|
Chuck of Boston MA (11/29/08)
I wanted to quit smoking. I took my first Chantix dose on Thanksgiving and felt weird. My family told me I was acting weird so it wasn't my imagination. I got through day 1 and took my day 2 pill. By 1PM I was extremely messed up from it. I started crying for some unknown reason. I couldnt fall asleep and I was having extreme hallucinations when I closed my eyes. It was very scary and I still feel kind of weird. My finace is continuing her dosage of Chantix but is experiencing nightmares. I think this drug is great if it gets people to quit smoking but what I went through was what I think a bad trip on acid would be like. Be careful!
Tamara of Mesa AZ (11/19/08)
I had very intense dreams and or nightmares. However that was the only side effect I had. I quit smoking, I really liked the Chantex. After 28 years of smoking glad I was able to finally quit.
Bessie of Bessemer City NC (11/18/08)
After quitting the drug chantix I began to have movement disorders. Was diagnosed with parkinsons syndrome and extra pyrimidal syndrome
doc wont allow me to go to work or school. Constantly having muscle spasms everywhere. Developed cervical dystonia and having to take botox injections in neck. I take 29 pills a day. I have a neurologist/ movement diosorder specialist, pyschologist, rheumatologist and cadiologist. I have major depressive disorder and they treated me with this drug so I could quit smoking. After stopping, negative physical, psychological and neurological episodes began. I am only 32, a widow with two children. I cannot hike like I used too w/ my children, I dont sleep good at all, I have chronic pain and cannot focus a lot of the times. IT has caused me to be out of work. I had to let my car go back to the bank. I feel like my life has been taken from me. Everything happened so quickly.
Kristy of Ocoee FL (10/31/08)
I began taking Chantix in mid-February of 2008 and continued taking it until mid-May 2008. During that time, I was taking the recommended dosage for the first month only, then on my own accord reduced my dosage to a quarter of what was recommended due to sleep disturbances, forgetfulness and nausea. I was able to successfully quit smoking, however, beginning some time mid-March I began to slowly develop some serious side effects that at the time I was unsure were caused by the Chantix and that eventually led to my starting smoking again to troubleshoot my problems:
1. Frequent fevers ranging from 99.6 to over 104 that would sometimes last for four weeks at a time, disappear for a week and then reappear for weeks. This occurred for the entire time I was taking Chantix and lasted for three months after discontinuation (until the end of August).
2. Easy bruising was a symptom that accompanied only the most severe fevers.
3. Flu-like symptoms, such as fatique, malaise and intense headaches that would last during the weeks of fever. If you've ever had mono, you know exactly how this feels.
4. Irregular menstruation that still continues and an occasional yeast infection.
5. A severe rash that lasted two months after discontinuing Chantix and to this day a residual rash exists on my face and thighs.
6. Extremely low blood pressure at all times (90/45) resulting in fatigue, chills, cold extremities and a strong sensitivity to the cold. Salt was added to my diet per my doctor's suggestion to no avail. Even the nurses who would take my blood commented on how thin my blood was. Not to mention, the low blood pressure made giving blood a very time consuming process.
7. Frequent heart fluttering and feeling of breathlessness accompanied by dizziness and second-long blackouts.
8. Constipation and bloating, even with a highly controlled diet high in fiber.
9. Unexplained weight gain. Like I mentioned, my diet is extremely controlled (5 small meals a day, high fiber, low to no sugar, low carb, little protein) - think 2nd phase of the south beach diet here - to the ingredient.
10. Forgetfulness that has caused me to take measures to prevent job dysfunction (I'm a teacher).
11. Muscle cramps in my calves that would wake me up at night in addition to joint pain in my feet that has prevented me from wearing shoes with any heel at all.
12. Don't even get me started about lack of sex drive and lack of sexual response. It's embarrassing for someone my age to even say so.
13. My eyes are very gritty and dry and blur often at night. They have gotten to be red and irritated so that I now have to apply drops each morning.
14. My sense of balance and coordination makes me appear like a drunk when I'm standing still one minute and the next I'm catching my fall. (Just for the record, I rarely drink).
