Champix/Chantix

The scariest Champix reports were those that involved unexpected changes to mental well-being, including one woman who told me that she stopped taking it because she was having time-lapses in her day she could not account for, including whilst driving. A five-minute journey seemed to have taken twenty-five minutes, for no reason she could remember or explain, and she was deeply concerned.

 

*Update 1: If you or a loved one has suffered a bad reaction to Champix and you are based in the U.K., you can report it to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) here. The more people do that the clearer the true picture will become. Protect others! Report it.*

**Update 2, 4th November 2011:

The American Food & Drug Administration (FDA) were reported recently in the Business section of the Washington Post as reassuring smokers that Chantix (known as Champix everywhere outside the USA) “does not increase psychiatric problems”, according to two small studies involving 26,000 smokers.  Since this flies in the face of everything else they know about Chantix already, it is surely irresponsible to say such a thing at this time, because the caveats added to the story further down do not carry anything like the weight of the inevitable headline.  Meanwhile, this article in the Daily Mail reports a study which states exactly the opposite.

Why?  Because the Daily Mail is not bending over backward to assist the pharmaceutical industry – even at the expense of smokers’ lives, if that’s what it takes – whereas the FDA very clearly is.  The testing and approvals system is corrupt as hell, using every possible means of dragging their feet so that Chantix/Champix stays of the market and remains ‘approved’ regardless of how many individual smokers’ lives are ruined by the drug.

The Truth Will Out Campaign has been trying to alert smokers (and doctors) to the dangers of this drug since Autumn of 2008, but just imagine the frustration of this commentator on the new Daily Mail report:

“Oh now they make this a huge statement. My mom used it in mid 2007. She ended up in a mental hospital. Thanks Champix. This stuff shouldn’t even be on the market!!! I still can’t understand why it is, with all these accounts of suicide! I read horror story’s back then after this happened to my mom about people killing themselves or having illness such as bi-polar disorder activated in them. My rule with all drugs is, if it hasn’t been on the market for more then 10 years…DO NOT take it. You never want to be the guinea pig. Sorry for all those who ended their lives because they were manipulated this drug.

– Danielle, USA,
3/11/2011 6:08″**

 

Champix/Chantix

by Chris Holmes

*Update: If you or a loved one has suffered a bad reaction to Champix and you are based in the U.K., you can report it to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) here. The more people do that the clearer the true picture will become. Protect others! Report it.*

 

At the very end of the book Nicotine: The Drug That Never Was, in the final section called A Pause For Breath which you can read here on the site, I mentioned the announcement of the coming of a new magic pill to stop people smoking, which coincided with my completion of the book in May 2007. What I didn’t know at the time I was writing that last section was that the number of smoking clients I was used to getting every week was about to drop by around 50% as thousands of would-be quitters raced off to try the new medication instead.

People want magic pills. They want to believe the doctor can make their problems go away, just by swallowing a little tablet and then getting on with their day. So as soon as the headlines hit – “New Pill to Stop Smoking! Available on the NHS within weeks!” – hypnotherapists like myself who specialise in smoking cessation encountered an unexpected drought that went on from June 2007 right through to the end of the year. Now we’re pretty much back to normal, as everyone has learned that the latest magic pill isn’t magic after all – surprise, surprise – in fact it has turned out to be a horrible nightmare for some.

Champix is supposed to work by ‘blocking the nicotine receptors so that smokers no longer enjoy smoking’, which is actually nonsense because habitual smokers don’t smoke for enjoyment anyway. Some may believe they do, but if you ask any smoker to focus on the pleasure of smoking, and then describe it to you, they will find themselves unable to do that.  Then ask them what their first cigarette was like – most smokers remember that it was disgusting.  So, if there is a pleasure in smoking, how come none of us noticed it straight away?

The truth is that the pleasure is all in the moment, none of it is coming from the cigarette.  Only smoke is coming from the cigarette, which we all found nauseating to begin with, but it’s amazing what you can become accustomed to.  Simply because habitual smokers tend to smoke at moments of repose – which are usually pleasant moments because they are no longer stressed or exerting themselves – many smokers adopt the idea that they enjoy smoking.  Even so, there will be moments when that illusion falters, and the original nausea and disgust becomes noticeable again. Nicotine itself is not pleasant in any way, as all smokers noticed on the first day they ever inhaled the smoke – and apparently, neither is Champix.

Only a few weeks after Champix became available on prescription in the U.K. I began hearing reports from the only people I really trust these days when it comes to quit products: smokers themselves.  The most common remark about the drug was that it caused quite severe nausea, but there have also been much more severe reactions too.  If you have taken Champix yourself, or someone close to you has, feel free to add comments at the end of this post.

Some reports I have heard suggest that although the urge to smoke seems to disappear whilst taking Champix, it returns once the drug is out of your system.

The course of nausea-inducing tablets is twelve weeks, which is a long time to put up with nausea. Not everyone is nauseous for that long apparently, some only reported that for a short period after taking the tablet, but others seem to be regularly heaving or actually vomiting. Since when is medicine supposed to make you ill? Does it really just ‘work’ by making you feel too rough to face smoking, rather like a hangover does? That’s a bit unsophisticated, isn’t it? Sounds a bit dangerous, too. Hypnotherapy – by contrast – isn’t nauseating or dangerous, and the whole process usually only takes a couple of hours. For the majority, that’s it: you’re a non-smoker again. No cravings, no willpower needed, no bad moods and no weight gain. That’s one hell of a lot better than taking tablets that make you ill for weeks on end, isn’t it? Not to mention safer, and with a much higher success-rate, when it’s done properly.

Champix Scary Side-Effects

The scariest Champix reports were those that involved unexpected changes to mental well-being, including one woman who told me that she stopped taking it because she was having time-lapses in her day she could not account for, including whilst driving. A five-minute journey seemed to have taken twenty-five minutes, for no reason she could remember or explain, and she was deeply concerned. A report published in The Telegraph (24.10.07) warned that people taking Champix had been told by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) not to drive when taking the medication, following two accidents blamed on the drug. Dizziness and sleepiness are two side-effects of Champix, made by Pfizer.

Okay, so how is that going to work in reality? Smokers are put on this for twelve weeks, or even twenty-four weeks if they are still smoking after the first twelve. Does the GP say: “By the way, don’t drive for the next six months”? No, they are much more likely to just say: “Don’t drive if you don’t feel well”, but the trouble is, most people on Champix feel unwell daily. Still got to get to work, haven’t they? So the MHRA have issued a warning that few working smokers can possibly heed in practice. How many people are driving about under the effects of a drug that is known to cause dizziness and/or sleepiness – and even memory loss – for anything up to six months?  Given to them by their doctor.

Recent Updated Warnings by Pfizer

At the beginning of 2008 Pfizer added more warnings to the medication suggesting that users should be monitored for erratic behaviour, suicidal thoughts or personality changes whilst on the drug. Okay – by whom? Since the only people likely to see that warning at all are the user and their GP, how is that supposed to work in practice? The people most likely to notice those changes are family and work colleagues – all of whom will probably be unaware of Pfizer’s warning and some of whom may be subordinate to the user in some crucial way which makes swift and effective response unlikely or impossible if indeed any sudden erratic behaviour occurs.

What if the user is a police officer, or in the armed forces? What if they are an air-traffic controller, a crane driver, a rail signalman or a pilot? **Update: Pilots and air-traffic controllers have now been banned from taking Champix** Memory lapses, sudden personality changes or suicidal thoughts take on a whole new angle in such cases, and even the driving issue makes Champix a potential threat to anyone even trying to cross a road. The mass-prescribing of Champix to smokers is actually a gigantic experiment, and what that updated warning from Pfizer really means is this:

“We’ve covered our asses now, you’ll just have to chance it in practice unless you can afford to quit work for a few months… and if anything terrible happens to you or your loved one, and you try to blame the medication, our well-paid legal team will create just enough uncertainty to make sure you get the blame for the disaster, sucker!”

If you have a story to tell about Champix, let us know. If you would like to know more about how hypnotherapy can help with smoking, or any other issue, visit the Central Hypnotherapy Website.

If you wish to comment on this, or any other post on this blog please use the Leave a Reply facility at the end of the list of comments below.

335 thoughts on “Champix/Chantix”

  1. I have taken the course for 14 weeks i have not smoked in this time ? I have worked all my life never been of sick or claimed social welfare. But now my life is in a right mess i have been signed of work because of really bad back pain that bad i struggle to walk also people keep saying i have changed and that i have done things i can not remember . Not at all im losing time somwhere which i cant get my head around .Im still taking the course 1 tablet a day of 1 mg they supposed to give 0.5 mg to wean me of this mediecation. I have about ten tablets leff of 1 mg i shell keep taking those none left .Dont no how i will feel when i have finished my last few but i dont feel very well at this time i have stopped drivin . I am in court on the 29/04/08
    for fighting two people they have said things that i have suppossed to of done to them which i do not rember they could be lying . This behaviour from me is very unlike me . Ill write again to let you no of the complete out come of the whole thing
    BUT 1 GOOD THING I HAVE NOT SMOKED FOR THE TIME ON THIS MEDICATION

    **Update to this message, August 31, 2008. Reproduced by permission, Paul sent the following message via the Contact Form email facility:

    “Hello. I was wondering if you could take my comment of your web site. Had a really bad time on this tripped out drug champix. And i still do not feel right? Or could you take my last name away.”

    So we have removed Paul’s surname, got permission to reproduce the message above and Paul has offered to do another post in due course, recounting his Champix experience in more detail.

  2. I am an LGV driver, I have been using Champix for 10 weeks so far. I have not encountered any of the side effects described in this article. The drug has made my dreams more vivid than usual, but I have not suffered from nausia, or drowsiness. The drug has proved most effective in my case, so far. Although I have smoked two cigarettes since the 8-14 days initial integration to the course, there was no nicotine “rush”, and little desire to repeat the experience. I believe that this drug is an excellent product, and with it’s help, and my own desire to quit. That I shall be succesfull on this, my third attempt. Champix beats patches, and gum, hands down in my opinion.

  3. So far these are the only two apparently genuine comments posted about Champix. I do want to get as many real contributions on this as possible, as the jury is still out on how successful that medication will turn out to be (and how safe or hazardous.)

    My attacks on NRT are quite seperate, I have an open mind on Champix and all I can do is provide a space for smokers to speak for themselves. I intend to be even-handed, as I fully expect a range of comments as different as those above.

    Timothy’s comments certainly seem positive, but he is still on the course. Some of my clients said they were ok until they stopped taking it, then felt they were back to square one. I’d appreciate it if Timothy could give us an update later, when he’s had a few weeks off the medication.

  4. I have been taking Champix off and on since August, 2007. Prior to that, I had given up smoking for approximately 14 months but had a 4 week slip. I gained a terrific amount of weight during those 14 months primarily due to an overwhelming craving for sweets, i.e., pies, cakes and cookies, etc. Not only did the Champix take away my desire for sweets but also my craving for cigarettes. I have now lost over 20 pounds, am smoke free and still on Champix. I do have the odd vivid dream and at times feel ill if I don’t take the medication with food; however, this is so minor considering how I felt as a smoker with COPD.

  5. I’m on my second week of Champix. In the first week, I felt no side effects whatsoever and my smoking was reduced from 20 a day to about 3 a day.

    It does have an interesting effect. While you don’t feel like smoking, you still have a mental habit of doing it. So, in week 1 they told me that I can smoke if I want. So I did, and found that I did not get the usual good feeling after having a cigarette. This was a bit unusual to me, and a big let down. It does make you think “why even smoke I don’t feel a thing”. In the back of your mind though, you still know that once you’re off this medication it will probably feel as good as it used to having a cigarette. I try not to think about that part.

    Week 2 has mostly been about killing the mental habit of smoking, which i recognize as the biggest problem. After a meal, after you wake up, when you’re bored. Those are the real enemies. I don’t feel that overwhelming desire to have a cigarette though… it looks like the champix kills those cravings that used to control me so well. I decided not to buy cigarettes this week, and I am doing ok. The drug removes the overwhelming nicotine addiction and let me focus primarily on the mental part of trying to quit.

    What i did notice though.. was that since I went from 1mg to 2mg a day, I do get nausea when taking it. It lasts perhaps 10 minutes for me, but isn’t so overwhelming that I throw up. I also have begun feeling sleepy a lot, more so than usual. If I am doing something though, I can shrug it off. If you let yourself go though, you can easily just go right to sleep.

    Overall I feel that it’s worth a try. Quitting is really about ignoring those cravings and defeating the mental challenge of not doing something you’ve been doing for so long. I could never beat those cravings. The nicotine patch came close but it also made me sleepless and I couldn’t stand that.

    Anyway, I don’t know if I can quit forever but I also know that it’s all about my own mentality at the end. I feel the Champix has been really effective in helping me along.

  6. Or how about two hours relaxing in a comfy chair that wipes out the whole compulsive habit, cravings and all, with no weight gain? Zero personal risk, too. Hypnotherapy also has a far higher success rate than Champix, when it’s done properly. (For more information about this, click the link to the Central Hypnotherapy website at the end of the Champix blogpost to which these Comments refer.)

    Also, with Judith’s comment (No.4), she is still on Champix, ten months after she started! This is supposed to be a twelve week course, not a lifelong commitment. If you try to quit with willpower it is common for cravings to switch to food, especially sweets, causing weight gain. In hypnotherapy we wipe that out. Two hours, not ten months. She is assuming that the only choice she has is either weight-gain, or Champix!

    Where are all the comments from people who quit with Champix on the initial twelve week course, haven’t taken it for months, feel perfectly normal and simply don’t smoke anymore?

  7. I have been smoke-free for nearly four months and after trying all other remedies and failing miserably, I opted for Champix. I have to say that it worked for me. As others have said, I continued to smoke with it for the first week but by the second week, I was hardly smoking at all. Once I had chosen my quit day, I was fine. That was the good bit.

    Now the bad bit. The nausea! I suffered really badly with the nausea. Sometimes it would last most of the day. I also had very vivid erotic dreams (not a bad thing!!!) and had a lot of interupted sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night wide -awake etc.

    I have been off the tablets for a week now and I feel very strange. It’s almost like the cravings are back, yet they’re not (if you know what I mean). I feel quite ‘stressy’ without any reason for being stressed although at the same time, I don’t want to rush to the shop for some ciggies.

    As long as you know what you’re letting yourself in for and have tried other remedies in the past, the I would recommend Champix. Even though the side effects can be a turn-off, it works.

  8. this article is crazy. the author’s claims are opinionated and ungrounded. champix does work and nausea does beat the hidden baggages of habitual smoking.

    anyone including myself is now dumber for having visited this blog

  9. Not my claims, Mr Scarface. Google it, and you’ll find lots of concerns about this medication that go far beyond mere nausea – but as I say, the jury is still out on this, which is why I’m inviting comments from all sides. I’m not making any claims, except about the fact that hypnotherapy is far more effective, much quicker and doesn’t involve any risk or nausea.

    Whether Mr Scarface believes that or not is immaterial to me, and his pathetic attempt to make visitors feel “dumber” just for visiting this, or any other blog will, I’m sure, be immaterial to them also. How do I know Scarface is a male person? Just call that intuition. Bye bye, Mr Scarface. Thank you for your lovely contribution.

    Nick’s contribution was much more positive, but as he has only been off the tablets for one week, and by his own admission is certainly not feeling normal or content, it might be a bit early for him to be declaring that “it works”. I would welcome an update later Nick. Hope you’re feeling better soon.

  10. i have been taking champix for 12 weeks have had the occasional crafty fag but not enjoyed it at all have now come off champix for ten days am feeling stressed and anxious and feel like the past 12 weeks on champix have not happened feel like i have just given up with willpower alone everyday is a rels struggle without a ciggy champix is like patches is a load of crap like dumbos lucky feather is all in your head

  11. me again im not saying i dont think it works but as soon as you come off it thats it you are back to square one. i feel like i am holding off the inevitable if you know what i mean. i have now tried patches gum the fake fag allen carrs book paul mckenna cd and champix maybe hypnosis is the key but for now ive had it up to here with it all the answer is dont start smoking. the next generation might be more fortunate than we were as you are now so limited to where you can smoke.

  12. I am on day 3 of the Starter Kit. Tomorrow I start to take the 2 half-doses morning and night. No nausea yet but I will report on that when I am on the full dose next week.

    So far I can confirm a “detached” feeling and the dreams have already started. If the dreams and feelings of detachment are this strong at this early stage I am somewhat anxious as to what’s to come. However, I am now too intellectually interested to see what will happen to stop.

    I can also confirm that cigarettes are already losing their appeal. I have smoked daily (and heavily) for 33 years (I am 43). This is a pleasant surprise but at the same time I already have this unshakable feeling that something profound and disturbing is happening to my brain…

    I will try to keep a running log to keep you all up to date as to my progress. I sincerely hope this breaks me of a lifelong habit that is killing me and perhaps by sharing my progress I can provide some insight and much needed balance to this discourse.

    Wish me luck!

  13. Good luck wayan, and thank you for your contribution. A running commentary is just the sort of thing we need! It’s a pity Mr Scarface has vowed never to return to this blog, he might have learned how to put together a useful and intelligent post.

  14. Hi All,

    First day of full dosage of Champix. Slight nausea this morning but abated as soon as I ate something.

    My dreams continue to grow in intensity and vividness. I have a slight sense of lethargy and detachment today, much like when I first started using the drug. I am assuming at this time it is because I have increased the dosage.

    Tomorrow is my quit day as well as my first complete day after taking the full dose of the drug.

    Wayan Out

  15. I took the full course of the champix. I smoked for approximately 25 years, 1 pack a day. Champix helped me stop smoking. It has been 7 months since I have quit. A huge miracle in itself. However something gained and something loss is at play here I think. I have not been myself. I still have side effects I think anyway.. I just don’t feel myself. I had severe depression…, and still have bouts of it. Aggression and underlyng anger still. Sex drive has increased..(not a bad side effect…) tiredness forsure… Mainly the detachment feeling is still here and my tolerancec level is very low…. I hope these subside. I do find myself doing and saying harsh things…. things that I would never have said before… totally out of character for me. Anyway, still glad I am a non smoker. I dont’ have the urge to go back to smoking and I am not enticed or repulsed when I am around smokers. Again another miracle….I did have slight nausau when I was on the Rx, but food helped withthat. It’s the mental and out of body feeling that is most disturbing. Especially since it’s been so long after finishing the medication that I am still feeling like this. I hope not to be permanently changed by this “brain candy”..

    Good luck to all .. Ed

  16. Back 3.5 weeks …

    …after 2 and half weeks on Champix I started to have serious pain in the right kidney and then eventually both kidney were very sore and i developed distinctly dark circles around my eyes (I see my GP tomorrow). Cut back the Champix to half doses and the pain cleared up within 48 hours, eyes have improved immensely. Still have not smoked but the craving definitely worsened after reducing dosage. Aggression was increasing as well as a general feeling of disassociation and a lack of drive. I do seem to be alternately over-sensitive to saccharine television and then completely emotionless when a real response would be appropriate. This could be just the stress of quitting of course. I simply do not care about work and I am starting to feel the same way about my relationships. I am taking an increasingly lower dose of this drug and plan to be completely off it by this Thursday (it is Monday evening for me now). For me, it has been a success in helping me quit cigarettes in the short term, but the physical and mental side effects of this drug are very disconcerting and frightening to me personally and frankly the episode with my kidneys has convinced me to get off the drug completely.

  17. Chris and most above
    Thanks for the insight. I was wondering what the heck kinda bug I had picked up because I feel like dirt. I started Champix 14 days ago and stopped taking it – for good an hour ago. This stuff is scary. I know Cigs are the worst addiction and so many of us share it, but for goodness sakes, this stuff make you really sick. Before I came to your blog, I ready three articles on suicides related to this stuff and I have to tell you, I’ve never been this sick. I feel like I have the worst flu I’ve ever had and the gas! Don’t get me started. But what really worries me is what this stuff is doing in my brain to make me feel like this and what kind of long term effects will if have on me. So thanks. I’m off Champix and planning to read your book Chris.

  18. Thanks to all for these posts. Surely it is a cause for concern that Ed is still suffering from depression and mood swings SEVEN MONTHS AFTER coming off the medication. Do we call that success because he isn’t smoking? I think that’s one hell of a risk – but then I would, I’m a hypnotherapist.

    Notice how many people are assuming they either have to smoke, or go on Champix? Hypnotherapy involves zero risk, and leaves you feeling great, as well as beating all other methods hands down. Check the evidence for that in the book, and elsewhere on this site. It’s high time the medical authorities stopped misleading smokers dreadfully by pretending this wasn’t so, and dishonestly repeating the suggestion that hypnotherapy is “not proven”. The British Medical Association endorsed hypnotherapy in 1955, as did their American counterpart around the same time. They did not do that on a whim – but back then, you see, those people were not owned lock, stock and barrel by the pharmaceutical industry, so they could still deal in truths and reality, couldn’t they?

    Wayan says the physical and mental side effects of Champix were very disconcerting and frightening. Ellie has been reading about suicides linked to Champix and says she has personally never felt that sick before. Once she has read the book (thanks for that, Ellie! Hope you enjoy it!) she will understand why smoking has never been a drug addiction, it is purely a compulsive habit. Cravings are nothing to do with nicotine, or anything else in the smoke. We get lots of cravings, they are not all about tobacco. In hypnotherapy we shut that compulsive urge down, proving that the urge to smoke is NOT a need for nicotine, although it feels like a need, which is the factor responsible for the confusion. If it were genuinely a requirement for nicotine, hypnotherapy would make no difference.

    Incidentally Sharon, please don’t assume that listening to Paul McKenna’s cd is a real hypnotherapy experience. The guy made his name as a stage hypnotist, not a therapist. People only buy his self-help books because he’s famous, but he didn’t find fame doing therapy. People assume that because he’s a famous hypnotist he must be a ‘mind expert’, but really he’s a showman by profession. He may have ‘helped’ hundreds of ordinary people become impromptu entertainers over the years, but that’s a world away from what we do in my profession – a profession to which Paul McKenna has never belonged. His books and cds are just a money-making exercise, you cannot do hypnotherapy on yourself without the therapist even being present. If I greeted one of my clients by presenting them with a book, putting on a cd and then leaving them to it I should expect them to be most dissatisfied! McKenna’s next book should be called “I can make myself rich”. Not that I’m having a go at him, he’s a very good performer. But then, so was Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. Both rose to the top of their game in showbusiness, but that don’t make either of them a guru. Even if one of them is a Kan-guru…

    No, cravings never were withdrawal symptoms, and this is exactly why the smoker with the nicotine patch on still has the urge to smoke. It’s a compulsive urge to light up, not a ‘need for nicotine’. They were taking nicotine already. Also, the urge disappears the moment you light up! You don’t have to smoke it to get all the nicotine out of it, the craving signal vanishes the moment you respond to it by lighting a cigarette. This also explains why some smokers put it in the ashtray and forget all about it. The compulsive urge has already gone, and the actual smoking of the cigarette is just automatic repetition of the usual routine, i.e. pure habit. If you have any doubts about that, it is only because you haven’t read the book, but you have been lied to incessantly by the people behind the 1.2 billion-dollar-a-year nicotine industry and their associates in the medical profession. There’s plenty of evidence cited in the book, and some on this site also.

    These comments on Champix are being posted exactly as they come in, none are altered or blocked. Not looking too good for Champix, is it? Any doctors out there want to comment? You seem to be making people ill with this stuff, and causing depression with suicidal thoughts. Since that fateful day when Champix was passed as a “safe, evidence-based medicine”, some people are dead apparently, and others are not feeling at all happy or normal. Still, I’m keeping an open mind. It’s not as if we’ve had dozens of these alarming tales. Yet.

    [*For information about hypnotherapy services in the North West of England, U.K., see http://www.centralhypnotherapy.com]

  19. This is the second time ive been on champix.I feel spaced out and drugged alot of the time.I am finding concentration difficult to deal with and feel like im in permanent morning sickness mode.However,im on it for six months and im on week 5 !.Ive quit 4 weeks now and know this is my last chance on champix to quit.

  20. I have been on Champix for 7 weeks and the only side-effect that I have suffered is the occassional gas (bearable compared to cancer causing cigarettes). In the first two weeks I felt a little nauseas – however, this abated when I took it an hour after food. So, clearly, as with any medicine, you need to work out how to combat the side-effects. What a lot of people are experiencing here (from their comments) are common symptoms associated with your body craving a DRUG and usual with stopping smoking. That’s right – nicotine is a really nasty drug! Come on guys – giving up is the the best thing that you can possibly do for your health and it sounds to me like a lot of you have this racket going that you will find any excuse to continue smoking!

    My partner has also been taking Champix for 5 weeks with little or no side-effects. We both have tried to quit smoking on numerous attempts using other methods; this time is the only time that both of us have felt confident that we will succeed!

    I have been forgetting to take quite a few of my Champix pills, and still do not get the craving – so what a lot of you need to realise is that, Champix or any other method is not the be all and end all of smoking – your success lies within your desire to REALLY want to give up!

    Good luck everyone, and I will let you know what happens with us when we come off the Champix.

  21. It is interesting to note that the positive comments all seem to be from people who are still taking Champix. You cannot decide that a programme “has been successful” – and start recommending it to others – while you’re still on it! Don’t get me wrong, I welcome these comments too and am happy to include them, but they are no more CONCLUSIVE than a surgeon commenting that “It seems to be going well” whilst in the middle of an operation. Where are all the comments from happy ex-smokers who have been off the Champix for months and are feeling normal and well?

    Grant, if the bad effects some people are reporting were really “the body craving a DRUG”, then why aren’t YOU suffering? Why do ALL my successful hypnotherapy clients experience NO SUCH REACTION? And if you really think nicotine is a drug, can you tell me what it does? You need to read “Why nicotine is not a drug” from the READ THE BOOK contents menu on this site.

    Just because YOU haven’t suffered much doesn’t mean everybody else is making it up or exaggerating! Clearly no-one needs excuses to continue smoking anyway, it’s not against the law. You are being unduly dismissive, especially since you are still on the course. Look how much wayan’s opinion changed when he started to suffer personally.

    Recently I was contacted by someone in deep distress because a relative taking Champix had been involved in a terrible incident which will result in court proceedings so we cannot post any details here. This prompted me to read around further, and I’ve decided it’s time to come down off the fence. I think this stuff is very unpredictable and proving fatal for some people, and if you go to the new blogpost Champix IV, you can follow the link to the most damning and well-researched article I’ve seen yet. Read it, and really think about it people: this is the health of your brain we are talking about. It also explains why the U.S. Surgeon General REJECTS the suggestion that the “withdrawal of nicotine” is the cause of all the suffering, depression and suicides that have occurred so far. About 85 harrowing accounts of adverse reactions are appended. Make particular note of how often the expression “completely out of character” pops up, and the references to family members begging the user to stop taking Champix, as they feel certain it is the cause.

  22. Hypnotherapy didnt work for me -I tried it twice.Champix is the only smoking cessation product ive used that has had any sort of impact on me without me relapsing within 2 or 3 days of quitting.I had to stop using it first time as i failed to keep my appointment at smoking cessation clinic due to a family commitment and had to wait six months before being allowed back on the course.I was on champix first time for 2 months quit for 4 months total.Im now only taking one blue tablet a day now and got another 5 months on the course.

  23. Quite a few clients that come to me have tried hypnotherapy before, sometimes unsuccessfully. That never worries me because I know that there are hypnotherapists out there who are not experts when it comes to smoking cessation, so although they might have no problem with the easiest clients, the tricky cases might be a bit beyond their experience.

    Of course no method works for everyone, but it is a fact (see the evidence in the book and elsewhere on this site) that hypnotherapy works for more smokers than any other method. That fact has been in the public domain since 1992. The highest claim ever made by Pfizer for Champix was 44% (as far as I know), which was not a long-term outcome anyway, but the number not smoking after a twelve-week trial. When it is done properly, hypnotherapy is far more successful than that.

    I’m not suggesting hypnotherapy is perfect for everyone, however talented the therapist is. Champix certainly does not suit everyone, as we can see from the variety of comments here, but that doesn’t put people off trying it. Unlike Jane though, the vast majority of people trying Champix at the moment have never tried hypnotherapy. So they are comparing the apparent “effectiveness” of Champix with the uselessness of methods like willpower, nicotine gum, patches etc. But once again, you cannot judge the outcome in the middle of the programme. I hope those of you who are still on the course will give me an update when you have been off Champix for a few months.

  24. Week six on champix-18 weeks left on it-taking one blue tab per day.Taking last thing at night as less likely to vomit.Felt okay otherwise-all other symptoms have vanished.Craving occassionally-but not too bad-live with smoker so temptation always close.Not had a puff of a ciggie in six weeks-miracle.Certain foods make me gag-coffee (instant type) drank for 20 years-cant touch it-had to start on tea (caffeine free).Ive tried every type of nrt in past-never got past 2nd day of trying-not tried zyban though or accupunture.Cold turkey-no good-nearly knived my ex b/friend.I may try hypnotherapy or cog. therapy aswell as Champix.Sorry but Champix working for me.

  25. Forgot to add-ciggie cravings only happen when certain situations that were previously ciggie moments-ie-when stressed.I also crave other things often more than ciggies.Is that Champix working or purely mental ?

  26. Jane thanks for the post – I have no comment on cog. therapy, but hypnotherapy is best used by itself, not in conjunction with other methods. Sometimes smokers assume that if you use several things at the same time, you maximise your success potential, but in reality – and particularly with hypnotherapy – you run the risk of mixed messages cancelling each other out.

    No need to say “sorry” that it’s working, but again I have heard people say that before whilst they are still on the medication. What worries me about this drug is that it apparently has very different effects upon different people, some of whom report very alarming side-effects. Of course I am glad this is not happening to you, and wish you well in your aims.

    Your experience of the ‘cravings’ switching to other things – typically it would be sweet things or anything that might be regarded as a treat – is a move by your Subconscious mind to ‘compensate’ you for the perceived ‘sacrifice’ of giving something up. This may be exacerbated by the fact that you live with a smoker. One of the big advantages of hypnotherapy is that we can ask the Subconscious please not to do that, explaining that this is a liberation, not a sacrifice. Medications can never prevent these reactions, and of course that is the main factor causing weight-gain in all smokers who try to do it without hypnotherapy. It is easily prevented by any good hypnotherapist.

  27. To be honest im not really over eating-im actually eating more healthily than before-fruit/veg etc.Im taking more exercise so my only weight gain has been put down to been put on the mini-pill 2 weeks ago.I have in the past substituted ciggies for food and hence got very fat and been a smoker again within few days of quitting ! I think as this is my 12th quit attempt im getting aware of what to do-the most important to me-take one day at a time-every smoke-free day is freedom from ciggies!. And because so much time was spent smoking per day-mine was 2 1/2 hours per day-instead of eating crap-I do something productive-my latest idea is those little maze games with the silver balls! or I take dog for walk.Instead of substituting ciggies for crap food-use time constructively.
    Talking of hypnotherapy a neighbour quit April 15th-he said it was short/sharp and to the point and over and done with.With Chmpix its a long drawn out process -but its working for me or I must be doing something right for once-I know I dont want to be a smoker….xxxx

  28. I took champix for only 3.5 weeks. Was horribly irritable, so decided to stop. After 33 years, I no longer smoke, but still after 2 months since stopping the Champix, I do not emotionally feel myself. I am blue, tired all the time and moderately depressed.
    I have never felt like this before.
    I work with 2 other woman that also used Champix, and we all feel emotionally changed. I do believe it curbs cravings, but I do believe it does so at the expense of our emotional well-being.
    I would be interested to know if this feeling will go away or if I’m doomed forever.

  29. I would say ask the manufacturer Pfizer, but I already know that they will either blame a history of depression – if there is one, which there isn’t in your case – or try to claim it is “nicotine withdrawal”. Already that suggestion has been dismissed as nonsense by the U.S. Surgeon-General, on the grounds that most ex-smokers quit by themselves, without any medication, yet there is no ‘common knowledge’ of ex-smokers being depressed. Quite the reverse, in fact.

    So Karen and her colleagues need some answers, and fast! Any similar experiences, which wore off? If so, how long did it take? Anyone else feeling this way?

  30. I am trying hypnotherapy next week with a highly regarded hypnotherapist in my area…I had stopped smoking for about a month and started again on vacation.

    I wll report back on hypnotherapy experience.

    Wish me luck!

  31. I should note – when I was originally prescribed Champix, it was by a specialist not my GP. When my GP found out, she was none too pleased. She is unique in North America as she doesn’t accept the pharmaceutical sales reps literature on a drug as gospel, she keeps herself up to date on all the “latest craze” medications and is very aware of reported side effects and concerns.

    She raised a litany of concerns regarding the drugs (many which have been commented on here) and has suggested laser treatment and/or hypnotherapy along with a pack of good old fashioned chewing gum.

    Armed with my pamphlets, Stop-Smoking support contact numbers I head off to hypnotherapy soon.
    .

  32. Good luck, Wayan!

    What the hell do they do with lasers? I’m not familiar with that approach, but if the hypnotherapist is as good as the reputation suggests, you won’t need laser treatment anyway. (I’ve visions of a Bond villain saying: “No Mr Bond – I expect you to stop smoking!” Surely it’s not that kind of laser…)

    Give my very best regards to your GP. One small tip: during the hypnotherapy procedure, if you look forward with general enthusiasm to being FREE! That helps. Welcoming all suggestions along those lines: “Great, that will suit me down to the ground… ” That’s the kind of mood to adopt during the trance part of the session. And don’t expect to “feel hypnotised”, there is no such feeling. You feel pretty normal, but pleasantly relaxed. In fact it seems as if nothing is happening really, so the results are a genuine surprise. Don’t worry about the conscious doubts about the method, those thoughts are perfectly normal and don’t affect the outcome, as long as your mood is cheerful and forward-looking.

    Look at me trying to take over! Good luck!

  33. I have been on Champix (Australian Version) and im going into my 5th week of a 12 week course (1mg/day). The following side effects i have encountered are as follows:

    -Completely changed sleeping patterns (waking up randomly at 2.30am, and being unable to get back to sleep. I usually sleep at a minimum 9-10 hours and like the dead, i usually resist waking up as i love my sleep!)

    -Lack of conversation (i hardly talk to anyone in conversation anymore, Before i never used to shut up)

    -Emotionally changed (hard to describe, but i almost feel like i have become numb, things arent as funny anymore, all happy and good emotions have become somewhat numb, hard to explain and very unpleasant)

    -Dreams (Oh my goodness, My dreams are so vivid that i can recall all minute details that have occured, and I have experienced only a few “strange” dreams)

    -Nausea ( I only experienced a small amount of uncomfortableness at the very start, i dont get it anymore)

    -Temper (im a very passive person that does not get angry very often, however whilst being on this drug i have been getting close to boiling point)

    Although i have listed all these things, they are not a constant side effect as i have found over the past 5 weeks things progress and regress and change.
    The worrying part for me is the sleep factor as i am becoming more and more deprived of sleep and i am remembering my dreams as if i have memorised a passage from a book which is totally strange.

    But a bonus to all this is when i wake up in the morning i am feeling less tired for some reason and more mentally alert although i am losing out on more and more sleep…

    Asides from all this I am extremely happy that i have taken Champix and i will continue to do so as i have stopped smoking along with my fiance, and now we save between us $120.00 a week on cigarettes ($6,240 a year) as well as the drug is free to take in Australia at the moment which is a huge initiative by the governement.

    P.S. The one thing i am furious about is that our G.P. (General Practioner) did not tell us that there is any side effects, and there is absolutely no labelling on the packet of Champix that states there is any side effects either !!!
    You could imagine how i felt after taking the wonder drug and telling friends about it only to be asked what side effects i am experiencing. I really think Pfizer should label their product may have some side effects.

    Anyways thats my 2 cents worth. Just thought id share my story with everyone else. Good luck.

  34. I have been on champix for almost four full weeks. I stopped smoking during the second week – cigarettes tasted so so vile I couldn’t take it anymore. I have experienced side effects fron Champix though. I have not been myself.
    In the first week I was angry all the time, over nothing and I had a bit of nausea. I also had some of the weird vivid dreams – along with weird vivid *dream like* thoughts.
    The second week the anger situation got worse, and I was really struggling with sleepiness. The dreams stopped this week, but its like I wasnt getting into REM sleep and thus not getting enough sleep regardless of how many hours I was out. In contrast the *dream like* thoughts got worse this week.
    The third week was a struggle. The sleeplessness got worse again, as did the anger. The *dream-like* thoughts turned quite sour….I started thinking quite macabre thoughts that made me think I was losing my mind a litte. Still had nausea at this point – it seems to be getting worse, but food helps. My parents and some friends have expressed concerns with continuing the drug.
    Week four – I don’t seem to be as angry this week, but I am having “out of body” moments. I just tune out regardless of whether I am in the middle of doing something or not and just sit/stand there like a zombie until something *snaps* me back into action (at which point I realise I cant remember what Im doing). Ive also had severe short term memory problems outside of this. I can’t seem to retain anything in my brain! The nausea is continuing, as is the sleeplessness. Im exhausted within 2 hours of getting out of bed. Im a little concerned about the out of body thing, as it is so sudden and so complete.
    I want to stop taking the drug too now, but I have heard some horror stories of people just stopping and having the symptoms get worse! I can’t stay on this for three months – Id lose my mind!

    Note: I was not told anything about side effects by the GP nor was there anything on or in the pack that indicated there were any ill effects of taking the drug. It was only after hearing some horror stories that I started looking it up on the net and realised what I had gotten myself into!

  35. I was slightly surprised, Simon, after you listing all the nasty side-effects, by your choice of words “extremely happy” about taking Champix, immediately followed by “furious” about not being warned of the side-effects. Mood-swings going on there even within a single post!

    Thanks very much for the observations though. Kristin’s post also confirmed nasty side-effects but without warnings, which is not fair on smokers and not safe either. The risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, violent outbursts and actual suicides has now been known about for over a year, so why are people being encouraged to take this drug with no warning of any of that? No good arguing that smoking might kill you in the long run – a suicide attempt could kill you immediately, and there’s a legal case for neglect, surely, if medics and drug companies are failing to warn people of known potential risks.

    Also, the fact that people are reporting not feeling normal, feeling depressed and “strange” even months after they have stopped taking it has got to be a real cause for concern.

    We welcome all posts, please keep them coming – but yet again I have to point out that the ‘positive’ ones all seem to be from people who are only part-way through the course. Where are the tributes to Champix from ex-smokers who are no longer taking it and now feel healthy and happy? Does this stuff even work in the long run? Some people are assuming the side-effects are worth suffering because they aren’t smoking at the moment, but that assessment will obviously reverse if they start smoking again as soon as they stop taking Champix.

    Why no triumphant updates yet from Paul, Timothy St. John Hayes, Judith F., Steve T., Nick or Sharon? They thought it was working while they were taking it… but what has happened since? I don’t know about you, but if I had felt motivated enough to post a comment on a blog like this to report favourable progress with a medication, I’d be keen to prove I was right to be singing the praises of it earlier by telling everyone how it all turned out wonderful. But we’re still waiting for that post, aren’t we?

    **Update, August 31st 2008: We have now had an update from Paul by email, but the news is not good for Champix: I’ve appended the message to his original post (No.1). He has stated his intention to post more comments in due course, and I’d like to thank him very much for getting back to us.

    We have received another email through the Contact Form route from someone called “mark”, but I smell a rat with that one, so I haven’t approved it. It is so badly spelt it looks like fake bad spelling, and it just reiterates the official Pfizer line really, which is what makes me suspicious. I’ll just quote you exactly the last line:

    “i ain’t gonna lie , better to no so you can be prepared , but stick with it its worth it ive only smoked again for a few months but its just as tough but in a way i no what to expect and ready , the chapix are exerlant , and i think what a lot of people are feeling is the nicotine withdrawel effects”

    No, “mark”, the US Surgeon-General has already discounted that bogus attempt to explain away the horrors of Champix side-effects, by pointing out that most ex-smokers quit without any help or medication, but they do not report horrible experiences like the ones being described by Champix users.

  36. I have been on Champix 8 weeks now and have another 4 months on them-as its been rec.by my doctor to stay on them for six months-but I am not sure.Up till 6 weeks I have experienced not many side effects.However last 2 weeks Ive started waking middle of night and Ive become very short tempered.This is not funny as I lashed out at my pony the other day and punched him across the nose-never done that before-I hate myself for this.I have also become so antismoking-I screamed at a pregnant woman the other day who was smoking.I have now cut down to one blue tab per day and not noticing any difference in cravings etc and I appear mellower.I think there is some truth in what is been said regarding this drug and Im doubting my ability to go past 3 months.I will see how I get on on the one blue tab per day.

  37. One point about Champix.In England where I live we have a leaflet with our medication which gives us a list of loads of side effects.We join a smoking cessation clinic whilst taking the drug and have our co2 levels checked every week or 2.We also have 24/7 telephone support whilst we taking Champix and have to report all side effects and any others not on the leaflet.Some of the above posters are just given the meds and left to get on with it.What country do most posters reside.

