"In rare cases, Chantrix can induce surreal dream states, similiar to the kind sufferred by William Hurt in Altered States."

Do not visit zoos, South American tribesmen, or Bob Balaban while taking Chantrix. Visions of Satan, Baphomet, and animal sacrifice may be a side effect. If your significant other transforms into an amoeba in your living room, please consult a doctor.

What's worse? Surreal dream states or lung cancer?

As little as I sleep surreal dreams would be welcome. I have tried to quit about 10 times. heres hoping this works

Lung Cancer ? Dont forget heart disease, vascular disease, COPD, and all the other wonderful things smoking causes. Bad dream ? I'll get over it !!!

My husband on day 33 without smoking using Chantix. No side-effects so far. He is 60 and has smoked since he was 12.

I am on my first full week without having a cigarette. Chantix has eliminated my cravings. I do have weird dreams with restless sleep. I feel that this time I will be successful in quitting for good.

Boy do you ever!!! None have been as disturbing as animal sacrifice, but they have caused me to shake my head in disbelief..........however, none have caused me so much distress that I have had to light up the minute I got out of bed or for the rest of the day for that matter.

Just started my second week, and no hacking when I answer the phone.

I took the drug, had weird dreams, nausea if I didn't eat before I took the drug. Took the drug for 1 month. I have been smoke free for 32 days, after 20 years and numberous attempts to quit, i would take the dreams over the patch and the gum any day.

why are you so concerned about your dreams?! they're the window into your mind. if anything you should embrace this new found experience. you're not smoking AND you are having a glimpse into your subconscious. who could ask for more?! what's wrong with having a surreal dream?????

I have been on Chantix for a mere 2 days and have already experienced very eventful slumber sessions.
This is my fourth attempt at quitting. The first time I thought "cold turkey" was the answer. On the second attempt I cut back a cigarette a day until there were no more to smoke (quit for 3 mos.)
Some years later, and now up to the most recent attempt before Chantix, I tried Wellbutrin. It started off hopeful, cutting me back from a pack a day to about half. Still I was not able to kick the jones completely and continued smoking until the Wellbutrin virtually had no effect (except for the awful itchiness it often causes patients).
Although I was the most succcessful with the 'weening process' rather than the cold turkey, or the Wellbutrin I decided to try another method.
This time around I got serious and sought further help. I found out about the Smart Shot . It is a pharma-cocktail of sorts injected into one's lower hip. I left the Dr.'s office feeling drunk and rather goofy. It was still tough to detox that night but I can definately see how the shot helped me get rid of the overwhelmingly strong urges the first couple of days.
Besides the Chantix dreamscapes, I belief it has helped me beyond the Smart Shot by allowing me stick to it for the long haul.
Overall, I have not experienced any side effects from Chantix that I cannot tolerate. As for the nocturnal dramatics, I'm please frankly. I never used to remember my dreams.

Wow, are the dreams weird or what! Not that I am distressed, mainly just surprised that I remember them at all. This is only day 5 for me but I can already tell that this may work. I can hardly wait for the cravings to stop completely, they are already greatly lessened. And, I am using their QuitNow website and this gives me a bit more incentive. Maybe this time I can stop and STAY stopped for good!

Ok, encouraging posts. I'm on the second day today of Chantix today. I was smoking 1 1/2 packs daily (35 yrs) and cut down to about 1/2 a day before I started the Chantix. Today, I woke up at 5:30am, kicked my son out the door for school, took my second .5 pill of chantix and went back to sleep. Wow! It was one continuous dream after another. I did wake up several times, especially during the first one, when a dog the size of about 8 inches was chewing on one of my fingers ... LOL! One of the dreams was as long as a feature length movie. Very cool! Nice side effect, but on a more serious note, I hope it helps me to kick Mr Nico's butt!

dear sirs
i have heard about chantrix.....i would like to know.....

chantrx dosage
do chantrix sells in walgreens or cvs without a receipe????????

please send me an e mail to jgw777@hotmail.com

thank you very much

jack ginsburg

Chantix Dreams - never a dull moment, here's mine from last night:

A pleasant fall evening my wife, our son and I embark on a walk, soon finding ourselves walking through a parklike setting. On my right a massive concrete wall with a grid pattern of stainless steel spikes arranged about every foot or so. On my left, a grassy hillside with hundreds of round concrete disks set into it. On each disk is a North Korean soldier, replete with giant military hat, and full dress regalia. Each is pointing his rifle at one of the stainless steel spikes on the far wall. Each is staring and focused on his spike completely motionless. We walk through this odd, parklike setting and arrive at a restaurant. Once inside I meet a woman I used to work with at a restaurant I worked at many years ago. She is dressed as if for a formal function in a cocktail dress and rather than selling food, the menu contains an extensive selection of massage oils and lighted vibrating 'toys'.

I woke up at this point, and decided I needed a glass of water, and a good laugh.

I've been taking Chantix for 2 months now and have been completely smoke free - although i do suffer some nausea and flatulence, I can certainly recommend Chantix for quitting smoking. I'm 40 and have smoked since 17, previous attempts to quit have failed within the first week. After two months, I am still committed. I've even been able to play music in smokey bars without getting tempted.

.-=cp=-.

I'm 41, received a script from my doctor. I'm scared to try Chantrix!! Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Just started smoking again after a 2 year quit!! Dr. recommended Chantrix. I found all the postings here to be helpful. It seems like crazy dreams are a side effect that most welcome rather than dislike. Looking forward to quitting for good AND the crazy dreams!!
Thank for the input!

Started taking chantix 3 weeks ago, first week I took the .5 mil and smoked my regular pack and a half a day. picked day 7 as my quit date then started my 1 mil tabs and havent smoked since. I had smoked since I was 15 yrs old, I am now 49, I have tried many many times only to fail within 1 or 2 weeks. I would always get very nervous and hard to live with, but while taking chantix I am not bitchy or nervous. I do think I have quit for good this time.
I do... have weird dreams, but they are not terrible.

