks

You're welcome Tony, but the real thanks should go to Trish for creating this thread and it was Viki who I learned the wean from not to mention others who have supported me since I came to this board. Before I actually posted here, I simply lurked for over a week and learned what was really happening to me as far as the withdrawal. Good to see you here Tony.

Trish and Viki; I'm so glad you both are here for the support and great advice you have given to me and to others. Experience is the key and you both have it.:)

As you can see, I'm upbeat now and I'm still feeling great since I went back on the Chantix(just yesterday) so I can wean myself off. I still haven't had the need to take any Xanax since yesterday afternoon. I'm my old self again.

viki wrote:

<quoted text>
Boy this is a tough one Maggie. It sounds like you are a candidate for antidepressants, but for sure call your doctor. There might be some truth in what Curious too said, about taking a puff or 2. Chow was on Chantix forever, and quit 3 times, I think after smoking on and off until she finally quit for good. Seeing as how you have only smoked for 3 years, I wonder if you have a lot more going on than missing smoking right now. All these new things that are going on in your life may REALLY BE STRESSING YOU, and stress is such a trigger.
I would smoke if only a last resort. You may try the little red straw, IT REALLY WORKED FOR ME!!! I used it like a cigarette, it probably was the deep breathing that helped.....
Also call your doctor Monday. Please Maggie take care of yourself...pamper yourself, and lots of DEEP BREATHING!!!

Thanks Viki,
I am on a low does of Zoloft. I am not really experienceing any of these efects other than some of the Blah's and being very tired. Both I can handle. I guess im just a worrier and I am scared that I may get some of these symptoms.(Im on the zoloft for anxiety that I have had my entire life) I do have an apt with my Dr and will discuss it with her, but as for now im just going to try to ignore the side effects others have, that I dont!

p.s. Im not going to smoke! I just miss it, and I think that is why I have the Blah's. I just need to let go, and press on with my new exciting life! Im pretty sure im over cigs, I dont even really crave. I just really miss them!

Maggie wrote:

p.s. Im not going to smoke! I just miss it, and I think that is why I have the Blah's. I just need to let go, and press on with my new exciting life! Im pretty sure im over cigs, I dont even really crave. I just really miss them!

Thats quite normal to miss it. For a while, I felt like I lost my best friend and at times I miss it now, but for me it has gotten better and others tell me that it will continue to get better as far as not missing it.

Mike221 wrote:

<quoted text>
Thats quite normal to miss it. For a while, I felt like I lost my best friend and at times I miss it now, but for me it has gotten better and others tell me that it will continue to get better as far as not missing it.

Thanks Mike, Im looking forward to that day!