  38. Ive decided im only going to stay on Champix for three months -for the last month Im taking only 1mg blue per day and should be finished end of September.Im feeling ‘not normal’ but not as abnormal has I have felt.Im not thinking of smoking much now and I am going to stay positive and motivated .

  39. I’ve been taking Champix for 11 day now. I stopped smoking 5 days ago after a 24 year daily habit of about 30 smokes per. I haven’t felt any serious side effects as I have also tried to start doing healthy activities like excercise and eating good foods to compliment my non-smoking lifestyle. I believe that Champix has helped me – “magic pill” or evil farmeceutical conglomerate conspiracy aside – I have smoked 150 smokes less and I feel there is hope. Today this medication is working for me.

  40. Hi

    I’ve finished the course of Champix and feel great. No side effects. Although, the last few weeks were quite nauseating… so pleased to be off them. I really wanted to give up – so I’m guessing that had most to do with it, but at least the Champix took away the urge. I have had friends on it that failed – so yes, it is not the be all and end all. My partner is on last week of the pills and going well. Will keep you posted over the next few months to let you know what happens. P.S: We are advised of the side effects in Australia when we get the first lot and there are ongoing check with our GP to see if there are any problems. Clearly, there are side effects, but nothing ongoing that I can tell. I did feel a bit vague in the course of the meds, but that has now subsided. Cheers, Grant.

  41. Two positive comments, and thank you both for your posts. But can I just point out: Sean is still on the medication, as is Grant’s partner. Grant has only just finished the course. For some of the people taking the Champix route, that’s when the problems begin.

    This drug does not only stand accused of causing horrendous reactions in some people, there are now serious doubts about its long-term efficacy, which is why we ask contributors like Sean and Grant to update us in the weeks and months ahead, and invite posts from anyone who stopped taking it ages ago and is happy, well and smoke-free. So far we’ve had none. Obviously, if most smokers are relapsing – as is the case with NRT – then the exercise becomes a waste of time and money anyway.

    We will prove, in the end, that hypnotherapy is the quickest, safest, most effective and most natural quitting method of all. It is simply the truth. I just wonder how many thousands of people the pharmaceutical industry will be permitted to kill and injure before everybody knows the truth.

  42. Champix takes away the cravings etc but I feel when you stop or reduce the dose -you are at serious risk of relapse.I’ll admit tonight ive had a ciggie-but im not going to beat myself up.Im growing increasingly tired of this long drawn out process with champix and quitting.Ive been seriously trying to quit since december07 and the urge to smoke is still their all the time-im on one blue tab a day at moment.Im seriously thinking that in few weeks when I come off Champix another relapse is evident.Ive read every book under the sun.LOL. Im very tempted to try a bout of hypno. later when im off Champix-Not same time.Its the mental anguish that never goes away.Its easy to stop smoking-its staying stopped.I feel Champix is just suppressing the urges and the mental side is waiting to take over again when it gets a chance.I wished I could wake up and never crave another ciggie again.

  43. How do you find a good hypnotist in the Midlands ?
    I dont think I was wired up right the one and only time I gave up.Help.

  44. Ok Jane, here’s my advice: Right now you are feeling exhausted, desperate and rather disillusioned about the medication. This “mental anguish” is really caused by the fact that Champix is not proving to be the wonder drug it was supposed to be.

    Hypnotherapy is not responsible for this sorry state of affairs, but any attempt to quit with hypnotherapy right now would almost certainly be adversely affected by it. People are often left feeling like this when they try willpower/ NRT too, and the assumption is that stopping smoking is terribly hard because it’s a hopeless addiction. The truth is that THOSE ARE JUST THE WRONG METHODS, but most people don’t realise that because that’s what their doctor is telling them to do!

    If it were really true that stopping smoking is terribly hard because it’s a hopeless addiction, Jane, then hypnotherapy would leave everybody feeling the way you do right now. It is true that some people don’t respond very well on the day, but that is usually because they come to us LAST, after they have already been through battles with willpower, gum, patches, Zyban and now Champix, which seems to leave some people suicidally depressed. Is it any wonder that some of them struggle to be positive?

    The amazing thing is, single session hypnosis for smoking will still routinely have a success rate of over 60% despite all that, and many of the others can still achieve success if only they come back for another session. If people came to us FIRST, it would be way higher than that. In other words, by recommending the wrong methods the medical profession indirectly damage our success rates too, yet we still prove better than any other method. Now imagine just how useful hypnotherapy will prove to be once all the cynicism, skepticism, lies, prejudice and ignorance have been swept away.

    So Jane, once you’ve decided Champix hasn’t worked, just forget all this for a few weeks and smoke as usual. Then just go along to a smoking cessation specialist hypnotherapist with an open mind and let your subconscious mind do the rest. (I’ll update shortly on how to find one.)

  45. I took Champix for 2 months, been off it for one and have not smoked for 3 months. This really works – but the willpower must be there as well. I never thought I would/.could quit smoking but Champix made it easy.

  46. Well done Marc! That makes you an official success, if you did that through the NHS Smoking Cessation Services. In fact you would already have become part of their official ‘success’ statistics if you were only claiming to have stopped for four weeks so far.

    It might seem unbelievable, but from 2001 to 2005, no-one at the Department of Health seemed inclined to wonder what happened to the brand-new ex-smokers after that, and they confidently broadcast their 4-week figures as if they were real outcomes which therefore justified spending vast sums of public money on NRT and Zyban. Then in 2005 they did a “pilot study” looking at long-term results, which found that one year on from joining the NHS programme, the vast majority of smokers were back on the fags. The question is, will it be the same with Champix?

    NRT products originally won approval from medical authorities based on short-term results alone (six weeks in that particular case). So did Champix (twelve weeks). No-one was looking at the long-term results at all, which makes it a bogus evaluation system. I’m not suggesting every smoker will relapse, and I wish Marc well, but it is clear from some of the other comments above that early confidence can prove to be misplaced, so his vote of confidence in the medication is certainly not conclusive at this stage.

    Before governments commit precious resources to a huge programme like the Champix exercise, and doctors put thousands of people on a new chemical concoction it should be thoroughly tested for safety and LONG-TERM effectiveness. Failure to do this is irresponsible in every way, turning smokers into lab rats with little hope of proper compensation if it all goes horribly wrong.

    Let us not forget that Zyban was hyped as a wonder drug, but we now know its long-term success rate is about 12 or 13%, which is rubbish. Many people have had to stop taking Zyban early on because of alarming side-effects, and it has been linked to suicides. Was it dropped by the NHS when all this became apparent? Incredibly, no! Doctors are still prescribing it now, even though it would never have been approved in the first place if the true facts had been known then.

    It was claimed that Champix had achieved a 44% success rate, but that was in short-term trials so they will have to revise that sharply downwards when the truth is finally out. And it seems to be proving even more dangerous than Zyban for some people. Doctors are now aware of this, yet most of them are still quite willing to put their patients at risk of severe mental and physical reactions! Why? What are they going to say to the family if that patient freaks out and commits suicide?

    Well the truth is, they won’t be called upon to say anything. Individual doctors are never held to account for the damage done by medications they are licensed to prescribe, which might account for why some of them are still prescribing that atypical anti-psychotic drug that they already know has killed about 700 patients in the U.K. alone over the last five years. That’s even more than Shipman killed, but no-one’s in the dock over that and they all know that they won’t be over Champix either. 700 people – that’s like a numerical anagram: Doctor 007, licensed to kill. Whatever happened to “First, do no harm”?

    Hypnotherapy and acupuncture have never killed a soul AND have better success rates for smoking cessation, but most smokers don’t know that because all the public money goes into chemical products. And as long as government and medical authority can still state that smoking kills even more people than the chemicals do, they can pretend they’re doing the right thing! Which kind of makes us suspect that the case of Harold Shipman was only really a difference of degree. I mean if all these thousands of deaths from medications these days are now the norm, and I should just shut up and we should all just be okay about it – as the deafening silence from the B.M.A. seems to imply – why all the fuss over Shipman? Did he just get a bit too enthusiastic about dishing out dangerous medications? And then we remember: Oh yeah – it wasn’t until he forged a will that he got collared. If he hadn’t varied his standard M.O. by trying to branch out into property-related crime, he’d probably still be quietly prescribing away in Hyde, just up the road from me here in fact.

    To be fair to ordinary doctors, though, none of this mess is originally their fault. They are not responsible for the appalling farce that now stands in place of what used to be a properly scientific, independent testing and evaluation system. It wasn’t them that let it slide into corrupt ways, and get taken over by the pharmaceutical industry. But it is the reputation of the medical profession as a whole that is at stake, here, so they are the people who will have to demand change. To solve this problem, it’s no good appealing to the better nature (ha!) of the big drug companies. In the end, they will have to reinvent the medical profession as being clearly distinct from the pharmaceutical industry, or else the damage they are collectively doing will end up destroying them both. But not before thousands more innocent people have been killed worldwide… by their doctors.

    Sorry Marc, got a bit carried away there! Thanks very much for your post, and could you please give us an update nine months from now, so we can get an idea of the typical results at one year?

  47. I have done quite a bit of research before deciding to use Champix and have decided to give Champix a go.I had caught bronchitis for the umpteenth time and decided that I had had enough of smoking and all of its downsides. I asked my GP to give me a few options as I have attempted to stop smoking 4 times before going cold-turkey but lasted the most of 2 weeks. I have only been on Champix for 5 days thus far and have to admit that I am only suffering from gas. No vivid dreams yet or headaches and such, but it is yet early days… I have already cut down from 30/day to around 10/day because of the vile task left in the mouth from smoking and very little cravings. I am very scepticle about taking drugs and rarely even take headache tablets unless I have developed a migrane so I am sure to monitor myself regularly. So far so good, but I shall keep everyone updated on new developments…

  48. Thanks for joining the debate, Luis!

    I find yours an intriguing post, as I would have thought that anyone who was “very scepticle about taking drugs” to begin with, and then did “quite a bit of research before deciding to use Champix” would have avoided it like the plague. Presumably your research didn’t include the article CHAMPIX/CHANTIX LINKED TO DEPRESSION, AGGRESSION AND SUICIDE (see link at the end of blogpost ‘Champix IV, Enough Already’.

    Did your GP actually give you a few options? Or did he just prescribe Champix because it’s the latest thing? Did he warn you about the possible side effects? I’m not talking about ‘gas’ by the way, I mean the mounting evidence of sudden and severe personality changes, mood swings, anger and totally out-of-character suicide attempts in some people. If not, that’s irresponsible. If so, then how exactly do you take those risks into consideration when you decide to “give it a go”?

    The standard pro-Champix answer is that lung cancer is a worse risk, as if those are your only two options! Hypnotherapy involves NO risk, works straight away for most people and takes about two hours. Also prevents the weight-gain most smokers are afraid of… I think people should start demanding referrals to specialist smoking cessation hypnotherapists through the NHS.

    Champix obviously doesn’t make everyone ill, and I hope it doesn’t cause Luis any real unpleasantness. I’m very grateful when those who have decided to go down the Champix route promise to keep us updated, so we can get a sense of how these things typically progress. We look forward to hearing from you again Luis, and of course we wish you well. Thanks for your contribution to the debate.

  49. To be honest, my GP just prescribed it for me. I had never heard of it until prescribed so that’s why I decided to research them a bit further before throwing them down my gullet.
    I did indeed read up on the articles and warnings from the FDA and other forums / webistes, including this one. It is down to shear desperation that I opted to at least give it a try…
    After discussing it with my wife and asking her to keep a careful eye on me during my course, we agreed to give it a go. Should I see that I am being affected negatively by the drug, I will then discontinue to use it, and should I fail to see the warning signs, which can easily be done when monitoring yourself, she’ll stop me continuing with the drug. Should Champix help me in successfully and permanently kicking the habit, my wife has agreed to also attempt to quit. Due to the fact that neither one of us want one of our 2 children to learn this dirty habit from us, we will try just about anything to stop at this stage.
    With regards to Hypnotherapy…I have a good friend that went for hypnotherapy a few months back to stop smoking and she hasn’t touch another cigarrette since.
    I haven’t tried hypnotherapy again since about 5 year ago after a very close friend of mine that practiced hypnotherapy professionally tried to hypnostise me, not to stop smoking by the way, and was unsuccessful. He told me that I fight it too much and will not be successful unless I relax more, but too me, I felt that if I were to relax anymore, I would fall into a coma…
    With regards to the updates…, today pretty much the same but I did feel slightly “spaced” most of the day and tired but I suppose I could perhaps put that down to taking my neighbour to the airport at 05:00am this morning…

  50. Yes, that might do it! That’s very neighbourly of you by the way.

    As a hypnotherapist myself I know that working with close friends (and family members) can involve subconscious complications that are simply not there when I work with my other clients. I have sometimes had success with friends and family members in the past, so I know it is achievable, but nowadays I would usually recommend choosing a therapist you do not already know well in some other context.

    If you were “fighting” against the process, that would be because there was some fear involved – it is up to the therapist to explain in detail why those fears are groundless in reality. Such fears originate from seeing Stage Hypnosis or a similar demonstration which created the impression that entering a trance state implied some “loss of control”, or handing control to the hypnotist. This is totally false, but it is part of the general illusion of Stage Hypnosis!

    Some people also fear losing consciousness and never waking up, but that is completely impossible. No-one loses consciousness in hypnosis, it is a waking state. As for going into a coma, well! You might as well be afraid that little pixies might also appear and carry you off to a magical land where you will be made their King. Apparently your friend didn’t explain these matters well enough at the time.

    Whether your friend realises it or not, relaxation has nothing to do with it. Trance and relaxation are quite separate things, and I have done lots of hypnotherapy sessions in which relaxation is never mentioned once. Only beginners or people whose training is limited will emphasize the ‘importance’ of relaxation. The success of a hypnotherapy session does not hang on whether the client was relaxed or not, but only the real experts will understand that. Relaxation is an optional extra.

    So your fears blocked easy response at the outset, and your friend wasn’t experienced enough at the time to know how to work around that, so you were left with the wholly false impression that you ‘can’t be hypnotised’ because you were ‘unable to relax deeply enough’. Luis, you weren’t the first and you won’t be the last, but all you really need is an expert in these matters, and preferably NOT a very close friend, but someone you know only as The Hypnotherapist!

    Your other friend, who has not had a cigarette since the day she went for hypnotherapy, simply demonstrated by example that what I am saying about hypnotherapy is true. Complete success, no risk, all done! So I ask you all this, folks: What happened to her ‘nicotine addiction’? How could she just walk out of there a non-smoker and never touch one since?

    The answer is simple, and it destroys the credibility of Champix as well as NRT: it never was a ‘nicotine addiction’. Smoking is a compulsive habit and hypnotherapy shuts it down. Nicotine is just one of the many poisons in the smoke. Smokers’ cravings are not withdrawal symptoms at all, they are motivational signals from the brain which are felt in the body as an impulse, prompting the usual habitual behaviour. They have everything to do with the smoker’s usual daily routine or state of mind, and nothing whatsoever to do with nicotine. (For more evidence, click on Read The Book.)

    Nicotine is, in truth, the biggest case of mistaken identity in medical history. It’s not a drug. It is a poison, and no-one “needs” it. I will prove this to the world, and destroy NRT in the process. There is no such thing as “therapeutic nicotine”!

    In the meantime, Luis, I admire your motives and determination, wish you every success whatever the method and please keep us posted.

  51. Hi i’ve quit taking Champix now- just stopped taking it. I’ve only had one ciggie since I quit and that was while I was on Champix and not after I stopped. At this moment in time I am not interested in taking up smoking again nor do I think about it too much. I feel ‘out of touch’ with reality though.

  52. Chris can you possibly update me on hypnotherapy practices that you would recommend in case I need on in the future. Also what are your views on acupuncture regarding quitting smoking.

  53. This ‘out of touch with reality’ feeling is cropping up again and again in many blogs about Champix, and the fact that it often continues after coming off the tablets (some reports say for months) must serve as a warning to those in the prescribing role.

    Let’s face it, the long-term effects of taking Champix were never researched, were they? Regardless of the short-term impact of the clinical trials, the fact that no-one at Pfizer concerned themselves with any long-term risks made the practical application of Champix into an experiment on a massive scale, with smokers as guinea pigs. This gives the lie to any description of these as “evidence-based medicines”.

    Hypnotherapy

    Jane, if you don’t personally know someone who can recommend a particular hypnotherapist, then the next best option is to look up one of the national hypnotherapy associations – or maybe two or three of them – visit their websites and search by region for a few therapists in your locality. Then contact them to make enquiries.

    There is no substitute for talking to the therapist personally on the telephone, so you get a sense of their personality and general confidence. My advice is not to book a session during any of these enquiries, but always to ring back later to do that. A good therapist will answer all enquiries without pressing you to book a session. If you do feel pressured by any of them, my advice is to book with someone else.

    You are seeking someone who specialises in smoking cessation and seems confident, understanding and helpful. Trust your gut feeling in making your final decision, then just go for it!

    Acupuncture

    In the meta-analysis of all quitting methods undertaken by the University of Iowa in 1992 acupuncture was the second most effective method after hypnotherapy. Both clearly beat nicotine replacement methods. If the government really wanted to help smokers, they would stop wasting taxpayers’ money on poisons and dangerous chemicals and start funding hypnotherapy and acupuncture now. Using real experts please, not hastily trained doctors who have done a weekend course on how to ‘hypnotise’ patients, because they would be virtually useless!

    Failure to do this is Wilful Neglect

    Since that study by the University of Iowa was published, according to the government’s own estimations about one million, seven hundred and sixty thousand smokers have died in the U.K. from tobacco-related illness and disease.

    Since 2001, many of those people would have been through NHS Quit programmes, prescribed the poison patches and the poison gum, and some of them even boasted as ‘successes’ according to the fraudulent ‘4-week self-report’ account of outcomes. A poison posing as a medication. I cannot think of a bigger medical scandal occurring in the whole of my lifetime, and it is still going on. I am absolutely determined to stop this dangerous, unnecessary, unsuccessful mass-poisoning of smokers though – and if you would be glad to see the Truth Will Out Campaign succeed, please spread the word!

  54. Hi,thanks for that Chris.
    I am not smoking still and dont want to either.
    I do think about ciggies- but not to smoke them.
    I still feel ‘out of it’ and not in touch with reality-in actual fact there have been few times when there have been lapses in my concentration at work and when driving etc.
    I have been having great difficulty in sleeping lately aswell but I cannot put that wholely down to stopping Champix as there are other issues involved-only the fact that my O/H has developed a severe cough that goes on for hours during the night and quite alot in the day-he smokes heavily and I believe he has got what my mum has the early stages of COPD.His cough has been going on for about 4 months and is getting worse and worse-but smokers wont quit will they ? unless they want to 🙁 .
    I have read your issues about NRT and I have been on these in the past-they never did anything for me-I was addicted to the chewing gum and still smoked (just less).The patches gave me sleepless nights and I just used to smoke as normal with them on.
    Oh well must go now-catch up later.
    janexxxx

  55. I forgot to add-Chris -the last 2 times I had hypnotherapy I think the first therapist was okay-but I wasnt really ready to quit.The 2nd time the therapist was okay I suppose -offered me another session if it didnt work FOC-I quit 2 days LOL and just started smoking again as normal on day 3-it seemed easier to smoke.So I can say that Ive never been 100 per cent wanting to quit on these and other occasions I have quit.

  56. Chris-As you are interested in Champix and what it does to people-I came across a good thread/blog-google search CHAMPIX SHEFFIELD and find SHEFIELD FORUM I post on their alot.Theres loads of people who have quit/some with horrendous side effects etc.

  57. Ref. Post 59:
    Chewing the gum is an activity, so it can become a compulsive habit just as the activity of smoking cigarettes can. If the smoker has already been persuaded by the medical authorities that they are a “nicotine addict”, then it is easy for them to believe that their new nicotine gum habit is also an “addiction”, when in truth it is not, it just seems like an addiction because of the compulsive urge to do it. But using the patches is not an activity, you just stick one on at the start of the day, and that’s the end of that. So no-one develops a compulsive habit of ‘patch-wearing’, seemingly unable to stop. Quite the contrary, it is really easy to stop sticking nicotine patches on – smokers commonly forget to do it. Can you imagine a heroin addict just forgetting to take heroin? “Oh silly me, it just slipped my mind completely! What kind of a rubbish addict am I?”

    The fact that you still felt the urge to smoke whilst using the patches and using the gum clearly indicates that the urge to smoke is NOT an urge to ‘take nicotine’ – you were taking nicotine already.

    Nicotine has nothing to do with it, it has never been a drug. I challenge any scientists out there – see if you can take a normal person who has never smoked and create a nicotine addict using nicotine patches alone. If it really was an addictive drug (the most addictive drug in the world, remember?) you could easily do that, couldn’t you? In reality you would find it is utterly impossible to do that.

    Any TV documentary-makers out there? This would make a brilliant subject for a documentary, and blow the nicotine theory apart. About bloody time, let’s establish the truth about this once and for all. This isn’t just an important matter for hypnotherapists, millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money are being wasted on this fraudulent NRT crap, and 120,000 smokers’ lives are hanging in the balance every year that goes by.

    Ref. Post 60:
    The outcome of any hypnotherapy session will be entirely in line with what the client desires as an outcome. It is normal for many smokers to have mixed feelings about quitting, but a good therapist will deal with those matters along the way. For success to be the outcome, though, the client’s general preference overall must be to be rid of the habit by the time we start talking to the Subconscious about it. If your general preference at that point would be to smoke again, then you probably will. Sounds to me like you weren’t ready to quit that first time. For hypnotherapy, that does not count as a failure: you weren’t ready to stop so you chose to carry on. You got what you wanted at the time.

    The second therapist offered you a back up session free of charge. That suggests a lack of confidence – who gives away their professional time for nothing? Doesn’t that suggest that it’s worthless? Now consider the very opposite: a therapist with a six-week waiting list who charges twice as much as everyone else. Who do you have more faith in? These matters can affect both your expectations and your responses on the day.

    Once you have decided that you really do want to stop smoking anyway – which you probably have by now – it is then just a case of finding the right therapist. I’m not suggesting that the most expensive therapists are the best, by the way, but I would have doubts about the confidence of anyone in the field of private therapy who gives away their time for nothing.

    Thanks for the Champix blog reference Jane!

  58. Hi Chris,

    Im finding the whole subject fascinating.All this time I have believed that I have been a NICOTENE ADDICT .I feel I have been hoodwinked by the medical profession and ‘simple’ so-called smoking counsellers .Ive read your previous reply and find as I unravel it it all becomes crystal clear especially the part about NRT patches and gum.
    I suppose someone who comes off ciggies ‘cold turkey’ would experience some discomfort-I nearly knifed my ex when I did this-perhaps I never wanted to quit-Champix though did take the edge of the cravings-whether this was because most of the time you were to preoccupied with the side effects-I dont know.While I have took Champix I have had side effects,but Ive managed to stay smoke free-so far except one time where I lit a ciggie.BUT weeks before quitting I have changed my whole routine and lifestyle-so perhaps that helped.I dont want to smoke at moment and have no desire or urge to want to either-big question is has the last three or so months enabled me to stay smoke free for good. ???

  59. You’re right: if you just try to ignore cravings they will drive you up the wall! The signal is prompting you to pick up a cig and light it. If you do that, the urge instantly vanishes – you don’t have to smoke it to get all the nicotine out of it for that to happen, it vanishes the moment you light up, which is why smokers sometimes put the lit cig in the ashtray and forget all about it!

    But if you don’t pick up a cig, you get another signal, and if you keep ignoring them they get stonger. The Subconscious assumes you haven’t noticed so it sends a stronger signal. Eventually they drive you to distraction, and the people around you might well get it in the neck!

    Don’t forget, people have got off murder charges due to the influence of hormones alone – no drugs involved! We are emotional creatures, and sudden aggressive outbursts (such as your impulse to knife your ex) do not have to have anything to do with drugs. But nicotine isn’t a drug anyway, it’s just a poison. And the wrong explanation for the smoking habit, which hypnotherapy can wipe out – cravings and all – in one go, and with no reference whatsoever to ‘nicotine receptors in the brain’. The scientists have got it completely wrong, because their little analytical conscious minds don’t know the first thing about the almighty Subconscious. But I understand it very well because I work with it all the time, and I wrote the book for anyone out there who would like to understand it too.

  60. Hi still not smoking.Last few days I have started to feel normal again.Im sleeping okay now and am still sleeping apart from my O/H till he gets himself sorted.
    I still feel like I have been artificially induced to quit smoking by the Champix.I have no urge or desire to smoke at the present time-i dont feel like going to the shop and spending £5.50 on 20 ciggies.
    One lady I know who smokes she is 73 and smokes 5 ciggies per day lol.She was on Champix and stopped her 5 a day habit for the 3 months she was on it-when she stopped Champix the next day she carried on smoking as she had done before she quit as the urge to smoke came back.

  61. At least she didn’t attack anyone or top herself, so that’s something I suppose. Maybe the aggression and suicidal tendencies are worse in the under-70s.

  62. Hi there. I’m 32 and i was a smoker for 11 yrs and i’ve been off the cigs for 2 wks now. Well 2wks 2moro.. I am a lone parent and my children are aged between 14 and 8 yrs old and i have a bf who i’ve been with for about 15 months and he doesnt smoke so i thought i’d do this for them and they dont know how bad i am really feeling i always put on a smile for them because i dont want them worrying about me. I started takin champix the 4th of sept and my quit day was 18th sept. At first i was doing great just few mild headaches and really weird dreams and really tired was going to bed at 9.30pm and gettin up alot thru the nite but i could live with that and when i had the urge for a ciggy i would chomp on a tip top which was good because i didnt really want to turn to junk food as a comfort
    and was doing great up until i started my 3rd week of champix i wasn’t feeling my self i would feel fine one minute and really down and low the next min and by wk 4 i stopped them because i knew in my self something was seriously wrong with me i’ve started to believe every1 will be better off wiv out me in there lives and i dont like what i see in the mirror i feel really ugly and unattractive and i’m very irratated and i just havent got the go i just wanna hide away and not do anything i’m often in my own world i’ve found my self quite paranoid bout my health etc i’m not me and i realise i’ve got a problem becuse i write a diary and from when i started it to the quit smokin side there has been a huge change in how i’m feeling and see things
    i have good days and bad days and i aint got no one i can turn too. My bf just doesnt seem to care he just keeps starting on me about my ex(my kids father) and i have had enuff he just keeps pushing me well thats what i think he’s doin but then i dont kno becus he says i’ve been horrible and nasty to him and he’s had enuff and i just aint sure wot i am to believe any more. I just know i have been off these tablets since 25th sept and im feelin really really low.. Spoke to da nurse bout it 2day and she said i’ll be fine nothin to worry bout.. Spoke to my mum and friend and they could tell straight away i wasnt me and they are really worried
    about me and so am i. I am feeling as if every1 is against me and everything i do is wrong.. Does any1 kno how long i will be feelin like this? Cus i have had enuff of feelin so low i wanna be me again.

  63. Jane, hang on in there. You can see from the diary it’s the medication, don’t believe the negative thoughts. You need to explain to your boyfriend, the way you’ve been is out of character and you are not the only one – there are many people reporting the same reactions to Champix, I’m glad you’ve stopped taking it.

    The fact is we don’t know how long it takes to fully get back to normal, would you please let us know? Thank you for your comments, hopefully they will prevent other people going through the same thing. This stuff is leaving your system right now, you will get back to being your old self in due course, just look after yourself in the meantime – there are people who need you and love you, this will pass.

    Well folks, doesn’t that prove Pfizer are a bunch of liars? “At first I was doing great…” proves that the distress isn’t ‘nicotine withdrawal’, because that would be immediately at its worst, then gradually get easier. And this person was not ‘prone to depression’, the diary is written evidence of a marked and obvious change for the worse some weeks into the course, which is consistent with many other accounts. Yet again we have evidence that symptoms persist after ceasing the medication: anger, irritability, paranoia, aggression and serious depression.

    Doctors, it’s up to you: look at the terrible complacency of the nurse – “You’ll be fine, nothing to worry about…” It is obvious there is a great deal to worry about. First do no harm. Champix is dangerous.

  64. Hi Chris.

    I kno i only posted last nite but i thought i’d share wot i’m feeling wiv every1, My mum lives bout 4 hrs away n my friend bout 1hr away by car but i dont drive so i’m hoping that by sharing wot i am goin thru wiv you it will help me get past the side effects i am suffering and help any1 who has considered taking champix..

    As i’ve said in my previous post i write a diary and have dun for a long time so its not a recent thing.. And my diary tells me sumthin isnt right my whole attitude to life and everythin has changed alot..

    When i first started taking champix i was fine really happy n on a high.. Had feelins of wantin to b sick n sum proper weird dreams and wakin thru the nite n mild headaches but i cud live with dat becus i’d be a none smoker at the end of it and i would have a healthier life.. I cut down alot durin the first wk of takin the pills which was great set my date etc n stuck by it.. It was when i started on my 3rd wk i realised summat wasnt right and by the time i was due to start my 4th wk i stopped taking them becus i just didnt like wot i was feelin…

    I’m usually a very happy outgoing sorta gal.. I am a ppl person ya kno n love makin new friends etc.. I love getting the kids to bed n chillin infront of tv wiv bf n watchin my programs but not of late i really hate the tele right now i cant bare the noise… I hate the thought of having to go out 2 the shops or kids school i just dont want to be around ppl n i’ve becum quite paranoid about my health and about everything around me i feel sum1 is watchin me and i sumtimes think i am seein things n i am losing track of time… I’ve neva been late to collect my kids from skool but 2day i got to the kids school 10 mins late and i dont kno why becus i am always there by the time they come out..

    Here is just a few things i am livin wiv right now and i hope to god they dont last.. My skin has gone very dry and horrible i am gettin spots and i’m 32 feel like a teenager again.. I’m very irratated i sumtimes wanna rip my skin off, My mouth has becum very dry n i’m always thirsty, My headaches are gettin slightly worse, I’ve becum very paranoid about my health and every1 and everythin around me, I’ve becum short tempered and anger easily and i’ve becum so emotional i cry n laff bout da stupidiest things and i aint sure why, I’ve becum distant i dont want no one sharing my space and i dont want to be around ppl, I’m really tired all the time i just want to sleep i’ve got no energy to top it off, And i’m feelin spaced out like i aint in my body i’m pretty much feelin like a zombie right now and i dont even like zombie films lol.. Also last few days my whole body is hurtin.. my arms n bak n my boobs lol n legs etc i’ve tried hot radox baths but they aint helping
    i feel like i’ve ran a marathon n lifted weights etc… Also i love coffee and have loved coffee even b4 i smoked but since commin off champix it leaves a vile taste in my mouth n i dont like da smell much either and i dont like tea either so i’m drinkin either water or orange juice..

    I pretty much hate life at the moment and i want to be me again becus i am hatin wot i’ve becum.. If i had of known the full truth about champix i would neva of used them.. I urge any1 considerin to take them think about it alot and do yr research first :).. I know tablets affect ppl in different ways.. but like i said i was happy n feelin great in the start it was the 3rd wk i noticed a change…

    My bf is commin round later for the first time dis wk i’m goin 2spk to him n hopefuly make him understand so may not be round for few days cus he’ll be off work from fri – sun.. will post asap…

    Jane x

  65. ILL CALL MYSELF JANE NO.1 AS I POSTED ON HERE REGULARLY.
    I cannot believe there is someone else like me.Id drank coffee for years and since been and coming off CHAMPIX -coffee makes me GAG.

  66. All Janes welcome.

    Jane No. 2, please feel free to post here whenever you like – with your mum and your friend not exactly on your doorstep, if you need to talk don’t hesitate… talking helps.

    Jane No.1, are you feeling more normal yet? I think Jane No.2 needs some reassurance that she will get back to normal in due course.

    Any other comments about coming off Champix/returning to normal? We need more info on this please – how long does it take for the weirdness to go away?

  67. HI yes I feel better-but I WANT TO SMOKE AGAIN-BADLY. Proves Champix is load of B*****S. I feel exactly the same as I did before I took Champix – EXCEPT I DONT SMOKE! BUT I WANT TO. Feel like Im cold turkeying now except ive got no bad symptoms except desire to smoke. I am just abstaining now. I will have to resort to this till I decide what to do. An elastic band around the wrist works-you snap it when you think about ciggies.
    Im still amazed that someone else has gone off coffee – I still cannot drink it – yet I used to drink loads. I love tea now -but never used to like it.

  68. Hi All.. Well went to the docs fri and she looked thru a book and she said i’ve got the flu?? Yet bp was fine n temp was normal no flu symptoms but i got the flu?? Well i decided i want to see a diff doctor and mon i wasnt able to see one but i got to see my doc today which was great.

    Explained everything to him and he said ive deffo not got the flu.. He said i am suffering from sum of the side effects and i should hopefuly be over them soon. There is no time limit on this he said it differs from person to person.

    Anyway…….. He said i do feel really hot to the touch but my temp is normal and he said bp is normal n checked my throat to see if there was any sign of viral infection etc..But none

    Anyway he still cant explain some of what i am going thru so he has booked me in for sum blood tests – Full blood count n thyroid n diabetes n iron n he has even said i may need to go on the pil due to bleedin on n off for 2 wks 🙁

    He also asked if i was pregnant becus i have gone off tea n coffee lol i said no i had my tubes cut n tied n he said its very weird.. I miss coffee n i keep tryin 2 drink it but i wanna gag so i tip it 🙁

    Anyway will keep ya posted on how i feel n what the results bring back

    I just want to be me again 🙂
    Jane

  69. Even doctors dont seem to know whats going on – they appear oblivious to what Champix is doing to SOME people. As its a new drug nobody is sure of the long term effects. Im not an expert-but im learning LOL.
    If you hadnt flu you wouldnt be able to get out of bed :(.
    I think you will feel better soon when this stuff is out of your system.I feel better-but I want to smoke. I still hate coffee as well – Im addicted to tea now.

    Jane no2 Have you managed to quit smoking ?

  70. Hi Jane no1
    its been 3 weeks today (thur) since my last cig i’ve not craved or had the urge for one. I’ve not just gone off coffee now.. Had a sip of my sons cola n i spat it out cus the taste made me feel sick n i’m not likin tea n i still feel down …

  71. Hi all,

    I’ve read some interesting articles on the potential side effects of champix and was very concerned before taking the drug. It has worked very well for me with a few minor side effects. One bit of advice I would say for taking champix is that taking the pill with or after food greatly reduces any nausea. A side effect I did get was headaches. I also noticed somebody mentioned back pain, is this common in relation to the drug? I have had some back problems but just put this down to an old injury.

    I actually stopped taking the drug around the end of 9 weeks. Could this have any implications? I have felt no urge to smoke since stopping the medication (2 weeks ago). The headaches have stopped!

    Good luck to all,

    Thanks,

    Rob

  72. Thanks for that, Rob! This post reminded me of Luis’ post (No.52) because I can’t help being surprised that anyone who had actually read up on Champix side-effects would still risk taking it! Come to think of it – what happened to Luis? He said he would keep us posted. Are you ok Luis?

    Anyway, looks like you got off lightly Rob, and yes, it may well have something to do with stopping early. Although Champix can make some people ill immediately, there are a number of posts here that started out all enthusiastic because it didn’t, then later on down the line it all got rather nasty.

    It is my policy to allow all posts whether positive or negative, provided I believe them to be genuine. What this post demonstrates is that for some people, Champix works. Given the side effects many are suffering though, I wouldn’t risk it until I’d tried everything else first, because hypnotherapy has the best success rate by far, and also because hypnotherapy, acupuncture and the Allen Carr method all have no risks or side effects. They cost a bit more, sure, in an immediate sense – but at least the risk is only financial, you’re not risking your mental or physical health. And if you’re successful – as most are – you soon save the cost back anyway.

  73. Hi all, still not smoking – the urge to smoke has gone at moment or I have suppressed it very well. I actually have moments where I dont think about smoking. I feel normal again now (well, normal for me anyway). I’ll put the alternative methods to use soon anyway – Im having a bout of acupuncture to see if it will help me with a phobia I have had for long time – not smoking-related.

  74. Hi

    Still not smoking and don’t have the slightest inclination too either. My partner has not had any either and feels the same. So it appears to be working post-meds. The vague feeling has lifted and feel completely normal.

    I think a lot of this is will power. I have only once in the last month thought about a cig – and that was a situational thing – so as long as you recognise your triggers – AVOID them.

    Will keep you updated as the months progress.

  75. I thought what the hell in gods name is he smoking. An artificial ciggie – battery powered with a flashing red end and an atomiser that produces vapour – NOT smoke – when you draw on it. Complete with nicotene! lol.

    Google electronic cigarette.

    You can ‘smoke’ them in bars etc LOL- no need for real ciggies.

    Im still smoke free.

    Now im charging batteries for electronic cigarettes.

    Am i missing out on this madness?

  76. I”ve read all the above posts and I sympathise with everyone whose life has been changed as a result of taking Champix. I know mine has. It’s 4 months since I stopped smoking and 2 months since I last took Champix. I may have become a non-smoker (which of course is good) but I now feel a completely different person to who I was, a person I do not like at all, with all sorts of physical and mental health problems which did not exist before, among them depression, extreme anger, constant fatigue and exhaustion plus a lack of interest in absolutely anything.

    I, too, would like to know when I may expect to get back to normal. Does anybody know how long these efffects last?

    Would just like to say that my first serious attempt at not smoking was at an Alan Carr one-day session.
    It worked. It was painless and I felt great afterwards. It was 10 months before, foolishly, I started smoking again. This time, I was determined that if I managed to stop, I would not start again. However, I think my determination played as big a part in my quitting as the Champix . In hindsight, I obviously wish I had not taken it. I certainly wish I had read the information on this site before I did… I think everyone should read up on Champix before deciding whether or not to take it.

  77. Why oh why do people in the medical profession advocate Champix as a wonder drug, I have to give up smoking due to COPD, so visited the fag ends nurse………… how long have you been smoking…… 40 years……….. how many a day……….. 60……..right wonder drug Champix for you………… at no time did she ask are you under any stress………… yes my dad died in August…… is everything ok at home……….. well, no actually, wife and i are going thru a bad patch at the moment………….. I did actually give up cigs for 3 days this week (mainly by attempting to stay drunk) this morning I decided I would rather be a smoker than a drunk………… had a cig but………. the anxiety never left……….. rang up NHS quitline: about as much use as a chocolate fireguard………… they passed me on to fagends in Liverpool who told me to ring my doctors immediately………… spoke to the receptionist who told me to stop taking Champix immediately………….. I thought that was a bit strange………….. so did some research on the net………………….. OH boy that really frightened me! suicides, depression…………….. disconnected from reality………….. I had to pick my son up from football training tonight and was quite frankly terrified…………… I just dont have the confidence to drive anymore………… it was a relief to get home………………. I have tried to start smoking again but I have a puff or 2………….. realise its doing nothing and put it out…………… I honestly feel I would be happier as an unhappy smoker than the way I feel right now…………. maybe if i got a nicotine rush again i would feel better…………….. but that just doesnt happen with Champix………… will my mind ever return to normal?…………. I dont want to smoke but I do not want this either…… as Chris said, Lung cancer may kill me but suicide may kill me a damn sight quicker

  78. For the 1st week I felt tired constantly. By the 4-5th day had cut back from about 35 smokes per day to 5. No nausea at all. Just a few weird dreams. All good until: On Day 13 I tried to completely stop. Within 12 hours of stopping I was feeling extremely agitated, couldn’t concentrate and was battling intense cravings – they were worse than going cold turkey. Within 16 hours, I felt like I was going to explode. I was ready to rip my kids and husbands heads off, punch the walls; I couldn’t stand feeling like this any longer so I had a cigarette and had a dramatic improvement in mood almost instantly. There’s no way I could have continued like this. I have stopped taking Champix and am starting on NRT tomorrow – It worked for me last time – stayed quit for 9 months, without the violent rages. I’m not one of the 1 in 5 that this drug works for.

  79. Thanks for your comments, everybody. I have now made publicising the horrors of Champix an express aim of the Truth Will Out Campaign, which was originally all about denouncing Nicotine Replacement Poisoning, of course. The purpose of this addition is to protect smokers who have not yet taken Champix, and to warn those who are taking it but were not made properly aware of the dangers. We are also letting people know that hypnotherapy, acupuncture and the Allen Carr method ALL have better success rates than medications, and that they involve no risk. Medical authorities apparently don’t want you to know that, so they claim such methods are “unproven”, which is a bald lie (see Evidence). They don’t want you to consider more natural methods of healing in case you start to wonder if always using chemicals to treat illness was ever such a good idea in the first place. Especially since it became an established fact that one in six hospital admissions is caused by nasty reactions to pharmaceutical drugs. Quite a lot of those people die, too (see Daily Mail article).