I am on my 2nd week of Chantrix. Most of what I have read has been from smokers. I use snuff. I have been tobacco free for 3 days. The dreams all of you talk about are to me> friggin nightmares. I ain't had a decent nites sleep in a week and am feeling lightheaded. Yes, it has calmed the craving, but what I would not give for the dreams and voices to go away while I am trying to sleep!!

I just had my first day of chantrix. Last night I had nightmare after nightmare after nightmare. I had been alerted to this side effect, and man it really kicked in! But I'm really hoping to kick this habbit - a friend of mine did it with chantrix, and that inspired me to try it.

This is day 16 no smoking. I also have noticed a decrese in cravings for other things as well.

No dreams but life is allready too exciting

I'm glad that at least a couple other people have said that the "unusual dreams" they are having are actually nightmares. I'm only on day 5, but the dreams/ nightmares are the only side effect I've experienced. The first one wasn't so much a nightmare, it was just VERY frustrating - I was trying to explain my feelings to the family of 13 that I was a part of (my actual family is not that big) and no one would listen or acknowledge what I was even saying. In addition, my entire family was African-American, and I was not. Everyone treated me like I was different and that what I was saying didn't matter. I woke up very frustrated. The second dream was HORIBBLE - I'm talking mutilated flesh horrible. And it seems that each time I wake up (which is quite frequently during the night) I go back to sleep to the exact same spot in the dream that I was at when I woke up. Last night's dream was not terrifying like the night before, but it was very frustrating. Again trying to do many tasks, go many places, take care of many people and no one would listen or help me. I woke up this morning very frustrated. Glad to know I'm not the only one that's not enjoying the dreams/nightmares. Anyone else find themselves waking up very frustrated or am I alone on that one?

2 more weeks and it will be 3 months. I had the dreams at first. It was amazing to wake up and then go back to sleep picking up where you left off. I found that eating early in the evening and then taking the 1mg pill right away helped reduce the dreams wildness. One night took one just before I closed my eyes. WOW! I'm 54 smoked for 40 years. I have not had a cigarette since my start day Oct 22nd.

I am a 55 year old man who has smoked since age 15. I started Chantrix 9 days ago. I am currenly taking 1 mg twice per day. I immediately dropped from 1 pack a day to about 6 cigarettes. I am using the Chantrix and "weening" myself. I have definitely found the cravings to be lessened incredibly. In fact, I have gone hours without the desire to smoke, surprising myself that I didn't have "the urge". Then it is like the smokes are not satisfying. Has anyone else noticed that cigarettes taste different? Not in a good way either. I really think this is the answer for me. I have tried to quit 5 or 6 times in my life. I never made it past a day except once, when I quit for 3½ months. I used the patch and classroom encouragement to quit - but I went through sheer hell to quit. The Chantrix seems to make the withdrawals nearly unnoticeable. And yes, I have some weird dreams (not nightmares). What is great is that I actually remember the dreams, a I never remembered dreaming in the past. In fact, I thought I did not dream at all. Apparently I do! Anyway, I would highly recommend Chantrix to anyone who wants to quit!

I just picked up my prescription. I found it interesting that no one mentioned that the weird dreams is also a side effect with Wellbutrin. I have "successfully" quit 3 times with Wellbutrin (smile). I've found not long after I stop taking the medication the cravings always came back. I'm hoping that will not happen with Chantrix.
I found it helpful to drink some sleeptime tea before bed. It helped some. My aunt and close friend gave up on the Wellbutrin because of the sleeplessness and dreams. I am determined to get this nicotine monkey off my back so if I have to take something to help me sleep while getting through the process--no problem, The dreams with Cantrix cannot posibly be worse than with Welllbutrin.

Would love to hear from anyone that has stopped taking the Chantrix and remained smoke free, or not!

I'm a 24 year old male, smoking since age 14. Today is day 8 on Chantix, the day starting the twice a day at 1mg dosage. I had planned my quit day as today, but found during the last week that I was able to go longer and longer without a craving. After about the 3rd day, I wasn't able to smoke more than half a cigarette without feeling like I'd smoked an entire pack. As of last night, I could stand no more than 3 or 4 puffs. Today went well, with only "twinges" when I engaged in what smokers in my office call "The Hot Zones" (places you would normally smoke out of habit, such as in the car, after a meal, etc.). I made the mistake of not eating with my dosage this morning for the first time. I've gotta say, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!! The severe nausea was almost immediate, followed by dry heaving... not pleasant!

As far as any other side effects, unfortunately, I'm on Levaquin (a relatively harsh antibiotic I'm taking for bronchitis), and a few heart medications, so they may be masked a bit... with the exception of the dreams! I've been having VERY vivid dreams since almost day one... Although I'm aware that we ALL dream EVERY night, I don't generally recall mine unless they are particularly upsetting/exciting. These past 8 days, it seems as though I recall every dream, no matter how boring... It also seems as if I sleep very lightly for the first three quarters of the night, and VERY heavy through the last bit. Fortunately I'm salaried at work, so my late arrivals haven't caused any problems, but it's a bit embarrassing being late for work every day! I wonder, has anyone else had problems waking?

I am on my first week of lmg Chantix and YES, the dreams are really wild!!!!!!. Also have a bit of nausea but find eating after taking helps. I am 43 and have smoked since I was 17. Was up to almost 2 packs a day and am now down to 1/2 pack some days even less. I do agree that when I do smoke it tastes different and I'm sure this is part of the treatment. Whatever it sure is helping me and I dont mind the dreams!!!!!!

I have completed my 3 months on this medicine, and it is great. I have no urges to smoke at all.The dreams stopped for me around 2 months. Other then the dreams there wasn't any other side effects. This medicine is a wonder drug!!!

I pick up my Chantrix this afternoon. I am anxious and also have a sense of anxiety about it. Any suggestions?