I began keeping a health journal in June because I was having to visit my doctor often for the various symptoms I was encountering.
At the beginning of September, it saddens me to say, I began smoking again. However, since then and for most of the month of October I didn't have a single fever or day of malaise/fatigue and my rash mostly cleared up ... that is until I decided to quit smoking again.
One week ago today, I began taking a quarter dose of Chantix to try and quit smoking again. After one week, wouldn't you know it, I'm sitting here typing up this story with a fever and all the other symptoms that come with it.
First let me say that my heart goes out to those people whose stories/posts on this site indicated they have suffered so greatly. I feel VERY fortunate to have survived my ordeal having suffered so little compared to them.
I'm a 35 year old female, who up until February of this year was perfectly healthy, aside from being a smoker. I now feel as though I'm double my age and the effects this whole ordeal has had on my marriage is astounding. I had to leave work early several times (not easy for a teacher to do) and I'm surprised I made it home on those days my fevers spiked over 104 degrees leaving me delirious, barely able to walk and incoherent.
I have not yet discovered what permanent damage Chantix has had on my body, but I have my suspicions and the outlook is grim that I will walk away from this experience unscathed. I am worried that with my set of symptoms I have developed a serious autoimmune disease or blood disorder and am in the process of seeking a specialist for additional testing.
Linda of Woodbury NJ (10/17/08)
Having been prescribed Chantix to help quit smoking, within weeks, I developed symptoms including blurred vision, nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. After I stopped taking the drug,most symptoms disappeared but the abdominal pain continued. I have been informed that I need to have my gallbladder removed. I had never in my entire life experienced more than a handful of stomach aches or heartburn and this problem seems to have come out of left field. Perhaps it is coincidental but I have doubts.
I have scheduled an appointment with my doctor after tests revealed mass in my gallbladder and specialists believes surgery is required. It will surely result in economic and physical damage beyond what I have already experienced.
Aaron of Merrill WI (10/17/08)
I used Chantix the summer of 2007 to quit smoking. My last cigatette was July 8, 2007. I haven't had one since, but in January/February of 2008, I was diagnosed with diabetes and have since had to be on medication and monitor my blood sugar and diet. I also had to joing a gym to keep healthy with the diabetes.
Diabetes, and I was only 28 years old when I was diagnosed and in good health.
Michael of Chandler AZ (10/15/08)
Used product to stop smoking after 40 years. Used it from 1/08-3/08. I did stop smoking. In 2 seperate conversations with casual people I couldn't find for any money, they had mentioned that they had each stopped smoking with Chantix, but not to long afterwords developed diabetes
I noticed that although I had stopped smoking that I had lost a lot of my drive, was tired all the time and didn't feel like doing anything, just plain hard to get out of bed in the AM. I went to my doctor and after blood tests she diagnosed me as having diabetes. Pure devistation to me. I am over weight, but had been exercising very regular. I stopped doing that because I just couldn't find the motivation. I am over that right now, but after hearing about the diabetes connection I feel lied to and would want anyone thinking about using this product to really understand the risks.
Cindy of Andrews TX (10/13/08)
I took Chantix from Oct 2007 thru Dec 2008. I have never had a problem with blood sugar, and I found out last saturday (10/04/08) that I have diabetes. My first BS test registered 550. At this time, since I have just changed jobs, I do not have insurance so going to the doctor is not an option for three months. I am working on my own to get the sugar down and have been a little successful.
My worst problem now is my eyesight. I have a hard time seeing anything and I noticed this last year, but I thought it was just time to get new glasses. Now I know it is the diabetes, and it is getting worse each day. So, I continue each day to monitor every single thing I eat and learning not to read when I want to because I cannot see.
James of Wilmington NC (10/02/08)
I took Chantix for 2 months to stop smoking.
A few months later, I was diagnosed with type II diabetes.