    Just a couple of comments on the latest contributions to the debate:

    Rocky is evidently convinced that it was “nicotine withdrawal” that caused the agitation, the cravings and the violent temper. But if that were true Rocky, why did it not happen when you cut back dramatically from 35 cigs to 5? Why did it not happen to Mary after her Allen Carr session? She says: “It was painless and I felt great afterwards.” Doesn’t sound like drug withdrawal to me. Allen Carr group sessions end with a bit of hypnotherapy, by the way. They don’t spend as much time talking to the Subconscious as they should, so it doesn’t work for everyone but independent assessments have given the Allen Carr method a success rate of 53% which beats all the medical products easily. Hypnotherapy scores even higher when it is done properly, and it should be noted that the people running Allen Carr groups are not professional hypnotherapists: when it comes to hypnosis they are dabblers really compared to well-trained and experienced hypnotherapists. They are also a bit confused about the addiction notion, as Allen Carr was himself. How do I know? Because I have discussed these matters at length and in detail with John Dicey, Worldwide Director of Allen Carr’s Easyway (International) Ltd.

    As to the nasty side-effects, hang on in there, guys – we have had reports that people usually do get back to normal in due course. I certainly hope you all do, and if you can update us on that, it will reassure others too.

  80. Well an update, after 3 very dark days, the effects of Champix seem to be wearing off, the quit smoking nurse said it would probably take another 24 hours, today I was able to drive with hardly any anxiety and I feel that things are returning to normal.
    Rather alarmingly I was told that 20% of patients have a bad reaction to Champix, this seems a very high number for them to still be prescribing it almost on demand. I am still smoking occasionally just to reassure myself that the drug is getting out of my system, which is in reality a very stupid reason but I never wish again to experience the feelings and emotions of the past 3 days.

  81. Thanks very much for that, Brian! Glad to hear you are feeling a lot better.

    See folks? 20% is one in five – not succeeding, but having a bad reaction. Don’t forget, that’s only the ones that end up being officially reported – so it is bound to be higher than that in reality. Some will never report back – either to the doctor or to Truth Will Out – because they are dead.

    As Brian says: “…this seems to be a very high number for them to still be prescribing it almost on demand.” Actually it is worse than that – some doctors are still enthusiastically recommending it! Already there are class actions against Pfizer under way in the States though, and I sincerely hope that Pfizer get sued out of existence for this reckless and murderous experiment – not to mention for their callous and wholly insincere denial that Champix is the direct cause of all this. It should be withdrawn immediately, before anyone else is killed. But what I want to know is this: when lives are lost through this kind of negligence, why don’t the FDA, the British Medicines Controls Agency (MHRA) and the Department of Health get sued as well? And N.I.C.E.? They are weak institutions that are easily manipulated by the drug companies, and this is the result. It’s not just Champix, there are other killer drugs out there as well, still being prescribed. It’s not as if they don’t know. It would be much more accurate to say that these people are so well-rewarded personally that they simply don’t care about the fate of the innocent victims of all this pseudo-medical profiteering.

    Don’t get killed, people – get wise! It’s not just that “the drugs don’t work”, THE DRUGS AIN’T SAFE. Doctors – rebel! Don’t prescribe killer drugs! Smoking is unhealthy, but suicide is one hell of a lot more immediately hazardous, so get your priorities right.

  82. Not visited for quite a while.Im still not smoking-possibly as a result of using champix-but i dont know.The drug in my opinion is dangerous-from my own experiences-changes in behaviour/depression/anger/anxiety/time lapses and other bizzare symptoms-that detatch you from reality.
    My advice to any smoker is not use it or nrt.Everyone I know who has used either of these has started smoking again either during treatment or afterwards.I had acupunture not long ago-not for quitting smoking but for a phobia ive had for years-somehow whilst been treated for this phobia(fear of travelling in a car as a passenger)-something clicked -connected to the not smoking.?My mind at last feels clear of the muddle it has been in for ages and I no longer feel that im just abstaining from smoking,but im free from its clutches.All Champix did was artificially prevent the need to smoke-when you stop taking it the urge to smoke returns within days-abstaining/depriving yourself is sheer torture-you need to cleanse your mind.Hope this helps potential champix users not to be drawn in to this crap dished out by doctors.

  83. Hi all.
    Im still not smoking~neither is my O/H and he has quit with NRT !..
    On a more negative note-

    A close friend of a relative of my O/H committed suicide last week after been on Champix for 4 1/2 weeks.The change in personality started to change after 5 days on Champix-he developed physotic symptoms/paranoia and had bad nightmares.He apparantly became violent and short tempered aswell.There was no suicide note.I did not know this person very well as I only met him once at a barbacue in the summer of 2008.He seemed mild and even tempered.The symptoms started after he began to take Champix.No other cause could be found as to why he killed himself…..Was it Champix ????
    He had reported these symptoms to the nurse at his local stop smoking clinic-but was told these symptoms would go away after a while and he should continue to take 2 mgs per day for the duration of the course-he reported feelings of wanting to commit suicide.
    How many more are out there ??

  84. Pfizer claim that there is “no evidence” that Champix is to blame for these deaths, which are steadily increasing in numbers all over the world.

    They suggest that “nicotine withdrawal” may cause suicidal depression – yet no-one commits suicide after quitting with hypnotherapy, acupuncture or the Allen Carr method, nor as a result of just kicking the habit by themselves.

    Pfizer have also cruelly tried to suggest that all these suicides have previous history of mental illness, when in fact many of them have not. Pfizer’s spokespersons are well-paid, ruthless professional liars.

    Since Jane added this post we have exchanged private messages about this horrible turn of events which it would be inappropriate to reproduce here. The event speaks for itself, and is not an isolated case – as Jane says: How many more out there?”

    Just one more thing, though: Jane says her O/H quit with NRT… actually he’s doing that himself, the NRT is just acting as a placebo. Allow me to quote directly from the British Medical Association’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary (Dorling Kindersley 2002), p.401:

    “Nicotine replacement therapy, such as the use of nicotine skin patches and chewing gum, can be effective in aiding withdrawal from nicotine.”

    Seriously, can you imagine a dumber sentence? What the B.M.A. are telling you is that taking nicotine can help you to withdraw from… nicotine! Even if it was a drug addiction, that suggestion would be madness. The fact that cravings have nothing to do with nicotine anyway makes it madness with a silly hat on. We get lots of cravings, they’re not all about smoking, are they? And they can all be eliminated with hypnotherapy, with no reference to nicotine or ‘nicotine receptors in the brain’ or any of that hogwash.

    Now all we have to do is wait about half a century for the B.M.A. to change the official line – during which six million more smokers will die. That’s in the U.K. alone. Around the world, it would be 250 million. Don’t wait for any medical authorities to apologise for getting this hopelessly wrong, though – that would be like waiting for Pfizer to admit that Champix kills people, or the FDA to admit that Nicotine Replacement Poisoning should never have been passed as if it had any kind of long-term success on the basis of its performance at a mere six weeks.

  85. Tonight I asked my O/H this question ‘Do you think that you did quit using NRT (nicorette inhalator) ? He replied ‘To be honest Im too f***k*** scared to smoke again as if the smoking doesnt kill me it will be the asthma that I now have from smoking that may well kill me’.I asked him ‘Are you pleased that you didnt take up your doctors offer in October to take Champix ?’ He replied ‘Yes I am glad as you or I will probuably be dead or split up by now-if I didnt love you so much and hadnt read alot about Champix.Too be honest Jane I used to cry sometimes and I know it was that bloomin Champix you were taking that turned you into another person.I was relieved when you said you were packing it in.Id rather you be a smoker than on that drug.You were evil,violent and vile whilst taking it and it wasnt just PMT ! .You are now the person I fell in love again.But now D***D is dead and that evil drug is still been pedalled around the world.I now see where your concern comes from regarding Champix’.

    I myself had never dreamed that this drug I had regarded so highly in December 2007 would turn out to be a complete living nightmare.One year more or less to the day this poor guy took his own life cos of this drug.Im sure if I had took it for 6 months I to may of gone even madder than it had already made me.All the time Ive been smoking I have believed I was a DRUG ADDICT not a HABIT ADDICT.
    I would love to know what has happened to alot of posters on this blog as alot of them have vanished.
    One question I would like to add is how many more suicides will there be before this evil drug is outlawed ???
    I will say this now without hesitation-I recieved acupunture quite recently with a phobia I had-I had this phobia for 10 years-it was travelling as a passenger in a car.I am pleased to say that I am now travelling as a passenger in a car quite confidently-but not gone very far yet.
    PLEASE THOUGH DONT TAKE THIS DRUG CHAMPIX/CHANTIX.IF YOU DO BE ON YOUR GUARD.IF YOU FEEL AT ALL ‘NOT YOU’ OR FEEL WEIRD-STOP TAKING IT.
    SMOKING KILLS AND SO DOES CHAMPIX.

  86. The blurring of the line between “habit” and “addiction” suits the medical authorities, because it helps them to avoid having to admit that smoking has never been a drug addiction, and all this emphasis on nicotine is DEAD WRONG.

    “Nicotine: The Drug That Never Was” – download £5, paperback £16.95 – is the first book ever to prove, by clear logical argument, all of the following:

    Smokers cravings are not withdrawal symptoms

    Smokers are not smoking for the effects of nicotine

    Nicotine has no useful or pleasant effects

    Tobacco smoking is not a drug addiction

    Nicotine does not qualify as a drug by any definition.

    Compulsive habitual behaviour is easily shut down with hypnotherapy PROVIDED the client is happy for that change to take place. This is usually done in one session and there is no evidence of any kind of withdrawal. I have been doing this kind of work for almost a decade and I’ve helped thousands of smokers quit this way WITH NO RISK. It’s not mysterious in any way: I know exactly how it works and my book explains it all. The final chapter, called ‘The Compulsive Habit Structure’ is the first formal definition of compulsive habits AS DISTINCT FROM drug addictions ever to be published, so far as I’m aware.

    In case you are thinking: “Who are you, to define such things? You are not a scientist, a doctor or even a psychologist!”

    It is precisely because am a very experienced hypnotherapist specialising in the field of smoking cessation using hypnotherapy – which none of those other characters would be, would they? – that I am able to define the differences, because it is essential to understand the Subconscious mind very well indeed in order to know what is really going on with Compulsive Habits. Scientists, doctors and psychologists do not work with the Subconscious mind, and probably know little more about it than the man in the street.

    Only hypnotherapists routinely work with the human Subconscious mind as well as the conscious mind. And so, when I define ‘cravings’ as distinct from withdrawal symptoms, and as a key part of the operation of a compulsive habit, this is not mere theory: the truth of it can be easily demonstrated by shutting them down during a single event, simply through a specialised communication process called ‘hypnotherapy’.

    Scientists, doctors and psychologists can’t do that. They may even try to tell you that it can’t be done by anyone, when the truth is simply that it can’t be done by them.

    Jane’s right: DON’T TAKE CHAMPIX. Doctors: DON’T PRESCRIBE IT, it’s not worth the risk. Instead, take a little time to look into hypnotherapy, the Allen Carr method and acupuncture, which all involve NO RISK and score higher long-term success rates than Champix, Zyban, Nicotine Replacement Poisoning or any other unnatural chemical concoctions cooked up in the laboratory. All in the interests of making vast fortunes for global corporations. And if some of you go mad and kill yourselves in the service of that end, those corporations are quite prepared for you to pay that price. Then they’ll blame you.

    safer alternative

  87. I was tipped off about Champix by my mum late last year who, having smoked 40-60 for 40+ years had been prescribed this new wonder drug and hadnt smoked for 2 months, so a couple of weeks before xmas i got a recomendation later from my local Stop smoking group for my GP.
    I had already Googled Champix and found that in a minority of cases there had been feelings of depression and in extreme cases attempted/ actual suicide among other effects.
    My GP seemed reluctant to prescribe and insisted that if I felt any side effects whatsover I was to stop taking the course immediately – which I took as him being a bit over-cautious as it seemed to me that these effects would only affect people who had either prone to or had a previous history of depression.
    This couldn’t possibly happen to me as I’ve always been a very positive, outgoing and level headed type. Not to mention that I also started a new job last november which is going really well, have no massive money worries, a beautiful 2yr old daughter and another baby due later this year.
    I started the course of Champix a week before xmas – Day 8 was xmas day – so i picked the 27th Dec as my stop day although I started feeling that smoking was a waste of time and throwing away 1/2 smokied cigarettes from about the 23rd. I had also cut down from c.35 to 25/20/15 etc
    Apart from a very occasional craving, which was fairly easily resisted, I have no interest in smoking whatsoever and have been recomending Champix to others.
    Side effect wise, I noticed a very minor feeling of nausea just after taking the tablet and i wasn’t sleeping quite as well as normal – sometimes waking up a couple of times in the night but these seemed a fairly small price to pay for a smoke free existance and could equally be put down to giving up nicotine as Champix.
    So far so good, then on Monday it went very very wrong. I’d had a minor row indoors and sulked off to the pub on Sunday evening – not exactly a regular occurrance but something that will occasionally happen in any relationship. When i got back, we made up and all was ok. Seemingly.
    When I woke up Monday it was as if a black cloud had had descended. I called work with an excuse (odd in itself as i wouldnt normally go sick unless i was really ill, especially so soon after joining a new firm). Then deciding that i’d had enough, emptied all the tablets in our medicine cupboard into a plastic and stormed out of the house mid morning.
    From here it gets a bit blurry, apparently i found a pub open and hit the double whiskies (i only ever drink lager with a lemonade top) for a couple of hours then found a quiet corner and swallowed all the tablets.
    I must of “come to” because again apparently i called my partner, told her where i was and what i’d done. So she called an ambulance.
    By the time it arrived, i’d left the pub eventually to be found collapsed in my front garden around 2pm.
    My partner has some medical experience and says it was almost like there 2 of me – one wanting to commit suicide and the “real” me trying to fight it and get help.
    I’m now back at home, having had my stomach pumped and a psychiatric assessment (which could find no find reason at all for me to do this other possibly Champix).
    Obviously i’m not taking Champix any more, and have only had 2-3 cigarettes in the last few days (it has been just a bit stressful) but i’m now going to quit by willpower alone.

    All I can say is that Champix may work for some people but be careful as the warnings are there for a very real reason.

  88. Steve, did you report this horror-story to your GP? Please, please do that everybody – any bad side-effects, make an official report, protect others. Steve is lucky to still be alive, why is this mad stuff still available? One slightly good sign was that your GP was apparently reluctant to prescribe it – only not quite reluctant enough.

    If willpower doesn’t do it, Steve, have a look at: http://www.centralhypnotherapy.com Good luck my friend!

  89. There you go folks – this poor guy Steve could have been another suicide statistic and his family could of been joining my O/H friends relatives in a very unhappy new year. Thank God Steve had been found in time. Just like my O/H relatives friend – no history of depression or suicide – no reason to want to kill or harm others till they took this drug. Unfortunetly we were unlucky as ours was a successful suicide.
    It just proves how unpredictable this drug is and it should be outlawed without hesitation. After going through hell myself on this drug I feel only right that newcomers to Champix should be warned about it more. Its just not worth the risk. SO PLEASE DONT TAKE THIS DRUG.

  90. Just a quick update.
    I obviously stopped taking the tablets 2 weeks ago but i’m now having a lot of problems sleeping (however tired i am) and have also started getting really bad headaches!
    I’m hoping its just an effect of Champix coming oput of my system and will soon pass although i’ve been told it can stay in your system fior up to 3 months – seeing my GP in the week so hopefully he can give me more info.
    On the bright side, just to confirm how lucky my escape was, we had the 1st baby scan last week and in July we will be having twins so I suppose i may as well get used to having no sleep !!

  91. I finished my Champix course (UK) over a month ago now. I can say that it has been a success and I have given up smoking after trying every other method including hypnotherapy.

    Champix had various side effect for me, the worst being the nausea, difficultly to sleep, waking at odd hours in the night, VERY vivid dreams, aggression, memory loss. The others have now stopped since I finished the course but it is only recently that i have realised it may be the Champix that caused the aggression and memory loss and this is still happening now.

    I am happy that I have finally managed to give up smoking after 16 years but I hope these other side effects will soon disappear.

  92. Hypnotherapy has no side effects, apart from reducing stress and improving sleep. For it to be effective though, you need to find a therapist who specialises in smoking cessation and preferably NOT one who hands out tapes or CDs as part of the therapy, or sets you ‘exercises’!

    Thanks for your post Charlotte — hope you recover from the side-effects soon.

    Presumably this is what mikemystery is looking forward to when he says he “likes a bit of novelty”… what happened to him, anyway? He sounded all jovial and full of an enterprising spirit on Champix Day One, but that was five weeks ago now and we haven’t heard a thing. Perhaps he’s suffered some of that memory loss too, and has forgotten who he is, or that he promised to keep us posted, or that Truth Will Out warned him not to risk taking that freaky stuff in the first place.

    Just occasionally I hear one of my clients remark that after quitting with hypnotherapy, they feel like they have never smoked, or that it seems as if they “have forgotten that they were ever a smoker” – but they don’t mean that they literally have no recollection of it, obviously! They just don’t want it back.

  93. Hi folks. I’m after some advice if possible……
    My gp has put me on champix which i am generally happy about so far (only day 4 ) as i’m rather keen to kick my 30 a day habit. My give up day is 3 days away and thus far i have had no real side effects other than a feeling of slight displacement (although this could be put down to me tired from work). My question is, when do these things start working? Thus far i’m feeling absolutely no different towards smoking. My habitual smoking hasn’t declined in the slightest. In fact i’m smokin whilst typing this !! feeling a little underwhelmed…………….

  94. If all you are feeling is “a little underwhelmed”, Richard, you are actually one of the lucky ones. Did your GP warn you about the risks involved? Did he mention the suicides and the suicide attempts, the uncontrolled bouts of aggression, suicidal depression and totally out-of-character behaviour these tablets are causing in some people? The car accidents? Did he mention that air-traffic controllers and pilots are banned from taking it at all, because of the unpredictable side-effects?

    If your GP did not explain these things, stop taking it immediately and read around the Champix side-effects blogs where Champix victims and their families are telling their stories now. No-one should be given this drug unless they have been told the full facts, and have decided to risk it anyway, in full knowledge that they might end up killing themselves, even if they have never in their life had any previous thought of doing so.

    In most of the cases, none of that happened immediately. Sometimes it doesn’t happen until weeks into the course, and usually the sufferer has no idea that Champix is the cause.

    When does it start working? Well, the truth is that for most smokers it doesn’t work anyway. Some don’t stop smoking at all, some stop while they are taking it only to start again when they finish the course.

    Some don’t finish the course at all, because Champix finishes them. Don’t be one of ’em, Richard. Don’t take my word for it, read around. And then go ask your GP if they knew about those risks, and the fatalities that have already occurred. And if so, why were they prepared for YOU to take those risks without telling you the truth?

    When it comes to quitting, hypnotherapy, the Allen Carr method and acupuncture ALL have better long-term success-rates than Champix, Zyban or NRT – and unlike those lousy medications, have no side effects either so there’s NO RISK.

  95. Hi Have just started taking Champix again for the second time.Like many others have stated it was really easy to give up smoking whilst on the drug.I quickly became anti smoking and was not tempted to even have a ‘crafty’ cig even though my OH was still smoking.
    On the plus side apart from very vivid dreams(often bizarre but not unpleasant),nausea and occasional insomnia .I did not get many of the unpleasant side effects that others have experienced.
    However I srarted smoking again as soon as I stopped the champix.So, this time I realise that willpower also has to be factored in when I stop the drug and really hope to be smoke free for ever.

  96. “However I started smoking again as soon as I stopped the Champix.”

    In the clinical trials, the best result they got at 12 weeks was that 44% were not smoking at that point, but a follow-up trial showed that 28 weeks later, half of them were smoking again.

    Does that sound worth the risk, 22%? Now get this: in the same trials, the placebo control (dummy pill) scored 18% success at twelve weeks anyway. Some “wonder drug”!

    Sam is now pretty much resigned to resorting to willpower in the end, but if none of that works out, Sam, do have a look at the alternatives that I’ve mentioned at the end of comment 104 above. Good luck, and please do keep us posted!

  97. Hi i took Champix around November 2007 came off it in January 2008. back smoking again, but the depression and abdominal problems have not gone away. In May 2008 was taken into hospital with breathing problems, have been seen by a specialist for my stomach problems and am still very emotional. Up until taking Champix i was fine. Do the effects ever wear off, please say they do. I would never go back on them and would not want any of my family to take them. I thought it was going to be a wonder drug, but it turned out differently

  98. I have been on Champix for 8 weeks and I have noticed that I have changed. I just feel weird most days, very lethargic, and the craving for a cigarette is still there, although very dulled. I also have rotten dreams, sleep pattern out of the window, hedaches and occasional joint pain. I have given up smoking before and I never ever experienced such side effects.

    So all in all, if I could go back and not take this drug. Its dangerous.

  99. Gill thought it was going to be a wonder drug because she was TOLD it was a wonder drug. Look what happened in reality.

    In creating these unrealistic expectations, the newspapers have a lot to answer for, and journalists generally. Mazzy is right: it is dangerous – not to everybody, but no smoker has any idea before they take it whether they will be one of the unlucky ones, and cases like Gill’s prove that the harm can be ongoing more than a year after ceasing the medication.

    Gill, I’d love to be able to reassure you that it will all wear off, but I simply don’t know. One thing I will say, though – one element in drug reactions is rejection by the Subconscious, so it is worth investigating whether the emotional/physical reactions can be reduced or removed by hypnotherapy. If that sounds implausible to you, that’s only because most people do not realise the extent to which the mind is involved in these things. I have personally used hypnotherapy to remove extreme allergic reactions in clients, and reactions to chemotherapy drugs too. Your Subconscious mind needs to be reassured that the drug is now out of the system, and will never return, so there is no need to react any more. Some physical reactions go on longer than they need to, just as some emotional reactions do.

    I would not be at all surprised if that improved matters considerably, though it might not reverse it entirely – I honestly don’t know. Also, you would need to find a hypnotherapist who is experienced in dealing with those matters.

  100. I started taking champix with out being told by the docter or the smoking docter of the side affects. After the 14th day i started getting headaches and very bad moods i started having ago at my partner for no reason and he was also on them. We have two children and if we had known the side effects would never have started. Im disgusted that this is not well known in the uk i only found out after weeks of taking them because a friend looked them up. Im not happy that it has affected my mental state. I dont know what to do i would love to give up smoking but not at that price!!!

    1. Hi Christina, thanks for your comment. I too am disgusted that this is not well known enough yet – not in the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada… the list goes on. Hence this blog, and I have contributed to a number of other smoking blogs and medical blogs, and you would not believe some of the abuse I have been subjected to for doing that.

      There are vested interests here, and those people absolutely hate me for trying to warn everybody about Champix. They won’t stop me. Lives, mental health and relationships are at stake – and the damn stuff only works temporarily for most smokers anyway, if it works at all!

      As you say, not worth the price. Some people have paid with their lives. All because of drug company hype, and corruption in the medicines approvals systems.

      The best methods are hypnotherapy, the Allen Carr methods and acupuncture. All risk-free, better success rates than the medications anyway.

  101. I started taking Champix a couple of weeks ago. I had some of the usual side effects but the one that forced me to stop taking it (just over a week ago) was the severe constipation. Also, (and I would really like to know if anyone knows about or has experienced this), I have had severe pains in my gums, that shoot up my face and down my neck. They started when I was taking the Champix and I’m still getting them now. I have been to see my dentist in case it was a dental problem and he has given me antibiotics as he said I have a loose tooth at the back that may have infection under it, but personally I don’t feel that this is the cause of the pain and it worries me that the pain shoots up the side of my face and into my head.

    I’m thinking that I should make an appointment to see my doctor.

  102. So, I was a heavy smoker for 13 years, and have been taking champix for 9 weeks now, to be honest, i’ve had a little nausea, when i took champix on an empty stomach, had a little ringing in my ears once, few bizarre dreams, but i haven’t smoked. i keep forgetting to take the tablets, and am thinking of coming off them,
    one funny thing is, i actually was abit prone to depression before taking them, but whilst i’ve been on them i’ve been fine, great even.

    I’ve got about 4 weeks pescription left, but i think i’m going to stop taking them sooner

  103. I am on day10 of champix and have had enough. I am not taking them anymore. In the last few days i have become sad, angry irritable and feeling like i want to cry. I decided to look at reviews of the drug from different sites and was shocked at the amount of people with the same side effects, some were more extreme than mine but some people didnt experience anything and think that champix is great. Well they must be the lucky few!! Im not willing to risk anymore side effects and will try another method of quitting that doesnt invole pills.

  104. I am a repeat offender and it is my 2nd time on Champix and I’ve used Zyban and Alan Carr’s method before.
    I’ve just finished the course about one week ago.
    I’ve had very low tolerance levels and aggression and I have done and said harsher things than normal.
    Just in the last 3 or 4 nights, I’ve had terrible insomnia and things a definately darker than normal for me right now.
    On the upside I am not smoking at all!
    And I’m sure that a lot these emotions would still happen if I went cold turkey.
    I’ve stopped smoking completely and I’ve managed it with 2 kids under 3 years old and a high pressure job where I’m doing great work.
    I could not possibly have achieved this going cold turkey.
    Yeah, some of the side effects are an issue, but lets not forget… SMOKING KILLS YOU!
    If I had been on this site before hand, I might not have taken Champix again
    and I would still be struggling to breathe at night and wasting time, money and life on a horrible slow train to really big health problems or even death.
    Champix will get you through the hard parts, but you will still need willpower at the end and avoid those “cheeky” social cigarettes, they’re the ones that start the habit again.

  105. Matt, you seem to be suggesting that this site is doing something irresponsible, inviting people to tell other smokers of their experiences with Champix.

    You also seem to be suggesting that if you don’t take Champix, then you have to die a horrible smoking-related death… as if those were your only two options!

    That is exactly the kind of suggestion I have seen from pro-Champix contributors on other blogs, and it is very misleading. People have been successfully quitting smoking for decades, using all sorts of methods. Champix has only just been invented, and the main reason for inventing it was to try make a truly obscene amount of profit for Pfizer.

    You say: “I’m sure that a lot of these emotions would still happen if I went cold turkey.”

    Mazzy said (post 108): “I have given up smoking before and I never ever experienced such side-effects.”

    You said: “Yeah, some of the side effects are an issue, but let’s not forget…. SMOKING KILLS YOU!”

    I say: “Suicide isn’t ‘an issue’, it’s an absolute tragedy. None of these side effects are necessary because the medications themselves are not necessary and shouldn’t ever be prescribed unless all the methods which involve no risk have already been tried. Hypnotherapy, the Allen Carr method and acupuncture all perform better, with NO risk.

    Let’s not forget… Champix is some killing people, by twisting their thinking and ravaging their emotions to the point that they want to harm other people or throw themselves off a bridge. Too many have killed themselves already, and you know what, Matt? You are quite right, if they had only read this site beforehand, they might never have taken the damn stuff so they would still be alive today.

    I could easily eliminate their smoking habit for them in a couple of hours, perfectly safely. Any decent hypnotherapist could, but if you ask the British Medical Association about that, they will trot out their little mantra: “A number of systematic reviews found no evidence for the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in smoking cessation…”

    Or in other words: “Systematic reviews paid for by drug companies have carefully selected a number of trials which show no worthwhile or exciting results for alternative therapies like hypnotherapy (because they weren’t done properly in the first place) and eliminating any trials that are more favourable, and then those ‘findings’ are presented to the world as if it were real evidence which appears to suggest that only medications made by those drug companies should be approved. They specialise in conducting bogus reviews that undermine the credibility of alternatives, and they’ve been doing this for decades.”

    Matt, I’m not altogether sure if you are a genuine person who has just swallowed Pfizer’s sneaky suggestion that your only choices are a). Champix, or b). slow, horrible smoking-related death…

    …or if you are part of the problem, posing here as an ordinary Joe Smoker. I suspect this is hype, but it doesn’t really matter either way because from a logical point of view, your argument has no validity. Champix isn’t the only way to quit, is it Matt? In fact it fails to deliver lasting success in about 86% of smokers, so by my standards it’s a really crap method anyway!

    So if you are just an ordinary smoker, I’d say that stuff has twisted your thinking, and I hope you get better soon.

    Medical Advice or Drug Company Hype?

    All the way through this seventeen-month period I have invited and encouraged people to link up, and spread the word. We don’t have the ear of government, you see. We don’t have control of the media. But we have the internet, and the powers that be cannot prevent smokers – who number in their hundreds of millions, don’t forget – and all those who oppose current smoking policy from talking freely to each other.

    We don’t have the internet to ourselves, though, so in the end smokers will have to decide for themselves who to believe when it comes to the smoking issue. They already know – for sure – that nicotine gum is not the answer, though they were once told to believe that it was. They know that Zyban is not a wonder drug, yet they were assured that the drug-testing procedures indicated that it was, and that it was safe. Neither is true. They were recently told that Champix was a wonder drug too, and tragically some of the people who heard that, and got all excited and hopeful, are now dead. Many others are just dead disappointed.

    Those who decide to heed my cautions will be skeptical about what the drug companies are telling them – through the media, the Department of Stealth and individuals in the medical profession – many of whom do not know how much they are being manipulated themselves.

    Those who buy all that bullshit reassurance about “controlled, randomised trials” – as if such things still operate like they once did – and prefer to trust Big Pharma’s version of Sci-Earns, will probably end up one day taking pills to keep their blood flowing and their eyes blinking stupidly, just like all those people from the land where medications are advertised on the telly with happy songs and dances.

    By the way – ten years ago, I was told that my cholesterol level was ‘too high’. I think the figure mentioned was 7.8, and I was told it should be no higher than 6. Now, I believe, the official pharmaceutical opinion is that it should be brought down to under 5. I ignored all this, and I always will. If you want to know why, read The Great Cholesterol Con by Dr Malcolm Kendrick (John Blake Publishing Ltd. 2007). Obviously I hadn’t read that ten years ago, when I judged for myself that the cholesterol story is bullshit, but it was nice to hear that confirmed by someone who could explain why the evidence proves the hype completely untrue. Cholesterol medication is big, big, big business. It is a business built entirely on fear, sneaky suggestion and misinformation. And the side-effects… well, I refer you to Dr Kendrick.

    Then two years ago, I was told that I had a “borderline under-active thyroid gland” and should start taking Thyroxine tablets – which I would then be staying on for the rest of my life.

    The thing was, I wasn’t ill. At all. I had just gone for a routine set of blood tests, I wasn’t feeling under the weather or anything.

    So I decided to love my cholesterol, and just read ‘borderline’ as ‘nothing to worry about’, or just a case of a ‘slightly lazy – just like the rest of me – thyroid gland’. Perfect, in fact. If it were more active it would be out of sync with the rest of the organism, I decided. (You see, I have medical opinions of my own. So I asked for a second opinion and gave myself one.)

    I then thanked the nice medical people very much for the offer of a permanent ‘Not-Well’ status and a lifetime of dodgy ‘preventative’ medicine, and never went back.

    That was a couple of years ago. I’ve never felt better in my life. You’re welcome, NHS Budget. Ta-ra.

  106. i have been taking champix for a while now and it hasn’t helped me cig’s taste funny now but not enough for me to stop. i find myself moody now which i never was and finding hard with day to day life. my dreams are very far fetched like sleeping with random people from the past and present, also getting chased and attacked this is very scetchy as i never even seem to have dreams normally. my wife and kid must love living with a moody person not, they have never seen me this way. mental home here i come i think.

  107. Unknown to me, my husband started taking Champix four weeks ago , he is not the person i knew and the pills are now destroyed . I only found out a couple of days ago and was angry that he hadnt told me because I had heard that they could affect some people and oh boy, have they affected him . He sleeps the moment he sits down, he is irritable, nasty tempered , depressed and is suffering from bad dreams . He shouts out in the night and during the daytime, he seems unable to perform even the smallest task, he has become an awful person to be around and I just hope and pray that these effects will wear off .

  108. Hi Kate, thanks for contacting us.

    First of all, the effects are likely to wear off steadily – can you please let us know how that goes? We’ve had varying reports so the more feedback we get the easier it is to advise/reassure others.

    In the meantime please try to remember that he did not mean to do himself – or you – any harm, and if he had known what we now know about Champix he probably wouldn’t have risked it. Try to bear in mind, whatever he says or does: it’s NOT HIM, it’s the medication.

    Finally please, please report it. Make sure the doctor that prescribed this is fully aware of what it has done to your husband and your homelife, and make sure that complaint is officially registered with the relevant authorities. It is the only way we are going to stop this. It seems that quite a lot of doctors are still genuinely unaware of the scale and seriousness of the adverse reactions.

  109. I started taking this a few weeks ago, and i wish i had never laid eyes on it. The first week was great, second week started to get really angry with everything and everyone, then the bad dreams started, that was of course when i could actually get to sleep ! I was paraniod that something really bad was going to happen and actually worked out how i was going to end it all ! Only i realised what was happening and stopped taking the tablets, that was 4 days ago and i have been out on sleeping tablets by my GP and although feeling much better, i still feel Panicky and worried all the time over silly things.
    I just hope that i have not been left with a mental Health problem. These tablets should be banned !
    My husband was also on them and he has had a bad back for over a week, Nausea, and really bad tempered, he has also stopped taking them !
    I have started to smoke again as i thought that it might help these feeling go away quicker !! I was wrong !! So now im smoking again and ill !

  110. It works. Weird dreams, but no drowsiness and no nausea. It totally took the cravings away. That bunk up there about not smoking for the pleasure/ can’t describe the pleasure– if that aint proof there is a brain chemical (pleasure) involved I dont know what is. You don’t need Houdini– you need Champix. My experience was 100% positive and I would recommend it to anyone.

  111. Hi Larry, welcome to the suicide pill debate.

    Oh, I’m sorry – that’s all cleared up now, isn’t it? No-one’s killed themselves because of Champix, because it didn’t happen to you. So it’s safe.

    Of course it doesn’t do that to everybody, that’s why the trials passed off without incident. Trouble is, if you then give it to hundreds of thousands of people, instead of just a few dozen, you start seeing some of those people reacting in ways that didn’t show up in the little trials.

    Why do they use small numbers of people in trials? Simple: because when you convert small numbers to percentages, it makes the success rate look bigger, which is exactly what you have done with your “100% positive” figure here. Yeah, that sounds great – only the test sample was ONE. So for you to assume that the same will apply across the board, making you comfortable recommending it to “anyone” is unsafe, to say the least.

    Re Brain Chemicals and ‘pleasure’:

    Everything the human organism does, thinks and feels is regulated by the mind, which operates its mental and physical faculties through a nervous system using chemicals and electrical impulses. So absolutely everything you do – not just smoking, but including that – and everything you think and feel about doing it too, involves chemicals. This is true whether or not you judge that ‘pleasure’ is involved.

    The perception of ‘pleasure’ is not fixed. Think about the things you like to eat at the moment. There will probably be things you enjoy eating as an adult that you would have spat out or objected to when you were a little child. The thing itself hasn’t changed, its chemical composition hasn’t changed – only your perception has changed. Could it be that the brain chemicals involved in your perception of the eating experience are now different from what they would have been when you didn’t ‘like’ it? very possibly, but notice how that happened WITHOUT MEDICATION.

    In hypnotherapy, we adjust these perceptions all the time – in eating experiences for example, so people who want to stop stuffing their face with chocolate no longer feel moved to eat it, or in the case of smoking so that they no longer feel any impulse to reach for a cigarette. This is totally different from using conscious efforts (willpower) to try to resist the urge to reach for a cigarette, which what most quitters are trying to do.

    Larry got all excited – not just because he wasn’t hit by black depression that made him leap from a bridge, but also because the urge to smoke disappeared. yeah, I do exactly that for my clients, but without the medication. Risk factor zero. Success rate MUCH higher than Champix. For proof of that I refer you to the Evidence section of this website.

    Back to Being Thirteen

    Most smokers recall their earliest smoking memories as revolting, disgusting and sickening. So I ask the very fair question: If there is truly a pleasure in smoking, why didn’t we notice it straight away? Whatever made us pick up the second cigarette, it certainly wasn’t because we enjoyed the first one! It was the same thing that made us pick up the first one: the influence of others, devilment, because we were dared to, because we imagined it would make look cooler or more grown up. (All this is in my book, by the way – so if it is making perfect sense to you, why not read the rest of it? No unnatural chemical concoctions involved!)

    So if we later came to believe we were ‘enjoying’ inhaling toxic gases, what changed was our perception of it – the smoke itself didn’t change a bit. During the hypnotherapy process we change that perception back to what it was in the first place – because our initial impression was correct: smoke is unpleasant and so is the effect of inhaling it. It’s just amazing what you can get accustomed to.

    Introducing alien chemicals into the brain alters the normal activity of the brain. So we shouldn’t be surprised if it alters perceptions or behaviour, but since everyone is different we shouldn’t be surprised if that affects different people in different ways. In hypnotherapy, the only adjustments are made by the mind itself, so it is natural. For the client’s mind to respond, the proposed change has to appeal to that individual, which is the perfect inbuilt safeguard. The therapist can suggest whatever they choose, but the only suggestions the client’s mind will act upon are the ones that the client is personally interested in. Without that internal approval, nothing changes at all.

    If that is different from what you perceived hypnotherapy to be, your perception is wrong and you can upgrade to an accurate one by reading more about hypnotherapy for free on my practice website.

    Finally: Houdini was an escapologist. No connection to hypnosis or hypnotherapy whatever. This is unfortunately the level of ignorance we hypnotherapists face on a daily basis. It is a bit irritating, yes. Ten years of that, I’ve been putting up with now. What’s that? Do I ever feel like strangling people like Larry? No, no – I’m a therapist, so I use sophisticated self-hypnosis techniques to calm myself down… such as digging my fingernails into the soft part of my wrist whilst repeating in my head “I am a professional therapist, I have the patience of a saint, I’m a professional therapist…”

    Usually works.

  112. Hi – just thought I’d let you know that I took Champix and although it made me slightly nausias after taking the tablet it had no other side effects. I stopped smoking I also stopped drinking alcohol (which was a problem) I no longer craved chocolate or sweet things – lost weight and generally was a much nicer, happier person. I’d like to stay on the stuff forever if I was positive it wasnt going to have long term effects. Then again what long term effects did the cigs, drink and chocolate addiction have on me??.

  113. Wow, Kellie! You’ve sold me on it! Where can I get this wondrous potion?

    Oh, wait a minute – your repetition of the tired old marketing suggestion that your only choices were: 1). cigs, drink and chocolate, or 2). Champix …is rubbish because all those cravings can be easily wiped out with hypnotherapy anyway, but with no unpredictable chemicals and therefore no risk whatsoever.

    Also, you haven’t mentioned how long you’ve been off the medication. In the trials, half the people officially counted as ‘successes’ were smoking again at 28 weeks anyway, so they weren’t successes really.

    This is partly because drugs like Champix only meddle with the operation of your behavioural systems, they cannot do anything to address the ideas and beliefs that led to the habit developing or support the habitual behaviour, nor can they address your personal feelings about smoking, drinking or chocolate. Such drugs cannot address the ongoing problem of how to avoid being led back to the old ways by the influence of other people either.

    These are all key factors in preventing relapse, and I deal with all of those matters during hypnotherapy sessions. In other words, we do the job thoroughly and safely, whereas Champix just fucks with your brain. It made you all happy-clappy, well… good for you. I think maybe you should take the stuff forever. It makes some people destroy themselves. Absolute worse-case-scenario with hypnotherapy is that nothing changes. Same with acupuncture, same with Allen Carr method. NO RISK.

    Much higher success rates than Champix anyway, if you look at the long-term results. If you want proof, consult the Evidence section of this site.

    Is ‘Kellie’ for real? Well, make up your own minds, readers – but her claims for Champix go way beyond anything Pfizer ever claimed for it in the original trials. Since it clearly does affect different people in different ways, maybe this sort of thing is possible too, but it is clearly not the norm, just as suicide is not the norm. Could go either way, but we do know that for at least 80% of Champix users, there will be no long-term success anyway. Compared to hypnotherapy that is rubbish.