I am not concerned about the bad dreams but I do take herbal supplements and I hope they don't interfere with the drug.

Besides the strange dreams and nausea are there any other problems such as headaches?

I started my first day/week today with the 1mg pill. I can already feel and taste the difference...There's a strange metalic taste while your smoking and immediately after you've smoked. I have high hopes for this medication to help...as for those dreams...I'll take those over lung cancer anytime.

Does some health insurance policies cover Chantrix?

I am on the second week (the 1mg week). I notice that as long as I am doing something I don't crave at all but as soon as I get bored here they come. Most of the time it is just for about five minutes so not to bad. I would like to know if anyone that has quit, what was the longest you smoked before you finally put them down.

I have been taking Chantix for 27 days. I noticed that the urge to smoke was reduced almost immediately and that the cravings have gotten fewer and farther between. I'll admit that I'm still smoking 2 cigs a day now but they taste awful and not really satisfying. I have 1 trigger that is hard to deal with. I have a 40 mile commute to my employment that is boring and death defying all at the same time, hence the 2 cigs. Frankly I don't really what the cigs! I'm going to make it to work in the morning without the smokes. If I can do that then I know I can really quit I am a 54 year old Male and was a pack and a half a day smoker for 30 years. I've tried the gum, the patches and even hypnosis and I can honestly say that Chatix has been more helpful than anything I've tried. Now a few things that’s been brought up in other posts. Yes I have had some crazy dreams every night since I've been taking the Chantix. It's almost entertaining. Yes I have had some problem with gas .That's not so entertaining but I deal with it. I have an increase in my apatite and putting on some weight. Don’t like it but I'll deal with that. That’s about it as far as side effects. My insurance did cover Chantix. Good Luck to everyone!

Picking up my prescription for Chantrix tomorrow. I have a lot of anxiety about it, I've never tried to quit before. I tried to give it up for lent once, and it was hell and very unsuccessful. Everyone who has posted seems pretty motivated. Anyone out there who didn't really WANT to quit, but knew they should that has had a good result? The posts here are encouraging, I spend a lot of time hoping I'll be one of the ones that dodge the bullet on the health consequences of smoking.

I'm interning at a wellness center and I got to sit in as a Chantrix representative pitched their product to a group of doctors and nurses. It looks very promising from what they were saying but I wanted to know what real smokers were saying. I'm encouraged to see so many people so optimistic about quitting.
They explained that the dreams weren't neccessarily bad or good, just that they were very vivid. The quit rate was somewhere around 20% a year later, which is a lot better than 7% using other methods. 3% had to discontinue using Chantrix because of the nausea which isn't any worse than most any prescription. At this point they didn't think it interacted with any medications but you shouldn't use it if you have heart or liver concerns. It blocks the nicotine receptor so that cigarettes only give you about half the high they otherwise would, so maybe that's why they taste different.
I don't know how much of this the doctor explains when they prescribe it, I just thought I'd try to be helpful. Good Luck everyone.

I am on day 16 of rx. Havent had one real craving to smoke and have not cheated once. This is the longest I have gone without a cig in 10 years when i quit for a month then went back. Quit nuerous times since only to go back within 3-5 days. Often smoking behind everyones back until they finally caught on. The smell will get you every time.
In response to Troy........No, I did not want to quit. I loved to sit on my porch overlooking the lake and have a smoke. But this time I had to. I am in process of spending thousands of dollars on new teeth and the last thing I wanted to do was turn them yellow from smoking after 3 surgeries and some 20 visits over a one year priod to the dentist. So I knew I had to quit but did not want to. I put it off numerous times. Tried the patch, gum, for weeks leading up to final fitting. Nothing worked. Dentist recommended use chantrix when i knew i had just a month left til my permanent crown were going to be put in. So far so good. I am truly amazed at the results. The dreams were very vivd at first but they are subsiding. I am taking pill earlier, around 430pm, and that has seemed to lessen the vividness of the dreams. They are still entertaining and the subject of discussion every morning. No other side effects. Should have my new permanent teeth in any day, that plus the chantrix and i think I am done smoking for good.
Best of luck. This may just be the real deal after all.

To Troy - I don't think any of us would want to quit if it were not for the list of problems associated with smoking. You have your list and I have mine. I've smoked 1-2 packs a day for 45 years and I have never tried to quit before so I am really scared. But everything I read about this product is very positive. I am just about the only person I know who smokes except for my son. I have - recently - become short of breath. This suddenly appeared. I am very active - so I am learning that this can come crashing down suddenly. Lots on the list but this is number one. I had the breath test and I am at 60%.

Good luck to all of us!! I am on day 3 and the dreams are entertaining.

I'm a 47 year old male who has smoked since I was 13 years old. Had been smoking 2-1/2 packs a day since my early twenties.

Started taking Chantrix on 1-19-07. Quit smoking yesterday 1-26-07.

I did notice the cigarettes began to have an unflavorable taste after starting on Chantrix. I was pleasantly surprised I had no craving for a cigarette on the first day I quit.

I have not experienced the dreams I've read on many of the posts. However, I also take a prescription sleep medication called Ambien. Those experiencing uncomfortable dreams may wish to consult their physician about a sleep aid.

Good luck to all the "Quitters".

The Chantix really helps! It definitely curbs the craving. I didn't quit cold turkey, but I smoke about a fourth of what I used to and am slowly going to none. I've been on the drug about 2 weeks now.

The nausea isn't that bad. If you take it right after you eat and also drink a glass of water with it, the nausea only lasts about the first 20 minutes for me. I know now not to go do anything that involves me moving around for the first half hour after I take it. I take it at lunch and dinner.

The dreams are insane. I wake up about every 3 hours and everytime I fall back asleep, new dream. I remember all of them too!! I usually have 304 a night, all very vivid. None of them bad, but I can't believe some of the stuff I dream about. Trust me, it's definitely entertaining. Not a bad substitution for lung cancer in my opinion! I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

My insurance covered mine also, BCBS. It was only $45 a month so definitely look into it if you have health insurance. Some cover it! Another perk!

