weird side effects - Smoking Cessation Message Board

RIGIRL · 02-27-2007, 08:32 PM

hey everyone. has anyone gotten any weird side effects like anxiety, shakiness, breathing problems from chantix? just curious
thanks

paulagizmo · 02-27-2007, 08:37 PM

I think I have experienced some odd ones and I'm being completely honest and hope I don't gross anyone out: (1) I've had periods of complete giddiness--you know you just can't control the laughter and it's embarrasing (I think that's a release of the anxiety/stress of quitting, (2) no gas or constipation but extremely hard stools (very painful) and thankfully it's only happened 3x and (3) a listed side effect, one of which a lot of people here seem to experience is headaches. Having had a daily headache for some time, once I quit they've stopped. I haven't even had a headache as part of a hangover. I think the most important thing is unless the side effect is having a major impact on your life stick with the Chantix. I hope this helps you out.

Skimmer · 02-27-2007, 08:44 PM

I cried the first couple of days and my husband has had the hard stool problem. I felt foggy the first couple of days, but nothing I couldn't live with. I'm doing great now!! Someone did post of a breathing or heart palpatation, and someone else had a rash - everyone reacts different to meds - so you just have to try it to see if it does anything to you. I didn't even feel them the 1st 6 or 7 days! And now, as long as take them with food, I get a mild tummy ache for about 3 mins, just a bit queasy, but not bad, and then it goes away. Like I said, it's no biggie for me - if I can quit smoking with this, then I'm good with it!!

Good luck to you!!

RIGIRL · 02-27-2007, 09:57 PM

well im on day 5 of the first pack of pills and i notice when i take my second
.5 at nite about 2 hours later when it kicks in i get this overwelming feeling through my body. like bad anxiety, my head is real foggy and its making me nasty,and my chest feels a little racie, then it goes away with in the hour. not sure if this is normal, i guess ill call my doctor in the morning.
thanks

Memaw649 · 02-28-2007, 01:17 AM

Hi RIGIRL,
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms:
irritability, mood swings, restlessness, insomnia, fatigue
inability to concentrate, sore throat, cough, congestion, headache,
increased appetite constipation, gas, stomach pain, dry mouth
sore tongue/gums , postnasal drip, tightness in the chest.
Chantix side effects:
headache, sleep problems, insomnia, unusual dreams, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, gas, weakness, tired feeling, increased appitite, unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Some of the nicotine withdrawal and the Chantix side effects are the same. The brain fog is a common side effect that is not listed on the Chantix. Most of the withdrawal symptoms go away after a couple of weeks. The Chantix side effects will go away after a shot period of time for most people. But for some, they last the entire time they are on the pill.

Good idea to check with your doctor.
Let us know how you are doing.

Memaw