  114. Hey there, I started taking Champix 9 weeks ago! I have to say that they do work, but and there is a big BUT… I had a heart attack in Jan 08 and almost died, I was 35, I decided that for my health and family that the smokes had to go. I heard about Champix and thought cool, I will give them a go. They worked, I suffered from feeling sick and that was ok, just like morning sickness, it will go away soon and it did. The nightmares are horrible, so real, really freaked me out. I woke in the kitchen one time, not knowing what I was doing there. My husband has said that I am really active in my sleep, tossing and turning all the time. I have also gained about 10 kilo’s on weight. I am watching what I eat and when I eat, but still the weight gain…Almost like I am taking antidepressants! My doctor never told me about any of the side effects, all she said is that I might feel sick… What a crock!!! I have had massive mood swings, back and neck pain, nightmares, sleep walking, erratic thoughts about taking my own life and feeling like a space cadet. What is in these drugs?? There is no info in the box or anything, I have done some research and people have killed themselves, but Pfizer still make them and doctors still hand them out to who ever because the doctors get paid for prescibing them. I am not taking Champix ever again. I have never felt so alone and detached from life. Like all the happiness has been sucked out of me. I am trying to rebuild my life after my 9 weeks of hell. I have never had thoughts of suicide before and after surviving a heart attack last year, I died and was in an induced coma for 5 days, lost my memory and had no idea what had happened, I am not taking the risk with anything. Say no to Champix. I decided last Friday that I would not take them any more, I still feel like crap and I am hoping that it will end soon. My doctor told me to keep taking them and it would all pass, I would be fine!!! I think I need a new doctor. I smoke still, but one or two a day and that’s it. I would rather smoke occasionly than have all these horrible thoughts and side effects. I feel numb and thats not a good thing. After my heart attack, I decide that I would live life to the fullest and the past 2 months, I have withdrawn from my family and friends, feeling spaced out and having angry out bursts, thats not living to me. I have said no more Champix ever. I understand that Champix has worked for other people. I think that’s great, but it hasn’t worked for me. Just for the record to, my heart attack eas not cause by bad diet, smoking or heart diease, my cardilologist has said that, it was a freak thing, I had one attery that was partly blocked and the plaque broke off and blocked my attery. He seems to think it was from another medication I was taking at the time for weight loss. My cardiologist smokes and make no secret of it either. I think that all the medication handed out today mayby doing our bodies more harm than good. I hope that I have helped someone with my story. I will pop back in a few days and let you know how I am doing with not taking Champix. Good luck everyone… Cheryl from Australia

  115. Hi there again,

    Does anyone know how long this takes to get out your system? I am so tired of feeling like shit and hate PFIZER for putting this crap on the market… All it is is a huge money making scam and it looks like money is more important than human life. PFIZER know that Champix cause mental issue’s, yet they still put it on the market. Pills are not miricle cures, I will be trying hypnotherapy in the near future, and a good old dose of will power. It makes me really sad to think that money is worth more than human life to these big companies. What has happenes to the families of the people that have suicided….. I bet a big nothing….. That makes me even more sad, it would be put down to some prior mental condition or depression, I bet. No way that Chapix would cause somone to take their own lives. WHAT A BIG FRIGGIN JOKE!!! I am so glad that I have a great husband and good friends that kept check on me, other wise I might have been one of the suicide victims. My best friend was also taking Champix, we did it together and she has been ok apart from the bad dream and a bit angry, but she has stopped to. She has had depression problems in the past aswell, and her GP was aware of this (Her depression) but still prescribed Champix for her. I have to wonder what the pay off is for the doctors, must be pretty good. Again money is more impotant than human life…

  116. Cheryl said:

    “I think that all the medication handed out today may be doing our bodies more harm than good. I hope that I have helped someone with my story.”

    You just summed up the entire Truth Will Out message. Thank you Cheryl, hang on in there and I hope you feel better very soon. Please keep us posted, because many sufferers have asked when they will be back to normal, so the more feedback we have on that the easier it will be to reassure them.

  117. Hey there back again….
    It’s been a week now since I stopped taking nasty Champix, I am still having side effects from this awful tablet. I am still really depressed and angry, I am hoping that it will end soon, without having to go back to the idiot doctor that gave me them, and knowing full well that I had a heart attack, that really pissess me off because there have been cases of people taking this shit who have heart attack from Champix. The more I dig the more pissed off I get, so many cases of really bad side effects and doctors just keep giving them to people and when you go beck to the doctor and tell them whats happening,, they say “oh that’s ok, it will pass” My doctor won’t even prescribe me birth control because it may effect my heart, but is willing to give bloody Champix, awesome!!!
    I have never been a rude person, but my god it has really brought out bad my side.
    On the up side the 10 kilo’s I have gained in the past 9 weeks is starting to go now, my thoughts are becoming a bit more rational and slowly I will be ok. I am still having nightmares and time lapses, but I know there will a end to this, that I am sure of.
    If anyone out there is thinking about taking Champix, PLEASE DON’T because they really stuff you up. I will keep ya posted on how I am doing, I am glad that there is a website like this where people can go to share their feelings and thoughts about this horrible drug, which I think should be banned. I have even started a Facebook page “Champix should be banned” So if anyone wants to join or tell their story, please go there. Thank you Chris for this website, it has saved me by knowing that I am not the only one who is suffering. I will check back in in a few days. Cheryl from Australia.

  118. Hi there, i have been taking champix for 3 weeks and although i have stopped smoking i found the side-effects of the tablets really bad, and so have stopped taking them altogether last sunday. I felt detatched and in a world of my own, was really sharp with my kids and partner and so stopped taking the tablets as i thought i could manage to stay off the cigs. Since having stopped on Sunday i feel even worse, my brain feels like it is on fire and i am even more stressed and anxious, am snapping at everyone and am struggling to hold it together. I hope these symptoms go away as i could not live like this, has anyone felt the same way after stopping champix?

  119. Champix is the devil…i stopped it a week ago when i started having horrible thoughts…i thought i was going crazy, i went to my priest, started counselling and alienated my friends…which is not me…please let me know when i will be back to normal…as i hate this feeling, i cry at the drop of a hat,have started having panic attacks which i never had before this drug fromhell…andim pissed that i had to g othru this…and oh yeah i started up again only about 2-3 a day…so this drug is shit and i hate what its down forme i have a great life, 2 kids wonderful husband but this drug makes me not care..go figure…i hate this drug and do not recommend, please dont take it….

  120. Hey there Olga, listen it does get better, I understand how you feel and I know first hand what it’s like. I stopped taking them suddenly, but in the long run it was the best thing I ever did. I think I have been off them for 5 or 6 weeks, even though i don’t feel completely normal, I am better than I was when taking them. I am smoking too, I think that hypno is the way to go. After all the crap I went through, I am glad that I stopped taking the shit. It should be banned.
    I even went back to my doctor who tried to get me to take them again, what a bloody joke.
    You will get better, it takes a little time, as long as you have a great support network and they understand what’s going on, you will be fine, hang in there love!
    Keep on letting us all know how you are going too, cause everyone is different, but all our stories help.

  121. Thanks Cheryl, yes all stories help us to build up a picture of what to expect and most importantly how we can safely reassure people about the process of recovery from bad effects.

    Of course not everyone suffers from serious side effects, but I have noticed again and again that the majority of these experiences do not result in an official complaint about the medication – people just stop taking it.

    What this means is that the official version of how many bad reactions there are is only the tip of the iceberg. I also wanted to point out that the chap Jane told us about who killed himself had been back to his doctor to complain about the medication, but was told to persist with it – ignorant advice which cost him his life.

    What we don’t know is how many other people – like Cheryl – are being given this extraordinarily stupid advice from doctors and quit counsellors. This is putting people in grave and unnecessary danger. It also goes against the current guidelines, which advise quitting the medication if there are bad emotional reactions. THIS MEDICATION CARRIES A SUICIDE RISK FOR GOD’S SAKE.

  122. I quit smoking 22 Apr 09 using Champix, did lots of research and came to my own educatedonclusion that people who have had bad side affects will tend to blog more than those who have had a positive experience… I’ve been off Champix for 3 or 4 weeks now and still have no cravings or desire to smoke.

    I smoked for over 20 years and tried laser therapy, NRTs, and Hypnotherpy (with an accredited smoking cessasion therapist) and with the help of Champix this is the first time I’ve felt positive of the success I have thus far and am positive that this will not change in future.

  123. Hi Debby, welcome to the debate!

    Yes you’re quite right, I have no doubt that people with no complaints don’t complain, and maybe don’t read the blogs or feel compelled to return to them later to post a comment. Likewise, the people who commit suicide don’t post their review of Champix… a small, but highly significant omission in the overall picture.

    With regard to “accredited smoking cessation therapist”: even the most gifted, highly qualified smoking cessation hypnotherapy expert will not be able to get their success rate much higher than 80% UNLESS they screen clients, i.e. assess them beforehand and reject all the ones that may pose a challenge for some reason.

    I think that’s a selfish practice because it involves pre-judging and rejecting people in the interests of the therapist, and inevitably prevents some people from being successful which could – potentially – cost them their life.

    I work with everyone who walks through the door unless they are mentally ill, stone deaf or hardly understand English. And I have sometimes been surprised when people I thought might need more than one session for some reason turned out to be immediately successful, or people who appeared to be the perfect client hit a stumbling block that neither of us realised was there at first.

    There’s usually a way around a stumbling block but if the client abandons hypnotherapy at that point, the therapist never gets a chance to identify the problem and nail it.

    So congratulations Debby! Might I just ask two questions:

    Did your doctor inform you beforehand all about the risks you now know you were taking with Chantix Champix after reading this blog?

    Did you read blogs like this beforehand? If so, I’m surprised you took the risk – but as we know from other contributors here, some do! On the other hand, if you only found out about the dangers after you came off the medication, how did you feel when you learned of some of the horrible things this drug had done to others?

  124. Thank you Cheryl and Chris for reading my story…ive been off Champix now for 3 weeks and feel soooooooooooooo much better…told my doctor and he felt soooooooo bad..like he failed me, had to go counselling get a mild anti-anxiety pill and all because of this pill from HELL!!!im just glad tht i caught it in time…i have agreat life likei said before but wanted to end it?????makes no sense..thats what this drug will do…unfortunately i didnt notice anything while on it…that much it was when i stopped that all hell broke loose…like i said to my doctor …whats the point of living longer if im cuckaroo???lol…im actually laughing again…hanging with friends,a totally different person..the counsellor even said allthese thoughts and emotions were “DRIVEN BY THIS DRUG”..really wierd pill this is i would have thoughts like “just end it, who cares?go ahead and do yourself in” and id be thinking “no i dont want to i love my kids and husband and friends. what the fuck is happening to me? i have a great life, i dont want to end it..” and then i read the side effects and went oh okay this crap is causing all this …unbelieveable….i love this website and thank you for your support..its nice to know im not alone..thank you..:)

  125. also Cheryl i joined your facebook page…have to get the word out…luckily i caught it in time….and Chris is right you just want the pain and thoughts to stop so thats where the horrible thoughts come in…thank you again…i feel very comforted knowing im not alone..:)

  126. Yes, I read several blogs just like this, as I said I felt there was a bias in reporting/blogging as only those who had problems with the drug would be doing the majority of posting.

    From health canada’s website: Since the introduction of CHAMPIX in Canada, in April 2007 through April 30, 2008, a total of 226 Canadian cases of neuropsychiatric adverse events have been reported. For the same time period, there have been 708 534 prescriptions filled for CHAMPIX in Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/public/_2008/champix_pc-cp-eng.php).

    I did ensure, my friends, family and co-workers were informed I was taking this drug and asked them to let me know if there were any changes in my behaviour. Had I had any adverse affects I would have stopped taking the drug (is this not common sense?).

    I had none and am smoke free, with no desire to smoke going on 8 months next week. A sucess. My girlfriend quit at the same time, she did have a harder go of it at first dealing with cravings and nausea (however, managed to curb the nausea by taking it with food) such, but we are now both smoke free coming on 8 months – she too smoked for over 20 years… We’re already planning our 1 year clean celebration…

  127. What a contrast, eh readers? I have no doubt Debby is telling the truth about her experience but there is clearly no way to tell which way it is going to go. This means that in reality, smokers are playing Russian Roulette with their mental health if they take Champix.

    But I’m not buying the ‘reassurance’ about the relatively small number of officially reported bad reactions, because I bet you anything, if you were to ask all the people who posted their replies on this blog about bad reactions: “Did your doctor file an official complaint against the medication?” the answer in nearly every case would be “No.”

    The fact is, very few people will even complain to their doctor, because it seems like criticism – they’re the ones that gave you the medication! A lot of people have a high regard for doctors, so to go back to them and tell them that their medical decision was wrong is kind of embarrassing for them, because they are embarrassed FOR the doctor. They would rather be able to report success so that both doctor and patient can be comfortable with the outcome – it’s only human nature. So many people just stop taking it if they have a bad experience, and anxiously pray they soon get back to normal as we’ve seen in a number of posts here.

    Some will complain to their doctor, but I wonder how many of those incidents are officially reported?

    No, the reason Debby feels none too concerned about those few hundred official cases is partly because she was assuming that’s the real measure of the problem – and who wouldn’t? – when it’s really just the tip of the iceberg, and partly because she took it herself and nothing bad happened to her, or anyone close to her. We only have to look at the contrasting posts here to see just how different Debbie would be feeling at this point if she hadn’t been so lucky.

  128. again, thank you for this site, i regret the minute i took these pills…i couldve saved myself alot of tears and pain….i mean this is 4 months ill never get back.:(…but at least, its almost over….now just waiting to get back to normal, slowly but surely, i WILL get there…

  129. Olga, hang on in there – yes, you will get there. Try to look forward rather than back.

    All these reports are valuable because they show a very mixed picture, and that is the main reason I think Champix should be withdrawn. Debby sounds very sensible when she says:

    “I did ensure, my friends, family and co-workers were informed I was taking this drug and asked them to let me know if there were any changes in my behaviour. Had I had any adverse affects I would have stopped taking the drug (is this not common sense?).”

    But when Olga tells us (post 130):

    “Champix is the devil…i stopped it a week ago when i started having horrible thoughts…i thought i was going crazy,”

    and (post 135):

    “…all because of this pill from HELL!!! im just glad tht i caught it in time…i have a great life like i said before but wanted to end it?????makes no sense..thats what this drug will do…unfortunately i didnt notice anything while on it…”

    That’s the scary bit, you see, Debby. Common sense doesn’t seem to count for a lot when the suicidal feelings hit. Olga DID stop taking the medication. That didn’t fix it – it carried on for weeks and it STILL hasn’t gone away completely yet.

    That’s one damn dangerous and unpredictable drug.

    Now, if Champix were the only known way to quit smoking, that might give all the smokers out there a bit of a dilemma. But can I just remind everyone at this point that the vast majority of ex-smokers alive today quit without using any of the medications being pushed at smokers now by drug companies via Health Authorities?

    If you can’t manage to ditch the habit yourself – and many smokers do find that difficult, of course: old habits die hard – then hypnotherapy, the Allen Carr method and acupuncture are all more successful than any of the meds, and they’re all safe – no-one needs to be risking their mental health here.

    You hear that, Doc? I SAID NO-ONE NEEDS TO BE RISKING THEIR LIFE OR THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AT ALL.

  130. again i thank you for this site…feeling alot better..a panic attack here and there but nothing i cant handle…anxiety still hasnt gone away but at least im not depressed or suicidal for no reason anymore….what a trip being on that pill was…i thought i had terminal illnesses..got all sorts of tests that showed i was in awesome health but that wasnt good enough…that was the paranoia part…theres all sorts of levels to this pill from hell…my dentist told me his patient was taking this pill and woke up in the middle of the night with his hands around his wifes neck…isnt that insane???i pray every night that i go back to the confident, happy,blessed woman i used to be, not this paranoid,suicidal,weepy wimp that this drug made me into…damn that fucken drug…in due time..its been about a month and half and still not 100% but im sure 85% is pretty much where im at…thanks for the stories and kind words…

  131. Hi Olga, glad you’re on the mend, do keep us posted and thanks for your contribution to the ongoing debate.

    This post once again shows up why the suggestion that people can monitor their own behaviour for signs of strangeness – or get those around them to do that – is useless in practice… who is monitoring you when you’re asleep? What if that guy had strangled his wife – do you think Champix would have got the blame in a court of law?

    This drug is very unpredictable and very dangerous. It should never have been passed as if it were safe and no amount of complacent ‘warnings’ on the packaging are going to stop things like this from happening. It has to be withdrawn, and the best way hasten that day is for ALL the people who suffer bad reactions to tell everyone else, and especially their doctor, and make sure he or she makes an official report about it, and confirms to you in writing that they have done that.

    Better still: Doctors – Don’t prescribe the suicide pills. That’s what I call common sense.

  132. chris, i read previous posts and i would like to thank you for your efforts in helping the people that have taken this horrible pill…your website is a comfort to me, when i feel the anxiety or panic attacks that these pills have caused since i NEVER had this problem before i come here and feel better…:)…i still have sad days but not like before…i pray the day will come where i will wake up one day and this will all be a thing of the past…its a living hell…it really is..you are a GOD send…

  133. Hi everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!l I have not been on Champix for about 3 months or longer, I have lost track of the daze. I am much better, but still having a lot of trouble sleeping without sleeping tablets. I am still having nightmares too, I still smoke, but I am glad that I have my sanity.
    I have been still struggling with the day to day stuff, like no motivation. My doctor tried to give me antidepressants, I refused to take them because Champix has put me off everything. I had a huge fight with my doctor about Champix and asked her how could she give them to me after I have had a heart attack??? She said that there was no warning about that with them!!! I can’t even get birth control pills!!!!
    I am still really angry about the whole thing and want to blame someone for all this, I want to make some noise for all the families that have lost someone due to Champix.
    Debby, I understand what you said about having a bad experience and a good experience, I wish I was the one that had a great experience on Champix and I could tell everyone about it, I would have still come to a blog and let people know it was good. But instead I now have lots of problems. I think it’s like everything, some people can handle Champix and others just can’t. My X husband took Champix for 3 months and says they are the best thing since sliced bread. He had no problems with depression or angry outbursts, he was himself and is still smoke free.
    Olga, Thank you for joining the Facebook page, hey l will add you as a friend on mine too, like you said it has helped knowing you are not alone, it has been great for me reading your story, knowing we have gone through similar things. I am glad to read that you are on the mend now. I am sure I am too, but it will take time. I still have my days too, day where everything is way too hard, but I try and suck it up and go on.
    I am worried about my best friend who is still taking the shit pill, she has depression and it has come back full force, I have been keeping my eye on her, She has been trying to get herself off them, but has had a break down everytime. Like me she is too scared to go back to her doctor because they keep telling us to take them and it will all be ok. I have lost faith in the medical sysytem now, I have to see my cardiologist soon and I want to skip that too, but knowing I shouldn’t.
    Chris, thank you soooo much for this website, I hope other people find comfort in your words too like I have, and reading other people stories, good or bad have helped too. Will keeep in touch..
    Cheryl

  134. i have been taking champix 2months now with no nauesa dizzyness tirdness but what i have found is my dreams are more vivid seem so real that when i wake up sometimes cant tell if i dreamt it or actually happend also i have noticed myself missing short term memory not severe as hours but im upstairs and cant remember what i came for or in living room and step into kitchen but what for meere seconds and i forgot but other than this amazing drug for stop smoking

  135. Thanks to Olga and Cheryl… it’s funny how a website that was originally designed to alert everyone in the world to the sheer farce of the ‘Nicotine Replacement’ scam has now been partially hijacked by the Champix scandal, but that’s the way things happen.

    If I’ve ended up being quite hard-line about Champix it is entirely because of all these horrible reactions I’ve been hearing about over the last couple of years. I honestly don’t care if some people are fine with Champix, it still won’t stop at least 80% of them in the long run, so why run the risk?

    Thanks also to Scott for this latest comment, and it reminds me of the account from one of my own clients who called her friend to say she was popping round, got into her car for a five-minute drive to her friend’s house, only to get a phone call twenty minutes later from her friend asking where she was? She was still sitting in her car and could not account for the twenty-minute gap at all. No memory of it.

    Not normal, is it? So when Olga mentioned that:

    “there’s all sorts of levels to this pill from hell…my dentist told me his patient was taking this pill and woke up in the middle of the night with his hands around his wife’s neck…”

    I wonder what he was dreaming?

    “Amazing drug”? “Pill from hell”? Might depend on how it ends, Scott. Please keep us posted.

    Did another smoking session today, by the way. I’ve done thousands. Cannabis, as it happens – but it’s the same principle exactly. The guy walked in with a smoking habit and walked out without one. Took about an hour and a half. He spent the entire time lazing around in a comfy chair. No-one getting strangled, Doc. Meanwhile, in complete contrast Cheryl says:

    “My doctor tried to give me antidepressants, I refused to take them because Champix has put me off everything. I had a huge fight with my doctor about Champix and asked her how could she give them to me after I have had a heart attack??? She said that there was no warning about that with them… I am worried about my best friend who is still taking the shit pill, she has depression and it has come back full force, I have been keeping my eye on her, She has been trying to get herself off them, but has had a break down every time. Like me she is too scared to go back to her doctor because they keep telling us to take them and it will all be ok. I have lost faith in the medical system now…”

    See how Pfizer’s lies and deception are destroying your credibility, Doc? Drug company money, lies and deception are destroying the medical profession. Ben Goldacre was right to raise concerns in the British Medical Journal about drug companies ‘engineering’ drug trials – this is the sort of nightmare it leads to, and to call that “evidence-based medicine” is a travesty. To call it science is an insult to everyone’s intelligence.

  136. i’m with you on this Cheryl, my doctor wanted to put me on WELLBUTRIN but i’m too terrified to take anything anymore…prescribed from doctors…Chris, please know that your website has helped so many people…and like Cheryl i wish i could blame someone…i still have my panic attacks and worry if i did some kinda damage…with these pills…but whats done is done i guess…but i am better..A LOT better…still have my 5 cigs a day…and im okay with that for now, because i never want to go back to those dark days again….thank you again Chris… and Cheryl even though we’ve never met i feel we have something in common obviously since we both had similar experiences and i’ve made a new friend..which is good…:)

  137. I just finished my 2 week starter pack and so long as I don’t come close to breaking down and looking for a cigarette (which I doubt at this point), I don’t think I’m refilling my prescription. I never had any nausea problems (by the way, my pharmasist said drinking lots of fluids will reduce this if it’s a problem). It made the first few days quite easy for me which was great. I quit once before cold turkey and now that I made it a week, I’m starting to feel kind of crappy – could be cig withdrawal, could be a cold or flu, could be champix …. I decided to eliminate the variable I had control over.

    Its both a little scary to stop taking Champix as well as scary to stay on. You think to yourself “what if this pill is the only reason I am not smoking” as well as “am i just replacing one addiction with another and is it going to be hard to let the Champix go later”. I’m also curious as to how much we convince ourselves its the pill doing the work and not really just ourselves. Reading a lot of the earlier comments as well as comments elsewhere, quite a few people have been on this drug for an excessive amount of time – certainly they are not nicotine addicted after all that time! I’m wondering if Champix is their crutch.

  138. Hi Lennea, thanks for your post!

    “am i just replacing one addiction with another…”

    No! The whole point of this site is to prove to smokers that tobacco smoking isn’t an addiction in the first place, it is a compulsive habit.

    “…could be cig withdrawal…”

    There is actually no such thing, because the urge to smoke is not nicotine withdrawal, never was. Cravings are not withdrawal symptoms, as I explain in the book. If you go to the homepage and click on the “Read the Book” option, then when the chapters come up click on Section 3, “Cravings are Not Withdrawal”, you can read some of it there.

    If you are starting to feel crappy I’d ditch the Champix if I were you. There are much safer and more successful methods of stopping smoking. Think of it as a simple test: If Champix really is the only reason you’re not smoking then what is the point of it anyway? You can’t take Champix for the rest of your life!

    Hypnotherapy is the real solution, but the U.K. Department of Health don’t want to adopt a real solution. They prefer to promote methods that have poor long-term success, because it makes it look as if they’re doing something about it, but it changes very little in reality.

    Why would they do that? Simple: They take in about 9 billion pounds every year from tobacco taxes, the extra cost to the NHS in smoking-related diseases runs to about 1.5 billion so the net gain is 7.5 billion pounds a year. They need it. They’re skint.

    If they dropped NRT, Zyban and Champix in favour of methods that really worked, that income would steadily disappear and fewer smokers would die, so they would end up with more people living to retirement age when there are too many people doing that already.

    Now I’m not going to credit the government with the kind of intelligence it would take to devise that politically convenient situation in advance, they are simply not that bright. Early attempts to address the smoking problem as a health issue were probably well-meant. But having found themselves in this situation, it really isn’t in the interests of any government – Labour or Conservative – to change it. It is only in the interests of smokers and their loved ones. And political expediency says that the fate of smokers and their loved ones ain’t worth 7.5 billion a year. Sorry. Especially if it means upsetting the drug companies because they’re big employers, they have a lot of political clout. They’re global corporations, so they can threaten to up-sticks and run their drug-pushing operations from some other country, which would be more British jobs gone. See how it all works? This isn’t conspiracy theory, this is hard political and economic fact.

    Of course smokers can always take their fate in their own hands and call a decent hypnotherapist. Screw the Department of Health!

    By the way, if anyone would like to read the whole book but don’t really want to pay £16.95 for it, you can buy the download version for only £5. Just follow the “Buy the Book” option from the homepage then look for the little bit that says “Also available as a Download” and click on that when you get to the publishing site ( which is called Lulu, by the way. Don’t ask me why.) They kind of hide that option away because they are printers and they want you to buy the paperback copy really! But you don’t have to.

    For reviews of the book either go to Testimonials on this site, or Amazon.co.uk. This is the first book ever to prove – simply by logical argument – that there is no such thing as nicotine addiction. Read it, and liberate yourself from the lies!

  139. i have been on champix they worked ok for me and i have not smoked for over a year with no side effects

  140. I stopped smoking 8 months ago after taking champix. (had tried for 25 years to stop but it never happened) have not had or wanted a cigarrette since. I didn’t complete the course of tablets because my Wife told me my mood and attitude had changed for the worse. Over the months since stopping Champix I have rarely slept for more than a few hours a night, the only times I have had a full nights sleep have ben alcohol related. I have become increasingly down to the point where I have noting to give. I have upset friends and family and it has got to the point that they are properly worried about me. I have never felt like this before but all I know is the first day I had a tablet and had a peculiar dream about my dear departed mother, not a bad dream, it was actually quite nice but since then it as all gone downhill. Is there any evidence that Champix has any long term mental health issues because I was ok before this and now I’ve had enough. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

  141. First of all, sorry guys for not being able to post the last three comments on the site until tonight (2nd Feb)… tech problems, all sorted now.
    Julie: you were lucky, some are thank god. Lisa, get off this shit it is bloody dangerous – read all about it on this blog and other warning sites, it will become obvious you are not alone. It is really unpredictable. People have topped themselves, even with NO previous mental problems.

    Neil: hang on in there mate, sufferers have reported that the problems often gradually fade away and you recover- can you keep us posted? We need more feedback on this.

    Did you get any warnings from your doctor? Did you report the bad reactions? Doctors need to be told, AND they must report the realities, or else Pfizer can pretend it’s a minor problem when it certainly is NOT.

    Help out people: link up, spread the word!

  142. hi, just want to know if you know of any long term side effects. My husband started his 1st lot of champix october 2008, he quit for 6 weeks, stopped taking it in december 2008 i think, and started smoking again, then he treid again in oct 2009 (had to wait a year?) didnt even quit and stopped in dec 2009 because he said he felt like he was going crazy, while on it he had – nose bleeds, insomnia, headaches, nausea, very short temper, blackouts, alcholisim (at least 10 beers every day), depression, and generally a different person. i call him angry man… In the year he was off it and since he has not been himself. still has a very short fuse, and if i say the wrong thing to him i see a *snap* in his eyes and he rages saying things like ‘i’ll put my ciggy out in your eye ball’ (dont worry he has never been violent). It has put a huge strain on our relasionship (almost at breaking point) but i know this is just not him…. Oh and the insomnia has continued too, gets up in the middle of the night to watch tv and usually falls asleep on lounge at like 3am. Im planning on going to see a doctor with him about it but would like a bit of info from others before i do as the dr didnt even go into his hisory or anything before giving him the 2nd lot… thanks heaps
    roshanne…

  143. Roshanne, be prepared for the possibility that the doctor has never been warned about reactions like this. So far, the feedback points to a steady gradual recovery once the person is no longer taking it, but there is not enough feedback yet for me to guarantee that, so will you please keep us posted?

    Also please make sure that the doctor makes an official, detailed report of the bad reactions – this is the only way to protect others. Stick by him, you are quite right that it IS the medication, it is not him. Too many relationships and families have been shattered by these personality changes and some smokers are now facing prosecution for out-of-character, violent outbursts which have ruined their careers, ruined their marriages, ruined their lives. Thanks, Pfizer. You have a hell of a lot to answer for, you heartless bastards. Still denying it all, are you? Still trying to suggest it’s ‘nicotine withdrawal’? Funny how none of my hypnotherapy clients ever react like that.

  144. This is a genuine comment from someone who has packed in smoking once before for 4 years me and my wife went on Champix 3 weeks ago a week ago my wife had to stop because of the suicidal effects on her and the vomitting it was inducing and is going on the patches I was alright at the time but I have just gone on the second course and I find my personality is changing it would have destroyed my marriage if I had not realised that this drug altered your perception of things a little like LSD used to do but more subtely I will not be taking any more of these tablets,but I wonder if any of these headline suicides that we have heard about have anything to do with Champix I would not recommend these to anyone.

  145. Hi George, I noticed you sent three messages in, possibly because you assumed the first one didn’t get through because it didn’t appear immediately on the site.

    When messages are sent in, they drop into a file for ‘moderating’ or checking to make sure they aren’t spam. Usually, they will appear on site within 48 hours.

    Thanks for your warnings George, and I hope you and your wife make a full and speedy recovery. As the second and third messages were really just shortened versions of your first message, I have reproduced the first one above. If you wish to comment further, please do so and also please keep us informed about your recovery.

    Can I also remind people who have had these terrible experiences to make sure your doctor is fully informed and insist that they file an official report about the medication. That is the only way we are going to force Pfizer to face the facts and withdraw Champix before it kills more innocent people and wrecks more lives.

    That, and the lawsuits. If you want to find out more about that avenue, Google ‘Champix (Chantix) Lawsuits and Class Actions’.

  146. i told my doctor and he suggested i see a psychiatrist…i dont think doctors believe us to be honest…and even though im not on them anymore and feel much better, its been about 4 months..im really scared these pills have fucked me up, ive never had this much anxiety in my life, and i worry about my health even though i ve had all sorts of tests telling me im in awesome health…im scared, honestly and truly scared…:(..but i will get thru this…i have to i have kids and a wonderful family…damn pills, is there any way someone can be held rsponsible for this horror..please people do not take..i cannot stress this enuf…my issues started when i stopped, during me taking them i was okay, not the greatest but okay…damn pills..thank you for this website, i dont know who else i can talk about this too….

  147. Hi Chris, just giving you a bit of an update on my hubby, his rages seem to have gone now, which is great and he is sleeping again which is great too. I did try to get him to the doctor to report his reactions but he wont go. Im hoping maybe in a few months i can talk him into it because these side effects need to be published. At the moment he is still smoking and while in the past it has always been a sore point for us, for now i dont mind that he is smoking cos he’s not acting like a psycho! We were at a wedding about a week ago and champix came up around the ‘smokers table’ and ive never seen him so dead serious about no one going on it, hopefully people will start hearing all the bad side effects (and that for most people it doesnt even work) and wont even think about taking it.
    thanks for this support, roshanne.

  148. Olga, sorry about this delayed reply… can I just reassure you that your anxiety reactions are quite normal Subconscious emotional reactions and although they are very unpleasant they are not dangerous to you. Many times I have seen these reactions develop after sudden illness, whether caused by a medication or a natural cause, and I have been able to eliminate them quickly with hypnotherapy.

    Let me explain: all emotions and emotional reactions are controlled by the Subconscious mind. Your conscious mind is already aware that the illness was caused by the medication, so logically, now that the medication has been stopped recovery should follow. No-one has told the Subconscious, which has been so alarmed by the experience that it has kicked off the ‘fight or flight’ reactions (anxiety, panic attacks) which are designed to help you avoid danger but unfortunately the Subconscious mind doesn’t understand where the danger came from or that has now gone, so it is firing off a continued or recurring general state of alarm over the whole business of ‘not feeling right, not feeling normal’ which unfortunately adds to the sense of physical disturbance considerably.

    I’m not sure where in the world you are located, but if there are any decent hypnotherapists within reach, any one of them should be able to reassure your Subconscious mind that the threat is passed, and it doesn’t need to keep reacting like this because the cause is now known and has been eliminated, then ask for the state of alarm to be calmed back down to normal, because while that is still happening it is impossible to assess whether there are still physical symptoms that are nothing to do with the anxiety reactions.

    If you need any further guidance on this let me know. You’re not alone, stay in touch.

    Roshanne, I’m so glad you got your husband back! As a smoking cessation expert, my advice would be to let him have a couple of months grace before bringing up the subject of quitting again. The three safest methods are hypnotherapy, acupuncture and the Allen Carr approach, and the best version of that last one in my view is Carr’s original book The Easyway to Stop Smoking. Hubby can be reassured that all those methods work better than the meds and are completely safe – SO THEY SHOULD BE WHAT THE DOCTORS ARE PRESCRIBING REALLY, SHOULDN’T THEY? YOU HEARING ME, DOC?

  149. hi Chris..thanks for your reply, i am in Ontario,Canada..would self hypnosis work???damned pills..ugh!!!

  150. Do you have any local hypnotherapists? Self-hypnosis certainly wouldn’t do any harm but most people would respond much better to a decent hypnotherapy session. However if you are already pretty good at self-hypnosis, make yourself a recorded tape and do that first. If it is something you’re not familiar with you would get far more benefit from a proper session.

    If you do decide to see a hypnotherapist, print off my previous comments about reassuring the Subconscious mind and show them to the therapist, check that they know what I’m talking about. They probably will.

  151. im not sure i guess ill look in the phonebook, under hypnotherapy???not sure…ive never done self-hypnosis..i was just wondering..:)…who knew all this?????from stupid pills yet…thank you soooo much for your help..i appreciate everything..:)

  152. I suggest contacting ARCH and ask them how to locate a hypnotherapist near you who specialises in anxiety reactions. Let me know how it goes.

  153. Hi all,
    I’ve been taking champix for 5 days now abit of nausea first day but hadn’t eaten if you eat first then take it its fine! If I have a cig after ive taken it then I feel sick! I know people who have taken it finished it and come off it! Hardly any side affects for any of them except 1 had some funky stomach cramps but then she does get bowl problems anyway!
    I’m not saying that people haven’t reacted this way but there are also many people who have had success and been fine with it! Yes I have read the comments good and bad on this page but Chris you just seem to be pushing for the bad putting down the good and pushing hypnotherapy on to everyone that comes whether with a serious complaint or with a little bit of nausea! Personally your comments are just there to big up your business!
    I searched quit smoking cold turkey in Google and pages and pages came up! I had a read and found when comparing with the champix enclosed leaflet that they are pretty much the same give or take! You get used to that nicotine feeling and rely on it so when you are not having your body does not cope all that well! As said by my smoking nurse! She also advised me that the side effects could be bad advised me to speak to friends on them, read up on them and asked about my past health and any history of depression!
    Yes the pill may not work for or with everybody but you cannot say it is ineffective and will not be beneficial because people are seeing results or it would not be so popular!
    If this pill does cause me any problems I will inform you but so far so good! Life is what you make it and I would personally rather spend a few months been a cow than keep increasing the risk of getting cancer!
    Chris a few questions for you.
    You say Paul McKenna is a fraud out to make money but isn’t that what you are doing with your book? Do you donate the profits too a charity? If not then you are doing the same as him in exploiting a talent you possess!
    Have you ever smoked? If so when and how did you quit? I don’t have time to be scouring the site any more today!
    And lastly and quite personal how much is your fee for the hypnotherapy sessions you claim work so well??
    Thanks
    Lou

  154. I did not call Paul McKenna a fraud. I did point out that he did not become famous by being a hypnotherapist but by performing as stage hypnotist, an entertainer. He later wrote books and recorded CDs that are supposed to be therapeutic. The suggestion is that if you buy the book called “I Can Make You Thin” (for example) and listen to the CD that comes with it then you will lose weight.

    My book is NOT a self-help book. It is a book about hypnotherapy, it is not supposed to function AS hypnotherapy. I have never suggested to anyone “Buy my lovely book and you will stop smoking!” because that is not what the book is for. It is blowing the whistle on the whole nicotine scam, and the book is for smokers who want to know why willpower and nicotine replacement products never worked for them.

    Do Pfizer donate the profits from Champix to the families of the poor smokers killed or seriously damaged by Champix? Do you really know ANYTHING about this Lou? 5 days on this drug, you’ve been. Can’t be bothered to read the rest of the site, clearly haven’t bothered to look at my practice website which tells you what my professional fees are, it’s no secret…

    Yeah, I’m just out for myself Lou. You’ve got my number all right. Wish I was more like them altruistic drug companies, but I’m just too grabbing and selfish – you’ll find all therapists are like that. You stick to the pills Lou. Least you know what you’re doing, eh.

    Getting a bit weary now folks – does it show?

  155. Ok, that was my knackered response on Tuesday after eight hours of doing therapy sessions. Now for a proper response.

    Lou said:

    “Chris you just seem to be pushing for the bad putting down the good and pushing hypnotherapy on to everyone that comes whether with a serious complaint or with a little bit of nausea! Personally your comments are just there to big up your business!”

    Lou, this is a global audience reading this. The smokers among them are being advised by doctors to use a drug that has killed too many people already, and some of those doctors are not telling them about that, so I am. I recommend NOT JUST hypnotherapy, but also the Allen Carr method and acupuncture too as better first choices, for the dual reasons that they all have better success rates than Champix, Zyban or NRT (see the Evidence section of this site) AND because they cannot harm you. It’s safer, and frankly I think that’s what your doctor should be telling you too.

    I have no connection with the Allen Carr people – who don’t like me anyway because of what my book says about Allen Carr! – or any acupuncturists. So the accusation that I’m just out for myself is plainly BOLLOCKS. Also, the vast majority of smokers reading this live so far away from me that even if they did decide to try hypnotherapy they wouldn’t be coming to see me anyway, would they? Use your head.

    Next bit:

    “I searched quit smoking cold turkey in Google and pages and pages came up! I had a read and found when comparing with the champix enclosed leaflet that they are pretty much the same give or take! You get used to that nicotine feeling and rely on it so when you are not having your body does not cope all that well! As said by my smoking nurse! She also advised me that the side effects could be bad advised me to speak to friends on them, read up on them and asked about my past health and any history of depression!”

    Your smoking nurse just contradicted herself then, didn’t she? Maybe these were the sort of side effects she was talking about:

    “…me and my wife went on Champix 3 weeks ago a week ago my wife had to stop because of the suicidal effects on her and the vomitting it was inducing and is going on the patches I was alright at the time but I have just gone on the second course and I find my personality is changing it would have destroyed my marriage if I had not realised that this drug altered your perception of things a little like LSD used to do but more subtely I will not be taking any more of these tablets,but I wonder if any of these headline suicides that we have heard about have anything to do with Champix I would not recommend these to anyone.”

    That was from George, post 156. Try telling him that stopping smoking with willpower will do that to you. These are the lies Pfizer have been spouting for the last couple of years, and they have already been dismissed by the US Surgeon General as utter rubbish on the grounds that the vast majority of ex-smokers alive today quit without help, but did not have these severe reactions.

    Next:

    “Yes the pill may not work for or with everybody but you cannot say it is ineffective and will not be beneficial because people are seeing results or it would not be so popular!”

    The pill has been hyped to hell and is recommended by the medical profession despite the fact that at least 80% of those smokers will not succeed long term. Same thing happened with Zyban – how ‘popular’ is it now that everyone knows it was all a load of drug company bullshit?

    Finally:

    “Have you ever smoked? If so when and how did you quit? I don’t have time to be scouring the site any more today!
    And lastly and quite personal how much is your fee for the hypnotherapy sessions you claim work so well??”

    I smoked regularly from the age of 12 until I was 36. I stopped several times just out of choice. I did try using nicotine gum, and later the inhalator, but neither of those brought any long term success. I now know that they hardly ever do, and if I had known that fact at the time I wouldn’t have wasted my time with them. The final time I quit seemed the easiest of all, I would say I just drifted away from tobacco without making any big decision about it. I have never wanted to smoke since.

    The following year I began my training to be a hypnotherapist, but there was no connection between those two things. At that point, I had never had hypnotherapy myself for anything.

    Nowadays I charge £120 for the Stop Smoking session, which takes about two hours. Most smokers do not need a second session, but if a smoker does need further help within 1 year of the first session, the back-up session is only £40. After 1 year a further session would be charged at £70, which is my standard charge for all hypnotherapy session that are nothing to do with smoking.

    It is not just myself claiming that these sessions are very effective. Between 2003 and 2005 I had a corporate client, a big firm of solicitors in Bolton called Keoghs. What began as a “Well-Being At Work Week” turned out to be so successful that it ran for two and a half years, by which time I had done sessions with about 150 Keoghs staff members, working with people from all levels from the cleaner to the Financial Director. What follows here is a part of the reference they gave me at the end of that programme, which the then HR Director Frances Cross monitored carefully throughout (you can see the whole of the reference reproduced in the Evidence section of this site):

    “The programme has been a resounding success – we sought feedback from all who have attended and the results have been phenomenal. There have been numerous complimentary remarks made about Chris and his ability to convey confidence in the whole process. We have received many notes of thanks from employees who claim the session to have been a life-changing experience.”

    Best of luck with the pills Lou.

  156. Hi Oisin, welcome to T.W.O!

    That is exactly what I’m saying, there is no such thing as nicotine addiction… but the thing is that it is a COMPULSIVE habit, and the compulsions have been wrongly identified as withdrawal symptoms because they are a bit similar in some respects. The nicotine addiction theory is a wrong interpretation that has only made the situation worse!

