Any Way To Reverse Long-term Chantix Side Effects? (Page 8)
(Newest replies 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.

REPLY

REPORT

Everyone tolerates Chantix differently and I empathize with anyone who is suffering from long term use of this medicine and/or any other meds.

YES, you will be depressed when you quit smoking. You are taking away many chemicals and stimulant that your body is addicted to physically, mentally and physiologically. However you started smoking is where you have to face the triggers that made you continue to smoke. Chantix saved my life after 17 years of heavy smoking. I also followed their online support program every single day for three months then once a week for 9 more months. I even quit drinking alcohol being on Chantix, I just found no enjoyment in it anymore which was fine for me!

I missed the morning cigarettes that started the day before I could face anyone because I was grouchy going into withdrawals from sleeping all night. The only reason I took breaks at work were to smoke and of course all my smoking buddies that I avoided so I didn't have any triggers. I gained 20 lbs. in the 4 months after I quit smoking, that majorly depressed me when I had to go buy new clothes for work, so much for saving money not buying cigs. I had to find a new solution for physically having something in my hand and mouth, which were straws and gum.

I'm still depressed about not being able to go to the local bars and party because they are all privately owned and allow smoking. I had to find alternative outlets that didn't tempt me to start smoking again. I miss the cigarette after eating a meal, that was what told me I was done eating not just myself. I especially miss the cigarette I would smoke when I was angry or when someone really ticked me off, the smooth instant calming feeling from the chemicals, even when I was tearful and sad, always had that cigarette. It was my excuse to escape reality for the time it took to suck down 1 or 2 cigs.

It has been 7 years since I quit and I still dream about cigarettes. It is all the addiction. Hell yeah you will feel depressed until you find another stimulant or a different way of dealing with pain, anger, feeling full from eating among other things. Something in your life was out of balance when you started smoking maybe even depression and anxiety. Being in a crowd full of smokers while I smoked made me more comfortable than now being in a crowd feeling anxious without a common factor.

Please be sure everyone is taking a good look at their life and feelings and why you started smoking before, if it was peer pressure or life pressures, anxiety and/or some depression, or worry before blaming your medication.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Were You the one that posted earlier that you took 3 pills in two days, then stopped taking it...and it ruined your life with depression ruining your dopamine receptors? That is impossible by only taking three pills! It never had a chance to build up in your system. That was the post I was referring to wherever it is on this thread and to who wrote the post. And I'm not being rude either, I'm just telling the truth! People read what others write and start to believe it is happening to them. Yes you will be depressed when you quit smoking. I will finish my answer in an original thread and not continue in this reply since it is a PUBLIC webpage.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

So here's my very short story. I was at the doctor for strep in December, and I read a quit smoking pamphlet. I've used Zyban before and heard of Chantix. Never in my life did I think it might have long term side effects. I took the starter package for 13 days. I quit in eight days. I felt hazy and stopped the chantix cold turkey with no wean. Now Ten days later, still in a fog I'm obsessed with getting back to normal. I've read all the posts and a lot of forums, and this is the first time I've read a possible solution. I was considering starting Chantix again just to wean off of it. I can't believe a company can still advertise this product. I thank everyone for theor suggestions, and will try the homeopathic solutions mentioned. I'm a computer programmer and I need my mental acuity. I also want to offer my sympathies to everyone out there. It has been two weeks for me, I cannot imagine years.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My bad Chell, please excuse my thread. I wasn't aware you were replying to anyone in particular as there was not a "reply to" before your message. I thought you were replying to the one above... I'm so sorry... please don't leave. I will if I can get the message deleted.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

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!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Be very cafefull when you stop taking it. Very very slowly ween yourself. stopping is 10x worse on your system once you've adjusted to it. Beware!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

{edited for privacy}. I have been reading through all the comments on this thread and I am very interested to know what you have found to be helpful as well. I will happily submit to a case study if that's what you guys might be cooking up, get it touch.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Holy Cow!! Someone finally added 2 + 2 in a way that makes 4 VERY clear! I don't think most people put this information together! Thank You for posting that glaringly obvious explanation that is completely overlooked! I have taken Chantix 3 times now. The first 2 times I didn't say on it very long after quitting, which was fairly easy, so in a weak moment I began smoking again. I have encountered most of the interesting side effects, I feel it acts as somewhat of an anti depressant itself and find I am able to control cravings for other things much easier while on it, and generally feel more happy go lucky in general, so perhaps I did have some depression to start with. Sure it has side effects, some that aren't fun like weird dreaming, but cigarettes have a LOT more side effects!