Joann of Gering NE (09/28/08)
seizure, my boyfriend found me on the bathroom floor, called 911 but i came to and wouldn't let the ambulance come because i have no insurance, i quit taking chantix immediately
can't afford to go to doctor since i have no insurance
Jeanie of Kalamazoo MI (09/24/08)
i started Chantix and followed the dosing directions. not only did it block nicotine but it blocked caffeine and hunger. i lost 5 lbs the 1st week. When I began the 1mg tablet twice daily i began feeling crazy, i rocked back and forth for hours and cried and the next day i became aggressive and kicked my husband of 28 years out of our house. i was unable to leave my house. i stayed in for 9 days only going out to buy cigarettes. i discontinued the drug but have had weird feeling for a week after about balance and paranoia
i hope i don't have perminent damage. i have worked in the Pharmacy busines for over 30 years. I would say this is a dangerous adverse reaction
Louis of Aberdeen NJ (08/19/08)
I took my first Chantix pill about 3 weeks ago to start the process of stopping smoking. A few hours afterward taking the pill, I got very sick (cold sweats, fever, shakes, dizziness, back/breathing pain). After 24 hours when it didn't get better, I went to the emergency room where I was eventuanally diagnosed with a heart attack (troponin levels elevated, EKG ST abornormal). They did a few tests (CT-scan, angiogram, x-rays, blood-work) and it all came back 100%, no blockage, no problems.
The doctors were are a loss to explain what and how this happened. It all points to the Chantix. I am a 44 year-old man, healthy, with no history at all of heart disease or any other serious aliment, never hosptialized, blood-work always good.
I had to spend 4 days in hospital. I missed a couple of job interviews (couldn't even get in touch with them) which most likely cost me a chance to work which is hard in this work environment. I am now probably branded with heart problems for future medical coverage and insurance, which will affect me financially over the course of my life.
Gaye of Bloomfield NM (07/28/08)
I would like to report a POSITIVE experience with Chantix. I just finished reading the breaking news about all the ILL effects and the fact that people should wait until 2014 before they try Chantix. This supposedly will give them the research data to show the side effects. I am so glad that I didn't read all this negative stuff before giving Chantix a try!
I smoked for approximately 35 years and had tried numerous things to help me quit. I even tried cold turkey and THAT in itself is homicidal/suicidal! The main negative side effect I had with Chantix was nausea. I was never able to take the full dose because it made me so nauseated. I stayed with the 1/2 dose and did just fine. I took it for approximately 2 months and have been nicotine free for 13 months! THANK YOU!
Jan of Overton TX (07/25/08)
I took Chantix for 3 months to stop smoking. I stopped smoking, but after taking this medication, I suddenly became a diabetic. I have had many blood tests that showed I did not have diabetes before taking this medication. Now I have to take my blood sugar twice a day, take 2 pills twice a day and take a shot twice a day. I have always been a very healthy person before taking this medication. I never had any symptoms of diabetes, now I do.
I have spent alot of money on medications and doctor bills. I have to stick my finger every day 2 times and I have to take a shot in my stomach evey day 2 times. Since becoming diabetic, I have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, loss of eye site, loss of limbs, kidney failure, and a shortened life span.
Robyn of Kalamazoo MI (07/12/08)
For me Chantix was a miracle drug! I never thought that I would be able to quit smoking, then I heard about Chantix. I was finally at the point where I was ready to quit, and I really wanted to, so I made an appointment to get an Rx for Chantix. I started it a week before national smoke out day, as that was my quit date. I am happy to say that I am a non-smoker, and have been for 8 months now
The only complaint that I have about Chantix is that I wasn't sleeping well at all. It was more like surface sleeping, and I was very aware of my dreams. I called my doctor, and he phoned in an Rx for me to help me sleep, and I was sleeping like a baby, and smoke free with no horrible side effects. I can't say enough good things about this medication.
Deborah of Avondale AZ (07/10/08)
I began taking Chantix in June 2007. In August 2007 I began to experience severe thirst, extreme & rapid weight loss, migraine headaches, repeated yeast infections & extreme, unrelentless exhaustion. By October 2007 I began to suffer from loss of vision, after having an eye exam in June 2007, which included a new prescription. I returned to my eye doctor who informed me that my vision was 4 times worse than 4 months earlier. He strongly urged me to see my physician.