Im on week 2 of Chantrix & 7 days smoke free after about 18 yrs of smoking. I to am dreaming more but I often sleep really well. the 1st week on it I did have a stomach ache after taking it but that is gone now. I dont even have a craving for a smoke & Im feeling great!!! Good Luck to everyone!!!

I have been on Chantrix now 2wks, and I must say it is a miracle drug! Smoked for 37 yrs. a pacck a day now first week you smoke on chantrix I cut back to 2-3 a day & questioned myself why? I didn't even want them I did experience a almost speed high though going into the full 1mg 2x's a day? Has anyone else had this feeling? Just very jittery inside? But it's better then smoking I don't smell anymore I love it my shampoo & perfume stays with me now all day instead of nicotine smell! Good luck to us all I only pray that long term there is no harmful effects later down the road! It is brand new to the market!My husband seen how well it was going so he has now started his starter week, he's cut back more then 1/2 of his normal smokes!!! MIRACLE DRUG it needs to advertise more.

I'm near the end of my 3rd week on Chantix and I had never tried to quit smoking before (started at 15, am 52 now). Just being somewhere like a long plane trip where I absolutely couldn't smoke, and feeling that anxiety was enough to make me afraid of quitting. So I have to admit that when I started taking the Chantix, I did so half-heartedly –if it worked, it worked, otherwise no big deal. I’ve been counting cigs for years so I know I typically smoke just under a pack a day. Within the first 3 days of taking Chantix I found that I was smoking less without even making an effort. I didn’t really set a quit date like we are suppose to (fear of confronting that date) but during the 2nd week, my desire to smoke diminished more and more. During that week I gave myself permission to have 2 guilt-free cigs in a day, and that seemed to reduce any anxiety I had about never having another cigarette. After doing that for 2 days, I found that I didn’t even feel like having the second cigarette. By the end of the 2nd week on Chantix, I just stopped without really any effort.

I think “changes in dreaming” is a good description of the side-effect. It doesn’t give you nightmares, I think it just allows you to remember everything you dream. I feel like I’m dreaming all night and the dreams are each full-length movies, not just bits and pieces, and they are more spatially correct then my typical dreams. The dream contents are nothing extraordinary, but I’m finally them very enjoyable.

I am in my second week of the rx and today is my quit date. I am pretty surprised about how good I am feeling. I'm having a few cravings but mostly during my triggers....eating, driving etc. I wasn't just "anxious" about quitting, I damn near was in a full panic attack. While I know this isn't a slam dunk and that things are going to be difficult I am feeling very positive. I am 38 and have been smoking since I was 16. Oh, and by the way....eeeww on the weird dreams. I could do without that but am willing to go through them. Good luck to everyone and good wishes to you all.

I am in my second week of the rx and today is my quit date. I am pretty surprised about how good I am feeling. I'm having a few cravings but mostly during my triggers....eating, driving etc. I wasn't just "anxious" about quitting, I damn near was in a full panic attack. While I know this isn't a slam dunk and that things are going to be difficult I am feeling very positive. I am 38 and have been smoking since I was 16. Oh, and by the way....eeeww on the weird dreams. I could do without that but am willing to go through them. Good luck to everyone and good wishes to you all.

Hi Everybody..Soon to start taking Chantix..Little worried about the "Dream Stuff"..pray they aren't nightmare kind of dreams *
Good Luck to everybody *

This is day 4 on Chantrix for me. I'm not really looking forward to my P.M. dose. Did anyone else have any other side effects, like stomachache (pain), increased heart-rate while exercising, and a general "spacey" feeling? Oh, and yes, the dreams. I was told I cried in my sleep last night. Nightmares or terrors would better describe it.
On the UP side, I've been a pack to 1 1/2 pack a day smoker for over 21 years. Yikes. I don't crave cigarettes like I used to , and already on day 4 only smoked 14 cigs. Anyone else experiancing side effects? How long did they last? Thanks

www.quitnet.com has 2 clubs (like forums) for Chantix users. I am now totally quit for 5 days. Whew!

Well...Here we go...My wife and I just got the prescription filled. Still need to discuss all the possible side effects with Dr. I am going to be 54 on Feb. 21st. Been smoking full time since 15. (and I do mean full time)..2 1/2 - 3 packs a day. With the co-pay of $40.00, I am STILL WAY ahead of the game. Actually looking forward to the dreams..(I could use an escape from reality). Will keep in touch thoughout the process. Thank you for your insight everyone.

day 32 on rx and still going strong. dreams are not nearly as vivid. i am only remembering bits and pieces of a dream, not nearly as vivid. slept through night past 3 nights. have absolutely no cravings or desire to smoke. good luck to all

I have an odd question....the package I got had no white pills in it at all. It was full but its all the 1mg blue pill variety.

I started off with one the first day....largely becuase I forgot the 2nd pill!LOL

Then switched to 2/day right off.

Sleep has definietly been an issue but my dreams are fine as they have always been pretty vivid.

Anyway did you all get white pills or is the chantax website wrong?

thanks

Casey, I think you got the refill pack from the pharmacy for the second and third months. The first month pack has one box of white pills and three blue (4 wks). The main difference is that the first week is only a 0.5mg dose 2xday instead of a full 1mg 2xday. You could get a pill cutter and halve them or else you could probably just keep on like you are. I don't know this, but I imagine they ween you on so you can see what side effects you might have before you get hit with a big dose.

to ken and diana, thank you for the words on the journey. I've recalled them over these last two weeks. I'm 14 days on the RX and 7 days totally smoke free. I can't believe it. I realized this week that even though I had never admitted it to myself that I didn't think it was even possible that I could stop smoking. I miss it though. I really miss it. BUT, I am reminded that missing this now (a feeling I pray will one day go away) means not missing a lot of things I would have missed from fewer years of living.

