Am I The Only One?

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I wanted to comment on Chantix. I was sceptical at first but desperate to do something as I almost died from smoking. I got H1N1 and because of my pack a day habit my lungs were weak enough that I got double pnuemonia and was hospitalized for a week. Almost didn't make it. After that I started smoking again like an idiot and went to Chantix for help. I quit in 4 days..... By the third day the taste of a cig was so terrible that I took one puff and threw it on the ground. I almost had to force myself to smoke. I kept taking the pills for 3 weeks. I quickly saw side effect that I do not understand. I am hoping someone on here can answer some questions for me. People are complaining about suicidal thoughts, depression, etc... The fact is I experienced the opposite. I never felt more connected, attentive, focused, and just mentally clear. I would go to work and would be able to work straight through breaks, lunch, and it seemed like I could accomplish anything I wanted. It was a high. My dreams were incredible and wierd. Like being in another world. When I woke in the morning I had to look around to see where I was. I had been on another planet for what seemed like an eternity. The dreams were intense. They didn't nessecarily make sense just were so vibrant and disconnected you from the world that I will never forget them. I realized that taking these pills for an extended period of time was probably not a good idea. I have a feeling that twenty years from now scientists will find out that this drug makes your brain cells mutate or something. Better than diying of lung cancer I suppose. Anyway I quit taking the drug after about 3 weeks. Just quit the pills. The immediate effect was my great clarity went away. The dreams slooooooowly started going back to normal. I was having an intense hightened dream state well after I quit, I believe about no more than two months later. This was wierd. Dreams slowly went back to normal. I am actually curious as to if I am the only one like this. I have more negative thoughts now and before Chantix than I did when on Chantix. Has anyone else ever had the "clarity' like I am describing? Thank you for responding.

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1

Hi Anthony,

Interestingly enough, after searching for various related side effects, I did find that "unusual dreams or nightmares" was listed among them. With that said, it could actually be quite normal for some people to experience this during their time on Chantix (Varenicline).

Referenced from: nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a606024.html#side-effects

It also looks like there have been other reported cases of people having strange dreams on Chantix. You can browse through some of these related threads here:
search.asp?q=chantix+dreams

I hope this info helps!

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2

Hi Anthony, I too have experienced the mental clarity, and focus while at work, no depression, I just feel calm while taking Chantix. By the way this is day 15, for me, have been smoke free for 3 days

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3

Yes my experience is the same. I currently am taking the medication and have never felt better. Also have very vivid dreams which I like. My husband says I am more pleasant now. I too feel as though I am more focused. What you described is exactly what I experience

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