I saw my OB/GYN on November 27th & after a urine test, he called my primary care immediately & sent me to his office. After a few in office tests my primary care physician informed me that I was diabetic. His exacted words: I'm completely shocked & there was never any indication that this was coming. It was during this time that I also seriously considered suicide, something I never thought of before! What stopped me was a fleeting thought of my 4 year old granddaughter. Thank God I had enough wits about me to seek counseling the next day.
There is no family history of diabetes. I have the privilege of being the first. I don't fit the typical profile of a candidate for diabetes. I'm 45, 5'5, 150 lbs., eat healthy & physically active. I've been seeing the same physician & the same OB/GYN for 12 years, and both doctors have told me there was never anything in all my visits to them that said I was even close to being a borderline diabetic. In the research I've done on Chantix, I have since learned that diabetes is an infrequent side effect in over 500 cases filed with the FDA. As far as I'm concerned, this drug is nothing short of poison. I have & will continue to tell anyone & everyone what a horrible, horrible drug this is & to avoid it as if your life depended on it . Because it does! I am completely certain that Chantix is the cause of my diabetes. Hopefully I will see a day, within the next year due to the statute of limitations, when I can participate in a class action lawsuit against Pfizer.
The consequences are that I have diabetes for the rest of my life! It has taken an emotional toll not only on myself, but my children as well.
Maro of Middleburg FL (06/20/08)
Hi,
In Feb. 07. My husband was prescribed Chantix to quit smoking. He smoked 6 to 7 cigarettes per day.
In May 2nd 2007, he had flue like symptoms and he said his whole body ached. He had severe shoulder and wrist pain, then his fingers turned blue.
He came home from work and ended in the hospital. The doctors in the hospital were clueless as to why this was happening all the sudden to a healthy man? We did not tell the doctors about Chantix since they never asked, and we did not think Chantix could have this kind of side effect. The doctors thought my husband was on some type of a drug, or alcoholic, to have cause this problem, since they thought there was no other reason for this to have happened. My husband was not an alcoholic or used any drugs!
After few weeks we visited the doctor that prescribed Chantix, after careful research, the doctor was sure that the blue fingers, and all the complications were caused by Chantix. I have researched the blogs and found other individuals who have had the same symptoms, blue and black fingers. This drug is very dangerous! If an individual was selling this drug on the streets, he would have been arrested for killing and disabling many, but Pfizer gets away by changing labels? Where is wisdom? We need people with morals in the FDA that will not exchange our lives for money.
How is that pilots and truck drivers are prohibited from taking this drug, but it can be prescribed to others! Is it ok for my husband to die from this drug, but not the pilot? This makes think that there is a mutual agreement between FDA and Pfizer to get rid of certain class of people! My husband lost his two fingers due to Chantix, and he is disabled due to the complications, he has neck pain, fatigue, gall bladder pain, vasculitis, abdominal pain, joint pains, severe arthritis, elevated enzymes in liver, and depleted immune system.
Can Pfizer help us? No! Can FDA help us? No!
Please, take this drug off the market, before it kills and disables more people.
My husband is not able to work due to all the above. We were buliding a house and lost it all to doctors and hospitals! My 52 years old husband feels like 95 years old! We cry a lot, This was not easy on us!
Jennifer of Xenia OH (06/09/08)
My husband has been a serious smoker for over 10 years. When he went for a routine checkup the doctor told him he had high blood-pressure and cholesterol. She urged him to stop smoking and so we thought the Chantix was a good idea since patches hadn't been working. After he'd tried one starting pack, he disliked the side effects so much that he stopped all together. About a month later he went back to trying the Chantix because he really wanted to stop smoking.
After another starting pack he started to have unexplained seizures and his personality changed a little. They thought those changes might have been from either migraine headaches or stress. They put him on an antidepressant and some Topamax. The seizures got a little better and the headaches were almost gone. He ended up being off work for 3 months without pay because of the seizures being out of control. And he couldn't even be left alone with our 3 small kids.
The family doctor finally told him to stop taking the Chantix. He is doing much better, but still has seizures from time to time. We are now starting to question if it was the Chantix that caused it all along. In the meantime, we are trying to pay for all of the mounting medical bills. Between all the doctor visits, tests and the overnight stay he did in the hospital.