The dreams are a trip. My wife probably thinks I'm going nuts because I'm waiting to tell her that I've been taking Chantix until her birthday next week (do you think she knows already?), but I haven't withheld my mindtrips from her. Last night I time traveled all throughout a single dream, sort of like the movie Memento where the chapters of the movie are in reverse order. That is some sophisticated sugar-plums right there.

I still have one cigarette in my pocket. It's been there for over one-hundred and sixty-eight hours. Remarkable.

Hi everyone,

My story-female, 50 years old. I have been smoking since the age of 15. I enjoyed smoking, especially with my cup of coffee in the morning out in the garage.(Never smoked in house). I have been on Chantix for 19 days now. Actually, my doctor gave me the prescription in October for Chantix but I guess I wasn't ready.

I cheated once!!! I begged a friend to give me a cigarette. He did. Yuk, it was so nasty. I smoked 3/4 of that cig and trashed it. The awful taste in my mouth was disgusting. Believe me, that was my reassurance not to smoke again.

Two years ago I went through hypnosis to quit that worked for me for about 4 months. Chantix in my opinion is wonderful and as far as the dreams go, yes, I remember each and every one of them.

A word of advice, hit the gym, I have increase my workout. Get moving!!! Take chromium picolinate and other vitamins and herbs to control sugar cravings.

Good luck to all!

Wow, great drug - a real hope for smokers. I wrote previously on January 7, 2007. Here's what has happened since. I am in month 2 of Chantrix. I am not in DAY 2 of becomeing a none smoker. I weaned myself down to 3 a day, 2 a day and then 3 nights ago I ran out of cigarettes. Here is the neat thing. I didn't panic. I didn't feel the need to run down and buy a pack so I would have them in the morning. So I didn't. My quit date set itself. I admit the occasional urge, but they taste terrible, and now I smell smoke on other people. In fact, I am smelling things I have never smelled before. I have noticed I am coughing more than when I smoked, so my body must be trying to clear out the pipes. After trying cold turkey, hypnosis, welbutrin, and the patch, this seems like a miracle drug. I am going to return to this blog over time and report the long term success I hope will occur. I must admit, I am a bit concerned about going "Chantrix free", and what the effects will be. If anyone has quit smoking AND Chantrix please tell us about it. and please, anyone who is writing more than once, please note your previous writing date for reference. And GOOD LUCK to everyone - you can do it with the help of this wonderful drug!

after 45 year's of smoking with most of them dealing with at least 3 pack's a day it was awesome that as of last october 16, 2006 i am now a non-smoker. thanks to a big part of taking the drug chantix. the dreams were all interesting. some were kinky and all were vivid. i sort of miss them now that i don't take the pill anymore. what is great is not having to make sure when i go to bed that there is enough to get me through the night and enough to get me started in the morning on my end table. no having to scrub my finger's in my morning shower to get all that yellow nicotine off. taste buds are coming alive again and i recently found out that after all these years of using colgate toothpaste it has a pleasent flavor to it. to all that want to stop smoking i wish you the best of luck and a success as good as mine.

I am a 35 yr old female, married w/7mo old. Perfectly healthy until just recently. Started losing vision/having altered vision in one eye. After many Drs visits...trying to tell me it may be Multiple Sclerosis...still in denial and wont go have the spinal tap to verify it. Will get to it eventually & at least Dr is not rushing me.

So HAVE to quit smoking because smokers have higher/quicker rate of demylenization of the brain matter. Needless to say, the stress levels are off the charts.

Terrified to quit. LOVE smoking, but know it is most likely making my health much worse, or could in the long run.

Already tried Wellbuterin. HORRIBLE depression set in, in less than 48hrs. (although cravings went instantly)

QUESTIONS:
1. How much does it cost if you do cash pay? (crappy insurance)
2. Will Klonipin (sp?) help with the dreams, allow me to sleep. Already taking for the anxiety associated with the vision problems.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

SO I tried to quit over New Years because it's a deal breaker with my boyfriend. As I drove away from the airport after dropping him off, I lit up. Now, he's flying in tomorrow and I just got my Rx for the drug. I paid cash $114.99 and after reading so many testimonials I have to say I'm a little nervous.

Dreams I've had in spades. Not so much worried about that, but I already have nausea in the morning and could use without more of it. As for the klonopin, I too am taking that and think my sleeping should be fine. Thanks for all the positivity, and encouragement. I've been smoking for five years now and I'll be thirty this year. Gotta quit now!

WOW, very encouraging notes and details. I have tried all of the nicotine replacement stuff and only cold turkey has worked (sort of), stopped for two months. I too have had the Rx for a while and will start in the morning. The dream details have me a little worried but, as others commented, it's worth it. Wish me luck and good luck to all.

I wish this stuff was around when I quit, cold turkey was brutal. My husband has been on Chantix for about a week. Previous attempts to quit weren't pretty and didn't stick, this has been totally different. After smoking for 32 years, he's cig-free for 5 days. Couldn't be more proud of him. He describes the dreams as "full-length action movies all night" that he could do without. This is unlike the patch which gave him horrible nightmares and severe depression. He's willing to put up with a lack of sleep in order to quit. He still has habit cravings, but the physical part is starting to dissipate.
Congratulations to all of you that are in the process of quiting. Keep at it!

