Any Way To Reverse Long-term Chantix Side Effects? (Page 11) (Top voted first)

My mother took Chantix several years ago in an effort to quit smoking. Well, she quit for a year. During that time, however, she became unbearably depressed. She has no history of depression. She consulted a doctor several times and tried 3 different prescriptions, 1 of them being Zoloft. She stopped because she said they made her feel like she was just in a constant haze. She hasn't been to a doctor or a psychologist since then. In the mean time, she started smoking again because she thought that it would make the depression go away. It didn't. Because of her experience with the 3 prescriptions, she is unwilling to go back to a doctor, and dismisses any notion of going to a psychologist. Our family has pleaded with her to keep trying, even if she has to tell whoever she sees that she won't try any drug for fear of the side effects; even if her only option is therapy, we want her to at least see someone. She is reluctant. This side effect of major depression has persisted for years now, long after she stopped taking Chantix. Does anybody have any advice, or experience with the reversal of such severe side effects? My mother, and the rest of my family, is terrified that this is permanent, and she is terrified of the possibility that another prescription will result in even worse side effects.

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Decrease Chantix slowly, I took around six weeks to go down. I was at 2mg took each day for 2 days then 1 1/2 for 1 day then 2 for 2 days then 1 1/2, then every other day (2 to 1 1/2) for four days, then 1 1/2 for 2 days then 1 for one day, 1 1/2 for two days 1 for 1 day, then 1 every other day to 1 1/2 for four days...now you are at day twenty.

1 mg for each day for two days, 1/2 for one day, 1 for two days, 1/2 for one day, then 1 every other day, 1/2 other day for four days, now at day 30.

1/2 mg each day for two days, 1/4 for one day, 1/2 for two days, 1/4 for one day, then switch between 1/2, 1/4, 1/2, 1/4 for four days. Now at day 40.

I then took a week of 1/8 mg pill each day for three days then with nothing every other day for two to four days and I was done. 45-47 days. I miss the vivid dreams!

I had to do this before with Xanax (prescribed for me) four or five times in my life when my anxiety went nuts and this is the easiest way for my body to cope and not miss it. And once weaning off Paxil and Effexor. Seems like a long time but it works!!

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Everyone here, chantix contains metoclopramide sparks. That is why you all are suffering. Reglan = metoclopramide. Read about metoclopramide horror stories, they are all exactly the same as Chantix = varenicline = metoclopramide. Soon everyone will know the truth about this. Please tell to your doctors and ask help. Metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist and very dangerous. Hope you all can find help. Various users of Chantix are complaining about the side effects linked to Chantix, which is made with metoclopramide (generic Reglan). While some users have committed suicide after taking Chantix, others have suffered from neurological conditions. This is no surprise to Reglan users, many of whom have developed various different neurological conditions after taking Reglan. The most common of those disorders is tardive dyskinesia, which is characterized with patients experiencing symptoms that mimic Parkinson’s disease. Some of those symptoms include involuntary movements of the extremities, excessive blinking, lip smacking, grimacing and tongue protrusion.

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What if it's only been 6 days at only 1mg pill a day. Can I stop without issue?

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Hi Dee. .
I think it really depends on the person.
U took these for 11 days, before being ordered off them by my doctor and pharmacist. It still took me down a dark road.. good luck

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@SURFSOLAR
Dude... check out the posts from 42 (I think) there is a way out of the depression, anxiety and anger disorders.
Or... go to a health store or drug store if ur in USA and ask for a supplement that contains at least 900mg of Rhodiola Rosea . Good luck dude.. keep us posted.

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When I tried Chantix to quit smoking I was working in the health industry making 3,000.00 a month, lived in a house, owned tools and did wood working and auto mechanics as a hobby. I was married to a woman I love dearly and had a very extensive book collection. My first week on the drug I was irritable. My second week I blew up at my wife, pushing a stack of plates on the floor. I was arrested for malicious mischief, a domestic violence charge, given a five year no contact order from my wife. That was in July. I now suffer from unneeded agitation as if I we're still on the medication. I have lost my job because of the domestic violence and have not been able to find work. I have never been an angry person and had no clue that a drug could make a person do such things. I lost everything, have no job or money, and am homeless as a result of this drug. I lost more then just my 20,000.00 worth of tools and books, I lost my wife. I never even threatened her! Now I can't even get treatment for the anxiety and short temper I never had before taking this medication. I also have had persistent depression since using this drug, never had any issues like this before. Now I am homeless!