It was/is hard on us financially with him having been off work without pay for 3 months. The seizures started the first week of January 08 and we had just had a baby in November 07. He remembers very little about the first few months of the year. His employer told him that if he misses any more work between now and the first of August, we won't be able to work there anymore.
James of Louisville KY (06/02/08)
While being prescribed Chantix and taking it for only 6 days, lost consciousness while driving, crashed, broke back, left arm amputation.
Four children in auto. No recall of accident. Children state signs of seizure activity. Lost a very good paying job, medical expenses galore for driver and children. Auto totaled.
Mark of Buford GA (06/01/08)
April 29, 2008, I was driving up a road on a mountain. There was a co-worker in the passenger side reading a map. We were going about 10mph and I suddenly had blurred vision and then don't remember anything till I woke up and we were on the side of the mountain on the left side of the road in a clump of pine trees. My co-worker (filling in my lost moments) said I went stiff and accelerated as the truck began to fishtail down the side of the mountain. I was white-knuckling the steering wheel and staring straight ahead (he couldn't actually tell if I was staring or what because of sunglasses I had on). When the truck came to a stop, he said he tapped me on the shoulder and I just suddenly tried to climb over him to get out of the truck. I went to the ER and stayed in the hospital for 3 days (no injuries) for tests. Although it was determined by the Neurologists extensive testing that I did not have a seizure, stroke, heart attack or anything else, his final diagnosis was that it was sycope or loss of consiousness reaction to Chantix. I am 44 and was diagnosed as a chronically healthy 44 year old male by the Cardiologist. I had been taking Chantix for about 2 months when this incident happened. I was having mood issues but didn't acknowledge them until I stopped taking the medication and realized the difference I feel now. My thoughts were also often not complete which made me not have compete sentences a lot too. Much better now!!
I was not aware of how I was acting and I came very close to killing not only myself but also my co-worker. The truck ended up 10 above a 150 foot drop straight down a revine. Mentally we both recalled that over and over, plus the initial doctor recommended I not drive for 6 months and therefore I don't have a company vehicle till November after re-evaluation. My wife drives me to a VanPool every day and picks me up after she gets off work which I hate to see her have to do. Having driving a company truck for over 8 years this has taken a tremendous amount of independence away from me.
Mark of Buford GA (06/01/08)
April 29, 2008, I was driving up a road on a mountain. There was a co-worker in the passenger side reading a map. We were going about 10mph and I suddenly had blurred vision and then don't remember anything till I woke up and we were on the side of the mountain on the left side of the road in a clump of pine trees.
My co-worker (filling in my lost moments) said I went stiff and accelerated as the truck began to fishtail down the side of the mountain. I was white-knuckling the steering wheel and staring straight ahead (he couldn't actually tell if I was staring or what because of sunglasses I had on). When the truck came to a stop, he said he tapped me on the shoulder and I just suddenly tried to climb over him to get out of the truck.
I went to the ER and stayed in the hospital for 3 days (no injuries) for tests. Although it was determined by the Neurologists extensive testing that I did not have a seizure, stroke, heart attack or anything else, his final diagnosis was that it was sycope or loss of consiousness reaction to Chantix. I am 44 and was diagnosed as a chronically healthy 44 year old male by the Cardiologist. I had been taking Chantix for about 2 months when this incident happened. I was having mood issues but didn't acknowledge them until I stopped taking the medication and realized the difference I feel now. My thoughts were also often not complete which made me not have compete sentences a lot too. Much better now!!
I was not aware of how I was acting and I came very close to killing not only myself but also my co-worker. The truck ended up 10 above a 150 foot drop straight down a revine. Mentally we both recalled that over and over, plus the initial doctor recommended I not drive for 6 months and therefore I don't have a company vehicle till November after re-evaluation. My wife drives me to a VanPool every day and picks me up after she gets off work which I hate to see her have to do. Having driving a company truck for over 8 years this has taken a tremendous amount of independence away from me.