    Click on Read the Book, have a read of that and feel free to question further! Only don’t bother sending me links that say it’s an addiction, there are millions of those. The medical people have got it wrong, although to be fair to the REAL medical people, not the medical AUTHORITIES, The Dept. of Health and the various medical institutions that are grimly sticking to the dumb official script, many doctors and nurses already know this (especially GPs) but they aren’t allowed to blow the whistle on it. I can, because they can’t sack or discipline me, I don’t work for them.

  157. Thanks for the 2nd response were not going to reply to the first as quite honestly it was abit arsey!! The reason I could not look further at your site was due to work commitments nothing to do with not been bothered!
    I have stopped the tablets, not due to any side effects either before you ask. I would hold my hands up and say I was wrong if it was due to any!! Unfortunately the restlessness while sleeping was not working for me, I could not keep my eyes open at work!! Not good in front of the boss! I would be on day 11/12. I took the last pill yesterday. I have managed in that time 11 or so days to cut down from 20 a day habit to 6/7 a day!! Going to do the rest by myself!!
    And as for my nurse she was speaking in general in regards to the side effects of quitting!
    I never denied that people can have bad side effects to these tablets but surely when starting this blog you knew you were going to get two sides to the story! Nor did I criticise what you practice or at least I didn’t mean to!
    I was honest in my opinion and don’t think that you can start something like this take a side and not appreciate that others will have a difference of opinion!
    If you were to take these pills (which I doubt you would) you may not be affected in a bad way but could work for you! I just don’t think that you can criticise something that you haven’t tried for yourself regardless of the reviews that it has had!
    For example. A meal someone ate got food poisoning as a result and chose never to eat it again. You go for dinner with this person they don’t recommend it you get it anyway, eat it, enjoy, and feel fine! Same restaurant, same chef! Lame example but what I’m saying is that everyone reacts differently!

    “At least 80% of those smokers will not succeed long term”

    In regards to this well if your going to take something to aid you in stopping smoking and at the end of that you cant do it, then obviously a little more self belief is in order and start treatment with the correct mindset! You have to actually want to stop! Know your reasons and work towards them! No point stopping something you actually enjoy it would be like giving up chocolate! I smoke out of habit!

    And lastly if I at all offended you in my first post then i’m sorry that was not my intention! I was just stating my opinion!

    louie

  158. I’m never offended by honest opinions and I welcome them all and post them all. I do sometimes take issue with people and yes, sometimes I get a bit irritable – sorry about that, I was knackered! People get arsey with me too, and that’s okay.

    I’m glad Champix didn’t do you any serious harm, but isn’t sleeplessness a side-effect anyway? Isn’t that one of the reasons that pilots and air-traffic controllers are not allowed to take it?

    Were you driving to work? Cycling? There are a number of ways in which Champix can cause serious harm, and not only to the person who has actually been taking it. Did your doctor warn you it could affectr your driving ability? Was it even mentioned?

    Guess who would be held responsible if you were so tired (“I could not keep my eyes open at work!!”) that you caused an accident in which someone was killed or seriously injured? Not Pfizer. Not your doctor.

    You.

    Because there’s a warning somewhere on the packaging that it may affect your driving, which officially makes it your fault for driving anyway. Their arses are covered by the small print, and off you go to jail.

    Mean old world, ain’t it?

    You’re right Louie – sack the pills and find a safer, more natural way to get free. Best of luck!

  159. I have been on champix now for 5 weeks. I am on day 6 of the first maintenance pack. The past 5 days I have felt increasingly aggitated, have been constantly snapping at my partner and yelling at him, I am getting extremely frustrated and aggitated when I am sitting in traffic and feel like ramming cars out of the way. Today has been the last straw for me, I am not taking these tablets any more. All I feel like doing is crying today, that is after feeling like I could take someone’s head off for the first part of the day today. Up side is I have not had a single smoke in 22 days but I can see my partner is at the end of his teather with my mood swings so that’s it for me. I’m going to have to go the rest on will power alone

  160. Hey, all..:)…been off Champix for quite a while now and feel sooooo much better….yes i am smoking again but only 5/day and i have my sanity and am happy….i just wanna say to those that have suffered like me…there is hope….just give it time…i look at my previous posts and wonder who that person was…me??paranoid,scared,anxiety, sooo not me…luckily im getting back to that happy, outgoing,confident woman i used to be before this horrible experience of this pill…this affected me mentally not physically other than some nausea…so please do not take this pill it can affect you on so many levels…take care all…:)

  161. Welcome back, Olga!

    This is what we need to hear, there’s light at the end of the tunnel! This is very important, the more feedback we get like this the better. Keep us posted please my dear! Glad you’re feeling more like your old self!

  162. Hey guys,

    I was a 20-year-plus smoker. My husband hated it, so I did the Champix treatment. I only quit in the final few weeks of the 12 week course, so I took another course after talking to my GP. I haven’t smoked now for about 6 months, BUT, my life since then has been hell. Today I found out my Blood pressure was high, never ever had high blood pressure before. At one stage today it was 161/102. My weight, and my eating habits are exactly the same as before has ballooned. I get sick all the time, that never happened before. This drug has done some serious damage to me. I was happier and felt healthier as a smoker. Is anyone else suffering these long term side effects?

  163. I’m on my 5th week of Champix. I haven’t had ANY nausea at all. The dreams have been vivid and kinda cool, and only one has been bad in 5 weeks. My blood pressure has dropped dramatically and my doctor is delighted.

    I was a 25 yr smoking veteran. I’m now clean! You have to give these things a go to see if they work for you. If they don’t – stop. Don’t let someone elses opinion stop you trying something that might work for you. Of course a hypnotherapist is going to say Champix won’t work – he wants to charge you to treat you! Do what you want, make your own mind up and give things a go!

    Remember, i have had NO nausea side effects.

  164. Sorry L, you’re not clean. You’re on your 5th week of Champix. I’m glad that you’ve had no worse experiences than one bad dream thus far, but you cannot assure other smokers that they won’t either, because you don’t know that. What if someone followed your cheerful advice and had a bad reaction, ended up killing themselves like too many people have already? It’s no good saying: “in that case, just stop using it” because it twists people’s thinking and personalities. Very often they don’t realise it’s the drug that’s doing it, THEY JUST CHANGE.

    I realise that you probably haven’t read through all the horror stories that I’ve read through during the last two years, so if it seems to be working for you then you might well feel inclined to defend the drug, I understand that. But before you recommend it, you should a) have completed the course with no serious side effects and without starting again when you stop taking Champix, and b) be aware that many of the people reporting sudden bad reactions felt absolutely fine on it for the first four or five weeks. Some people only developed a bad reaction when taking a second course of Champix.

    Your accusation of pure self interest here is probably something you didn’t really think through. The vast majority of smokers reading this don’t even live in the same country as I do, and even the few that do probably don’t live anywhere near Stockport, so if they should decide to consult a hypnotherapist it won’t be me, and there won’t be any commission coming my way. Also, that suggestion is disproved by the fact that time and time again on this blog I recommend not only hypnotherapy, but also the Allen Carr book and acupuncture despite the fact that I have no connection with either of those approaches, I just know that they work well for some smokers and involve NO RISK.

    Good liuck with your chosen method, and thanks for contributing. Feel free to report back anytime, especially after coming off the drug.

  165. i started champix 5 wks ago ,i was scared stiff after reading a lot of bad comments but really want to quit for my two sons 7 and 19 who are so proud of me so im going to finish the course…i have never incresed my dose i take 0.5mg morning and night i made a point not to drink alcohol to take pill with a full glass of water after i eat to hopefully lessen the side effects, i have started exercising eating healthy i feel a lot better than i did ..i am sill scared even thought the only side effect i have to date is the dreams ..the sudden onset and the after effect is what scares me but as yet can not comment on them…hopefully none…

  166. Hi all,
    Unfortunately, hypnotherapy only works on a limited amount of people, as you will all agree, despite hypnotherapists claims that everyone is within the centre of the ‘bell curve’, it also a well known fact that hypnotherapy CAN NOT deal with the dependency on any drug within the system, it merely looks for alternative ways to deal with the physical cravings (i.e. the holding of a cigarette in a social situation). If hypnotherapy worked in this respect there would be substantially less drug users on the street! I am in my 1st week of Champix and all appears to be well, small amounts of nausea 30 mins after taking tablet but other than that, it’s all good!

    p.s. I understand this is a hypnotherapy based web-site but I will say my piece… the reason people prefer to try medicinal routes before hypnotherapy is because of 2 reasons, 1) Your prices – over £50 for a session with 4 to 5 sessions needed to be completely successful? 2) It can’t deal with the body’s addiction to drugs.

  167. Good luck Sarah.

    As for you, Pete, if you want to talk bullshit about hypnotherapy go somewhere else to do it. Nothing in your post is correct. You simply know nothing about it, but if you prefer to go the medical route you go right ahead.

    This is from Wikipedia’s info about hypnotherapy, which proves Pete didn’t even do the slightest scrap of research:

    Meta-analyses

    In 2003, a meta-analysis of the efficacy of hypnotherapy was published by two researchers from the university of Konstanz in Germany, Flammer and Bongartz. The study examined data on the efficacy of hypnotherapy across the board, though studies included mainly related to psychosomatic illness, test anxiety, smoking cessation and pain control during orthodox medical treatment. Most of the better research studies used traditional-style hypnosis, only a minority (19%) employed Ericksonian hypnosis.

    The authors considered a total of 444 studies on hypnotherapy published prior to 2002. By selecting the best quality and most suitable research designs for meta-analysis they narrowed their focus down to 57 controlled trials. These showed that on average hypnotherapy achieved at least 64% success compared to 37% improvement among untreated control groups. (Based on the figures produced by binomial effect size display or BESD.)

    According to the authors this was an intentional underestimation. Their professed aim was to discover whether, even under the most skeptical weighing of the evidence, hypnotherapy was still proven effective. They showed conclusively that it was. In fact, their analysis of treatment designs concluded that expansion of the meta-analysis to include non-randomized trials for this data base would also produce reliable results. When all 133 studies deemed suitable in light of this consideration were re-analyzed, providing data for over 6,000 patients, the findings suggest an average improvement in 27% of untreated patients over the term of the studies compared with a 74% success rate among those receiving hypnotherapy. This is a high success rate given the fact that many of the studies measured included the treatment of addictions and medical conditions. [In other words, Pete is WRONG!] The outcome rates for anxiety disorders alone, traditionally hypnotherapy’s strongest application, were higher still (though a precise figure is not cited).

  168. A warning.. I had been a smoker for 28years. Started Champix 10 weeks ago and I have not had a smoke or single puff for 8 weeks. However i HAD to stop taking it 10 days ago. Why, I am a 42 yr old Police Officer and have spent most of my life investigating crimes against kids. So have fairly much experienced the worst of life, and managed to remain effective. Now i can not even speak to friends family colleagues without bursting into tears.I was paranoid no one liked me, i was doing everything wrong, i was going to die, insomnia, when i do sleep i awoke in a fright. Nausea, wind (bad), indigestion, palpitations and panic attacks. Ten days later i am still to a degree having most of these symptoms but still not smoking, i have had the odd craving. I have personally spoken to others that have taken Champix and none have finished the course due to extreme side effects..mostly nausea, wind and very very weird dreams…Oh and i guess it might have been useful had my GP mentioned the makers warn about using this with particular types of Beta Blockers..which as it happens i take two types of…..good luck to anyone trying to give up, but please give some serious consideration to taking this drug.

  169. My husband & I have successfully given up smoking with the help of Champix. We both never really suffered any effects straight away and my husband I suppose never really did. I nearly managed to get through the whole course without any nausea until about the last two weeks of the tablets. It started to make me feel very ill very quickly but it would pass very quickly also. Without the help of this drug we wouldn’t have been able to quit, especially my husband as he was a heavy smoker for many many years.
    My reason for stumbling across this site is I have been searching for long term effects of the drug but I can’t seem to find any listed. I believe I have changed as a result of the tablets in ways I find hard to explain. A good friend of mine has also reported that her husband has decided to not to drink alcohol anymore as he seems to now become aggressive unlike his quiet and calm nature before being on Champix. I must admit if I had found this site earlier I probably wouldn’t have gone on the tablets! I nearly didn’t try them due to all of the other negative comments I’ve read on various sites but decided that ‘hey if it doesn’t work for me I can quit them’. We are both coming up to 12 months smoke free now. My health is better (there has been weight gain though 🙁 ), I can breathe better and overall I feel soooo much healthier, not to mention the kids no longer breathe in second hand smoke!!
    So it brings me back to Champix – love it or hate it it can and does help some people but at the end of the day you have to want to give up smoking- end of story! IT’S UP TO YOU!!!!

  170. Hi Everyone,

    I’m a 25 year old female who had been smoking 20/day for around 10 years. I’ve been on Champix now for 2 weeks and my quit date was yesterday, just over 24 hours in and I’ve not smoked so far! I’ve read some of the comments above but there are so many that it would take a lifetime but I thought I would give my experience of Champix:

    Days 1 – 4: 1 x 0.5mg tablets

    No effects whatsoever, continued to smoke as normal.

    Days 5-7: 2 x 0.5mg tablets

    Similar to above, vivid dreams started as did nausea & constipation. Continued to smoke as normal.

    Days 8-14: 2 x 1mg tablets

    WOW! This is when you realise you are on medication!!!

    Medical Side Effects:

    My most common side effects continues to be constipation! Which I’ve not really had before being a vegetarian & fussy eater meant that I never had digestion problems in my life so that’s not the best! Other side effects for me personally were – constant headache, tiredness, insomnia, vivid dreams, constant nausea, increased appetite, increased sense of smell, dry mouth, feeling bloated, constomach ache. I was off sick from work and barely got out of bed on evening of day 8 and days 9, 10, 11 and 12.

    Mental Side Effects:

    Yes, this does have side effects to your state of mind, which I as I’m sure alot of other people thought “oh I won’t get them” – you probably will. If the pill has the ability to stop you wanting to smoke then it is strong enough to mess with your mind!! I only really felt a big difference on days 11 and 12 where I felt depressed, helpless, didn’t know what to do with myself, over sensitive, lonely, convinced myself I had bipolar/mental health problems!! etc, etc. This situation wasn’t helped by a petty ex who decided to take advantage of this fact & make me worse! In fairness, this was probably the main driver of the feeling perhaps?

    THEN – I got up on day 13, went back to work & completely returned to normal, looked back and thought to myself…what the HELL was that about!!

    I am a very strong person emotionally & have dealt with some big things in my past including moving 150 miles away from all my friends & family, death of an immediate family member, big falls out with friends I’ve had my whole life, I have a very high pressure job& demanding job, etc! SO I think I was able to pull myself through this as I’ve dealt with so much more BUT i can see how this drive people to depression and even suicide as they DO have an effect on your mental state of mind.

    With regards to some of the comments I’ve read about vivid dreams, anger, mood swings, road rage, hyper periods, etc – I’m like that anyway so it was no different to me! I just have one of those type of personalities!

    Effect on smoking:

    Days 8-14 I smoked 2 or 3 cigarettes a day, the only reason I did was because a friend told me that the nore you smoke whilst you can the more your brain learns that it is not a nice experience. You literally do NOT want to smoke, you realise that you are only smoking through habit and feeling like you should smoke at whatever time in the day because thats what you always do. Almost like you have to smoke for the day to follow the normal routine!! Weird aye!! It makes you realise how much this addiction is ALL IN YOUR HEAD!!!!

    Giving up:

    So, then 15 hit which was the quit date and all of a sudden because I knew I couldn’t smoke if I wanted to, I then wanted to smoke!! Not massively but definately had cravings, this didn’t help that my appointment to see the docs for more pills wasn’t until midday and by the time I’d waited at boots for them narrowly avoiding murdering a few other shoppers & setting myself on fire – I didn’t take my first pill until 12.30 ish. So, now I’m on day 2 and I’m feeling ok and very positive about my ability to quit.

    To Summarise:

    Yes, Champix has side effects but what do you want? A magical cure? Not possible, it’s your fault you started smoking in the first place so take the pain when you quit! Yes, the side effects are harsh and you MUST have a) WILLPOWER and b) THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO QUIT because without that you’ll get nowhere. I’m glad I took Champix as I wouldn’t have gone even a day without smoking using willpower or patches or gum – I needed the pills! It’s all about mind over matter & self belief. I’ll check back in with you guys in about a week to let you know if I’m still not smoking/have murdered my ex & buried his body/committed suicide/planted a bomb in my local Boots (Manchester so avoid all Boots for a while).

    That’s all folks 🙂

  171. Hannah says:

    “Yes, Champix has side effects but what do you want? A magical cure? Not possible, it’s your fault you started smoking in the first place so take the pain when you quit! Yes, the side effects are harsh…”

    The suggestion is: “Stopping smoking must always be horrendous but actually we smokers deserve it.”

    I say that suggestion sucks, and although hypnotherapy isn’t “magical” it IS a cure. I just spent two very agreeable hours helping a guy who had already tried most things (including Champix – he started again after the course of tablets) quit smoking the hypnotherapy way. No suffering or risk involved.

    Maybe that’s the problem for some smokers! After all, Hannah also says:

    “With regards to some of the comments I’ve read about vivid dreams, anger, mood swings, road rage, hyper periods, etc – I’m like that anyway so it was no different to me! I just have one of those type of personalities!”

    …perhaps some smokers prefer the drama of the nightmare ordeal, and that’s why they ignore hypnotherapy and go for horrible routes like this. So good luck, Hannah! Hope it doesn’t get too dramatic.

    If you are not really like Hannah and just want an easy way to avoid illness and unnecessary expense, call a hypnotherapist who specialises in smoking cessation. And yeh, avoid Boots. Poundland are much, much cheaper.

  172. I”m kind of amazed by people’s ignorance. People report ‘rages’ when they stop smoking and blame it on Champix….could it not possibly be a reaction to coming off one of the most powerful, nasty drugs available to man, nicotine?

    I would recommend Champix to anyone. I was smoking nearly 50 cigs a day and have been nicotine free for 4 months. I could never have stopped without this drug.

    There is no pain-free solution to giving up smoking – and it would be no help to us if there was. Of course it hurts to end an addiction. If it didn’t how else would we become addicted in the first place?

    Many of my friends have also quit using this drug. I cannot recommend it enough. Before you bleat about how ‘evil’ it apparently is, think about the thousands of people who will quit and be saved from a disgusting, cruel death at the hands of nicotine.

    It is your choice not to take this drug, but please do not attempt to deny other people the chance to make the same choice as you did because of the hysteria on this website.

    And if you are struggling to give up smoking, and you are considering Champix but have been scared by this website, please forget what you have read and give it a go. It could save your life. I’m pretty sure it has saved mine.

  173. Oh, and of course, this website has an axe to grind.

    It’s here to promote hypnotherapy treatments for smoking.

    I’m not going to denigrate that solution. If that works for some people then BRILLIANT. It didn’t work for me.

    I know that I had to push my GP to prescribe me Champix. Incredibly she had never given it to a patient at our surgery. They try and foist nicotine replacement therapy on people instead. A useless non-solution, in my opinion.

    Just a thought, if more and more people started successfully quitting through Champix, and word got around, a lot of expensive stop smoking therapists would be out of work.

    Shame on you if that is your motivation in denigrating Champix. Lung cancer is hideous and we should all be working together to help and support nicotine addicts using the best possible methods to quit their addiction – whatever they may be.

  174. Just on my way out right now, haven’t time to answer in detail – just to point out, since you probably won’t have read much of the content of this website aside from this Champix post – the website is actually campaigning for the abolition of NRT primarily, because:

    “They try and foist nicotine replacement therapy on people instead. A useless non-solution, in my opinion.”

    I entirely agree Andrew. And if Champix hasn’t maimed or killed anyone you know, but helped you quit, I entirely understand your enthusiasm. It’s just that I’ve been hearing some absolute horror stories in the two years since I first asked for smokers’ personal stories to be sent in, so before you dismiss all of them at a stroke, maybe you should read not just this page but all the other Champix pages and the comments that follow them.

    Of course if you really can’t be bothered because none of that affects you personally, I fully understand. But my “motivation” is entirely to do with all that.

  175. Ok: Andrew said:

    “I”m kind of amazed by people’s ignorance. People report ‘rages’ when they stop smoking and blame it on Champix….could it not possibly be a reaction to coming off one of the most powerful, nasty drugs available to man, nicotine?”

    No, it cannot be because if it were, all my hypnotherapy cases would exhibit the same feelings and experiences after the hypnotherapy session. None of them do, which is how I figured out that all this “drug addiction” talk was in fact bollocks.

    Then Andrew said:

    “Oh, and of course, this website has an axe to grind.”

    You bet your sweet life, buddy. Smokers are being systematically and cynically lied to, and many of them are dying as a result. In the ten years since I became a hypnotherapist about one million, two hundred thousand smokers have died as a result of smoking in the UK alone, and that’s reckoned to be about 50 million worldwide. Most of those in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia were told to try to save themselves with Nicotine Replacement Poisoning which Andrew reckons is:

    “a useless non-solution, in my opinion.”

    Bang on correct. That’s the axe this website had to grind originally (see home page). Champix has been building up into a big deal alongside of that issue, and now most of the attention and interest in the Truth Will Out site is centred on the Champix Chantix issue, since that is the thing smokers are seeking more information about. My view of Champix has been formed by the hundreds of reports from smokers that have been sent inhere. So when Andrew sneakily suggests:

    “Just a thought, if more and more people started successfully quitting through Champix, and word got around, a lot of expensive stop smoking therapists would be out of work.”

    He is of course trying to suggest that I don’t really care about smokers, only their money. This despite the fact that the vast majority of people reading this don’t even live in the same fucking country as I do, and even the ones that do wouldn’t come to see ME if they wanted hypnotherapy unless I happened to be the nearest hypnotherapist to them geographically, which two facts rule out virtually the entire readership of the site when it comes to picking up new clients… seriously Andrew, does this site look like a fucking ADVERT to you?

    This site is all about EVIDENCE. If you have any doubts about me being “hysterical”, just Google “Champix side effects and bad reactions” and read about it all there. There are plenty of smokers’ blogs collecting Champix accounts – read those.

    Meantime, here’s a snippet from Wikipedia:

    “On June 4, 2009, the FDA announced it was evaluating varenicline for additional potential side effects, including angioedema, serious skin reactions, visual impairment, and accidental injury. [11] On July 1, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration required varenicline and Zyban (bupropion) to carry a black box warning, the agency’s strongest safety warning, due to side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal actions. [12]”

    So when Andrew says: ” if you are struggling to give up smoking, and you are considering Champix but have been scared by this website, please forget what you have read and give it a go.”

    …what he is actually suggesting you should ‘please forget’ is:

    “…the agency’s strongest safety warning, due to side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal actions.”

    Shame on ME, Andrew? I help people quit smoking just about every working day of my life with ZERO RISK and with a high success rate. No pills, no side effects, no suicides, no mad rages, no nausea even. And I’m going to keep on telling the world about it even if it doesn’t suit you.

    Finally, when Andrew says:

    “There is no pain-free solution to giving up smoking – and it would be no help to us if there was. Of course it hurts to end an addiction. If it didn’t how else would we become addicted in the first place?”

    Wrong on all counts mate.

  176. I’ll keep it short. I said in my last message, ‘Lung cancer is hideous and we should all be working together to help and support nicotine addicts using the best possible methods to quit their addiction – whatever they may be.’

    I don’t seek to belitte hypnotherapy, if that solution works for some people, then let’s have more access to it – free access to it , the governments of this world make enough money in nicotine taxes to pay for such a solution.

    What I do not understand is why you seek to scare people away from Champix. I was smoking 50 cigarettes a day. I could not have stopped any other way. Champix saved my life. It will save many, many more.

    And this website, by spreading fear about this incredibly successful treatment, might well be responsible for a few lives lost, if people are scared away from trying it by you. Can you live with that?

    I watched my mother die of lung cancer. And I still smoked another ten years because it had such a grip on me. Only Champix could loosen this grip.

    Seriously, why are you doing this? Has this just become a dogma? An argument you cannot bear to lose?

    I genuinely think it is shameful of you to scare people away from a solution that might save their lives. I’m not writing this to be clever, or nasty. I just want you to think about what you are doing.

    Andrew

  177. “This incredibly successful treatment”? What planet are YOU on? Read this:

    http://www.truthwillout.co.uk/2010/06/86-failure-rate-for-champix/

    That’s what the independent science says about the long-term results. 86% FAILURE. That’s not “incredibly successful, that is RUBBISH! If hypnotherapy had lousy results like that I’d have gone bust many years ago!

    OK, Champix worked for you… I never said it didn’t work for anyone! And if it worked for 14% of people WITHOUT killing anyone, hospitalizing people, destroying health and relationships in a way that is truly terrifying and apparently utterly random, I would not be talking about it at all. Each to his own method. Trouble is, it DOES do all those things and it is becoming increasingly obvious that smokers have not been warned OR it is suggested that such things are extremely rare. Lies.

    Andrew, you seem to be blind to what is happening to others because you are so delighted with your own results that you simply do not WANT Champix to be responsible for horrifying damage in other people. I suggested you should read up on it, not just on this site, where there are already hundreds of such accounts following the eight or nine “Champix” posts, but also on all the other blogs and websites NOT authored by me. Then you would see the absolute consistency of the types of horror stories and tragic tales that are (let’s face it) only the tip of the iceberg. I doubt if you have looked at any of it. Why are those smokers are confirming all the things I’m saying? Do you seriously think they are making it up?

    Your argument here is the same old black and white interpretation we hear from the people plugging Champix – the suggestion that Champix is a smoker’s “only hope to avoid lung cancer”. Rubbish! Just because it was the thing that worked for you, you are assuming that everyone else would have the same results as you, and you are also trying to suggest that without this miracle drug (HA!) they would be doomed. You are also assuming that just because it didn’t fry your brains, they’ll probably be all right too and that is seriously WRONG.

    I’m not the one who is going to lose this argument. Pfizer will lose this argument, but not before Champix has killed more innocent people who just wanted to improve their health, and ruined the lives of many, many more.

    Right: put your cards on the table, Andrew – are you accusing me of telling any lies about Champix? And if so, would you kindly point out to me which pieces of evidence or smokers’ accounts you believe to be untrue or inaccurate? Also, will you tell me honestly if you have actually READ all the heartbreaking accounts of terrible human suffering caused by Champix that Champix victims have posted here?

    This site is about Evidence. If anyone thinks any of it is untrue or inaccurate, tell me. If anyone thinks smokers should NOT be warned about these things, come on here and say so, leaving your real, full name. I’m happy to tell the world who I am. Finally, there is an obvious difference between trying to warn people with factual evidence, and trying to scare people with untruths. What am I, Andrew – a liar? Details, please.

  178. never….. ever….take champix!!! remaining tabs are in the bin after just over a week and i’m smoking twice as much.

  179. I am trying to quit smoking at the moment and considering Champix. I have spoken to 2 people who have tried the 12 week run of it and both started smoking as soon as the finish the course. I am currently wearing the patch and going to try this for a few more weeks. If I really can’t kick the habit after that I will go on the medication because it does seem to work for some people.

  180. Both patches and Champix are based upon the theory that smokers’ cravings are “nicotine withdrawal”. That is a fundamental medical error.

    We get lots of cravings, they are not all about tobacco. In hypnotherapy we shut them down.

    Nobody needs any of these poisons (they’re NOT medicines, they make people ill and hardly ever work anyway) and all of this suffering and tragedy is really caused by medical authorities refusing to recognise that they’ve got it all horribly WRONG.

    How many more deaths, Doc? Two and a half years now, into the Truth Will Out Campaign. We’re counting.

  181. I have been on champix for about a week now, my doctor did not tell me about any side effects other then depression. Now that i have looked into it i now no why i am feeling this way, my family and i have noticed that my moods are changing for the worse, craving more food, sleepy and alot of nausea. i tend to have alot of odd sleeps now, with anxiety, waking up alot and alot of exotic dreams as well as night mares. But it i em determined to quit smoking and i am willing to put up with the side effects if it allows me to stop craving smoking so much. i went from smoking a pack a day, as well bad anxiety if i didnt have a pack to not worrying so much and only having about 2 smokes a day, i do find that when i have a smoke it isnt as meaning full and is just gross with the smell, so im hoping everything will work out for the best. good luck to you all and i believe champix is a great solution to quit smoking if you are determined enough.

  182. This email came in today through the “Contact Us” facility:

    “Wendy wrote:
    My daughter was prescribed Champix Sept 09, since then has now been told that she has MS. The symptoms she suffers started about a week or so after taking Champix. The Drs. insist there is no connection, I feel there is. I am interested to hear from anyone who has a similar experience.
    Thanks.”

    Well Wendy, since there are still plenty of doctors who seem to be completely unaware that Champix is dangerous at all, their reassurances on that don’t count for a lot, do they? The MS diagnosis could be wrong anyway, it may just be that they are unfamiliar with the nastier side effects of Champix.

    Anyone else encountered something similar? Please let us know.

  183. My story is so similar to others before me that I’ll abbreviate it – ten weeks into the course I stopped the course of Champix; I was barely eating because of the nausea and seriously horrendous mood swings.

    That was nearly two years ago and whilst the mood swings stopped, within a few weeks of the last tablet, they stopped on the down side and I still consider myself subdued compared to before the Champix.

    Governments around the world took years before they recognised the dangers of smoking, I hope they don’t take the same number of years ignoring the dangers of Champix whilst Pfizer bank their profits.

    I honestly had no idea so many people had also had severe reactions to the ‘drug’ – a friend started a course earlier this year, even after hearing my story, and they too stopped mid-course because of a severe change in personality and yes they are also smoking again; cigars not cigarettes, yet.

    I wish there was a way to get the word around before more people get hurt using Champix, meantime well done Chris for highlighting the problem – now it’s up to us all to spread the word.

  184. Thanks, Victor, I really appreciate that actually, lately I’ve been feeling so low about all this that I’ve been unsure about whether I can keep this up much longer.

    “For every cigarette there’s a Nicorette” is still blaring out the TV and now we’ve got a new ad – sponsored by Pfizer who make Champix – some woman claiming she was “so glad” she went to her GP for help to stop smoking. It’s getting worse, isn’t it? We haven’t quite reached the madness in the USA with the TV ads showing people dancing around singing “Viva Viagra!”, but next year, who knows?

    Are you “so glad” you went to your GP Victor? I suspect not, and I know for sure Patricia McLinden isn’t glad her husband Brian trusted his GP because Champix made him go mad and shoot himself earlier this year. Here’s the awful story as she related it to me.

    The people of New Zealand will have this bastard medication made available on prescription in November if the plan gets the final OK. Can we stop it? It doesn’t work for 86% of smokers anyway in the long run. Please – anybody – Facebook it, Tweet it, Digg it Buzz it…. anything and everything, it’s a bogus medication and a killer and it’s got to be stopped. Don’t just leave it to me because I can’t do it alone. Please, read Patricia’s story – and for Brian, for Victor and for everybody else – especially those who are not yet harmed – please spread the word and KILL THE SUICIDE PILL.

  185. Well, at the end of a 12 week course of this ‘wonder’ drug, I can report the following.
    1. I no longer smoke
    2. I am not suffering from depression
    3. I am not suffering from mood swings
    4. I have not attempted violence towards anyone
    5. I am so much happier now that I am not smoking
    6. I have more energy
    7. I need less sleep
    8. I don’t smell of smoke anymore
    9. I am able to do more exercise.
    10. I don’t feel the need to smoke
    Giving up smoking is VERY difficult. Champix has helped me achieve, in 12 weeks what I have been unable to do, on my own for 5 years (I’ve tried other techniques like acupuncture and hypnotherapy). I did feel nauseous on a couple of occasions but this was due to taking on an empty stomach. To put it into context, if you smoke, you will, most likely die earlier than if you do not smoke. If you can control your mood enough to survive the first 3 months of not smoking, you could live longer. I have smoked for 23 years and was smoking 30 – 50 a day. I would hazard a guess and say more people die from smoking related illnesses than taking champix. Just remember any method that COSTS YOU MONEY, could be a waste of your money. Do you trust someone whom spends time and effort ridiculing others theories and statistically proven methods, and are willing to CHARGE you for the TRUTH?

  186. 1. Nobody is charged for reading anything here – not even the book, unless you want to read the whole thing. People buy books all the time – they don’t seem to think the authors or publishers are somehow ripping them off!

    2. So you’re not smoking at twelve weeks. The original Champix trials reported a number of outcomes in different groups at 12 weeks, the very best of which converted in to a 44% success rate, the basis of the hype. The follow up at 28 weeks saw that “success rate” halved.

    3. So the drug didn’t make you go off your rocker. I’m sure that simple fact wouldn’t make you feel complacent about all the other deaths and casualties caused by Champix, because that would make you an insensitive, self-centred and rather callous individual, and we both know you’re not.

    4. Champix doesn’t make everyone ill. I never said it did. I just can’t help thinking that if it HAD happened to you, your contribution here would probably have sounded more like THIS… assuming you were still alive, of course.

    5. You are correct, more people die from smoking than from taking Champix. But NOBODY dies from hypnotherapy, reading the Allen Carr book or having acupuncture. That’s why I suggest that people should try those FIRST, because all of them have better long-term success rates than Champix and you CANNOT be harmed by them. The fact (if it IS a fact) that you didn’t personally respond to hypnotherapy or acupuncture doesn’t change any of these facts, or the rather obvious logical conclusion that you should only resort to the riskier methods LAST.

    6. “Statistically proven methods”: When the results are reviewed at one year, NRT has a 6% success rate, no different from willpower. Zyban 13%, Champix 14% to 22% depending on which studies you prefer.

    7. I am not asking anyone to trust ME when considering Champix, but all the smokers who have contributed to this blog AND all the other blogs devoted to the subject. The purpose of this site is to warn smokers that a good deal of what they are told about anti-smoking medications is not true, and that there are more successful and safer methods available, one of which is hypnotherapy. If you believe that something I’ve written is factually inaccurate, James, can you please tell me what it is?

  187. Cheers James,

    Your words could have been mine. They were.

    ‘Well, at the end of a 12 week course of this ‘wonder’ drug, I can report the following.
    1. I no longer smoke
    2. I am not suffering from depression
    3. I am not suffering from mood swings
    4. I have not attempted violence towards anyone
    5. I am so much happier now that I am not smoking
    6. I have more energy
    7. I need less sleep
    8. I don’t smell of smoke anymore
    9. I am able to do more exercise.
    10. I don’t feel the need to smoke’

    Like James, I am eternally grateful to Champix.
    Please keep an open mind folks.

    If it has helped 14 per cent of users quit, which is the lowest estimate we have, that is still HUGE amounts of lives saved. Anecdotally, I can tell you about half of my friends who have tried it have successfully quit.

    Remember, many of the side effects people are reporting could be normal withdrawal from nicotine and nothing at all to do with Champix.

    Chris, why the hysterical language studded with swear words? It just makes you come across like a bit of a loony to be honest.

    I don’t think you’re a liar. I think that you sincerely believe in the rightness of what you are saying. I just think you are very misguided.

    None of us are neutral. Me and James are speaking up for Champix because we believe it might have helped save our lives. Equally, your business depends on people NOT using Champix and using your methods instead.

    But you have a financial stake in this, we don’t.

    Saying that, I commend you on at least allowing both sides of the argument to be printed here.

    Good luck to everyone who is trying to quit, through whichever methods you choose. To read this site, you would imagine that people who take Champix are being turned into murderous, suicidal, out-of-control zombies over night. If that really was the case, do you seriously think it would be licensed?

    For my mind Champix represents the most important breakthrough in beating nicotine addiction we have seen in our lifetimes. Don’t let the hysteria on this website put you off. Just be careful – as you should be with any drug you take for the first time. And if you successfully quit, come back to this site and make sure you let people know.

    Good luck and all the best!

    Andrew [from 50 a day, to no cigarettes for seven months. I KNOW I will never go back] x

  188. “Misguided” by what, Andrew? A couple of years ago I began inviting comments on Champix. I print them all, just as I’ve printed yours and James’ contributions. If the overall picture on many Champix blogs is frightening – and it is, apart from the ones promoting the medication – that is certainly cause for alarm.

    The “nicotine withdrawal” suggestion has already been dismissed by the US Surgeon-General on the basis that most ex-smokers alive today quit without any aids at all and did NOT display these reactions, some of which hospitalise people.

    Maybe, if you had been sitting here for a couple of years reading ALL of these comments – not just on this particular post but all the others on Champix too, and on many other blogs – you would be feeling quite different. Of course I understand that if you have not encountered any tragedies in your own life, and haven’t read into it much either – yeah, I might well sound like a raving loony to you.

    Now read this. It is not an isolated case, and the heartbroken lady who asked me to write the case up recently does not think I’m a loony, quite the opposite.

  189. I have encountered tragedies in my own life Chris. I watched my mother die of lung cancer. That’s why this issue means so much to me.

  190. Fair point. As you say, none of us are neutral. But when you suggest that I have a financial stake in this, you couldn’t be more wrong. This Campaign – which was never about Champix in the first place, although it is now – has cost me very dearly. Do you really suppose that I get any hypnotherapy business out of this? I have another website for my practice, and the truth is I often neglect it, and spend far too much time writing on here. This site was never designed to sell hypnotherapy, but to call for nicotine replacement poisoning to be scrapped because it doesn’t work at all, and the Department of Health knows it.

    The vast majority of the people reading this site do not live in the UK. Even the ones that do, the majority don’t live anywhere near me and if they wanted hypnotherapy would go to someone practising near them. I’m promoting hypnotherapy because it works and it doesn’t harm anyone, it is pure communication. The money that is wasted on NRT should be spent on hypnotherapy, the Allen Carr approach and acupuncture services. Looking at long-term outcomes, they have all proven to be far better than 14%, and with NO RISK. Do I expect the Department of Health to adopt this policy? Hardly – they never listened to Allen Carr, did they?

    All I’m saying about Champix is that smokers should be fully aware of the risks – many were told nothing of them, according to smokers’ own accounts – and that they should try the methods that cannot possibly harm them before turning to methods that might.

    The Department of Health don’t agree with that, apparently. Weird.

  191. Well I agree with you about Nicotine Replacement Therapy Chris. They are handing it out like confetti, or Prozac, over here, which i do think is a little suspect. It’s like giving heroin to a heroin addict or alcohol to an alcoholic, just administering the drug it in a different way.

    Doctors don’t like to prescribe Champix here, and I think it’s a cost issue with them.

    I’m all for hypnotherapy if it works for people. Champix worked best for me though.

  192. Hey all 😀

    Well I have been using Champix for 6 weeks now, I have been quit smoking for 4 weeks on Tuesday 😀 x. Was it easy??? No, will power is still needed, nothing will make quitting easy :-S (I would normally smoke 30 cigs a day). I have 4 young children and have been with my partner 13 years 😀

    Side effects, well, when I first started taking these, I got nausea and headaches :-S The headaches have now lifted, but the nausea is terrible, and hour after each table I am still feeling sick :-S I am usually a easy going person, get on with everyone, but lately, I am being withdrawn, REALLY bad tempered, and feel like smacking people upside the head :-S I have never been violent, and rarely lost my temper espesh with my children. Lately I have been VERY temperamental, and the rage lasts hours as opposed to minutes :S I often feel disconnected and can’t make my thoughts work, I even left me little boy at school one day :-S I have NEVER done that with any of my kids, but couldn’t concentrate at all.

    Soooo yesterday was my last day of Champix, I will do this on my own, I will not risk me and my children over this!!!

    I understand everyone has the right to make their own decision about Champix, but surely they deserve to know ALL the risks. I just hope they changes I feel now are reversible :-S

    Good luck to all in quitting Karen ..x

  193. Ohhhh and P,S I have NEVER slept as much as I do now, It is terrible. Also one last point, the rage only started about 1 week ago, so if it where down to quitting, surely that would happen when I quit, not just start all of a sudden :-S

  194. All I know for a fact is this, I am a 39 year old strong woman. I have been taking Champix for 4 weeks, I have not smoked for 2 weeks, I took the evening dose once, couldn’t sleep and never took the evening dose again. I am euphoric that I haven’t wanted to smoke, I have tried everything including hypnotherapy. I smoked for 20 years. My advice is try it, if it makes you feel shit stop taking it – simple.

  195. I am comming to the end of my twelve week course of Champix and must say that I am a very happy man. I had smoked for thirty four years and had previously tried Ziban and other products with no sucess. Now I am smoke free, feel fantastic and have more money in my pocket. I must have been one of the lucky one because the only side effect I suffered was a mild headache now and again. Champix was simple and painless, wish it had been available years ago.

  196. Good point Karen: if the rage was “nicotine withdrawal” it would have been happening as soon as nicotine was withdrawn, not suddenly start three weeks later! Good luck with your bid for freedom.

    Nikki and Graeme, both of you are still on Champix but you are talking as if success is already won. I truly hope you are successful and that Champix doesn’t harm either of you, but there are far too many posts on the internet from people bigging up Champix while they are still on medication, when in the drug trials half of those not smoking at twelve weeks started again by 28 weeks. Some of the bad reactions reported so far happened when the smoker took a second course of Champix.

