
Kristy of Ocoee, FL on Oct. 31, 2008
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.