Is anyone taking the Rx in 12 hour intervals? I have been taking it around 6 am and 6 pm, but am struggling a bit... is anyone having success taking it first in the morning and again in the early afternoon?
I am soooo excited about this medication, and have been taking it for 2weeks. I noticed decreased cravings and a serious change in the way that cigarettes taste and smell (disgusting!!!)... I even got sick after smoking one after taking the Rx for a week!!!
My planned quit day was this past Monday (the beginning of the work week has worked better in previous quit attempts), and I really felt great until mid-afternoon. I cheated (one cig) and was alright until Wednesday afternoon (one more cig... & threw the whole pack away), then until this afternoon! Its seems like I am caving in around 3-4pm each day. Other than that, I have had no cravings all morning or evening... it almost seems like the Rx wears off around that time for me, and I become pretty vicious!!! It feels like the times I went "cold turkey" and although the cigarette tastes terrible, I am a serious mess if I don't have it!
I spent all of last year trying to quit... I tried cold turkey, patches, gum, mints, some type of spray, and even some weird herbal pellets!!! The best attempt was with the patch (3 months of no cigs, but couldn't get off of the patches) and I felt great!!!! However, I thought I could "just have one" then "just one pack"... you probably know how that goes!!! It came to a point when I would "quit" every day!
Miserable, 40 lbs heavier, and still wanting to quit smoking, I checked into the Chantix. For the most part it seems like a miracle! It still requires willpower, which gets me through the other tough parts, but I literally become a MESS in the afternoon. I think I'll try to take the doses closer together, but I'd really appreciate hearing if anyone else has found that to work.
I'll pray for you all!!! Best wishes!!!

to jessica.....week 7 on chantix for me. 6 weeks no smoking. not one cig. it truly is a miracle.
i take my pills at 6am and 4pm. used to take them 7am and 7pm, after eating as instructions say. but i felt the same way in late afternoon. if i forget to take 4pm, i know it around 6 or 7 so yes, i do feel it wears off. i also think the dreams have subsided since i take the pill earlier.
good luck. i too did all the other methods, patch, gum, etc etc etc. this is a true success story to date. im gonna go the full 12 weeks.

So who here has gone the full 12 weeks and stopped taking the rx. Need to hear what to expect when we stop.

Ken

I say take the drug if it helps you stop smoking. I smoked from about 20 to 35 and quit cold turkey. I had COPD so bad that at 55 I had a double lung transplant....you wouldn't believe the dreams you get from the many, many drugs I have to take just to keep the new lungs in my body from rejecting! Plus the other side effects..also my life is shortened by many years. Quit NOW!!!

I have been smoking for almost 40 years. I tried all thing known to man to quit. I heard about Chantix. Both me and my wife got prescriptions. My wife and I have had identical experiences.

First day: Took the first pill but continued to smoke. No pressure to stop immediately was really a great feeling to begin with. Second day: Continued to smoke. Third day: Cigs start to taste bad. Fourth day: Did not even go outside for our morning coffee and gigs on the front porch.

We thought that this cannot be. All these years trying to quit and we did it in less than one week?!! Well, it’s been 3 months now and I’m actually off Chantix. My wife is on ½ pill (5 mg) a day and looking to reduce this to every other day. We do not have any side affects. Cravings are brief and long in between them. Never felt that we needed to follow through and light one up.

Yes, dreams are very interesting. Never so real-life and clear enough to recall accurately the next morning. But after we reduced the dosage, as I did as well after 2 months, those dreams are basically gone. Take this with food or you will get light headed and feel sick. No problems with food first. It made us a little tired during the day (maybe because of the dreams?) but that stopped after awhile.

Chantix is worth every penny. This works and works great. It’s about time someone has given us the help to quit.

Just got my scrip and its 7:47...my friend and I are starting the pills together. Wondering since its so late and I've read about taking them earlier helps the dreams if we should wait till tomorrow?
Little scared about failing another time of trying to quit. I am 26 and have been smoking since 14...pretty much a pack a day. I have a 2mo old so I don't get much sleep anyways.
My insurance covered $54 and I paid $60.
Also I am wondering if anyone else takes adderall...a little worried about it counteracting.
I'm glad this site is here...nice to hear from fellow quitters. Good luck to everyone and please pray for me and my friend.

I'VE BEEN TAKING CHANTIX NOW FOR 3 WEEKS- I HAVE HAD THE SIDE EFFECTS. YOU HAVE TO EAT A GOOD MEAL WHEN OR BEFORE YOU TAKE IT. THE NAUSEA AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS WAS THE WORST FOR ME THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF THE SECOND WEEK WHEN I STARTED TAKING 1 MG 2X'S A DAY. THE SECOND WEEK IS ALSO WHEN MY VIVID DREAMS STARTED- BUT ONLY LAST LESS THAN A WEEK- OCC I STILL DREAM BUT IT DOESN'T INTERRUPT MY SLEEP NOW- I WORK NIGHTS SO MY DOSAGE TIMES ARE DIFFERENT FROM DAY TO DAY BUT I HAVE BEEN SMOKE FREE FOR 2 WEEKS AND I FEEL GREAT!!!NO CRAVINGS. I HAD BRIEF THOUGHTS RIGHT AFTER A BIG MEAL OR DURING TIMES THAT I NORMALLY SMOKED, BUT I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE "HABIT" PART OF IT. I HAVE QUIT SO MAY TIMES AND THIS IS TRULY THE ONLY TIME I CAN SAY I HALF- HEARTEDLY ATTEMPTED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE TIMES IN THE PAST. I AM 37 YRS OLD AND HAVE SMOKED A PACK A DAY FOR 21 YRS- MY INSURANCE COVERED NOTHING!!!! $116 A MO BUT WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

7 1/2 weeks and counting. not one cig
on a lighter note.......i didnt even want one during my in law's visit ;-) a true test passed!!!
3 1/2 weeks til i finish 12 week cycle. still looking for some posts from people who have finished the 12 weeks and what they have experienced.

Starting

I have been on Chantix for 3 weeks now and am AMAZED by how well this works!! Unfortunately I have experienced vomiting the past three days about a 1/2 hour after I take the pill. Not sure why this is happening so late in the game, I've even been taking this with a meal and water. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?

I'm on day three, still smoking (because I can) but I'm not smoking nearly as much and I'm not jonesing.
I ran out of cigarettes while driving and didn't stop because it was too cold. That NEVER happens!

Tony Soprano, the mom from little house on the prairie and the head detective from SVU were my friends in last nights dream. And I liked it!