    Nikki, your advice to “try it, if it makes you feel shit stop taking it- simple” SOUNDS simple, but just consider this account from Fiona Redmond, added to the ‘Champix Chantix 8’ post thread:

    “I was given champic back in may, I was warned it could give me suicidal thoughts so my question then was ‘will I know that I am having them so as not to commit suicide’ ‘Yes’ was the reply from my doctor. Three weeks later I woke up in intensive care after three nights. I had taken what should have been a lethal overdose, only I had sent a text to someone who had called my daughter with concerns. When I was found I was already unconscious. I did not have a clue when I awoke in hospital what I was there for? After I was discharged, my daughter hated me for taking an overdose and many friends are looking at me with a different outlook. I nearly lost my life and I have definatly lost family and friends over this. In the long and short of it, I nearly killed myself trying to save myself from dying of smoke related illnesses.”

    So I guess it’s not so simple, is it? How do you avoid THAT?

  197. And now this, from Terri, added to the same thread today:

    “Fiona…I know. Believe me, I KNOW how you feel/felt. I, too, ended up in a coma and woke up 6 days later in ICU when being taken off the vent. My married daughters, husband, and grandchildren, hated me, too. Shoot, I hated me!! I had no idea I was going to take over 240 sleeping pills and cut myself up w/razors…write short note…and be found on a Used Car Dealer parking lot 12 hours later.

    Black box, purple box…doesn’t matter. This drug has GOT to be pulled off the market. It’s so sneaky. It distorts your mind completely, slowly & thoroughly. This drug w/own you once it’s in your system. Only God knows how/where you’ll land. Please…believe me. I’ve nothing to gain by lying. I’m trying to save ANYone from trodding thru …the same depths of Hell I did. Inhibitions, second thoughts, lucidity, common sense, emotions up/down…GONE…absolutely GONE. Save yourself…before it’s too late.”

    Now I understand – perfectly- how this might come as a bit of a surprise if you’ve been taking exactly the same tablet and none of this happened to you personally. But think about this: if it had happened to a couple of people in the relatively small number of people in the original drug trials, would this drug have ever been passed for safety? Of course not.

    Warnings are clearly useless, aren’t they? Terri’s right.

  198. champix works for me so far, no side effects. i wouldnt have been able to get this far with hypnotherapy because im not gullible. hypnotherapy only works on idiots

  199. Actually it DOESN’T work on idiots ‘dan’. So you’re right, you probably wouldn’t get very far with it.

    Hypnotherapy is a learning process, not a treatment. It requires at least moderate intelligence, receptiveness and a generally positive attitude to the process, all of which would clearly be lacking in ‘dan’.

    No, it is people like ‘dan’ that Champix was specifically designed for. If it fries his brains, he might just come out nicer. Certainly can’t do much harm in his case, at least!

  200. I think some context is required here, if we are not to descend into hysteria.

    In Britain Champix has been LINKED to four suicides, and five attempted suicides.

    There have been 200,000 people prescribed the drug in Britain since its launch.

    So even assuming that ALL these instances were the result of a bad reaction to Champix…it still means your chances of having such a reaction is one in 22,000

    I would say that’s a risk worth taking given the chances you have of developing lung cancer should you fail to quit.

    My advice?

    1) Try the drug
    2) accept that mood changes are a normal part of giving up nicotine
    3) If you are worried then ask your close friends and family to keep a close eye on your moods and behaviour so they can tell you if they believe the drug is having a serious negative affect.
    4) If you are feeling really depressed and angry on Champix, then stop taking it.

    Andrew (from 50-a-day to smoke free for 8 months)

  201. With respect, Andrew, that 1 in 22,000 figure would only hold true if ALL adverse reactions were:

    a) anything to do with depression, or suicidal thoughts.. many are PHYSICAL harm, which does not always reverse upon cessation of the drug so vigilance won’t avoid it;

    b) linked to the drug in the first place by the user or their loved ones, so that it COULD be reported, and

    c) actually reported, not just TO the doctor but also BY the doctor through the Yellow Card scheme, or whatever they have in other countries.

    I wonder what the figures would look like if every case of harm that had actually happened since this drug was made widely available at the taxpayers’ expense were officially reported. I suspect it would be banned already, and so it is obviously to Pfizer’s advantage to keep pointing to the official figures as false reassurance of the supposed rarity of the dangers, whilst a lot of it just goes unreported.

    Andrew’s Point 2): Mood changes are NOT a normal part of quitting with hypnotherapy, because they are not really related to nicotine at all, that’s a common misconception. More about that here.

    As to your point 4) Andrew, that’s just what Nikki said in Post 207, but as you can see from Fiona’s and Terri’s personal experiences (209, 210) that can go very wrong. And as the long-term success is only about 14% anyway – why risk it, unless you have already exhausted all the methods that have better overall success rates and don’t involve risk?

    Andrew is understandably in favour of Champix because it worked for him and he didn’t end up swinging from a roof-beam. Also, if memory serves, I believe he did say he had already tried everything else, and none of it worked for him – only Champix.

    All I’m saying is, take Andrew’s approach because it’s the safest route: try all the things that cannot possibly fry your brains before resorting to something that might. I don’t think that’s hysteria, I think it is common sense.

    And if Champix harms you or a loved one, REPORT IT! This is a link at the very start of this post that will help you do that – or you might need to Google that depending on what country you live in. This isn’t about fighting a battle: Pfizer are simply marketing a product in a highly competitive market in which human lives are certainly expendable, and I’m just trying to undermine their attempts to make it seem safer and more effective than it actually is. We love and respect each other really. In fact I’m writing out their Christmas card right now. The one I got last year off them was lovely. And all those I got off all the internet “pharmacies” of which I speak so highly here on T.W.O… yes, I’ve made lots of friends all over the world goin’ on about this stuff. They’re lovely people.

    So anyway, bottom line is, by all means try Champix if you’ve tried everything else already and you’re still smoking, provided you’re going to be okay with it if you turn out to be unlucky. Because that’s the thing, Andrew: I’ve yet to get a message from a Champix casualty who is philosophical about that, such as: “My wife took Champix for 12 weeks, then started smoking again so she went on a second course which turned her into Blackbeard. She screamed at the children and came after me with a hunting knife, strangled the family pet, took a flight to Australia and now lives in the outback like a wild animal, but – you know? Maybe she’d have done that anyway! My therapist says there’s no way to prove it was the medication, maybe it was nicotine withdrawal, I believe it affects everyone differently. Mustn’t grumble, eh?”

    No, the people who are philosophical about the severe side-effects of Champix are a) Pfizer, and b) the Champix users who didn’t experience any. That IS the majority, Andrew’s quite right about that, but that’s not much comfort to people like Patricia.

    RISK

    You cannot avoid risk. “Life is a terminal illness”, as my brother says. (Yes, he’s a cheerful soul!) From the moment we’re born, we are exposed to all sorts of risks and hazards every day of out lives. Personally I have taken a ridiculous number of unnecessary risks in the past, smoking being one of the less dramatic. Trying to avoid all risks – in my opinion – might statistically make you somewhat safer but it doesn’t make you feel safer, it makes you feel scared. Those who are pro-Champix point to the risk from continuing to smoke, which may be as much as a 50% chance of a smoking-related death. But to look at that another way, you could just as easily argue that half the smokers in the world needn’t bother trying to quit because it isn’t going to kill ’em anyway. That’s tens of millions of people, needlessly wasting their time with worrying, self-help books, plastic cigarettes, Nicorette, Champix, acupuncture and hypnotherapy when actually Fate is chuckling away about the secret appointment with the falling tree, the rabid squirrel or the insanely jealous husband.

    No, hypnotherapy won’t save you from them either but as it is just a communication process, it doesn’t involve ANY risk and it has about a 60% hit rate for smoking which makes it the best method of the lot. So if you do actually want to get free of the habit, it makes sense to try that first.

  202. Has anyone ever considered that the severe side-effects are not just caused by the drug itself but possibly:

    A. The user drinks alcohol frequently on it
    B. The user is taking another prescription that may be combatting with the drug
    C. The user uses other street drugs
    D. The users body make-up is unique and has more of/less of a chemical that triggers the drug

    Hi, I’m Chris,

    Before the OP says anything. YES. I have read all the one-sided comments about Chantix and also see that the focus is on the drug itself… not the person and their habits.

    I’m 27. Unlike most people here I’ve only been smoking for about 6 years. 3 months before New Years 2009 I quit smoking by use of E-Cigarettes. I started back up on New Years day because I finally cracked around my friends and couldn’t fight the urges any more (friends smoke FYI). From there I continued to smoke for about a month and sought help with the aid of Nicotine patches. My first go around with the patches was a huge success. After just 3 days of the patch I decided to test my brain and figure out what I was craving, the cigarette, or nicotine. I decided one day I would take the patch with me to work and when that craving arrived if I wanted a cigarette I would bum one and go smoke. IF, on the other hand, I wasn’t thinking about cigarettes and instead was thinking about how bad I wanted to slap the patch on, THEN I would choose to not wear the patch, survive through the day, and then quit cold turkey. This answered the age old question with me. Is it the habit/cigarette or am I addicted to nicotine? Well, that day the time came around and I thought of the patch. I didn’t care for the cigarette taste or want to be anywhere near it. I wanted the cravings to stop…

    So yes… I am a nicotine dependent.

    After identifying this I stayed off cigarettes again for a couple months, but every time I started drinking (especially where there were cigarettes) I would always create an excuse to why I was smoking and reason with myself that in the morning it would be different…

    Sounds like an addict right?

    Anywho… I started smoking again. Since then I have been on/off with cigarettes. I tried the patch again and it was working until I started to have an allergy reaction to the adhesive. I tried the gum… waste of time and money for me as not a feasible way for me to quit.

    My methods I have used to quit smoking (temporarily of course):

    – Hypnotherapy
    Cost: $350 USD
    Days till smoking again: 3

    – Zyban
    Cost: Free (smoking cessation)
    Days till smoking again: Smoked through the horrendous taste, quit the meds

    – Wellbutrin
    Cost: $20 USD
    Days till smoking again: Smoked while on the meds.
    * Was using wellbutrin as an anti-depressant and possible treatment for ADHD/quitting smoking would have been a bonus

    – Nicoderm CQ
    Cost: estimated $150-$200 USD spent total
    Days till smoking again: 1st time: 90+ days, 2nd time: Intermittent smoking throughout the week

    – Nicorette
    Cost: $50 USD
    Days till smoking: 1-none, still smoked after chewing the gum that day

    – Cold Turkey:
    Cost: Free
    Days till smoking: 1st time: 80-90 days

    – Elecrtonic Cigarette:
    Cost: Too much… too many good choices out there for Vaporizors
    Days till smoking: Would have to be the longest… 6 months, 3 months on E-Cig/3 months off

    – Chantix
    Cost: $50
    Days till smoking: Smoked 2 cigs on 2nd week Day 1 and 1 cig on 2nd week Day 2. On 2nd week Day 3 and no cigarette.

    Out of all the methods listed above the most pricey option other than E-Cigs was the hypnotherapy option that only worked for 3 days. Did it work? No. Those 3 days I didn’t smoke because of willpower alone.

    * I’ve heard success stories about it and that’s why I tried it, but unfortunately it did not work for me.

    *electronic cigarettes are meant to give the user a ‘healthier’ alternative to smoking not help the user quit.

    As you can see I’ve tried a lot in the past 2 years alone. I have tried to quit so often that my own sense of willpower has faltered in many occasions.

    I am on Chantix. Up to 2mg a 24hr day. The first week was not exactly a great Chantix moment for me:
    – Mood Swings
    – Iritable
    – Drowsy
    – Depression

    I will note that when I felt severly depressed it was after I had kicked back a few beers.

    The 2nd week:
    Upping the dosage from 1mg to the prescribed 2mg has made it all go away (for the most part):
    – I am no longer annoyed (maybe a little after waking up)
    – Not depressed
    – Still more sleepy than normal
    – No more mood swings

    I am taking Chantix in tandem with my prescription for ADHD ‘vyvanse’ and can tell when my ADHD meds run out because I get really sleepy from Chantix.

    I will say that I do believe that Chantix does as designed and blocks the nicotine receptors. It makes the urges for nicotine hardly noticeable but I believe (experience from quitting cold turkey) that the body still knows what is going on. Mood swings, irritability, etc… is common in nicotine withdrawals.

    Another thing I’d like to point out…

    Nicotine withdrawal: is a term used to describe the effects felt by a person who is nicotine dependent and suddenly stops or significantly reduces his/her nicotine intake.

    Symptoms can include craving cigarettes, becoming irritable, intense headaches and increased blood pressure.

    The most common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are impaired concentration, irritability, tension, disturbed sleep or drowsiness, intense longing for a cigarette/nicotine, headaches, and an increased appetite leading to weight gain.

    Chantix

    Nausea occurs commonly in people taking varenicline. Other less common side effects include headache, difficulty sleeping, and abnormal dreams.

    In November 2007, the FDA announced it had received post-marketing reports that patients using varenicline for smoking cessation had experienced several serious symptoms, including suicidal ideation and occasional suicidal behavior, erratic behavior, and drowsiness

    A cohort study published in November 2009 analyzed medical records of 80,660 persons attempting to quit smoking (10,973 of which were using Varenicline) and found no evidence of an increased risk of depression, self-harm and suicidality, although a small increase could not be ruled out on statistical grounds.

    Hmmm… Look at the common side-effects of nicotine withdrawal versus the less common side-effects of Chantix and what do you see?

    Similar…

    You have to think. Is it the withdrawal or drug. The severe cases of extreme depression, suicidal thoughts, etc…

    Why do you experience these more common side-effects in the beginning? because Chantix is working it’s way into your system and every day you are getting less and less nicotine from the cigarettes you smoke. Your body starts craving it and that’s where the withdrawals come in.

    ***Opinion***
    I think much like the relation of the media scare with real estate and the economy people are freaking out and mentally cause these symptoms themselves… Mind over matter so to speak…

    Ok, Frued… I’ll let you blast my comment now.

  203. Freud was a psychoanalyst, not a hypnotherapist. He was – famously – useless with hypnosis and dropped it early on in his career, suggesting that it was of limited use when really he just didn’t know how to work with the Subconscious mind. He was a scientist, his inclination was to analyse the mind so that is what he did, he invented “psycho-analysis”.

    Hypnotherapy is a completely different thing.

    Has it ever occured to you, Chris, that you simply have a conflict over stopping smoking which no-one has ever addressed with any appropriate skill and that is the real reason that none of these methods are solving the problem?

    As I’ve pointed out before, if something is wrong with your car and you take it to a mechanic but he doesn’t fix it successfully, do you conclude that the whole business of mechanics is a “waste of money” because you tried that and “it” didn’t work?

    No. You find a mechanic or hypnotherapist who knows what they’re doing.

    There is no such thing as nicotine withdrawal.

  204. What conflict would that be?

    I have many so I’m curious as to what you think.

    ———–

    In 2009 there was a study done by an ASU professor about the addictive qualities of nicotine. Through this study it was then concluded that nicotine by itself was not all that addictive. Instead, it was concluded, that the effect was caused by the combination of nicotine MAOIs from cigarettes wich essentially increases the dopamine levels and then clears the brain of the excess.

    The point is…
    Smoking a cigarette made the user feel better.

    Whereas nicotine by itself isn’t the addictive agent above it still states it plays it’s part. This is why inhaling from an empty tube just to ‘cure the habit’ tends to fail on many people who do attempt to quit.

    Nicotine may not be #1 but it is vital to the addiction. Withdrawal symptoms this way (according to the article) makes sense and can be comparable to the average drug withdrawal from anti-depressants.

    Chantix in a way for some people is an anti-depressant and for some people it affects the opposite. A lot of Chantix users after coming off Chantix experience withdrawal symptoms because that is one chemical your body is used to seeing and ,once familiar, craves it. You can recondition your body otherwise though.

    People fear Chantix because of all the negative effects. Life can be negative or positive depending on how you look at it. I approached Chantix after months of research. Before going on Chantix I evaluated myself and thoughts, as well as previous attempts to quit. I thought about what it was that made me start again. I thought about drinking and specifically drinking around people who smoke. I realized (after being prescribed ADHD meds/able to focus and clear my mind) that what I was missing that caused me the stress, want, need to drink or even smoke was I had issues within myself that I hadn’t resolved. On the outside I looked fine, but inside I was still tearing myself apart.

    Maybe it is because of these un-resolved issues in ourselves that Chantix itself may just have the ability to bring even the smallest issue to surface we say “doesn’t really bother me” and amplifies that by taking control of our emotions and causing additional stress.

    Perhaps it’s the willpower and ability of the user that lacks the control in takes to tame the emotional roller coaster Chantix can send the user on. Who knows.

    I don’t blame the drug. Even with other medication the side effects caused physically would be drug related, mentally on the other hand… It depends on what you’re taking. I’ve even taken Trazedone back in the day to resolve my issues with falling asleep. Trazedone is a psychotropic drug that CAN mess with your brain in a very negative way as well as become addicting.

    ———–

  205. Hmmmm, I am still reading all this, I “get” your comments Chris, but my symptoms came 3 weeks AFTER I quit :-S So were nothing to do with withdrawal ;-S

    I have now been of Champix almost two weeks, GREAT decision for me, my mind is no longer foggy, I can’t sleep to good, but I prefer that to FAR to much sleep. I can see a massive difference, so can my friends and family.

    I still “choose” not to smoke, and guys, it really doesn’t have to be smoking or Champix, there ARE other options!!!

    Good luck to all trying and keep safe to all using Champix. Though is it worth the risk???

    Karen.x.

  206. I agree that Chantix is a risk, but I don’t believe it’s the drug entirely at fault here.

    Like I mentioned the 1st week I despised greatly. However, with any medication you are put on you need to get past that first week of side-effects as that’s mainly caused by the meds workign their way into your system.

    However, IF you experience the side-effects to the EXTREME then that’s where you need to seek medical help.

    The one thing I do want to make clear here is that medicine as treatment for any issue involving the brain is my last choice. For years I have relied on logic and willpower to battle and understand everything going on. I refused to approach treatment with meds because I am a firm believer in “mind over atter” and “the only person who can help yourself is YOU”…

    When it came to smoking I approached it like I did with my own mental problems. I compared my experience with cigarettes and the ability to quit with my Dad who quit could turkey when he was 26 or so. I don’t ever remember him having much of a hard time with quitting, but then again I was 3 or so.

    *** I guess since I didn’t get a reply from Chris I’ll say this anyway to answer his question…

    Part of what has brought me back to cigarettes has been the lack of support from family and friends.

    Whenever the subject pertained to a habit I was going to stop (prior smoking) my parents would say something to the effect of “that’ll be the day” or “I’ll believe it when I see it”. Quitting smoking was no exception and was widely ridiculed by my parents, most importantly my Dad.

    With that being said my determination was beat down as I felt no matter what I could not change and that I would always disappoint someone.

    However, now I have the right mindset. I turned around a 180 and HAVE changed since admitting to myself that I was hopeless to try and resolve my issues with willpower alone. In any kind of AA/NA/etc meeting the 1st rule is always to “accept the things I cannot change, and the courage to change the things I can”. To be honest this should always be the first step to change in anyone’s life.

    Hypnotherapy does not change one’s life. It’s merely (if successful) builds a wall around an issue that does still have the potential to surface again. Whether you go to quit smoking, forget something in the past, or… whatever. You’re only putting a bandaid on the issue as that issue is still in your head.

    ——–

    I’ve come to terms that drastic measures need be considered in order to quit a habit that only comes too natural too me. My first cigarette I picked up was when I was 4 years old. Didn’t touch them again till 13 (once) and then again until I was 18 (while drinking)-21(every day smoker).

    Out of all the methods I have used the best would be:

    E-Cigarettes as they break you from the habit of the actual cigarette and feeling like you’re smoking an actual cigarette. When you decided to wean yourself or quit could turkey off these then it’s much easier as your lungs are already clear from not having smoked tar, you feel better, you get your senses back… Honestly electronic cigarettes are a godsend to every smoker out there. It takes most everything bad out of what a cigarette does for you and people around you and gives you want you want/need without further headache. The only problem with E-cigs are the upkeep it takes to keep the device in good shape as well as refilling the cartidges w/ nicotine becomes a hassle.

    Nicoderm Patches:
    With a patch on this controlled the cravings tremendously, but once I started to drink around the smoking environment I would end up tearing the patch off and smoking a cigarette anyway. The patches tend to irritate the skin too. Some patches you need to buy bandaids and stick them on additional as a lot of patches aren’t very flexible. Overall it worked in the beginning, continued use as an aid it began to lose it’s effectiveness. I still fought off huge urges to smoke when I was extremely stressed out, when I drank I would get huge cravings to feel the smoothness of the smoke going down my throat, and so eventually 9/10 the patch would end up coming off and smoking would then commence.

    Chantix:
    A serious pain the 1st week but any medication you start taking on a regular basis has a “burn in” period. Controls the cravings to almost non-existent (moreso over the patches) and so far everything is much better since the 1st week.

    ——-

    Most likely the positivity through this whole ordeal with chantix is probably helped by the effect my ADHD medication has on me, but… Both my ADHD medication and Chantix has similar almost exact side-effects. Essentially they compliment each other. You would think most of all I would be having those side-effects at least…

  207. Karen,
    Insomnia also comes with it’s own issues. Your body is tired and not getting the rest it needs to revitalize you. The more sleep you miss the more cranky you get. You may not want to snap at someone, but all of a sudden you just do. I’m not going to assume this is your exact issue, but something to consider perhaps?

  208. Chris, I’m not ignoring you, it’s just that the posts you’re writing here are even longer than mine usually are, and I have a lot on at the moment so I can’t always answer all these points as they come up!

    What conflicts might you have reagrding tobacco? Well I don’t attempt to do therapy remotely so unless you were sitting in front of me I wouldn’t start that investigation, but some very common ones are: fear of failure (at quitting), regarding tobacco as one of life’s pleasures, regarding it as a stress-reliever, feeling under pressure to stop from others, regarding the whole business of stopping smoking as a very big deal or practically impossible, a subconscious objection to being ‘helped’, honestly believing that you are hopelessly addicted… there are more.

    All of these we can deal with and clear in hypnotherapy, but of course you need to be working with a good therapist who specialises in that area and the therapist has to be able to work with you, there has to be a working level of rapport.

    You mentioned earlier that:

    . “The point is…
    Smoking a cigarette made the user feel better.”

    To put that down to nicotine is an assumption, and it is a very subjective observation anyway. Did your first ever cigarette make you feel better? Highly unlikely. Well, why not?

    The truth is, craving signals are irritating, and they only stop when you light up a cigarette, because they are a signal prompting you to light up a cigarette. The moment you do that, the signal goes away. If you do not do that, the prompting signal repeats and becomes more insistent, more irritating. So when you do light up, it stops – which is a relief, because it is irritating. So the cigarette appears to make you feel better because the craving signal was making you feel increasingly tense and irritable.

    It is exactly the same kind of relief you feel when next-door’s burglar alarm FINALLY stops ringing. Ah, bliss!

    It has sod all to do with nicotine or anything else in the smoke. This is also why smokers wearing nicotine patches still feel an urge to light up. That urge is clearly NOT a “need for nicotine”, they were already getting nicotine! It is an urge to pick up a cigarette and light it. Quite often they take off the patch, smoke a cigarette and then stick it back on again – now they’re really confused!

    In hypnotherapy, we shut those irritating signals down. The process does have to be conducted properly though, for the appropriate response to be elicited during the session because the human mind is very complex and each smoker is an individual which is why ‘hypnotherapy’ CDs are very unlikely to work. That’s not therapy, that’s a money-making enterprise presented as if it was hypnotherapy. Don’t buy ’em.

  209. Chris,

    No I was snapping at people when I was getting to much sleep, I now don’t get enough and still a lot better tempered. I just don’t believe it was quitting that made my moods swing, it was 3 weeks after I quit the moods came.

    I am struggling now, but I am choosing not to smoke, I really think this is the only way to quit, no patches no wonder pill, just us 😀

    I REALLY wish I hadn’t started champix and am over the moon to be off them 😀

  210. Chris –
    My first cigarette: Yes, there was hacking and coughing involved. Maybe a little water in the eyes, but it also gave a temporary high which lasted a few minutes that overall made me feel better and gave the ability to continue to take on the stress I had consistently being pressed onto my shoulders in the military.

    Did it make me feel better? Yes. I received a temporary high.

    This could potentially mean the introduction of a new chemical stimulated/increased a certain chemical to my body/in my body that overall increased my ‘happiness’ emotion.

    ——-

    Fear of failure is what I have expressed in the past, I’m making leaps and bounds past that as of recent.

    I don’t believe on blaming an object for my own downfall or disappointment. There is a reason I went through the trouble of utilizing that object as a treatment to the issue. It’s all me, nothing else.

    I don’t argue that there is another element to why people can’t stop smoking as easy as they want to. I can tell you from experience that sober I rarely ever thought of wanting to light a cigarette up while wearing the patch. When I was out with my friends and saw them do it, my mind did play tricks on me and basically say…

    “Look at them enjoying what they love. What reason do I have to quit? You really don’t want to quit anyway, afterall, what are you going to do when you’re bored and by yourself. You’re just going to disappoint people anyway…”

    At that point I’d drink and continue to drink more till those thoughts were too strong and the cravings too hard to handle. At that point I would bum a smoke.

    I know there is another factor to quitting smoking and that’s called the habit. This is why they encourage you to develop new habits. Healthier habits…

    You can’t dispute that nicotine aids do not help with the cravings. Try switching off regular smokes (analog) to E-Cigs (digital) and you would know what I mean.

    With E-Cigs the main ingredient is nicotine with maybe 8 other chemicals. Anyone can live off electronic cigarettes vice a pack of Marlboros. You have to break yourself into it though. More ofter than not people who start ‘vaping’ will say that it feels weird, but satifies the same. You get the satisfaction like you’ve smoked a regular cigarette with no drawback to the negative effect of a real cigarette.

    My point is simply this. IF nicotine is NOT a leading cause to the addiction then WHY is it when you crave a cigarette and vape off an electronic cigarette… why is it that that craving you felt goes away. As stated before, you can do the same action and preparation of vaping off an e-cig with an empty plastic tube, inhale, then exhale, and… nothing. You still crave a cigarette. Something is most definitely missing.

    Hypnotherapy for the habit mainly… most people helped in this method may be the habitual smoker… there are different kinds, who knows?

    Cravings are there because of the absence of something you’re body is used to but does not have any more. Hence the title a ‘withdrawal’…

  211. Sorry Karen. I realize after I submitted the post you were sleeping too much >_<

    I will say for others though. It is something to consider before blaming a drug you know nothing about.

    There are logical reasons as to some of the most common side effects experienced in a lot of these meds.

  212. Look, Chris, I’m not going to sit here and write the book all over again. If you want the answers to the points you’re making, read it. They’re all in there. If you don’t, fine – go on believing in addictions and medications, and I hope Champix doesn’t fry your brains so you can keep the faith in the pharmaceutical industry if that’s what you prefer.

    The confusion between cravings and withdrawal symptoms is the medical profession’s big mistake. I don’t just shut down habits, Chris, I specifically shut down the very cravings you call “withdrawal” – not only in tobacco habits but also cannabis, alcohol, gambling, food cravings, “comfort eating”, cocaine use, ketamine and amphetamine habits too. Jealousy, lovesickness and infatuation impulses are utilising the same system, under the direction of the Subconscious mind, and I’ve spent ten years working with thousands of individuals fixing these things with hypnotherapy, which you really don’t know anything about.

    The problems you had were already there before you put the cigarette in your mouth. I know the inhalation of tobacco smoke makes the new smoker feel DIFFERENT because of all the toxins in the smoke, including carbon monoxide which makes you feel dizzy and faint because it lowers oxygen levels in the brain temporarily. Does this make carbon monoxide a drug? Hardly!

    So to any new smoker who is happy and fine this would simply be nauseating, which is the initial impression most people have. To a very pressured or unhappy soul it instantly blots some of their usual feelings OUT, which makes a completely different impression in the Subconscious mind “By smoking one of these, I can change the way I feel!”

    Very similar to self-harming, as I pointed out in the book. That can become a compulsive habit, too. Where’s the drug? Gambling: where’s the drug? And please, don’t start parroting all that crap about dopamine and levels of seratonin (HA!) because I can adjust all these feelings and behaviours without any reference to brain chemicals whatsoever, and without adding new chemicals that make some people freak out and hang themselves or slit their wrists.

    That’s MEDICINE now? No it’s not, it is IGNORANT MEDDLING. But go ahead and do it, Chris, if you trust the buggers you go right ahead. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

  213. HAVE read this whole page and thought I would share. Champix…well i said i would never try it since hearing all bad stuff on it..but after many attempts to quit and every type of meds, hypnotherapy, groups, brain sync, patches, gums, I quit today and used Champix. I am very aware of everything that may GO WRONG but so far have felt the following:
    days 1-4-Extreme tiredness and felt like stopping the drug….but continued as I am aware addictions talk to you so you go back to your DRUG OF CHOICE….days 5-now ….other than a few extra dreams a night i feel fine……still have the b”little voice in my head” (lol) wanting a cig but just ignore and I am feeling great…i would usually feel very irritated and lots of anger and eat alot…but so far so good…….and will only be taking 1 mg a day as if i feel fine on it WHY would I up the dosage……….cheers!!!!!!!!

    PS, cold turkey i did 3 times and each time i wished i was dead so i would start smoking again…………

  214. ” To a very pressured or unhappy soul it instantly blots some of their usual feelings OUT, which makes a completely different impression in the Subconscious mind “By smoking one of these, I can change the way I feel!” ”

    If this is true then why is it the user does not feel the same way on a patch, gum, or chantix for that matter?

    Cravings are halted in their tracks with a lot of quit smoking aids. If the smoker alues a cigarette in the way you display in that quote then why is it one the quit smoking meds that they have no want to take a drag off a cigarette?

  215. Good luck Jacquelin! Will you please keep us posted?

    Chris, I’m sorry but I’m not clear exactly what you mean in the last two paragraphs, apart from the bit about the meds stopping cravings. Actually it is very hit and miss, because it is the brain that sends – or does not send – a craving prompt. A smoker’s response to products like NRT will largely depend upon their attitude and belief systems: look at Jacquelin’s lack of response to: “every type of meds, hypnotherapy, groups, brain sync, patches, gums…”

    How any individual responds to a hypnotherapy session will vary according to: a) what they truly want as an outcome, b) how they feel on the day, c) how they feel about quitting d) how they feel about tobacco e) how they feel about needing help, f) how they feel about that particular practitioner, and g) how they feel about what he/she is saying to them during the session. Provided the practitioner is talented and experienced with that particular issue, and the smoker would prefer to lose the habit, the outcome will be successful.

    You have just claimed that meds such as NRT stop cravings. If that were true, then yourself, Jacquelin and all the other contributors to this blog would be saying: “Why bother with Champix? Why did they even invent it? We’re all happy with the gum, the patches and the e-fag! Who wants tobacco?”

  216. Chris,

    I realize in my previous post there are typos and make the overall objective of the post quite unclear.

    What I’m trying to say is NRTs work… Not as a placebo as placebos wear off in time. For some people NRTs do halt their cravings completely, others it works half the time to not at all. I can tell you that on the patch I wanted a cigarette from time to time, but I did not NEED one. I chose another option to take my mind off the want… I walked a lot.

    You just stated the exact same mentality state I feel you need to be in to quit with NRTs for how to make hypnotherapy most successful…

    If what is being said about there being no withdrawal from nicotine from not smoking a cigarette for some time then that same ‘out of it’ sense I felt while not smoking (quitting cold turkey) in theory should be same sense I felt when I quit drinking soda (my second biggest addiction I had).

  217. Hi, I’m on day 7 of champix and had no adverse reaction so far, I have noticed my dreams are much more vivid and memorable but that’s not a bad thing.

    I am still smoking the same amount of cigarettes at the moment and still have the same cravings and the urge to smoke.

    I start my 1mg tomorrow will keep you informed, my quit day is Sunday!

  218. Read all of the above with interest.
    I smoked at least 20 a day for over 20 years. Tried all methods to be free from nicotine, and constantly failed.
    I used Champix for just 8 weeks. Stopped smoking on day 12 naturally, unbelievably. Suffered no severe side affects whilst taking champix, other than difficult sleeping and mad dreams.
    No affects at all when I stopped taking champix – and guess what? Still a non smoker.
    Sometimes I’m a bit moody. Sometimes a bit depressd, but generally much happier than I ever was as a smoker.
    Ask yourself this: If you smoked all of your adult life – how do you know what you are like/who you are as a non smoker? Why blame the Champix? Probably the nicotine that did the damage and probably the withdrawal from the nicotine which is still damaging you now. If you still smoke, and want to stop – just stop – you can – not everyone in the world smokes – and everyone else seems to be ok without the fags. I certainly am. 🙂

  219. CMB: Your last point about quitting soda drinks: the experience is likely to be similar in some ways (they’re both compulsive habits) but different because no-one ever suggested that those drinks contained “the most addictive drug in the world”. They certainly told you that about the cigarettes though – and how smokers respond to NRT will partly depend upon how much they personally believe that.

    Paul, thanks for your contribution, please keep us informed!

    Slancaster, just think about what you are suggesting here:

    “Why blame the Champix? Probably the nicotine that did the damage and probably the withdrawal from the nicotine which is still damaging you now.”

    If that were true, why them and not you? You seem pretty much fine: bit moody, bit down – why that’s NOTHING compared to what others are reporting! Surely the nicotine factor is exactly the same in each case, unless you are going to suggest that the nicotine they were getting was different from your own?

    Either the withdrawal of nicotine causes major side effects or it doesn’t. Why blame the Champix? Because as the US Surgeon-General pointed out, people have been quitting smoking in their millions for many decades, usually without any help. If it caused major psychiatric events, hospitalisations and suicides I think we’d have noticed by now.

    So Champix didn’t harm you. This has made you assume it isn’t harming anyone, which is to dismiss the suffering of many, many people without giving it too much serious consideration. Champix is a very, very unpredictable drug.

  220. You clearly missed my point entirely. Nicotine is a mood changing drug – we all know that. I was simply saying that for SOME people, who may have smoked since thier teens, how would they know what thier personalty is/would/could/should have been, had they never smoked?!
    I am not saying Champix can’t be or is not damaging – I am simply saying it worked for me, and for many other people – and it seems, as usual, only the people with a complaint about the drug bother to blog.
    I don’t assume anything. It was a point of view, for people to think about – not a fact or an assumption. I thought this was the point of blogs… ??

  221. Actually no, nicotine is not a mood changing drug. That’s just what you’ve been TOLD. It isn’t a drug at all. Nicotine has no effects that could be regarded as medicinal OR recreational, so it cannot be regarded as if it were a drug, it’s just one of the poisons in the smoke and the WRONG explanation – as the medical profession knew perfectly well until they started lending too much credence to a certain Lennox Johnston!

    Trying to stop smoking with willpower alone can affect your mood, but that’s because craving signals drive you up the wall if you try to ignore them. That has nothing to do with nicotine, slimmers have exactly the same kind of struggles when they try to stop eating chocolate or biscuits. Gamblers have exactly the same kind of agonising conflicts if they try to stop gambling. Where’s the drug? They aren’t consuming anything!

    Smoking doesn’t change your personality or your mood. That’s why people are allowed to smoke tobacco and drive cars, smoke tobacco and fly aircraft… you’re not allowed to take Champix and fly aircraft! Both pilots and air traffic controllers are BANNED from using Champix but no-one gives a toss if they smoke!

    You suggested that “nicotine withdrawal” was the entire explanation for the dreadful suffering of many people, some of whom are dead now. If that were the case then surely pilots and air traffic controllers would be obliged to notify their employers before they attempted to give up smoking in case their behaviour became dangerously erratic… a laughable notion! The “nicotine withdrawal” suggestion is clearly completely untrue – but it is exactly what Pfizer have been suggesting to try to cover up the damage their freaky drug is causing all over the world. Read about it here. Then you might start to understand why we’re blaming the Champix. You were just lucky.

    I don’t mean to come accross as aggressive towards you personally – it’s not your fault that you’ve been fed a load of lies about nicotine for decades – but I am sick to death of hearing about “nicotine addiction” and “nicotine withdrawal” when I know there is no such thing. Just as there’s no such thing as “Roulette withdrawal”, “cake withdrawal” or “going to the off-licence withdrawal”. The impulse to repeat those habitual behaviours can be very compelling, but it comes from the Subconscious mind and it certainly is not withdrawal because the Subconscious will drop it on request, provided that request is presented in the appropriate manner and the Subconscious has no objection.

    One important point: the human Subconscious mind does not do what it is told, it does what it likes. It is a very common myth that if someone is in a trance state then they will follow instructions – RUBBISH! If the Subconscious mind has some reason to object to the proposed change, it doesn’t have to change a damn thing. But here’s the good news about that: if someone has willingly come along for a hypnotherapy session and would honestly prefer to walk out a non-smoker – and is generally happy and healthy in every other respect – then they’ll walk out a non-smoker. And even if their Subconscious mind does have a reason to hesitate or object to the change, a good hypnotherapist will usually be able to locate the sticking point and negotiate a way around it.

    Can a doctor do any of this? A psychologist, a psychiatrist, a counsellor? Nope. Unless, of course, they are already a well-trained and experienced smoking-cessation hypnotherapist – which must be a pretty rare combination!

    Compulsive habits all, not addictions! They just look like addictions and often get referred to as ‘addictions’ – but then, so does playing computer games for hours on end. Do all the kids who do that look sick and pale in school? Are they trembling? Do they need a Nintendo Patch stuck on their arm all day, feeding in a controlled dose of Micro Marios through the epidermis? Would we call that ‘Therapeutic Gaming’?

    Ooops, I shouldn’t have suggested that! SmithKlineBeecham and Pfizer are already on the phone to Nintendo, those patches will be in ToysRUs by next December. I can see the TV ads already: “When your son tries to stop gaming, the Nintendo Receptors in his brain “go crazy” for Marios… that’s why you cannot tear him away from his computer, Mom! He’s hopelessly ADDICTED, and he needs his FIX! But don’t worry, because those clever boffins at Pfizer have teamed up with the caring folk at Nintendo to bring you GAME PATCH! Game Patch uses the latest Dermal Technology to deliver a safe, controlled amount of Gaming Pleasure to the young man so that he will still feel as if he is playing his game, but without actually needing the computer – so that now you CAN get him to leave his bedroom without all the usual screaming and kicking! Patches available in a variety of colours, and with all your favourite Nintendo characters…”

    And before anyone starts woffling on about pleasure centres in the brain, dopamine levels or seratonin: if these behaviours were governed by brain chemicals, hypnotherapy would never make the slightest difference, because all I do in a hypnotherapy session is TALK, and without any reference to brain chemicals whatsoever. So whatever “nicotine receptors” actually are, cravings are not connected to them in any way and neither is smoking behaviour.

    Not only that, but the people who tell you all about nicotine receptors and brain chemicals CANNOT shut down smoking habits routinely in just a couple of hours. But I can. So who’s the real expert? The doctor who has no clue how to communicate with the part of the brain which controls all compulsive habitual behaviour, but prescribes chemical concoctions that interfere with the normal functioning of your brain, with highly unpredictable results and a low success rate – or the guy who can shut your nuisance habit down just by talking to you?

  222. Hi all! Been a while, but I thought I might go ahead and give an update.

    Due to issues which I will not mention I could not afford the 2nd round of Chantix and thus have stopped taking it with 4 pills left if I ever felt like I needed or wanted to down a pill… (pointless)

    What I experienced:
    – Drug withdrawal (as expected from taking something for a length of time and then all of a sudden your system misses it because it’s not there anymore). Essentially tiredness, a little light headed… nothing major. NOTHING LIKE HAVING A NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL.

    **About proof of or lack of proof of nicotine withdrawal**

    Chris. If there is no such thing as nicotine withdrawal and instead it is mental for everyone then please explain to me why quitting could turkey was literally hell for myself vice quitting on Chantix where I never craved or felt what I like to call a ‘NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL’ while on as well as did not experience while quitting Chantix.

    Back to the true topic… CHANTIX.

    Am I dead?
    Did I commit suicide? NO!
    Did I come close? NO
    Did I experience any abnormal behavior on the drug? – Nothing that could not be explained as a mild side effect of taking a drug.
    Did I experience any abnormal behavior OFF the drug? YES! I’m not smoking anymore WTH?!
    The ULTIMATE question:
    Do I still want to smoke? YES! But my will is way stronger and one thing I can say to everyone is:
    N. – Not
    O. – One
    P. – Puff
    E. – Ever

    NOPE! That’s it people. (YOU CAN ALSO USE THIS ACRONYM FOR GAMBLING! LOL… “NOT ONE PULL EVER”)

    Now I have had all the opportunity in the world to start back up again as my life has been through the stress ringer here recently. Many trials and tribulation so-to-speak…

    The craving will go away as time continues, and it gets weaker every day. I’ve been here before, however, it feels different somehow…

    So… CHRIS! THIS IS FOR YOU!!!!!
    CHANTIX: 1
    CHRIS: 0

  223. Oh, and Chris…

    Have you ever considered that everyone’s overall body makeup is different and that JUST MAYBE you may be right and proven science FACT is right as well.