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My husband was on Chantix for over a year same thing. Got really really violent. I had to run and hide more than once because I feared for my life. He has not taken it for 3 months now and still has terrible mood swings and depression. Doesn't want to do anything and still does get violent at times. Not smoking now but now sure using Chantix and his behavior changes were worth it.

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I took Chantix about the same time. I have been on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety pills since then, suicidal thoughts and a number of severe emotional meltdowns since then that have affected my work and familiy relationships. I am SURE it is from the Chantix. The first time it happened was while I was on Chantix and drank beer at a family event. I quit smoking but shortly afterwards had to go on meds. I have been off Chantix for years but the same type episodes occur if I do not take meds or even if I take meds, have alchohol or not, I am 62 yrs old

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I am the same as you. My old self is barely recognizable anymore. I avoid reunions and old friends because I don't want them to know me this way.

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I saw your post. I am contacting you and would like to talk to you about the Chantix long term side affects. How do we go about this?
Thank you.

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Just keep it going at this stage. Ask away.. and whomever reads it can tell you...
I'm sure we all have some underlying problems no matter how long since taking it

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My apologies, I didn't read this correct...

Patty: Rhodiola Rosea supplements can help greatly with the long term side effects, so can wearing a smile, and being around positive people, and not closing yourself in on any day... keep your friends close, be as honest as you can about what effects you have noticed and ask them to help you through... unfortunately, some of us have always had little weirdo quirks, and we get overlooked, but, try and remain in a positive vibe at all times, and be conscious about your feelings...
Its a hard road, its another challenge to face.
I sign with 2 names, because I forgot which name i was using at one stage or another...

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Robyn...
As sad as it is... I totally understand.

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When researching Rhodiola Rosea it does not seem like it would be for depression or aggression. It also sounds like it may keep me awake at nite. In another post I thought I saw like 900mg of this I couldn't find any that were that mg. Are you a Dr? I am just curious. I have an apt with my Dr, but may have to try Rhodiola Rosea. Thank you I will keep you updated.

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Patty.. no.. I'm not a doctor. And no doctor can tell you about Rhodiola unless they're in the alternative profession. If you scroll back to, maybe post 45, you wI'll see some startling advice from a brain science prof, regarding the Rhodiola. I personally take it when I need it now... it's been 5yrs since being on champix (as its called here in New Zealand.) But it does help. Doctors are sure to help you on psych drugs... but they haven't helped me... I prefer the alternative methods now.
Keep smiling.

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Patty... Rhodiola Rosea is great for depression. It's an all round good herb to keep the brain balanced. I take it in the mornings. 5HTP can also be of benefit in the evenings.
Keep us posted please

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I am going through this exactly. Did you find anything helped?

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My Dr put me on a low dose of Effexor. I have not been on it for a week yet so I am not sure if it will work. You could try that Rhodiola Rosea that may work too if you didn't want to go to the Dr. Good Luck

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Maybe you could do some research on Rhodiola Rosea away from a medical perspective. My research didn't come up with any difficulties with depression, anxiety, or aggression. In fact it helps mostly in those areas... read post 45 ish.

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I really recommend to anyone out there suffering side effects from Chantix that they buy the book called The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. This book has one chapter alone devoted to several supplements that can help with depression and addictions. If you can find a Dr. who practices integrative medicine, and/or find a clinic that does Amino Acid IV treatments or he could prescribe tryptophan which can help to raise your serotonin levels. Keep in mind that it might take about 3 months to raise your serotonin levels but you have nothing to lose by buying this book and trying out some of these supplements. They are totally safe and non-addictive. There is even a phone number in the book so you can call and order the supplements if you cannot find the right Dr. or need help in deciding which one you should be on but I highly recommend this book - it is around $20.00 I bought it at my Dr's office but you might be able to find it cheaper on the internet (i.e. Amazon). You have nothing to lose by purchasing this book, except a little money and time. Traditional mainstream dr.s do not understand addiction, depression, nutrition as they have not been trained at all in this field. Sometimes as a health consumer you have to do your own research, be more proactive and not rely on mainstream medicine as it has lost its ways today in our society. Remember the saying.....nothing ventured, nothing gained.

{Amazon affiliate links inserted}

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