My mother swears Chantix ruined her sense of taste permanently. But she wasn't even on it long enough to titrate up to a full dose. There were some complex health issues going on at the time she was prescribed it. After a few years she is right back to smoking and now moreso than ever. I have tried convincing her than it was the health issue that caused her change of taste then smoking again maintains the taste issue, but she's unconvinced. She is also someone who swears she's 'been depressed most of her life' and your explanation makes total rational sense to me, hopefully it will to her as well.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

So your explanation then? Loads of people with no prior history of any kind of depression take this drug and are instantly suicidal - if you can't be helpful then leave this thread, this drug should be banned!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

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

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Neurotoxicity is the poisonous effects of harmful substances on nervous system function, and a cause of brain damage. Common symptoms can include problems with memory, concentration, learning, mental processing speed, sleep, thinking, language, as well as anxiety, depression, confusion, personality changes, fatigue, and numbness of the hands and feet. Many types of nervous system disorders can be caused by neurotoxicity, including numerous neurologic and psychiatric disorders, as well as chemical sensitivity.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I am just interested in a dialogue with you. I took Chantix back in2007. I suffer from anger issues and depression. I used to be a very happy-go-lucky person & didn't have any issues. I am just dealing with my changing moods without any help. I am glad to no longer be a smoker but would like to be free of the negative emotional repercussions.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Can you please give what happened with your husband after chintax and if anything helped

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Wish I could gift you with a super special hug

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I do plan on purchasing those supplements the next time I am at a gnc or such place. Thank you for those recommendations. However, due to the white matter changes actually being a change in the physiology of my brain not seeing a neurologist is not an option. Basically, the changes are lesions that could be associated with many things from ms, migraine, lyme etc. I just cant help but wonder if they weren't caused by chantix since that's when my symptoms started.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi, I'm unsure if seeing a neurologist will help, because im quite certain they'll try you on anti depression tabs, and that may add to the effects of the champix/chantix.
Please source a supplement that contains the Rhodiola Rosea at least 900mg a day.
Also seek out a homoeopath and ask for a single dose of Thuja high potency....

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Changes in the white matter of the brain, as much as I've been able to learn from online research these changes would be responsible for neurological symptoms as well as fatigue and memory issues. I dont get to see a neurologist until January so I have very little information about me specifically.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Can you tell me what you mean regarding the "white matter changes " please

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Chantix contains metoclopramide sparks .....Pfizer don`t tell the truth!

Precautions:

"Metoclopramide can cause sleepiness and lack of concentration. Patients should avoid tasks that require mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Patients should also be aware that metoclopramide may enhance their response to alcohol and drugs that depress the central nervous system. Because metoclopramide can cause depression, patients with a history of serious clinical depression should take this drug only if absolutely necessary.

Metoclopramide can make the symptoms of Parkinson's disease worse, and patients with a history of seizures should not take metoclopramide, because the frequency and severity of the seizures may increase. The drug should also not be used in patients with GI problems such as bleeding, tears, or blockages. The safety of metoclopramide for pregnant women or children is unknown. The drug is found in the breast milk of lactating mothers."

Source: McTavish, Alison. "Metoclopramide", Encyclopedia.com. Web. 14 Nov. 2015

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi again Judy... the post i was talking about is number 43... from Laura... i wish i could contact her.... My mother put me on the Rhodiola Rosea and prescribed me the doses of homeopathy, if you follow what I have put in here a few posts before 43... you will be okay... you will find peace and freedom from the black dog syndrome... you just gotta have faith.... And keep taking the supplements with the Rhodiola Rosea.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

i have been on the tablet which was doctor recommended a couple of years aback. Resently i have been itching all over my...

7 REPLIES

My wife has been using Nexito Plus for the past 4 years. She is doing good, but she feels sleepy in the morning time and...

3 REPLIES

I have been taking clopidogrel 75mg + atorvastatin 10mg + metoprolol 10mg + telmisartan 40mg for the past 3 years since ...

1 REPLY

I'm a 35 year old male and have been taking Pantocid 40mg for the past 7 years (twice a week). Will that be a proble...

2 REPLIES

i m 32 years old take atenolol for 15 would like to know what is the long term use of side effects??? ## Hello, Ali! How...

4 REPLIES

I am on methadone maintenance & I am taiking chantix to quit smoking. When I first take the chantix in the a.m. I am...

7 REPLIES

I have been taking Chantix for almost 6 weeks and not smoking for almost 5 weeks. My dreams are not nightmares, but are ...

7 REPLIES

I had Harvoni treatment last spring. I am not the same. My nervous system is a wreck. My anxiety problems have increased...

263 REPLIES

What are the long term effects of the brain and mood changes in people taking 30mg of oxycodone for years? Do they act w...

6 REPLIES

my boyfriends complaining after taking large dosages prescribed by doctors for sleep that he feels loss of sight, blurre...

3 REPLIES