I start 1mg tommorow. I'm going to do it this time!

to sue: posted feb 15th. Don't worry about the spinal tap for ms. perhaps you could have an mri and that might show ms and some day you may have to have spinal tap, but the mri would be less tramatic (however it is loud, but doesn't last long) also, many illnesses can mimick ms, but do what you can with your insurance and sometimes a diagnosis can take a long time. i have neurological problems myself and am a smoker. have not tried the chantix but have heard good things about it. i worry about the nausea and GAS since i work in an office and (how embarrising) but i am READY to quit. i am concerned about the vivid dreams however, since i ALREADY have very vivid dreams and have had all of my life. wonder if this drug will make them even worse?? also, i take phenobarbital for seizures, and am concerned about side-effects. anybody know about that???? anyway, i have tried gum and it helped a little, but did not work well, and i want to be a non-smoker. p.s. good luck Sue and follow up with your dr.

I'm on day 4 of taking Chantix. I noticed the first day that the cigarettes I was smoking tasted like crap...and when my husband is smoking, they smell even worse. My quit date isn't until Friday technically, but I'm down from 2 packs a day to about 5-6 already.
After the dreams I had on the patch, I had to take it off about 2 hours before I went to bed, which became a very convenient time to cheat and take a few puffs! So I decided right away that my "evening" dose of Chantix was going to be as close to the beginning of the evening as possible. I just took my first evening pill at 5:00, and am going to try for 4:30 as time goes on. My dreams were technicolor vivid on the patches, so I bet they are going to be about the same here.
My health insurance United Healthcare)paid for all but my regular prescription copayment...but because my insurance company foolishly considers a month to be a 21 day supply, and Chantix comes pre-packaged in 30 day supplies, I had to pay 2 copays...so each month will cost me $32.00. So it's the cheapest method I've found by far to quit smoking...and certainly cheaper than smoking!
I also am interested in hearing about what happens to your body after you stop taking this stuff. I wonder if it's like the Wellbutrin, which gave me wierd head spins and seeing "traces".
Good luck to everyone!

i started chantix last friday. i am having a completely different reaction. the first 5 days i was buzzing, smoked more and ate alot. now on day six(had my first disturbed dreams last night -kept me awake half of the night).
today the cravings are alot less and i'm not bizzed. so maybe there is hope. i smoke more at night - so taking the 2nd pill earlier may help. the food cravings are better today too.

im on my 2nd day still smoking and craving them,,,but im still trying.has anyone found that it happend to them?

Man these dreams are pretty good... what would happen if i added a patch to me before bed? I might never come out of the dream. I do like the whole DON'T LISTEN TO THE DREAMS disclaimer. Last Night I choked a guy to death... And the fun part is when you wake up in the morning it takes me oh what, 2 hours before I'm really actually a human again. I woke up in the first week and for a minute I thought I was a banana... I didn't want black spots. Thats pretty damn weird if you ask me. I talked to a doc and he wondered if the psychosis wasn't nic withdraw in combo with the medicine. The most reasuring part of pfizers info on the drug is "chantix is BELIEVED to...." they don't even know how it works? The good news is that besides being a tasty potasium treat, I have managed to smoke 1 a day and not even really NEED that one... So I guess I'll be nuts for a few months.
dave

I am on Chantix 12 days now, no side effects, BUT still having cravings or at least the habit of the habit, still not smoking though. Anyone else with not side effects? Was afraid of having bad dreams but(fingers crossed) none yet on day 12.

I'm on day three of not smoking. I'm totally fine, no cravings to speak of, just a tinge once in a while, but goes away. The dreams are not bad and besides gas OOPS!! I've had no side affects.
I'll never smoke a cigarette again! Thank you Lord!

Hi,

It's been interesting to read all the comments. I'm starting Chantrix tomorrow morning and the biggest issues for me will be trying to eat first (I never eat breakfast), and the dreams. My husband and I have both tried the patch and he had a Rx for Wellbutrin. Both had BAD dream issues. I really want to quit this time. The only time I was successful was when I found out I was pregnant. Quit for several years and only started smoking again because a former employer only to allowed breaks for smokers. I started out pretending to smoke so I could get away for a few minutes and soon started inhaling. Funny how times have changed (little tolerance for smokers these days). Hopefully the dreams will only be interesting. Good luck, and good health to all!

curious to hear more about what happens once your off the drug. my fear is that the cravings will return. feedback please!!

Chantix is great!!!!!!!I smoked for 34 years and have tried everything and nothing worked until CHANTIX. This is my second month on chantix and I've been smoke free since the first week, I started it. No dreams, infact I've been on a diet and have started exercising and I feel great!!!!!Thank you Pfizer for Chantix.

been on chantix for 8 days still smoking but i have cut down, but getting bad headaches, no dreams, hard time sleeping at night. anyone else still smoking after 8 days,, im tryin and really want this to work

stopped taking chantix after 8 weeks. 2 weeks later still no cravings to smoke. i sleep much better. so i am smoke free for 9 weeks. longest ever without one slip up!!!

I started smoking cigarettes (Clove type) late in life and after 12 years and numerous raging, homicidal, disturbing attempts to stop, I am on my 3rd day of Chantix with nothing more then a rumbling tummy and believe it or not, not as interested in smoking!
I plan to STOP on the 7th day and never start again. Many of the comments here are very encouraging and I plan to document my progress to give hope to others.
As a youngster, I could control my dreams, now that I sleep as little as 5 hours a night, I relish the thought of sweet surreal DREAMS! Maybe even lucid dreaming again! I have heard that the dreams seem to come on when you smoke AND take Chantrix, not the Chantrix itself. I hope to only casually find out and just stop this nasty habit.
I am really glad I went to my new Doctor, even though I was skeptical knowing that he is known as the local pill fairey. I hope we all stop to be around to take care of our families!

Hello Gang,

First day on Chantrix. still smoking about 1/2 pack/day.

I am having some weird side effects. A pressure headache, no big deal. But the bad one is that I feel very third person. Has anyone else experinced this? Does it go away?

