Any Way To Reverse Long-term Chantix Side Effects? (Page 15) (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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No not your post, a reply to "Chell" (in the 150's+) and to the earlier reply who stated that they only took a total of 3 pills in 2 days.

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My now ex husband took chantix. Got so angry he attempted to kill me. Got charged with assault causing bodily injury. A dr and his sister who's a nurse insisted that he continues the drug.

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yes it's possible. Here's what you have to do. Go back on the chantix drug. And get off soooooooooo slowly maybe over a year wean off at ridiculously small amounts. Or have her start an antidepressant until she gets feeling better then have her taper off of it so ridiculously slow it almost sounds silly. I have this problem as well I need to go off brain medications very very slowly

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Most people who smoke are covering their depression. Nicotine and chemicals from smoking will mask an underlying problem. It is when you quit smoking that you will face depression more. It is when you need psychologists to get to the issues that may be causing it. It could be from her past, etc.

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Have her try a Cbd vape pen. It seems to be working for me. I also took chantix and know what your mom is going through.

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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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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: Jim (# 283)

Hey Jim, I was put on a herbal supplement called Rhodiola Rosea..
I have been taking these for about 6yrs... it keeps me sane and allows me to manage the suicidal thoughts and rage. I have learnt, that if I feel good within, and I stop the herbal supplement, in a matter of weeks I go straight back to the abyss.
I really feel for you Jim, and your wife. It is not a very nice place to be.
Laura, was/ is a brain scientist, she said Rhodiola rosea was pretty much the one thing to take, to help get back into normality.
So I thank my Mother for putting me onto the supplement. She was a practicing Homeopathic.
I will answer you again later, with the make and amount of Rhodiola that I take, unfortunately I'm at work...

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How am I being rude? Someone comes in and says that no way taking this drug can damage dopamine receptors so I ask them for an explanation and say if they are not going to be helpful then they should leave the thread?! How is that rude?! Coming andtelling me that this drug did not do damage when it clearly DID is NOT helpful. But I shall leave here seeing as you find this more helpful than the things we have done that have actually helped!

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I took Chantix for 2 years straight with no side effects... Except I still want to smoke.

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You, are assuming the depression was from the Chantx. and possibly incorrectly. The half life of Chantx is very short,....3 weeks after stopping taking it , it is COMPLETELY gone, there is absolute 0 measurable Chantix in the body/brain.

I took Chantix continually for 7 months....broke a 50 year addiction ( 40 cigs a day),..with Chantix. Zero side effects except I dreamed in color.

For me it was a WONDER drug.

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maybe she was also going through menopausal symptoms?

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There is no way taking that little amount of Chantix for two days ruined your dopamine receptors.

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Exercise helps a GREAT deal with any type of depression. Maybe get her a bike or go on family walks. See if that helps?

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You were probably self medicating with nicotine, which is a known antidepressant. This is an effect of nicotine, not from the chantix itself.

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It is highly possible, that she is just suffering from depression and it wasn't necessarily caused by the Chantix.

https:/­/­rxchat.com/­wiki/­Chantix/­

And all medications do carry the risk of side effects, but what she really needs is a doctor that will work with her and for her to be willing to work with them, to find a solution. It may require trying different medications and dosages, which can be quite a pain, but sometimes necessary.

Does she have a family doctor that she sees regularly and trusts? They might be the best person to call on for intervention.

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