    It’s like the different reasons people have for being addicted to the habit any way.

    It’s like how some people learn better visually and others by listening.

    You’re trying to prove that the only ‘safe’ method to quitting smoking is hypnotism and that everyone is being screwed by the goverment and media by being turned on to these corporations that make money off them with NRTs. You’re also trying to prove that Chantix does HARM and is too risky…

    Wrong on ALL accounts.

  224. CMB wanted to know:

    “Chris. If there is no such thing as nicotine withdrawal and instead it is mental for everyone then please explain to me why quitting could turkey was literally hell for myself vice quitting on Chantix where I never craved or felt what I like to call a ‘NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL’ while on as well as did not experience while quitting Chantix.”

    I have explained that the brain CONTROLS craving signals, but they are transmitted via the body, because cravings mimic bodily needs, very convincingly. The conscious mind does not realise this, and tends to interpret them as either a NEED or a DESIRE. You can see this clearly if you consider the case of the diner who has already eaten well when the sweet-trolley comes around, but nevertheless experiences an overwhelming, diet-busting desire for a big slice of chocolate cake.

    If they hadn’t eaten, they would call that “hunger” and might believe it is their body signalling a desperate need for food! It is not, it’s the Subconscious mind prompting them to go for the cake purely on a pleasure principle. Incidentally, the Subconscious does not know there is a weight issue, OR that cake is fattening.

    Only their conscious mind knows that. When people talk about being “conscious of their weight” they are quite right: it is entirely a conscious issue, their Subconscious mind knows nothing about it. After a hypnotherapy session though – during which I would explain the whole thing to their Subconscious mind, and ask for cake cravings to be switched off – they feel unmoved by the arrival of the sweet trolley.

    Same with the ciggies. Nothing to do with sugar, nothing to do with nicotine. Never was. The only difference is, the foodie has never been told that they are “addicted to the most powerful drug in the world”, whereas the smoker has – repeatedly over many years – so that concept of the situation is overlaid on the physical sensations (cravings) and so the subjective interpretation becomes “withdrawal”.

    Why did CMB find quitting easier with Chantix? Because it interferes with the normal functions of the brain, so it affects your feelings and your normal behaviour, which can include cravings because they ARE feelings. This interference has very unpredictable results, but I never said it harms everyone. For some people, it does exactly what it is supposed to do, and nothing else – so it is not surprising that those people are delighted and think I’m a lunatic. As long as they can convince themselves that all the people who have killed themselves or tried to kill themselves, had horrible reactions and are suffering terribly now are all lying or making it up, just because it didn’t happen to them.

    And finally, CMB said:

    “The ULTIMATE question:
    Do I still want to smoke? YES! But my will is way stronger…”

    Oh, so you’re using willpower. But Chantix gets the credit. By the way, you’re right, all our brains are different, which probably accounts for the fact that not everyone commits suicide but that isn’t much consolation for the loved ones of someone who does commit suicide, is it? And if you do some really basic research on the internet you’ll find that it’s not just me saying this, it’s smokers on many other blogs telling their stories, follow that link to a list of just some of them I put together recently. And no, I’m NOT saying hypnosis is the only safe method, but you’d love it if I was, because then you could make out like this blog was nothing but self-promotion. However, if you bother to read the Champix pages properly you will find that I recommend three methods as “safe and more effective than the meds”, and two of them I have no connection with whatever, namely the Allen Carr approach and acupuncture.

    No one therapy works for everyone, so we need a range of therapies available. I’m simply advising people to try the ones that cannot possibly harm you before considering ones that have already killed people, such as Zyban and Champix. NRT simply doesn’t work any better than willpower anyway – but hey! CMB seems to be doing okay with willpower, now that he has no magic beans left! Go CMB!

  225. Staying quit has and will always be about your own willpower. My point is chantix did as promised. Helped keep my mind off smoking which gave the time needed to create a new mindset that didn’t include puffing on a cigarette.

  226. With hypnotherapy – as long as it is done properly – no willpower is required, except the willpower it takes to call, book a session and then actually turn up for it.

  227. I was on champix for 24 days, I stopped taking the drug day 18 now, I completely have no libido, Male 29, I have difficulties maintaing an erection with my self let alone even think about having sex, my sleeping habits are horrible, no appitite, depressed, hypertension, anixeity and generally fell very stressed. Has anyone experienced these symptoms, did your libido return to normal??? I’m very concerned, never felt this way before.

  228. jr hasn’t read any of this, obviously. Probably doesn’t read a lot.

    How can any normal human being make such a cheerful, dismissive remark after Kevin has just described his physical and mental state in that way after less than a month on Champix? jr’s comment is inaccurate (it has a 14% long-term succes rate), ignorant and utterly insensitive. Still, we at the Truth Will Out Campaign value all comments. And we value that one at REALLY LOW.

    Kevin, I have heard of many full recoveries now but they seem to be gradual rather than rapid. Give yourself time, take care of yourself and please keep us posted, because the more feedback I get about recoveries the more accurate the info I can give out when asked for reassurances.

    I wish you a full and increasingly comfortable recovery. Please make sure the prescriber reports the bad reaction, don’t let Pfizer get away with what their nasty little concoction did to you. Protect others, spread the word.

  229. To the author,

    Sorry mate but you really come across as a disgruntled hypnotherapist that is on some mission to ruin every success that Champix may have to offer. And in reference to enjoying smoking, I think you’re generalising here. I like smoking…I like the taste, the feeling when the smoke hits my throat, etc, etc. And having used champix for a couple of weeks, it has taken much of the enjoyment away and it has certainly made it easier. I’ve been smoking for 17 years now and I really want to quit-I’m just too weak willed. Yes there are side effects: nausea, upset stomach and diarrhoea. It’s a risk we choose to take if we decide this is the best option. I was warned so I knew what I was getting myself into. My only concerns are the long term effects and it’s probably way too early to say right now

  230. “Yes there are side effects: nausea, upset stomach and diarrhoea. It’s a risk we choose to take if we decide this is the best option. I was warned so I knew what I was getting myself into.”

    Iffi, if you think those are the side effects of Champix, you’re a newbe. You’re a fucking innocent. Yes, I’m on a mission: to protect people like you. I’ll happily put up with the criticism/abuse, it’s water off a duck’s back to me. Some people have killed themselves because of this drug, and more have tried.

  231. Abuse?? I think you’re getting defensive…it’s clearly not water off a ducks back and you’re the one using the bad language.. If I’m a newbe then at least explain in detail what you know. From the above article you’ve just highlighted isolated incidents from the media. And when people are giving you their account, they’re a ‘newbe’. Nice method for challenging someone.

    As for being a newbe, I’m quite happy with that. I don’t fancy being on champix for years.

  232. Explain in detail what I know? Obviously you’ve only read “the above article”!

    btw if bad language bothers you, you’re on the wrong blog. You did try to dismiss me as “a disgruntled hypnotherapist that is on some mission to ruin every success that Champix may have to offer”, when you clearly know very little about it. I’ve been researching and writing about Champix since June 2007. Do you know how many posts about Champix there are on this website? Many of them followed by account after account of the horrors that smokers are experiencing with this medication? There are hundreds on this site alone, and I’ve listed other blogs that are nothing to do with me with exactly the same sort of heartbreaking feedback.

    I’m doing this to warn people like yourself because many smokers have told me that they were NOT warned, or were given false reassurances by their doctor, or some practice nurse or quit counsellor only to find that this highly unpredictable, unnatural chemical concoction seriously damaged their health, when all they were trying to do was improve it by quitting smoking.

    Let’s do a quick test, here: What were you told about the success rate of Champix, Iffy? What were you told about side effects? Were you told that extreme side effects were “extremely rare”?

  233. Mate, if you weren’t such a patronising, arrogant nob, people might be more inclined to listen to you.

    And if you’re gonna quote people, get it right..’come across as a disgruntled hypnotherapist that is on some mission to ruin every success that Champix may have to offer.’ Now the words ‘come across as a’ are vital in understanding what i was saying, which you clearly don’t. By saying ‘you come across as’ I’m not saying ‘you are’ so I’m not dismissing you or your work; I’m just pointing out what impression you’re making. You should read your own article.

    And no I haven’t been ‘researching’ or ‘reading about Champix since June 07’ as it hasn’t affected my working life in the way it has yours. It’s not made me lose out financially, resulting in an OCD-like harassment of humankind to listen to you.

    Anyways in answer to your question, I went by the success I witnessed infront of me. At least 4 of my colleagues successfully quit smoking with minor side effects. And by minor, I mean minor mood swings, nausea and stomach pains. The effects in terms of those I have suffered were explained to me. And yes, I wasn’t informed of the more serious effects that have been endured by a minority that have had their experiences publicised.

  234. I guess I have to bear in mind that you are currently on a medication which makes some people ill-tempered. When I wrote:

    “… as soon as the headlines hit – “New Pill to Stop Smoking! Available on the NHS within weeks!” – hypnotherapists like myself who specialise in smoking cessation encountered an unexpected drought that went on from June 2007 right through to the end of the year. Now we’re pretty much back to normal…”

    …that was THREE YEARS AGO! Any financial loss was temporary. That’s not the reason I’m warning smokers about Champix, it’s because they haven’t been warned about the really bad reactions and neither were you. Which hardly matters if – IF – you don’t have a bad reaction yourself, but you really wouldn’t be talking to me like this if you were one of the unlucky ones. And as for:

    “…an OCD-like harassment of humankind to listen to you…”

    No-one has to come to this blog. No-one has to read any of it. I’m not going out and spray-painting these messages on people’s cars and homes. I’m not harrassing anyone. But people ARE listening to me, in ever-increasing numbers and all over the world. And the vast majority of feedback is support and thanks, or more confirmation of the horrors that Champix is capable of randomly dishing out. If that fact bothers you in any way, well – I can’t help wondering why that should be.

    Maybe you’re getting annoyed with me because you don’t WANT there to be any drawbacks to Champix, you were happier with the naive notion that it truly is a Wonder Drug. I mean, if the only four people you know who have used it all happened to be successful with only minor side effects, I suppose it would seem that way. In which case, I guess you wouldn’t feel like actually studying this site in detail.

    In fact, definitely don’t do that. Good luck, Iffy.

    YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYONE!

    How people react to this website varies a lot! Some people call me nasty names, then there’s the other side of the coin:

    “This is my fourth week as a non smoker, and I am loving it! My husband has gotten the hypnotherapist card off of me and is ‘getting to the stage’ where he will also be ready to quit for good. My son had a hypnotherapy session to assist with his agoraphobia which he feels has helped but he is still in the process of working on this issue even though there has been a noticeable improvement. Sometimes, just by chance something changes your life. That is what finding your website has done for me, I can’t thank you enough.

    Kind regards

    Rachel”

    Really Rachel? That’s weird because Iffy thinks I’m “harrassing the world”!

    A GENERAL POINT

    I’ve worked with thousands of smokers individually on a one-to-one basis, spending at least a couple of hours with every one of them, discussing these matters in fine detail. Whatever I write about smoking, there will always be smokers who disagree because everyone is different. Naturally I tend to find more general appreciation of what I am saying amongst the people who seek out my services as a therapist. Likewise, there tends to be more disagreement from people who prefer to turn for help to Pfizer and their doctor. Perceptions vary from one person to another, as does the inclination to learn and change, or remain exactly as you are.

    In my experience, if you want to give something up it is a good idea to adjust your perception of it willingly, or best of all with enthusiasm. This is easier (and quicker) to do with hypnotherapy than without it, but it is possible to do it yourself sometimes. If you don’t – and most people don’t – then you will probably find the conflict between the part of you that wants to stop and the part of you that wishes to continue rather uncomfortable. This is a similar process to the ending of a relationship: it is helpful to set about creating an anti-nostalgic re-working of the former relationship which excludes tender, lingering reflections upon how much you loved that person, or else you are going to suffer!

    It is much more useful to focus on all the things you couldn’t stand about them anyway until you consider yourself ‘well rid’ of them, and it’s the same with cigs, drugs and alcohol. Hypnotherapy is simply the quickest and easiest way of doing this, that’s all.

  235. Follow UP on post # 243. “Key words, recovery, depression, anxiety, hypertension, panic attack, libido, erectile dysfunction” THESE ARE JUST MY OPINIONS. This has been the worst experience I have endured in my life. Finally 48 days after taking my last Champix pill my mental symptoms have resided. I currently still suffer from insomnia, no libido & erectile dysfunction, and less interest in previous things enjoyed. To anyone that is experiencing this & trust me I know what you’re going through, have hope in my post that you will get better. Surround yourself with loved ones, Wife, Husband, Children and Family. Remove yourself from stressful situations work for example if possible, do not use alcohol or recreational drugs, this will only worsen your feelings, get as much rest as possible, even if you’re not sleeping, just lie down and relax. Try to eat three times a day. Do not have 100% faith in GP’s, Psychologists & especially Psychiatrists, I really do not believe that medical community has a true understanding of what is happening in regards to Champix. Is Champix the actual reason for these symptoms or are these undiscovered medical issues being brought forward do the interaction of this drug. They will try to prescribe you antidepressants, antipsychotics etc. I have toughed this experience out so far on my own without the help of medication in fears of walking a lifetime road of relying on prescription pills. I have faith and hope that things will improve even more. REMEMBER THESE ARE JUST MY OPINIONS. I currently know people that are taking this medication and people that have taken it successfully in the past, but to anyone having a bad experience my hopes and prayers are with you. I will repost again in due time. Thanks all.

  236. I’m currently on day 14 of medicaition i feel down moody and very distant i’m using champix to help me stopping smoking tabacco and cannabis (now eating cannabis, much healther) its working i havent had any ciggies for 2weeks i just feel like a sac of cack my joint ache and i have periods of time were i dont know wot im doing, i was laid off work just before christmas and its a good job coz i know id struggle to do it on this medicaition, however ive not smoked anything yet so as long as there no long term effect alls well. im determined to stop and feel i could do it without the godforsaken tablets but havent got the confidence to just stop taking them. im a medical user of cannabis as i have spondulosis of the hips and cant manage without it as the pain is debilitating but i could no longer justify smoking it as i was doing my body more harm than good, right now at this moment in time i hate champix coz i never felt as poorly as this, does anybody know if you can just stop taking it?

  237. No-one can really reassure you about that one, Dave, because it seems to be different for different people. In fact, EVERYTHING about Champix seems to be different for different people. It’s a really unpredictable drug.

    The manufacturers do say, however, that if you are suffering adverse effects you should stop taking it. That’s just to cover themselves though. That way, if you carry on taking it and something nasty happens to you as a result, their lawyers can say it’s your fault because according to their leaflet you should have stopped taking it.

    Current guidelines refer to stopping the medication, not weaning yourself off it. However, a few users have reported side effects that only seemed to begin when they stopped taking it! This doesn’t appear to be the norm though.

  238. Chris I have to say your more a very good sales man than anything else, Alan Carr probably the biggest contribution to quiting smoking the right way. Have you actual tried Champix yourself?, didnt think so, so why try and undo what people are commenting on this forum, probably to boost your hypnotherapy mumbo jumbo which Id like to challenge you does not work, certainly wouldnt on me. Any medicen you buy will be accompanied by a leaflet full of side effects, My suggestion is if you have tried everything then give it a go, if your in consultation with your doctor then just be sensible about it.

  239. Jay said:

    “…your hypnotherapy mumbo jumbo which Id like to challenge you does not work, certainly wouldnt on me.”

    Jay, the only people who cannot respond to hypnotherapy are: a). people who don’t want to, and b). people who are so stupid they cannot follow simple directions.

    So, you’re right: you would not respond. Because you wouldn’t want to, obviously. You would be deliberately unresponsive to ‘prove’ that it is “mumbo jumbo”, as any person could do if they chose, and a few people actually do. You’re not in the stupid category – hardly anyone is. I’ve been doing this for ten years, and I’ve only met two people too stupid to respond. It’s quite rare, but as hypnotherapy is a learning process, a person with the learning capacity of a spoon might struggle, but the overwhelming majority of people are fine with it.

    Since I stopped smoking 12 years ago, trying Champix myself would be nothing short of insane. If people want to try it themselves that’s fine by me as long as they are fully informed. You seem to be dismissing the warnings on the leaflet, as if all medications are the same. Champix has been involved in many cases of suicide already, as well as other truly horrific side effects. Encouraging people to take it regardless of the official stated warnings is irresponsible. I’m telling people to read the warnings, and be fully aware of the accounts on this and many other blogs from ordinary smokers who believe they were harmed, and weren’t properly advised.

    You’re telling people to disregard the warnings and take it anyway. Hmm. Why would you want to do that exactly? Forgive me if I’m wrong, but it rather sounds like YOU’RE the salesman, Jay.

  240. i am currently on champix i am only now on day 9 but i would say from day 1 -4 i smoked as usual but by day 5 i wasnt enjoying my cigarettes as much day 6 i only had 1 cigarette and day 7 8 and 9 (today) i havent had any at all.. it does sound like a migic pill but it still requires alot of will power as today i have found it really hard and i have been unusually emotional i know im still early on in the course but im a little concerned about my emotions today i found myself crying ALOT earlier on and then i wanted a cigarette i didnt crave a cigarette but i really thought i wanted one.. i didnt cave and have a fag instead i got through it by keeping busy with other things.. i am concerned though that i wont be able to do this like i said champix certainly isnt a magic pill but has made giving up easier even though still difficult..
    i have experienced nausea and sleepiness over the last 2 days but when i do finally lie down to sleep i toss and turn and cannot actually drift off i dont know if i can cope with that for a further 11 weeks but we will see and i shall update you on my progress 🙂

  241. I smoked 40 a day for the last 25years, started champix 4 weeks ago and had my last cigarette 2 weeks ago.
    i can’t believe how much smokers SMELL! they smell disgusting. I think there should be a anti smoking campage not to warn you about the effects of cigarettes on you health and wealth, to inform you that you Stink!

  242. Way to tell it like it is. Champix is a terrible idea. Seriously smokers this is s last resort only. If you feel like you are going to get cancer and die, if your children have been taken away because you smoke in the car well then try it after all the other options have been exhausted. Champix has been proven to make you want to kill yourself and if that’s not bad enough your family. How can anyone take that risk? Don’t care if it’s one in a thousand. I know three people that have taken it one had the bad dreams. Which in it self is bad enough do you people have any idea how important R.E.M sleep is? The bad dreams are part of the “kill yourself” side effects. Second person had bad dreams, felt terrible and became I’ll tempered and violent. Third person had all the above plus had developed homicidal thoughts towards her daughter which went away after stopping the champix. There was even a primetime evening news story about her issues with the drug. Smokers it’s not about your health it’s about pfizers bottom line. Stand up for yourself quit smoking by not bring a waste of skin and just frakin stop. I did, I can pick it up and drop it like a ball. Seriously it’s no big deal mind over matter and what not if you care about yourself you can do it. Purge your self destructive tendencies or at least accept them as what they are and move on. Either that or start taking chemo for fun? heard that’s good for you too! When the side effects are worse then the condition that you have don’t take the drugs period unless your going to die immediately or have severe mental issues. That’s it, pretty simple one might say common sense.

  243. It is the 8 Feb and I have this morning been to see my G.P who immediately took me off Champix. I had been on it for four weeks along with my partner, who I might add has smoked for about 30 years and no obvious signs of severe side effects from this drug. I however, initally spoke to my GP who did ask about previous bouts of depression but did decide I qualified after I informed of having depression a couple of years ago. I have snapped at family and work colleagues and had some severe rows with my partner. I feel low, dont sleep and cry and generally not wanting to face anyone (whether or not due to lack of sleep). However not smoked in 3 weeks and donthave an urge although only off Champix for 24 hours.

  244. I was on champix for 7 days before I had to stop taking it. I started to lose touch with reality, I felt like my skin was constantly tingling, and I would stare off into space for long periods of time. I was loosing track of what I was doing during the day, like parts had been erased. I could barely sleep and when I did I had such vivid dreams, I couldn’t tell when I was actually awake or not.

    I’ve now been off the drug for a week and I’m severely depressed. It feels even worse than when I was taking it. I cry for 6 hours pretty much every day, and almost broke up with my bf (whom I love dearly) because I have a hard time feeling anything but empty right now.

    This drug, in 14 days, has managed to ruin my life.

    Some ppl might be lucky and not encounter and side effects… for me, not so lucky. I just have my fingers crossed that this is not permanent.

  245. I started on champix as soon as i could, just turned 18. The first week i really thought i was going to cut the habbit. That is until throwing up in the mornings became a daily habbit, tossing and turning in sleep getting a few hours every night. I thought my mates were pulling my leg when they often quoted my behaviours to be as of a ”zombie”. Now that i have actually researched the drug and read the responces of alot of people (not just in Australia) I can relate to almost every post. This is scary stuff that i do not believe any teenager, let alone ANYONE should be on.

  246. been on champix for about 8 weeks now, but had to stop this weekend as i had what could only be called a psycotic episode. for no reason i blacked out, when i came to i had apparantly been very violent towards people including pub bouncers. i am not normally like that and would certainly never start on people. ecspeicially a huge meat head. told my gp but all he said was carry on taking them, obviously i havent. but i feel depressed, tired and keep getting nose bleeds. only ever had about 2 nose bleeds in my entire life until now……………..

  247. 35 year smoker. I could have bought another house.
    $11.00 a pack here in Canada
    I’m starting day 7 and have not really noticed a reduced urge to smoke. I’m still a pack a day smoker ,but I think of alot of my urge as repeated before are the mental triggers. Coffee,boredom etc.
    I have felt a little off for awhile after taking the dose, have had some really cool dreams.
    Overall side effects tolerable.
    Not sure how the reduced urge should manifest.
    Will I forget i want to have a cigarette?

  248. I was a 36 year old single father of two who was climbing the cooperate ladder. I had a great job, wonderful children and a fantastic woman that I had just moved myself and my children in with. Prior to Chantix (the US name for Champix) the hardest drug I had ever been on was Paxil for some depression (divorce can be a bitch as well as being a single father). As part of my plan to continue my climb in the company I knew I had to do two things; learn to play golf and quit smoking.

    That is when my life changed forever. Chantix had just been approved by the FDA here. It was so new that my doctor and pharmacy didn’t even know what the drug was. I had never had a suicidal thought in my life. Fourteen days after starting Chantix I attempted to take my life.

    Some say that the withdraw from smoking could have caused that, but I had quit before and like so many before me picked up the habit months later while out with friends having a drink. So I know that was not the cause.

    Some people have great success with this drug, but all must be warned that there is a chance that bad things could happen.

    I lost my career, my children, and the woman I was going to marry. I went from suffering occasional mild depression to having to take medication for bi-polar disorder. And finally, I went the first 36 years of my life without ever seeing a psychiatrist. I have been in the psychiatric ward of 3 different hospitals a total of 5 times in the 4 years since taking this “wonder drug”.

    If you are reading this because you are thinking of taking this drug beware. If you decide to take it or are already on this drug have your family and friends watch you very carefully. And remember THE FDA MADE PHIZER PUT THE SUICIDE WARNING ON THE BOX FOR A REASON. I am one of those reasons.

  249. I have to add my name to the list of people who can’t cope with Champix.

    I tried it first a couple of years ago and got so sick, I gave up after 2 days. I made another attempt a week ago and have tried really hard to carry on through the nausea, weird dreams, inability to concentrate and incredible sleepiness but I finally stopped yesterday. (and am still feeling sick.)

    I’m delighted it works for some people, but not for me I’m afraid.

  250. I have found Champix to be great, I have not had a cig in 7 weeks and more importantly dont feel like one. My only problem is that I have bad insomnia and when i do get to sleep I have vivid dreams. I still have one month to go of the course – I WANT TO SLEEP. Can I ween myself off Champix now?

  251. Hi,i was on Champix for 12 weeks and it stopped me smoking i do not even get the urge even now after 14 months.I suffered badly from feeling sick and have piled on 30lbs in weight since finishing the course,but the main problem i have had is that it has affected my short term memory really badly.I can put my car keys down and 5 seconds later cant think where i have put them and i get stressed easily and get very angry for the most silly things,in fact my wife has threatened to throw me out if i dont get something done about it,but what can anyone do?the effect seems to be permanent,i think going by my own experience that Champix has had a permanent effect on me.

  252. I have been on Champix for 12 day’s now, taking the 2 week starter pack recommended by the doctors. I’am 35 years old and this is the first time, I have tried to give up and have cut my smoking in half and felt good about it, now I am finding it hard, when I changed to the higher dose (1mg) before I had dizziness, Nausea and at the end of the lower dose(0.5mg) now the higher dose Iam experiencing feeling cold, stomach discomfort, occasional tremors and a general feeling of panic and dry mouth and have had days where i’m restless and get really focussed what I’am doing that day and going down depressed the next, it’s affecting my appetite i’m eating well one day and eating really bad the next, I think it’s the ossociacion I have tried stopping the morning ciggi and felt quiet positive but the next day but I found I was so tired I had one anyway, i dont know if i should half my dose or grit my teeth, early days though, go to the doctors soon, had a look at other countrys health sites, side effects are pretty similar, banned in france?? Canada actually recommend that you dont drink alcahol it can effect you psycologicly, no mention on our health sites, weird! (or have’nt look hard )It seems Champix (Varenicline) works differently on different people all over the world, have a look yourself, remember the information is from the manufacturer, oh shit the paranoia side effect has kicked in, seriously go back to the doctor, I’am, I really like to think this is for me, really want to give up, but dont want to be fruit cake either, best advice I can give is be in good company and eat well and keep motivated.

    Good luck everyone

  253. I am still taking champix after 12 weeks of succesfully stopping smoking.
    My dreams have been crazy, I am 61 years old and smoked at least 40 a day since 1967. I had one previous attempt to give up 7 years ago using Zyban, I started to smoke again after 5 weeks.
    I don’t want to say Iv’e done it this time , ( tempting fate )
    I would like to leave some comments on the side effects of this drug which may be of use to other people.
    Firstly & this is trivial constipation.
    Secondly & far more seriously anxiety, mild depression and short term memory problems.
    However having no previous mental health issues & being of a robust constitution I am resolved to continue with this drug as long as my doctor advises…Hey I could hardly breathe before I stopped.

  254. I began taking Chantix in April of 2008 and was forced to stop after four weeks because of the severe, daily headaches. Unfortunately those headaches did not go away and three years later I’m still being treated by a neurologist because we can’t get them under control. I did not suffer from migraines before taking Chantix. It was very successful in stopping my cravings to smoke, but I truly wish I’d never taken it. At the time headaches weren’t even listed as a side effect.

  255. Hello, me again, I have stopped smoking! with the help of champix, I was right about lowering my dose and replaced the other 0.5 mg with will power, I never thought I’d see the day, brilliant feel really confindent, I could not have done it with out other aids though , i want to be around for my son later in life, play football etc instead of coughing my lungs up i my fifty’s you might have a similar insentive? The change in my face is the first thing i have noticed since i have stopped especially around the eyes the dark rings are disapearing, feeling younger in fact, it’s all the toxin’s you see! the 400 so chemicals in tobacco, the headache’s I got before even before I thought about quitting are toxins, if you get these headaches try a indian head massage, it really works, it takes the pressure off you, especially the side effects of giving up smoking, this worked for me and i was a sceptic, just remember you are not treating yourself if you feel a re-lapse, probably caused by stress, do something about it, go for a walk if your getting cabin fever, dont climb and lick the wndows it will make your worse, re-set yourself think what you are giving up smoking for, go and do something positive, smoking is a depressive, remember this if your feeling low ,its the truth.

    Good luck everyone

    p.s look at my previous message

  256. Hello, could not help myself adding a bit more advice, I have been a heavy smoker for 20 years, Champix will help MOST people wanting to give up! I did not have the will power when i started taking champix ,but i soon realised that it took enough pressure of me to have that extra will power and it anoys me that SOME people take the Champix and look immediatly at all the negatives looking sub-concously for a reason to carry on smoking, if you beleive your getting side effects it’s most likely normal nicotine with-drawral look it up if you dont believe me? please for your own sake stop looking for excuses, if you put all the effort looking for negatives can you imagine if you put that focus on the positives (not all of you, you might have a genuine medical or mental condition) its like a baby with a dummy a source of comfort, grow up, man up, woman up, good luck, it can be done!

    Regards Jon.

    p.s look at my previous statements.

  257. Jon, if you’re going to give advice, make it accurate. Champix will not help MOST people wanting to give up. Even in the trials, the best short-term results Pfizer could muster was 44% at 12 weeks. Those were people still taking the drug, as you are. That fell to 22% at 28 weeks, and the results at one year have been variously reported as 14% to 20%.

    The U.S. Surgeon-General has already dismissed Pfizer’s claim that the side effects are “nicotine withdrawal”, pointing out that quitting with willpower never made anyone kill themselves. As an ex-smoker myself I know that stopping smoking the hard way might make you a bit agitated or irritable, but it certainly doesn’t lead to the kind of horrors Champix causes. Look it up if you don’t believe me.

    Personally I agree with Eric H (252 above) when he says:

    “Champix has been proven to make you want to kill yourself, and if that’s not bad enough, your family. How can anyone take that risk? Don’t care if it’s one in a thousand. I know three people that have taken it – one had the bad dreams. Which in itself is bad enough, do you people have any idea how important R.E.M sleep is? The bad dreams are part of the “kill yourself” side effects. Second person had bad dreams, felt terrible and became ill tempered and violent. Third person had all the above plus had developed homicidal thoughts towards her daughter which went away after stopping the champix.”

    Jon, just consider what J (258) said:

    “I lost my career, my children, and the woman I was going to marry. I went from suffering occasional mild depression to having to take medication for bi-polar disorder. And finally, I went the first 36 years of my life without ever seeing a psychiatrist. I have been in the psychiatric ward of 3 different hospitals a total of 5 times in the 4 years since taking this “wonder drug”.”

    Nicotine withdrawal? No, it’s Champix that did that. And it is Champix causing the suicides, attempted suicides, violent assaults, seizures, family break-ups, serious physical reactions and horrendous depression in far more people than Pfizer let on. The evidence was there from the beginning, but Pfizer ‘accidentally’ submitted hundreds of reports of serious side effects to the FDA “through the wrong channels”, so they were missed in a crucial safety review. 589 severe reactions including 150 suicides were ‘lost’ until they were discovered by the Institute of Safe Medicine Practices (ISMP). This more than doubled the number of suicides already recorded. The ISMP senior scientist said: “It’s really chilling. This seems to unleash something in people. It can be violence to anything around. We’ve had a major breakdown in safety surveillance”.

    Days after this story came out, the French Health Minister withdrew government funding for Champix citing safety concerns.

    safer alternative

  258. Sorry, Chris did not mean to be in-acurate or anyone else? and my spelling’s terrible at times, it’s in human nature to find negatives and look to fail, get depressed, that was the point, I was trying to get across, I have suffered from depression in the past and have learned what has triggered me in the past and I deal with it now and will do, I have talked to the doctor and have been re-assured the possitives out-way any side effects, we have a very carefull system in the uk, one of the best in the world.
    Chris you are right research and expert advice should not be brushed to the side, suicide is very serious and urge anyone septible to suicide taking champix to be closley mointered regulary by your doctor, read the packet and dont self -medicate.

    I feel sorry for J, 258 and should not be egnored, I have a partner that works in mental health and bi-polar is very common as are other mental conditions and there are people out there that are not diagnosed correctly, not saying J,258 was or not?

    R.E.M sleep is very important and can understand, if this is dissrupted it can drive anyone mad, I will talk to the doctor if it effects me like this and this go’s for anyone talk to your Doctor if you have any problems or concerns, please people!

    Regard’s Jon.

  259. Hi Jon, thanks for your contributions, spelling doesn’t matter to me – I spent six years teaching in the English Department at Manchester Metropolitan University, and believe me your spelling is not as bad as some of the students who passed out of there with English degrees, so don’t worry about it! Presentation is less important than what you have to say.

    If you have suffered from depression in the past, you should not have been prescribed Champix. Your doctor has ignored the guidelines, calling into question immediately the statement that we have a very careful system in the UK. Actually most doctors seem to believe the drug company hype about this drug and haven’t done any research themselves, or else they believe the misinformation going about that the warnings on the internet are anti-drug hype. They certainly aren’t, they are a reflection of the true nature of this very unpredictable, killer drug.

    I applaud your aim to be positive, and as a hypnotherapist I struggle with those clients who are determined to find something to be negative about. You might prove to be lucky with Champix, it doesn’t damage everyone. But I’m afraid the idea that the doctor is in a position to prevent serious harm by ‘monitoring’ their Champix patients is completely impractical when you read the many stories of how this drug actually affects individuals. It can cause sudden, extreme psychotic episodes resulting in physical assaults, suicides and even murders. Your doctor is highly unlikely to be there at the time.

    Talk to the doctor? All your doctor did was reassure you that “the positives outweigh any side effects” – Pfizer’s current marketing slogan, in fact. If that’s all he/she knows, then they are dangerously ill-informed.

    But you see Jon, because this drug already has the official rubber-stamp of approval, if any patient flips out and kills their family and then themselves, like Andrew Case did, no-one can sue the GP. Not even if they prescribed it outside of the guidelines and warnings. In other words, they’re not worth the paper they’re written on as far as the patient is concerned, because they’re only there to protect the legal position of the drug company.

    Whatever decision your doctor made, you get the drug AND the packaging, which bears the warnings. You are supposed to read them. If you didn’t read them, and something goes horribly wrong, it’s your fault: you didn’t read the warnings. If you DID read them, but you took it anyway, and then attacked somebody or tried to kill yourself, well… we DID warn you it might make you feel like that, but you decided to take it anyway so it’s YOUR OWN FAULT.

    Sorry: the benefits are seriously exaggerated and the true extent of the risks has been fraudulently concealed for years by the manufacturer, making a mockery of the FDA and all the other assessment procedures. Your doctor is quite simply wrong – but why should any doctor worry about that when absolutely nothing will happen to them whatever happens to their patient. That has led to a very dangerous complacency, and people are dying as a result.

    I sincerely hope nothing bad happens to you, Jon. Good luck.

  260. Thanks, Chris I do have my concerns and like to find an independent study on this Varenicline, I agree there is a lot of pressure on goverment, instututions, health organisations to help, stop people smoking, has it gone to far?

    Further more, is there any research in the type of different backgrounds of people taking this drug and how it effects people physiology the same or not ,( mental health )

    Are some people more prone to the side effects?

    This is one of the reasons I’ve lowering my dose, there are unanswered questions about it, I want to eventually get of it and go under my own will power alone, but it has help me so far.

    Regards Jon.

  261. I am on day 10 of Champix. Day 1 gave me a severe migraine and nausea. I am still getting nausea but it doesn’t last too long anymore. I also find that I am tired more. Unfortunately, I still smoke as much as I did when I started, but like other people, I believe it is out of habit, not cravings so much. I need to substitute having a cigarette for something else to take my mind of smoking.

  262. Karen, I was there myself I found smoking was causing my headaches because of the champix and causing me to sleep more, I naturally cut down from 20 cigarettes to 4-5 a day, because I realised I was not getting the nicotine any more and then grabbed this opportunity to stop, I admit it is hard to do it with will power alone, I needed both, set yourself a day you will stop smoking, for me it was the morning cigarette that was the hardest ,but a good one to start with, test the ground, so to speak.
    Try sucking hard boiled sweets/candy/gum or even better, something menthol, you can suck in the vapours, works for me most of the time, I generally eat more now ,since I have completely stopped, but still on champix 0.5mg twice a day

    Hope this helps, Regards Jon.
    p.s please, look at my earlier statements

  263. I have Quit champix completely, I didn’t like how it was affecting my mood and emotions, even though I choose to go on the lower dose it definitely effected my mood, although it helped me to get of the nicotine definitely as well, in which I found really helpful, I am finding it easier not to smoke with will power alone at this stage and sucking lots of mints instead, I found out from the G.P quite a majority of people have stopped champix half way through the course and get labelled a non-smoker on their records and was told statistically they or me would mostly start smoking again, I am going to prove them wrong! I personally think, former smokers can start smoking regardless of taking champix or any other stop smoking aid, its up to the individual ,in essence its in your head, your triggers (habits) for our addiction to smoking and identifying your own triggers (habits), The champix helped me get to this stage of realisation of how addicted I was and how smoking was affecting my health and everyday life, with out the nicotine, this giving up was possible for me, I still struggle especially when stress hits me especially unexpectedly, ‘I need a smoke, ‘I say to myself, ‘no I don’t! life’s like this anyway! its just anxiety! normal everyday anxiety! why do I need to make it worse with a cigarette? it get rid of some anxiety it’s temporary! then come back twice, three times as worse!, a slave to nicotine again! I don’t think so! I am not becoming that hamster in that wheel again, no way!

    p.s There is no magic all in 1 pill to stop you smoking, it needs to be down with will power as well or will power on its own. In my personal opinion if you go on this champix expecting magic you will muck your head up, caution should be taken especially if your suffering from mental health problems, Chris is right ,there seems to be a lot of complacency with this drug, be careful people.

    Kind regards Jon Sanger

  264. Hypnotherapy isn’t magic either, but it does make it much easier for most people. Allen Carr always said that it is the conflict in your mind that makes quitting anything seem difficult, and he was right! Hypnotherapy actually addresses those mental conflicts between conscious intentions and Subconscious impulses, and it is the only therapy that does this. Willpower (conscious effort) is only required if you don’t have hypnotherapy.

    Sometimes willpower isn’t much required anyway. One time when I quit – long before I knew anything about hypnotherapy – I simply carried a bottle of fizzy water around with me all the time. Whenever I felt an urge to reach for a cigarette, I took a few pulls on the bottle, and the sharpness of the fizz seemed to settle the urge. I stopped for six months that time, and it didn’t seem difficult really. I only used the water for about two weeks.

  265. This is a really good site, I started taking Champix on 18/06/2011 & stopped smoking on 01/07/2011. Last night I had a major freek out, big fight with Wife & yelled at kids. I had been told that champix may give mood swings but this was scarry. I feel really terrible, had the last 2 days off work hiding in the house. Food tastes bad, big headaces & cant sleep. Have stopped taking the drug but still feel bad. Does anyone know how long this will happen for? I ended up taking the drug for 23 1/2 days.

  266. Mark, this is the advice I gave Kevin in my post 238 above:

    “I have heard of many full recoveries now but they seem to be gradual rather than rapid. Give yourself time, take care of yourself and please keep us posted, because the more feedback I get about recoveries the more accurate the info I can give out when asked for reassurances.

    I wish you a full and increasingly comfortable recovery. Please make sure the prescriber reports the bad reaction, don’t let Pfizer get away with what their nasty little concoction did to you. Protect others, spread the word.”

    Also, make sure your wife and kids understand that your behaviour was NOT YOU, it was the drug AND that you’ve stopped taking it and won’t take it again. There are lots of ways to stop smoking that do not involve these risks. Show them the other reports on this website, and on other blogs too. They need reassurance: this drug has ended marriages, relationships and wrecked families, it is not just yours. This drug has made perfectly happy people with no previous history of depression go crazy and try to kill themselves and sometimes other people, and some have tragically succeeded.

    You should never have been given this evil, totally unpredictable drug Mark – which actually has a failure rate of 86% anyway – and neither should anybody else. Why the NHS are still funding this mayhem is anybody’s guess. Check this out.

  267. Reply to scarface june 8th, I think rather than just make a completely stupid comment you need to make an informed decision, i have used champix and felt constantly sick. My sister used champix and almost ended up being sectioned. My mother used champix and it was a contributing cause to her unfortunate passing, for reasons that I cannot really go ito here.

    So in short scarface your opinions are yours do not put them on everyone else by saying we are dumber for reading this blog.

    Mark

  268. I have been on champix for only 6 days now, and in my opinion that is 6 days too long. I have had, in this time alone a ridiculous change in my mental state. Never had problems besides some depression in my early 20’s, and I feel like I’ve changed in just one week! I am constantly agitated, irritable and angry ALL of the time. Something happened the other day that made me question this drug; something so out of character it scared me! I got in to an argument with my sisters husband, and literally snapped! I struck him with a leather strap 3 times so hard it left bruises! He just stood there stunned, and all I could think was that I wanted to kill him! He was stunned because it was like a TOTALLY different person! I was shocked at myself, and scared; I totally lost control, and I attribute it FULLY to this drug! I’m a very happy person normally.
    The other thing is I can’t stop eating! I go to the gym 5 times a week, and am generally very healthy (besides the smoking), but I haven’t been able to stop eating the past 5 days!!!
    Today was my last day on this evil drug. NO MORE!

  269. I’ve been on champix now for 4 weeks. The only side effect I have experienced is slight headaches (which I cannot put down to the drug or nicotine withdrawal). I would recommend champix to any person wanting to quit. Champix to me is a wonder drug that makes me almost forget to smoke.

  270. My mother took Champix and not long after she started 2mg per day she decided to do away with the evening dose and just have 1mg in the morning. She stopped smoking after two weeks and quit the course halfway through, still not smoking nearly a year later.