Rosanne of Staten Island NY (05/23/08)
last year 2007 in april i started chantix
After 1 month on Chantix i was so depressed i couldnt get out of bed. i stopped smoking so i thought it was withdrawal. but it kept getting worse..i have epilepsy and that got worse. documented. i was on this drug for 6 months and went back to smoking after going off the drug. about 3 months after stoping the drug i wanted to die. (this is not like me at all) i wound up in pysc ward for a few days. it has been awful. i smoke right now. when i came out of the hospital one of my doctors asked what drugs i have been taking - i mentioned chantix. His eyes widened and he said that might be the problem.
The entire experience was misery. from the day i started taking that pill. i thought it was majic. but i was miserable. i gave chantix every excuse in the book. but i know the misery was cause by that pill. in 2007 we added phenobarbatol to my anti-seizure drug list. and as of right now we just upped the phenobarb and upped my topomax. i am still not right. while i suffer from epilepsy - it is getting worse and worse according to my eegs since i took this drug.
Lisa of Sylacauga AL (02/05/08)
I had horrible nightmares the few hours I managed to get some sleep, gross stomach symptoms and a horrible skin rash across my chest. This company should be sued and severely sanctioned for putting this product on the market.
Suzanne of Castle Rock CO (11/15/07)
I used Chantix for about three weeks and became very depressed and angry, I mean over the top angry. I have not been myself at all, I have had heart issues, and now am seeing a Cardiologist, and am on medication for depression. I have numbness, tingling in my feet and have not been able to sleep since taking this drug.
A nurologist prescribed this medication and he knew of my medical history. I was never told not to drink alcohol and when I did, I behaved completely unlike myself and am shocked at my behavior.
I have been on anti depressants for the last two weeks, my children have been completely undone by my anger, my friends have been shocked, I don't know what or when I will feel normal again. I find out next week if my heart problems are serious and costly. None of this was happening before taking this drug.
Emilie of Frisco TX (10/25/07)
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION!!!! I took this hoping to stop smoking and yes I did but the side effects were HORRIBLE!! They cause severe mood swings, and it feels like your in a state of depression ALL the time. After taking this medication for about 6 weeks I found out I was pregnant. My partner and I were thrilled, and a few short weeks later I miscarried, and I blame it on the Chantix! This medication needs to be pulled form the market!
I started off depressed and then losing my baby has mae it worse. I hope people don't take this medication if they want to be happy or start a family!
Mark of Gorham CA (08/26/07)
My doctor recommended trying Chantix to quit smoking for me and my wife so we decided to try it.After taking the medication for only 4 day's i could barely stand I cant concentrate cant figure out how to even pay the bill's.
Have had a massive head ache since day 1 cant wake up and when i do I cant do anything my head is foggy and my vision is blurred. This is only after 4 day's.
I am on no other medication never have been.So it's not reacting to anything else.Also make's me dream about suicide and that is not the type of person i am i hope and pray they figure this out before to many people get really sick.
William of Fulshear TX (07/01/07)
I took Chantix for 3 months and developed numerous blood clots in my right leg and pulmonary emboli.....
I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days and received massive doses of heparin and then placed on Coumadin......My wife had to call in that week to take care of me. I did some investigating of my own and found that both blood clots and pulmonary emboli occur rarely with Chantix.....I stopped taking this medicine immediately. I could have had a stroke or heart attack I think
Dan of Buffalo NY (03/19/07)
I became intensely withdrawn, disinterested, lethargic and eventually suicidal taking the drug Chantix.
I've seen reports of similar incidents reported accross the internet, and if there is action to be taken, I want to help take this potentially lethal product off the market.
Mary of Clearwater FL (03/15/07)
Chantix has caused increase fluid retention in lungs & head, blurred visiion, difficulty breathing. As a asthma patient, I was sent to emergency room for treatment. The usual gas, headache were only a minor side effect. The most serious, was not being able to breathe due to fluid retention.
Still after 3 days of stoppoing medication, I hd to still seek medical help due to fluid edema. Face became swollen, eyes watery, tightness in face & eyes. Under chin area, swollen looking like turkey. Lungs congested. I was put on a series of prednisone to reduce the symptoms. I am also a heart patient and this could have been even more of a serious threat to my life.
Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.
|
• 
