Any Way To Reverse Long-term Chantix Side Effects? (Page 14)

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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Re: Riegan or Rioghann (# 256)

I heard (& read) that the popcorn lung symptom was specifically related to artificial flavorings being used in vape pens (etc)...

So apparently, some companies (at least a couple CBD vape pens I've tried) are starting to use essential oils for flavor instead as a preventative measure.

You can check out the following link for more info on the risks of chemical flavoring:
harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/12/chemical-flavorings-found-in-e-cigarettes-linked-to-lung-disease

Hope this helps!

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I took Champix. It has since erased any ability for me to have short term memory. I wish I had never taken it. It is like a piece of my brain has been taken out.

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Re: Munch (# 23)

So weird, im reading all these negative effects and I'm in your boat..i feel better on it. My daughter passed away suddenly 2 years ago, been smoking ever since and diagnosed with anxiety, major depression and ptsd. I quit 46 days ago and haven't even taken 1 hit. Im proud of myself. My dreams are incredibly vivid which can be good or bad.

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Re: CH (# 10)

I have been dealing with major brain fog and depression for about 2 years and now know it is a direct result of my poor gut health. Try doing an elimination diet for 7 weeks and I bet you will see the fog a depression lift. You can actually feel it lift and its amazing. This means eating only lean protein, veggies and healthy fat. No alcohol or caffeine.

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Re: Ann (# 4)

Interesting post. I took Chantix for 2-3 months. I quit smoking but now 8 years later I am wondering if my memory loss and moodiness has anything to do with Chantix.

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Re: Fred (# 2)

Not sure if you will get this but I took Chantix about 7'years ago and have not been the same since, I'm suffering from depression now as well I'm going to finally see a doctor about going on an antidepressant.

Christine

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Christine... Have u read thru the blog? I was dark, moody, depressed, and not very nice to be around... I took thuja and rose rhodiola and 3 yrs down the track.. I'm happier than I was even before taking the champix or chantix as it's called in the states... I still get dark every now and then, but only 1-3 times a yr instead of waking up dark every day.

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Re: Riegan (# 39)

does the homeopathy, remove the symptoms of chantix permanently?
I seem to be waling around in a haze even after a few years of taking chantix, and now i have pins and needles across my body as well.

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Re: Viraj (# 268)

Hey Viraj... the homoeopathy has worked on me rather well, I still get the odd bout of darkness every now and again, 3 times in the past year, as opposed to every day, when I wasnt on it. So, it is most definitely worth a try.

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Re: Riegan or Rioghann (# 269)

Thanks for the info, what im getting is Dr. Reckeweg Thuja Occidentalis 200 CH, is that correct? I cant seem to get any other.

Thank you again for your help.

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Re: Viraj (# 270)

Hey Viraj, as long as you get the 200c dosage it's 3 or 4 drops in a small amount of water (hold in your mouth for about 30 seconds, before swallowing), take morning, night, morning only then stop. so you really only need a couple of mls, if you have a homeopathic in the neighbourhood... then start taking the rhodiola rosea for at least 3 - 6 months. I hope this helps you as it has for me...

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Re: laura (# 13)

Hi Laura, what can you offer to reverse the negative effects of chantix?

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Re: Little hope (# 20)

Did your serotonin come back? I took chantix 2.5 years ago and I'm still not myself. Anxiety and depression. What has worked for you? I sent a message to Amen clinic also. Waiting to hear back. Thanks.

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Re: cooper (# 272)

Please read from post 36, Laura answers one of my posts... very interesting.
in hindsight, I use 3 different spellings of my name, dont ask why, cos i dont know. lol

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My husband and I took Chantix together in 2012. I immediately stopped dreaming and started sleepwalking, he had no issues. In the 3rd week, he quit smoking and I had the first convulsion of my life. For the next 3 years I had seizure-like episodes, periods of altered mental status (like 8 hours of sleepwalking), horrible night terrors, a constant buzzing in my brain and a feeling of floating within my skin. My heart developed a new rhythm which was painful at times. All of my medical tests were normal. I tried to imagine death and practiced for it. I even started working on my obituary. I didn't quit smoking during this time however. I no longer have the seizures that aren't seizures, but I have amnesia for big chunks of my life. Strangely, I can't remember any of the trips we've taken. I'm more solid within my skin now, but I still have this electrical buzzing at times, and attachment issues when I look at someone I love and wish they would just go away. I'm dreaming again but I have insomnia, sleep transition issues and night terrors are common. I finally stopped smoking when I was diagnosed with lung cancer 3 years ago. 4 distinct tumors which weren't staged because I fit the criteria for stage 4 but with no metastasis. A year later I had 2 tumors and this year they found 1. I'm researching to see if there's any correlation between Chantix use and cancer. Chantix has ruined my life, I don't enjoy sewing or crafting anymore, I find it hard to concentrate and focus, I don't know how to respond to my husband because I can't remember how I felt about him before this all begin. I tell myself I should feel a certain emotion and respond accordingly but I only feel sadness inside. I am seeing a neurologist and cognitive psychologist but on the surface everything checks out just fine.

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Re: laura (# 12)

Hi Laura, I have read your comment and I am a little worried after taking Chantix. My brain feels a little numb 2 months after stopping Chantix. I would like more information if that's ok with you. Thanks.

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Re: Sam (# 276)

Sam, No one has heard from Laura since after she replied to me, that I know of. but if you read my posts from I think post #45 you may find a remedy.

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Re: Blueeyes (# 14)


If your husband is on Xanax you have a different and much worse problem now. Xanax was made to only be taken for up to 14 days for acute crisis but is grossly prescribed by doctors, many who are addicts themselves. Xanax is more addictive than heroin and turns normal people into non-functioning, angry, shells of who they previously were. It causes the brain to stop producing chemicals it needs and the half life is so short that your loved one is in withdrawal every time the drug “runs out” which is every 4 hours. The patient feels “anxiety”, however, the feeling is actually withdrawal, you need more and more of the drug just to get the original effects. The only safe way to get off of Xanax is the Ashton method- switching slowly from Xanax to Valium. Valium is the longer acting form of Xanax which then is easier to cut down on. The entire process can take months or over a year depending on the dose you’re on. I’ve watched Xanax ruin so many lives, turning once happy and intelligent people to angry and incapable. Please seek a doctor who can provide the Ashton method or seek treatment at a rehab facility. Good luck.

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Re: laura (# 12)

Hi Laura, are you still reading on this site? Please get in touch with me about my situation with my spouse's use of Chantix. I could use some help too. Thanks.

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Re: jim (# 279)

Hi Jim... haven't heard from Laura for quite some time

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