    Using her remaining tablets I placed myself on the course and quit after a week and a half. No terribly bad side effects other than nausea if I don’t take the tablets with enough food. I can definitely ‘feel’ the drug in my brain (I have substantial experience with many drugs and am perceptive to not only alterations of conscious states but alterations in brain chemistry too). Saying that, it has not had any significantly negative effects, I just notice it there but that comes with a complete loss of craving which seems reasonable. I have, on two occasions had headaches that, whilst not severe, have been odd in feeling (one hurt from the lining of the inside of my skull – or so it felt – and the other was more acute and experienced in the very core of my head). No pains to report for the last 5 days or so.

    I too have dropped the dose to 1mg per day and am weaning myself off the tablets now that I have removed much of the thought process behind smoking – something I feel will be enough if some level of craving returns. From what I’ve read of others’ cases my mother has been lucky with the effectiveness of champix and although I am not 100% ‘out of the woods’ I am confident that I have my old habit banished for good.

  271. To add to my previous comment, my friend was troubled to learn I had started Champix as his uncle died last year from heart complications that are speculated to have been caused or exacerbated by Champix.

  272. I’m 37 years and a month ago I was a fun happy – loving – positive and very caring mum and girlfriend. I tried Champix a few years ago but my life wasn’t exactly stable at that time (I’d ended a relationship) and I found very quickly my thoughts becoming uncontrolled, bad tempered and unable to cope with my own thoughts. I stopped straightaway and carried on smoking. A few weeks ago I asked my doctor for Champix again as I felt my mental state of mind and life was ‘normal’ ha ha and much more prepared and able to deal with the side effects of Champix. The first week was great – loads of energy positive outlook etc.. though I was living another life at night in my dreams! After a week my mood started to turn.. I stopped smoking on the 11th day and told my partner 2 days later I had to quit the tablets, or me and him wouldnt last! I am very aware of the change in my psyche, eg: “there’s not one thing good in my life at the moment.. my children hate me, my boyfriend is useless, my life is worthless…” I know now this can be a very typical response to taking Champix. I haven’t taken it now for over a week and am desperately waiting for happy go lucky – fun mum – great girlfriend to make an appearance again…. I can’t control my negative thoughts – I dont find anything funny – it’s bloody awful and the people I love are suffering too. I feel that having my cigarettes taken away without using will power has left a gap in my life that I honestly don’t know what to do with?? Does that make sense?? I feel lost. If I ever had a little snip of time – eg. moving from one chore to another / waiting for the children to come in / tea to finish cooking in the oven / driving to work …I would fill that time with a cigarette – but now in that spare time I get lost in thoughts of hopelessness, negativity and failure. I hope this starts to fade soon. And always with Champix users I still don’t crave a cigarette – but the rest of my life is falling to pieces….HELP! Referring to comment 278 Kara = I feel now that its not just me….

  273. Mandy said: “After a week my mood started to turn.. I stopped smoking on the 11th day…”

    Make a note of that, all those trying to suggest that the negative mood is “nicotine withdrawal” – RUBBISH! It had already started before Mandy stopped smoking. Champix is the cause.

    I can tell you exactly why you feel lost, like there’s something missing Mandy: tablets do not address the ideas and beliefs that support the habit. Your conscious decision to quit smoking is something your Subconscious knew nothing about – so the Subconscious perception is that something has been taken away… it’s emotional, you’re ‘missing’ it. Hypnotherapy takes care of that angle as well as shutting down the cravings – which were never anything to do with nicotine anyway (see my book for full explanation).

    Nobody should be given this stupid, dangerous, misconceived drug when hypnotherapy does the job properly and safely, and in just a couple of hours.

    Hang on in there, Mandy! And please keep us posted.

  274. I have been off Champix for 2 months now. I now have short term memory loss which is having an effect at my place of employment. It is actually scaring me because I am usually so organized at work and now I feel like I cannot remember some of the simplest things I was doing before I quit taking Champix. I find that I am quick tempered more and have little patience for my clients. The most concerning is the loss of memory over the tiniest things but they eventually add up and I am starting to question everything I do at work which now is looking like I am incompetent and I have been doing this line of work for 10 years almost.

  275. Sorry, I forgot to add that I am smoke free and happy about that aspect but think I have harmed the neurons in my brain.

  276. On Champix for 2 months had constipation , wind , gut pain, headaches, and the most traumatising was I forgot an entire afternoon, didnt remember getting home, dinner with the in laws or even what had happened to my son that night ( nothing bad) went to Doctor and he said dump the Champix, did a battery of tests negative so far, more to complete, could have been a mini stroke but Doctor told me to stay away from Champix anyway..

  277. Before going to local clinic to get prescription for Champix I had an appointment with a hypnotherapist, I knew about the side effects and wanted to try the safe course first, after all not much to lose except the session cost but if it worked that would be amazing so went ahead, hypnotherapy didn’t work at all and I felt like an idiot after the session, hypnotherapist claimed that I shouldn’t be able to remember what she told me during the hypnosis but I could remember everything, explained some of the stuff she told me for proof and she then claimed with a smile that it is like a movie, you only remember some parts and I was like whatever… got out and lit up a cigarette, feeling disappointed went to the clinic

    Right now I’m on my 12th day on Champix, stopped smoking on day 11, I had about 5 instances of craving on 11th day and so far on 12th day I had only 1 craving I guess in the morning

    So far the only side effects I’ve experienced is tiredness and sleepiness and stupid dreams while sleeping which is not a big deal for me

    before trying hypnosis and Champix (about two weeks ago) I tried going cold turkey and I could only last for three days, will see how I’ll do this time

  278. Just to clarify, whether you can remember all of what was said is utterly irrelevant, it is how you FEEL about what is being said that counts. She should know that, if she’s any good – so why she would claim you “shouldn’t be able to remember” what she said is beyond me. That factor varies a lot from client to client, and also session to session. Anyone with experience would know that so she sounds like a beginner.

    During a hypnotherapy session to quit smoking it also matters how you feel about smoking, how you feel about stopping smoking, about having hypnotherapy, AND how you feel about the therapist. Therefore, what the therapist actually says to you is kind of important too.

    Ehsan, for best results you need a good dentist, not a beginner or an incompetent one. You need a good mechanic, plumber, plasterer, surgeon – not some numpty who doesn’t know what they’re doing.

    Same with hypnotherapists. Good luck with the Champix.

  279. hi chris just started to take champix on day 3 to day i will take 2 tablets i am all so on a lot of other medicines.i have all so just been told i have ms so all ways in a lot of pain. i have been reading your blog now for 2 hours do i still take champix or do i stop HELP would going to see a hypnotherapist help with my ms pain and chris i think your blog is great and very helpful people need blogs like this keep going

    billy

  280. Hi Billy,

    No-one – but no-one – has any idea what Champix will do in conjunction with all those other medications.

    I’ve been working with a guy with MS for a couple of years now, and he’s really benefited from it – which is why he keeps coming back for more! I’ve been amazed, I didn’t know hypnotherapy could do anything for that condition, as I told him at the start. We’ve both learned a lot from the experience, so I’d say it’s well worth a try Billy! I’ll tell you more later by email.

  281. Hi Chris,
    This is very very embarassing and personal, but I need to ask somebody! My boyfriend has been taking Champix and I noticed that his testicles are shrinking and he does not want to admit or quit champix. Is this possible side effect?

  282. Hi Tiyah,

    I have to say I’ve absolutely no idea. That is the first time I’ve heard this mentioned, but as you say it is personal and embarrassing so perhaps that’s why. It is also quite possible that a side effect like that could go unnoticed, especially at first.

    What we do know for sure is that unnatural changes, physical pain and damage can be caused by Champix in many different parts of the body including skin, eyes, brain, kidneys, stomach, spine – why not genitals?

  283. I have been taking champix for 4 weeks and have not experienced any nausea or vomiting at all. I have experienced more vivid dreams tending to be on the terrifying side.The author is right we turn to medication often in our society that could be combated with other more alternative approaches. However smoking is the root cause of many of the health problem faced in later life, It is the single most preventable cause of illness and to be honest I’ll suffer some nightmares and even some of the other effects if they occur if in the long run I get off the fags. This drug might not be for everyone but that’s the way drug therapy is, are you saying it should not be available for those that find it useful? The NHS uses a lot of drugs that we don’t actually know the exact mechanism of but we know work for example metformin used in the treatment of diabetes. It’s been in use for over 20 years and is now being trialed as an anti-cancer drug but there i great debate over how it works. As for hypnotherapy, I went through a course of that and I would hardly say you walk out a non smoker with no withdrawal that is just complete mis-information.

  284. Suzy, you have no right to accuse me of lying just because your personal experience with a different therapist was not successful. I do NOT make false claims, nor do I exaggerate my success. The mention of “a course of hypnotherapy” for smoking suggests to me you did not see an expert in smoking cessation: there is no need for more than one session in most cases.

    I am saying that Champix is too dangerous and unpredictable to offered around as if it were no more risky than any other medication, which it certainly is. I’m not talking about nightmares, nausea or vomiting for Christ’s sake, I’m talking about violent assaults, mental breakdowns and suicides. Are YOU suggesting that a lousy 14% success rate (at twelve month follow-up) is worth the risk of that, when safer methods are proven to work much better than that?

    Note to doctors and other medical personnel: at the very least, Champix/Chantix should be regarded as a last resort, after all safer methods have been tried – check Victor’s link just above Suzy’s post.

  285. If your already a nutjob or found yourself on people of Walmart website, compulsive whiner, hypocondriac, or just plain blame the world for your problems don’t take this medicine. The lack of nicotine causes most of the symptoms not the pills. Vivid dreams lack of nicotine. I had the same effect quitting cold turkey. Chantix is by far the best thing I’ve tried after 27years of smoking ok and off. So if your brain is already unstable don’t ruin it for the rest of us.

  286. You take it, Chris. Take lots of it. Take it for the rest of your life, or however long you want this “medicine” in your system. And thank you for all your good wishes. You’re right, this drug is definitely for you.

    And everybody like you.

  287. First time blogger, never wrote a single thing online but what dragged me to it this time is this discussion on CHAMPIX and i thought i shuould contribute as well. Like many i have been on CHAMPIX for last two months, doing 2mg/day and have never felt better. I am in fact feeling the opposite of depression. I feel happiness and I am really excited and proud about the fact that i don’t smoke anymore. As soon as I quit smoking i could feel the benefits, i am more active now, when i running i am not out of breath and i feel that i am so lucky to be part of this beautiful world. I hope this continues as i never want to smoke again. When i was smoking i was more depressed as i was trying to quit but i would fail all the time, but this time i feel like a winner, i feel freedom and i feel i can achieve anything.

    CHAMPIX has working for me, for the better, i have even started exercising and feel so good. Next goal 20 km marathon. Best of luck to everyone trying to quit, i think its worth it. All i would say is decide for yourself, don’t believe anything in life till it happens to you, try it and decide for yourself….HAPPY QUITTING Loving it every day…

  288. “Don’t believe anything in life till it happens to you”? That’s an interesting philosophy. Forget all you’ve heard about crack cocaine – give it a go, decide for yourself!

    Loving it every day…

    Rajeev, I’m glad things are going well for you. This drug affects everyone differently. Some people are successful with it and it doesn’t harm everyone so best of luck. I wouldn’t give it to my worst enemy, for although it might be tempting, I have a conscience.

  289. Hi Chris,
    I appreciate all the effort you have put into this, I can see the toll it has taken on your patience through your replies. I never knew so many people were having serious issues with this drug. I never bothered looking into it as I hadn’t made a connection between Champix and what has been going on in my life. Recently I have been having Champix-like symptoms again and this got me thinking and ‘googling’. Its taken me all afternoon to read through the posts but I’m glad I did.

    I was a heavy smoker for 20 years and had tried most quitting techiniques, acupuncture, hyponotherapy twice, zyban, cold turkey countless times etc and had never been successful for more than a few days. I haven’t had a smoke for almost four years since my second go at Champix. This sounds like success but at what price?

    The first time I tried champix I stopped smoking and would have quit except I kept testing how quit I was. I would have a smoke and say to myself ‘see you had one and didn’t have another, you are stronger than the addiction’. Eventually buying a packet to pay back all the bummed smokes led into buying packets for myself and the habit was back worse than ever. The system in aus. says you can’t get cheap champix within a year of getting cheap champix so I waited til the day I was eligible and went into it again. I had fairly mild symptoms the first time so wasn’t worried about another go. The second time killed the habit and I havent smoked since.

    My philosophy now is I only have to give up the next ciggie and I won’t start again. One cig is really easy to give up. I tell myself that even my weak willpower can resist one smoke.

    Advice to fresh quitters

    DO NOT HAVE ONE MORE CIGARETTE and you’ll be fine

    Anyway on to my problems.

    I am beginning to think champx has fundamentally changed my mental disposition. It has been almost four years since I stopped taking it and I have just noticed that I am having the vivid dreams again. One night erotic the next horror. Since reading through the posts I relate to most of them in some way. Joining the dots I see all my personal issues have been getting progressively worse since taking champix. My libido has been dwindling to the point I don’t even care about sex with my wife anymore. If I don’t drink alcohol at night I don’t sleep, I now have very low motivation for anything, I am forgetful, have irrational outbursts and am forgetting more and more short term stuff. I thought I was just getting old but the return of the dreams has brought it all into focus.
    My marriage has been through a very rough patch and our relationship is still very delicate. It was much different before. I am now very worried that if 4 years isn’t long enough to get over it I may be changed for life. DAMMIT I’ve run out of room

  290. …..continued

    It feels good to get this out. Thanks again for providing this space Chris
    I haven’t seen any stories from people with as long a history of symptoms as mine so I’m a bit lost. I was surprised how different people’s reactions were but then again how similar some were to mine.

    I never really considered suicide but I thought of the consequences of it for my family. I talked a couple of friends back from suicide and maybe that has helped it become a non-option for me. I do think I am going insane sometimes. Its stupidly comforting to know that other people have had the same reactions.

    But what now.
    I am strong enough to live this way without topping myself, I don’t want to get bogged down with a therapist and my family is JUST able to put up with my shit. It could be worse right?

    Is living longer but slightly fucked up better than dying from somking? Hard to say unless you’ve done both.

    The worst thing is I don’t know if I’d have done anything differently had I known what would happen.

    Smoking is a black, black habit, aside from the health risks. It takes you places you wish you didn’t have to go. I really love not NEEDING to smoke anymore, but I hate what I’ve become…and I think champix is to blame

  291. ….continued

    Advice to people considering Champix

    ITS A GAMBLE, BE SURE YOU ARE INFORMED

    As seen by the posts, the side effects are far different from person to person, from suicide to elation and there’s a lot inbetween

    Smoking sux tell everyone

  292. Whenever anyone says they tried hypnotherapy and got nowhere, I always want to ask them all about it, find out why. Sometimes my clients tell me they used it before, and if they didn’t succeed I can usually figure out why in about a minute just by asking a few questions.

    Thanks phj, much appreciated contribution – so you picked up that I was getting a bit tetchy with a few people, eh? Guilty as charged! Can’t help it sometimes, and I’m not proud of that but I am very proud of this Campaign to rid the world of the drug that has harmed you and so many others, and of course NRT which doesn’t work at all, as the latest research from Harvard University confirms.

    Smoking sucks, everyone. So does Pfizer’s Suicide Pill.

    Wishing you a full recovery, phj. Best wishes.

  293. Hi Chris,
    I went on Champix approximately 14 months ago on a friend’s recommendation, taking what I think was the first few weeks of the course. The side effects have damaged me for good I feel. I am not the same person anymore, my memory is shot and I am anxious most of the time and sometimes quite depressed. During the time I was on Champix I was approached several times by the management at my work saying they were very concerned that I was acting very out of character (swearing, stressed, having no patience with my colleagues). To be honest I had no recollection of doing anything so these reports really messed with my head.

    I am still left with side effects today of lack of patience, major temperature fluctuations and early menopause. But the side effects that concern me the most are the anxiety that is nearly always with me, the loss of memory and distant feeling (even from close family members) and also the periods of depression that are now with me. Champix was definitely not for me I wish I had never taken the damn stuff. It may work for some people but I truly believe that the horror stories I have heard definitely outweigh the benefits.

    Chris, I would be very keen to hear of a good hypnotherapist in Christchurch NZ. Thanks

  294. Hi Sue,

    I just googled Hypnotherapist in Christchurch NZ, and clearly there are some very promising options available. As I don’t know any of them personally I cannot recommend anyone so I suggest that you repeat that search, read around some of those websites and then make a shortlist. Call them up, ask a few questions including prices, and tell them what you’ve told me and ask if they know much about the Champix situation.

    When you find someone you feel comfortable with, you’ll know. Trust your gut feeling. But first, click on Blog at the top of this page, and scroll down to my “Hypnotherapy… A Few Tips” post. More advice there. Best wishes.

  295. This one came in by email today.

    Dawn wrote:

    “Hi my name is Dawn I live in Jacksonville, Fl. I started this Chantix 2 weeks ago an I already suffered from depression and anxiety and let me say this medicine is absolute poison especially to those who already suffer with these
    illnesses. I experienced terrible reactions to it and I had called my mother and told her how bad I was feeling I told her that I felt like going to a mental ward because of it I have only been off it for 24hrs. Now and I still am having some bad moments but they are not so crucial…..my question is how long does this stay in your system till its completely out? Please if some one could email me
    back I would appreciate this…. Also is there a petition out there that I can sign to get this off the market?
    Thank you
    Dawn”

    I replied privately to that one. Of couse there is no petition but if everyone makes sure their bad reaction gets reported against the drug through the official channels, that will do it – nothing else will.

  296. I tried Champix after also trying Zyban, and, yes, not believing there was anything wrong with it at the time did carry on with some mild to moderate home drinking in a family setting. At that stage although I was depressed and not functioning brilliantly, I at least I had a reasonably viable rapport with those around me -it pretty immediately sent me high as a kite on a manic trip that lasted 24 months and was brilliant at the time (house and car purchases,extra-marital affairs x about 8 or 9 + night/lapdancingclubs) but has since cost me my profession, wife, family, friends and dignity to the point where I am living very much like a vagrant-I tell my family ,support workers and doctors how much I truly feel for my son and daughter who, it appears I shall now never know to adulthood-they have both sufferered behavioral problems at school although because I was probably a bit less bonded with my daughter I think here suffering is a bit less than my equally adorable son who I love with all my heart, so much that it hurts when I think about how close we were when he was much younger-as with a lot of the bipolar posts due to the manic high having happened I am accused of all sorts of misdemeanors in my pre-morbid state, which I admit may not have been brilliant but was a lot better than where I am now-before this happened I did suffer from depression which affected my work at times but nothing like this malaise which has taken over my life-before I got ill mjy life was one of black tie dinners, professional life, family fun days, trips to holiday centres such as Center Parcs and away to places like Portugal, the Canary Islands and similar-now it just has not been worth living especially when I know myself that my true nature before I got high was that of a dutiful (and, ok depressed but connected) family man.

  297. Note to “Keith”, who keeps trying to post aggressive, dismissive and highly abusive comments and seems to be wondering why I am not approving them: make your points reasonably and clearly, without abusing the other contributors and you can have your say. Incidentally I have only blocked or deleted comments on this basis from three individuals in nearly four years – so you really are out of order mate.

  298. hi. i took champix about two years ago and i am still suffering the side effects. i was on antidepressients when i was given the champix and was on them only for a couple of weeks before i stopped due to bad side effects.
    befor i took champix my depression was under control and was not to much to cope with.
    when i stopped it i starded to feel even more depressed and its got worse and worse.
    my symptoms are. no energy at all no apetite. no sex drive, headaches, depression, and a feeling in my gut thats a bit like butterflys,but its more like you feel when you lost smeone you love or someone has died. and its there all the time.
    in fact i had a big argument with my doctor over all of this and ended up being struck off.
    does anyone else have these symtoms.
    please let me know.
    many thanks mark

  299. Hi Truth will out, Recently read a book on this topic by Allen Carr, call The nicotine conspiracy i highly recommend you read it, I agree that the clinical trials are setup in a way that the probability of the desired results are higher and that tests are conducted until the desired results are achieved. However the issues is a lot bigger than you think.. the QUIT,ASH foundations are funded by the Pharm companies as well and the misunderstanding of the smoking addiction is large which does help. The only way is to unite groups like yourself together. The amount of lives at stake are a scary reality,

  300. I am on day 4 of taking champix the first 3 days were 1 x 0.5mg. On day 2 I felt lower back painon the right. Day 3 the pain was worse. Now today both kidneys are hurting. Needless to say I am not going to take anymore.

  301. I am on week 3 of champix, and have been off cigarettes since day 14. The most noticeable side effects are:

    * Nausea – good ten to fifteen minutes after popping the pill

    *Vivid dreams – have not dreamt like this in YEARS.. quite enjoyable actually

    * Feel ‘cloudy’ in my head for approx 2 hrs after taking the pill

    For those of you who are feeling muscle cramps/spasms – I recommend having regular stretching or even do some yoga.. this is not the first time I have taken this drug (Last time I stuffed up as I was on holidays while taking it). Do not let the pains freak you out

    To be exact I am on day 24 of champix and have not had a single craving. Everyone gets affected differently to this drug (as with all drugs) so it is important to pay close attention to your body while taking it.

    The drug can make you angry at times, I found a good way to deal with this is to talk to your family or friends about how you are feeling and they will remind you everything is ok, sounds stupid, but it works, trust me.

    Tom – You are only taking 0.5 MG pills, and in the early stages of the drug, I suggest you see your doc about your kidney problems, it might be something else, goodluck with everything, I will keep you guys posted on my progress!

  302. I took 18 days of Champix medication. I can’t say it ruined my life, but the amount of pain I experienced on the last day I took it, both mentally and physically, was enough to make me stop.

    Everything seemed to be going well, quit smoking like a breeze, had some interesting dreams but nothing I couldn’t handle, some nausea which I could also handle. Then I started to pick little fights with my boyfriend over ridiculous things that I’d never fight about . I couldn’t figure out why I was acting that way but figured there must be a reason I can’t figure out (like most women!)
    While I can’t claim that I once thought about killing myself, I did notice differences in my behaviours such as being highly suspicious of things or people and questioning their honesty or intentions. Pushing people away from me because I should suffer alone, nobody should have to deal with me. Feeling really down and depressed and crying without being able to help myself. Thinking and saying things even while telling myself this is ridiculous to say or think. Literally, I felt like I was out of my mind.

    The physical pain came from the worst PMS cramps I had ever experienced combined with stomach pains right under the chest, and back pain, which is not all that uncommon for me but it all just felt more painful than ever.

    Needless to say, I think I’d rather have just quit cold turkey, especially after reading about Champix putting people in mental hospitals. My doctor knows my family has a long history of mental health issues and this was not something I was warned about. I feel naive and cheated, and wish I had REALLY done more research into the drug before chancing it. To each their own. When you think about it, you could walk out of the house and get hit by a bus and die, or take a pill and die… I guess it’s really what you are willing to risk and for how much.

  303. … the difference being, we are warned to take care crossing the road from an early age, whereas we are taught to trust our doctor and the medicines they give us, as if it has all been tested properly and proven safe. We are NOT warned that drug companies conceal evidence from the safety authorities routinely, OR that the only information the doctor ever gets is provided by the drug company. And if you die, the doctor is never going to be held responsible in any way, unlike the bus driver.

    BE WARNED, people: this is happening because the drug companies took over the testing procedures years ago and they have corrupted the entire system. You are not protected by it in any way, and they are quite happy to pay off a few million in damages in the end, to the TINY number of people who actually sue them successfully because they have made BILLIONS in profits by then. YOUR DEATH OR DIBILITATION IS BUILT INTO THEIR FUCKING BUSINESS MODEL. I am not exaggerating, this is the truth.

    Jordana, I hope you make a full and speedy recovery. Please make sure the doctor reports the bad reaction through the official channels. There are SAFE ways to quit, don’t take the suicide pills.

  304. Have taken champix for 10 weeks and have ended up with a horrible rash on my face but what is worse of all is memory loss which is very severe, will it be permanent? Although I have stopped smoking so far nothing is worse than losing your mind!! What are my chances of a full recovery to pre-champix memory?Why was’t memory loss mentioned as a probable /possible side effect in the literature in the packet? Can anybody relate to my symptoms? I eagerly await feedback on my predicament.

  305. Ellen, it varies so much that no-one knows in any individual case. Please make a note of all your experiences and when they happened, make an official complaint to the prescriber and best wishes for a full recovery. They do happen.

    As I’m getting a little tired of people accusing me of self-interest, I’m posting this latest contribution, from a mental health nurse, and this and several other popular threads… THIS is why I’m doing all this stuff about Champix: to try to prevent what happened to Ellen and all the others…

    “I really wish I’d found this site before I started taking Champix, I definately wouldn’t have taken it and would have saved myself so much misery!
    I started taking Champix 4 weeks ago and have had problems from week one, not realsing it was related to this evil drug. My symptoms have incliuding nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, weight gain, vision problems, sore throat and losing my voice, flu symptoms, forever tired and memory loss, both short term and long. I have had hallucinations, visual and audial, thankfully fleetingly and have also had fleeting thoughts of suicide. I am starting to feel depressed, but I think that’s because I’ve been feeling ill for these 4 weeks with no sign of recovering. My GP said it was pyschological withdrawal, gave me a script for antibiotics and told me to carry on with the good work of not smoking! I’m worried for my job too, I only started 4 months ago, have already used up all my sick leave and am not working to my potentail. Oh, I’m a Mental Health nurse and the side effects that some of these people describe frighten me to death! IT IS NOT a withdrawal from nicotine.
    For all you people who are having postive experiences using Champix, please be aware of the possible side effects and ask your nearest and dearest to keep a close eye on you.”

  306. I just wanted to post this message to say that champix does effect everyone differently.. I am 19 years old and started smoking when I was 12 (far too young and stupid). I quit using champix 6 months ago and only suffered from vivid dreams, which I actually found interesting.
    I quit smoking on day 10 of taking the tablets and have never had another one since.
    I cut the last 2 weeks worth of tablets in half, and weaned myself off by just taking half of a tablet on a morning and night.. then gradually taking one on a morning, before getting rid of them all together.
    I have never felt better, my mum and sister also quit using champix, although my sister did suffer from some nausea.
    Just because you have suffered from depression in the past does not mean you are definately going to become suicidal… I have suffered severe depression and did even try to commit suicide twice, but these tablets never ever made me feel like that.

    I can understand if people become suicidal if they are on anti-depressants whilst taking champix, or drink on a regular basis… but I know a dozen people who have quit using champix and the worst side affect they had was nausea.

  307. Day 10 of Champix, pretty noticeable side effects including;

    – Headache
    – Dizziness
    – Vivid dreams
    – Pain in the right kidney / lower back
    – General feeling of being unwell (drowsy, irritable, lethargic)

    I will be ceasing my course immediately, and hopefully within 24/48 hours it will be flushed from my system. I am also taking medication for a depressive episode from last year, high blood pressure and antibiotics for a recent dental surgery. I have never had an adverse reaction to medication before, so am quite shocked I’m having a bad reaction now.

    Whilst there seem to be a lot of scare stories, there seems to be a majority of people who have successfully quit, with limited side effects. I myself have viewed it as a very powerful (albeit slightly dangeous) aid to stop smoking. There’s no doubting its effectiveness in stopping people from smoking whilst on the medication, or at least significantly cutting down.

    My concern is the volume and severity of people who are suffering significant side effects (three or more). There needs to be more research into why a significant amount of people are experiencing such serious side effects. In my opinion, this drug needs to be taken off of the market at least for the time being, to understand more about the drug’s mechanism. You wouldn’t expect to buy a drug over the counter which helped you achieve a goal, but which a significant amount of users experience often the most serious side effects one can experience. There should be no difference for something prescribed by a GP.

  308. Hello,
    I happened upon this site by accident & have read a great number of posts.
    I have started Champix today, & have to say I am quite concerned about all the possible scary side effects.
    But I have made the decision to try quitting with Champix as I KNOW I cannot do it any other way.
    Hypnotherapy would definitely not work for me.
    I will try & post on here during my 12 week course & let people know how I get on.
    I am a 38 yr old married lady from the UK, who has smoked for 23 yrs.
    I smoke approx 25-30 day
    I have suffered a little bit with depression over the years, which was mainly due to being a single mum for a few years & times were very tough.
    I would class myself now as happily married, content, very unfit!
    So I really hope I do not suffer with any of the “mind altering” symptoms described while on Champix.
    I’m a bit of a control freak, & not trusting my own thoughts or actions would scare the hell out of me.
    Anyhow, good luck to all who are trying to quit like myself.
    Hope to be back soon with an update
    Rachel

  309. Rachel says: “Hypnotherapy would definitely not work for me.”

    Did you know that what most people think of as “hypnosis” does not exist? Did you know that the client controls the outcome of the session, not the hypnotist? Do you actually know anything about hypnotherapy at all?

    No. You’ve seen Stage Hypnosis, and you fell for it.

    The whole idea of “mind control by somebody else” is an illusion. As for expectations, well, I’ve been doing hypnotherapy full-time since August 2000, I’ve worked with thousands of people, and I can tell you that whatever issue we’re dealing with, no client EXPECTS it to work. They are always astonished when it does, which it usually does. Only the ones who have used hypnotherapy successfully before are actually expecting success, and even they have doubts. They were astonished when it worked for the weight loss, so they can hardly believe it’s gonna work for the smoking AS WELL. Then there are the real enthusiasts who use it a lot because it’s the easiest way to change anything!

    But you know, Rachel, you can’t be a control freak, or you would never take a drug that hasn’t been tested properly, has such a wide variety of serious side effects that no-one could possibly predict what is going to happen to you, and which has changed some peoples’ personalities so violently that they have then attacked or even killed others, or themselves, or committed crimes they don’t even remember.

  310. hello,

    i felt that i needed to make comment on this page as my wife and i have just tried champix.
    We are both early thirties very physically fit and eat well.
    I have never had any major psychological problems
    My wife has suffered from depression in the past and PTSD which will never really leave.
    After meeting with our doctor about taking champix and assesing my wife the doctor prescribed Champix and informed us of the possible side effects.
    I only have one piece of advice DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG.
    I experienced nightmares sleeplessnes and restlessness and severe agitation and mild aggression. I stoped taking after 3 weeks.
    My wife experienced similar side effects and now has re-lapsed into severe depression and for the first time suicidal thoughts. My wife has not been medicated for 2 years under advice from her psychologist and she has been happy and healthy that entre time. We are now in a position of chaos where she is seeing her psychologist daily. Feelings of depression, guilt and anxiety are now a major problem.
    for anyone who has had and psychological problems in the past do not take this drug it is dangerous.

  311. I did the starter pack for Chantix and then stopped taking it. I’ve been off Chantix for a week now and I haven’t smoked in two weeks. I did notice that it does reduce and even eliminate the craving for a cigarette, but it wasn’t until halfway through the second week at full dose that I noticed it also reduces and eliminates craving for much of anything as if nothing was very pleasureable or interesting. I did this during my vacation and normally, I’d find all kinds of things to do around the house. I just wanted to lie in bed and watch TV and sometimes I just slept or tried to. So, that was the most disturbing part for me…the loss of interest in doing just normal things. It’s different from when I’ve tried quiting cold turkey before. Then, I had trememdous amount of energy and could not keep still. Of course, that was many years ago. Now, I still feel kind of fuzzy in the head after a week being off Chantix but there’s no craving for a cigarette that I can’t control. I just hope the fuzziness goes away.

  312. I will start by saying this drug was NOT for me! So thankful i have a caring girlfriend who noticed rapid disturbing changes in me. God only knows what would of happened had she not pleaded i stop this awful wonder cure! It all started out good, my brother and a good mate had successfully quit cigs with champix with nothing more than nausea! Wow! Doc gimme this stuff! No questions asked, no warnings of what was about to be one hell of a scary ride! Im a happy outgoing bloke, no life stresses, had my share, but hey that is life! Also in my younger days experimented with all sorts of recreational mind altering drugs, never any bad side effects, mental or physical! Still love lsd over any drug, and good ol’ MJ and a cold beer! I have a strong mind that has never let anything control my thoughts, until champix… The first week i noticed quickly less and less smoking! Great i thought! Then came the most frightening dreams of my life, that was so real i can still see and smell the bodies i was hoarding in the boot of my car! This became kind of a bit of a laugh for me and some mates, gf was a bit worried though. Then into the second week, i started to well almost be in twighlight sleep, eyes wide open, dreaming and believing i was fast asleep until my girl came upstairs one night and i was sitting upright in bed staring wide eyed, i thought i was asleep! She asked why the balcony door was open and what was i staring at??! Wtf?? Week 3 brought about more strange episodes, increasingly having violent thoughts of my employer who had become an asshole for his own reasons! Still in week 3 i start tripping balls like nothing i’ve ever had before, im an athiest, but what happened next i still cant explain or know if it happened or once again i was in a twighlight state.. Sitting on my lounge, just watching tv, everything fades black, pitch black! Except a light or reflection on my slate floor, i kneel down towards the light, and crawl to the front door and open it, the world is in total blackness, except this white light, almost like at the end of a tunnel! Sound familiar?? No i havent since taken on faith! Lol! I hear an almost electric clap and im back on the lounge, everything normal again.. Wow trippy shit, but not the fun kind of tripping, this had a dark sinister feel to it! Should have stopped then, but being a psychonaut, had another laugh and continued into week four. This was it now, this shit was now taking over my once powerful strong mind which i credit myself for. My asshole boss was gonna pay the ultimate price, as i explained to my girlfriend and my neighbour, i will get away with murder! I swore i wouldnt spend one night in jail, i had planned how i was going to do it, right down to choice of weapon and place! I had the perfect plan, i was going to blame the whole thing on Champix! I knew now i was goin mad, but i felt powerful too! Immediatley my girlfriend and neighbour were shocked and scared of what i had become in less than a month! Im a lover not a fighter, i dont hurt anyone, not in my nature! Here i was spending my days planning and relishing in the thought of my master plan! A quick intervention from my girl who i love so much and my mates pulled me out from the brink of insanity and me ruining more lives of innocent people, just like champix was ruining me! In less than a week, back smokin cigs i was me again, 100%! It still scares me thinking back on that month. I tell people of my experience with this blunder drug and let them decide if its for them! Its not for me, i’ll just enjoy this ciggy for now and when im ready, my strong will and mind can do what Champix failed to!

  313. I am on my third attempt of taking champix now. The first time, I went 12 weeks after stopping the champix, but got made redundant and dived for the fags.

    Second time I went 15 weeks without a cigarette, then my Dad died, and I reached for the cigs.

    This time, my will is much stronger and I am 8 weeks into the course. But I am only taking 1 tablet a day.

    I have had virtually NO side effects, a couple of stomach cramps and thats about it. I do have very vivid dreams, but I dont mind them.

    My wife, however, when She tried, felt awful.

    I dont believe champix works on its own. You have to WANT to stop, and the will to stop. Champix helps by reducing the cravings.

    I am determined it will work this time.

  314. i have stopped taking champix and made a report through the appropriate channels,
    New Years Eve – the same as any other evening when i have been out and enjoyed a few drinks, although something happened to me this evening that has never happened before.
    Apparently i changed into an a completely different person. Although i can’t say what i did – because i have no memory of the evening at all – nothing. i dont know how i got home or what time i arrived home… nothing. what i have been told is awfull, i told my wife and our friends to leave me in the pub when it was time to go, i phoned my father and brother and was abusive…. and im still finding out about other antics – –

    now i am 31 years old, and i have drank much much more than i did that evening before – i’ve had headaches and done silly things but never have i been this much of a prat and certainly never have i struggled to remember a single thing from the night before.

    but i hadn;t ever been on champix before…… and that is the only thing that could have caused this.

    ive been on the drug for a little over 2 months now and looking back, i remembered another evening where my friend and i had an altercation (over nothing) we’d been drinking and the next morning i couldn;t rememer parts of the evening – again this must be down to champix

    i surely havent just started to suffer from alcohol associated memory loss with personalilty changes thrown in for good measure!

    stay away from these pills – there will be much more to follow in the next few years about the negative effects this drug has that we aren’t told when being given the pills by the gp….

    i could have done anything – and not remembered – and i can quite easily now understand why there have been suicides, murders and other incidents where the person was on champix…

  315. Whats the law suit for? If it doesnt work for you or gives you adverse side effects simply stop using it! I praise champix not only did it help me quit it motivated me to start working out and eat better also, along witb quiting ive also lost 20 lb and have never felt better! Dont ruin it for everyone else with some bullshit get rich quick law suit

  316. Mostly for suicides so far, Julius, and the fact that the manufacturer, Pfizer, knew all about the suicides that were happening but they were missed in a crucial safety review at the FDA because Pfizer submitted the data “through the wrong channels”, which is either negligent or fraudulent.

    When this information first came to light, the French Government withdrew funding for the drug citing safety concerns. The FDA, however, did nothing about it and no-one was held accountable.

  317. I am on week two of champix and although I am down to one cigarette a day, I have turned into a monster! Erratic temper tantrums! And over emotional. Cannot believe this pill is available, I have reduced the dose in the hope it will help, if not I will have to stop it all together, my husband is also on them and he has felt really low, what a pair!

  318. Well im into my 2nd week of champix with 1 week easily stopped smoking… so yes they do what they say on the tin. remarkable how easy it was, i have tried other NRT before and they are nothing in comparison…. However, feel nausea after each pill ranging from minutes to hours. This is not overwhelming and would gladly put up with it. The worst for me is that I have had no bowel movements for 5 days and now getting stomach cramps. Going to stop taking them for a bit and see what the oputcome is. Also, feeling tired all the time and have zero interest in anything. Wouldn’t say depressed just not into it. The thing is… I will probably continue to take them in a day or two because I really want to give up smoking and this has been so easy so far… 🙁

  319. First day of my second week.
    Still smoking around 12 cigarettes a day.
    Irritable and emotional.
    Very vivid dreams that are sometimes disturbing.
    Nausea for 15 minutes up to half a day, but no vomiting.
    Incredibly tired, yawning all the time.
    No interest in doing anything, i.e: have to make myself get up and do the ironing so my young son has clothes to wear.
    Had depression during the early part of last year, was on medication and had therapy. Now feeling low again.
    Going to speak to GP.
    History: Single mum. Was on 30 a day. Smoked for 20+ years. 43 yrs old. Live in the UK.

  320. Smoked 80 a day, on and off for 30 years, have attempted to give up at least 2-3 times a year for about 20 years. 3rd course of champix in last 2 years. Easiest method, yep side effects evident but people need to realise that nausea, lethargy, depression, dark circles on eyes, etc, etc, etc are side effects of nicotine withdrawal, don’t be so quick to blame the champix, grow a pair, soldier on and DON’T read the side effects leaflet, it’ll only make you over analise and put ideas in your head.

  321. There’s no such thing as nicotine withdrawal, as all my hypnotherapy clients over the last 15 years know.

    Kenny, Champix has killed a lot of people and it only has about a 15% long term success rate. It’s rubbish and most doctors won’t prescribe it any more because of all the suicides.

    You should read up on the side effects more, because it CLEARLY doesn’t end with nausea and depression. What about people’s skin blistering up and falling off? The onset of severe epilepsy in non-epileptics? Violent attacks on loved ones?

    These are not “ideas put in your head” from the side effects on the leaflets because they’re not listed. But if you admit to not reading the warning leaflet you have NO CLAIM for damages if the drug fucks you up, so that’s not very good advice, is it?

  322. It’s now August. I began to feel like myself again in mid May.
    As in my previous comment I started Champix in March and I made it to the start of week three before my growing irrational anger at everyone, (even though I was still smoking so nothing to do with nicotine withdrawal) made me decide enough was enough. This anger included my young son which was scary – I had to stop taking Champix.
    When I say angry I mean extreme (for me). I could visualize in my head smashing things, myself and other people. It makes me feel sick to say it out loud but this even included my child. I NEVER acted on these violent thoughts and stopped taking the drug as it was the only variable – there had been no other change in my life to instigate this change in personality.
    The insomnia and bad vivid dreams stayed with me for weeks. Being over emotional and crying eased gradually. The depression that had stomped back into my life receded with the thankful thoughts of “it’s ok, I’m not taking it now, life will go back to normal”
    If I had carried on taking this drug I have no idea what would have become of my little family, although the nightmares I still have give me some horrible scenarios.
    Kenny c – I am going to “grow a pair and soldier on” but I’m going to do it with Will power and not potentially disastrous mind altering drugs.

  323. I took champix 4 years ago and quit after 2-3 weeks. Didn’t have any side effects other than vivid dreams. Then in October of this year I began smoking again when I had a drink, gradually began full-time in January. Started taking champix again two weeks ago. Everything was fine till yesterday. I was experiencing vivid dreams again, had dry mouth, nausea, mood swings, but yesterday I was in work and blacked out. I don’t recall anything I had done for around 10-15 minutes. The same happened again this morning. I haven’t smoked since my quit day, but I’m not prepared to take anymore tablets. I will be fine, I won’t smoke. I’m worried though about these blackouts.

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