Also some very light nausea. no problem.

I've been on Chantrix for eight days and I am stopping it immediately! Not only does it make me retain water (believe me, I drink lots of water and cranberry juice) but it has me constipated even though I have about 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day. My body feels very uncomfortable! Mentally, it has made me depressed, disoriented and has given me dark mood swings. For me it is dangerous to drive while on it as I find that I have no clue as to where I am. Until this medication wears off I'm leaving the car keys in my pocket. It's as if someone else has taken control of me and I feel like someone else. Very scary feeling! My partner can even vouch that I'm not myself and also wants me off of it ASAP. It looks like it's back to the Commit lozenges for me! I don't believe that the FDA did a long enough and thorough study on this drug and it was rushed to market very quickly to satisfy the anti-smoking lunatic fringe.

Hi Everybody! I posted first here on January 27. I’ve been 5 weeks without a cigarette and starting to feel some of the benefits of quitting. I’m breathing better, and my clothes don’t smell like smoke. The dreams have become less prevalent but I feel like I’m not getting enough sleep. I have another 20 days of Chantix to take and was wondering what any folks here have experienced after stopping the Chantix? Good Luck and Congratulation to all!
PS To Jane. The way your feeling is the way I felt when I tried to quit without Chantix. Did you talk to your doctor? ? Are you taking any other Meds? Maybe it’s a drug interaction.

Today is the day for me to stop! I believe it will happen. I already do not feel the strong urge to smoke. I know it is a habit keyed to driving, getting on the phone and after eating. I have cut down this week (1st week) and do not feel the anxiety of not smoking as much! No side affects other then a short bout of nausea after taking the pill in the AM. I have tried to stop in the past and just after 3 days I would feel very angry and short tempered, which is tough for me since I am so good natured and easy going. No insomnia, no headaches, no odd moods, only the AM nausea after taking the pill. Let's see what happens this weekend. This is going much better then I expected. I am somewhat concerned about what will happen when I stop taking the pill.
Good luck to all of us!

Help! Anyone heard about detached retina problems soon after beginning (2-3 weeks) chantix? I was doing really well until my vision went south - now I'm hesitant to start taking it again. PS; this detached retina thing I would not wish on anyone.... Thanks!

Today is the 8th day, a magical day for I should not smoke anymore so say the instructions. I awake and kinda want to smoke, but don't really NEED to. Odd, feeling to have the habit of smoking and then within 8 days of taking Chantix, awake knowing I want to smoke from habit but not NEED. I feel normal but missing the smell and taste, not the buzz. So far all I have felt is nausea after taking the AM pill and then NOTHING more then a little more, uh "gas".
Normally, for the amount I have been smoking the last 4 days, my intense desire to smoke would turn into maniacal anger and intense rage.
Which is just the opposite of my normal pre-smoking personality. Let just say, at this moment if I did not have 10 more left, I would be driving 8 miles to pickup a pack. But I will not and really don't want to. I will make myself stop with this drug. Ah coffee, let us see if it sets me off.

WE ALL CAN STOP SMOKING!

I am curious - has anyone's doctor given them a sleep aid in conjuction with Chantix? Or found an alternate way to get around the sleepless nights and these freaky dreams?

I've been using Chantix for nine weeks (three weeks to go!) in order to put an end to a cycle of smoking and quitting and smoking again that has lasted more than 20 years.

However... the sleep interruptions and the dreams are a BIG PROBLEM for me. Even on nights when the dreams are mild, I wake up 2 or 3 times and feel restless. On most nights, though, I have highly realistic dreams that are almost always involve some sort of trauma, stress, or violence. For example, my dream this morning involved being in an airplane crash, in slow motion, with what seemed like a high-definition picture with surround sound! It was highly realistic. I woke up totally freaked, sweaty, and with a rapid pulse. I don't get it, because flying has never been a concern to me. I can't find any connection between the dreams and events in my daily life. The subject matter seems to be random, and always interesting. Another interesting thing is that the dreams "play" like I've taped them on a VCR or Tivo'd them - if I wake up mid-dream, and go back to sleep, the dream seems to pick up where it last left off!

I haven't had a good night's sleep in over two months!

Before Chantix I rarely had dreams, or perhaps I just couldn't remember them. The weird thing about Chantix dreams is that I always remember them in detail the next day.

I am sure the dreams will pass. Chantix works well - and it accomplishes its goal - to make physical withdrawls and the desire to smoke subside. I guess a few months of trippy dreams and sleepless nights is far better than the damage caused by smoking.

Hello. Was smoking 10-15 cigs a day for almost 14 years. On the drug for 8 days. Had some vivid dreams but can deal with them. The first 7 days when you could still smoke I was almost purposely smoking LOTS of cigarettes (almost like a fairwell to them, trying to get the most of those 7 days). Since today, day 8, not much urges. Smoked 2 so far & don't enjoy them as much. Just missing the habit when driving to work & the afternoon break.

I had the prescription in my possession for almost a month before I had the courage to get it filled. My insurance does't cover it & though its a heft $114 for a month supply, I know this beats the price of all the cigarettes I don't plan on buying the rest of my life.

Good luck to all & lets here from the Chantix pioneers who completed the cycle long ago. How is it going for you now???

Day 14
Just like some of you, I only miss the ritual of smoking and have had a few puffs and then thought this is a waste of time. I have no desire to smoke from the addiction, just the ritual. Not being a sleeper to begin with, the fact that I am awaken now with a memory of interesting and unusual dreams is actually fun. Other then that, what a great drug! Still have a short period of nausea in the AM after taking the morning pill.
I have smoked a total of 3 since my quit date!
I would normally be a nervous psychotic mess by now. My Doctor has given me a prescription for 3 more months and I am thinking that the one month may be all I will need! The Dr also said that when I do stop the med, I will have no withdrawls and can just stop, no tappering! Good Luck to all of us! Kevin