Any Way To Reverse Long-term Chantix Side Effects? (Page 2)

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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I'm posting this today after being verbally assaulted by my mother. This is a common occurrence in our lives since she successfully quit smoking after being prescribed chantix. My mom has always battled some depression & anxiety, but has always kept it in check. Since taking chantix, she is a nightmare. My mom has become very angry, aggressive, depressed (after her episodes) and extremely paranoid. She has blacked out during her angry rants and doesn't remember the horrible things that she says to me, me siblings, her young grandchildren, other family members, coworkers & complete strangers. I don't know how she has remained employed (as a teacher!).
I don't know what to do. She acknowledges she has a problem & is on antidepressants & anti anxiety meds but it doesn't help.
Even as I am typing this, after just calling me every bad word she can think of, she just texted me that she loves me.
I'm ready to get off this emotional roller coaster.

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Tracy Read post 20. She can't control it. I know it's difficult but do not take it personally. Get her to the amen clinic. There is hope. Chantix was the problem. Look for the solution. I swear by the amen clinic. Check it out please.

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I have been severly depressed for years now. started taking Chantix last saturday four days later I started feeling better. I had been warned of suicidal thoughts but not warned that it might actually help my depression. OMG, I feel like I used to feel before I ever had depression. I pray I can continue on this medication.

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What is a Amen clinic?

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Munch...I'm glad this drug is working for you. Be carful because it tends to affect people with problems like depression and other issues. It work different for everyone but every one on this blog is speaking about how it's not working for them or someone close to them. The Amen Clinic was created by Dr Daniel Amen. Check it out on his web site. His work is incredible. He looks at your brain and tells you where the problem is. No gussing like other doctors. It's so worth the money!

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you are right on the money but I have been experinced short term memory loss, irregular heart rate, and stroke symptoms and I am sure its from taking chantix agitation and

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Three and a half years ago I stopped smoking crack cocaine.After being clean for 90 day I felt great so I decided to try and quit smoking.I took Chantix.I became so depressed that i relapsed for a couple of months.i I stopped the Chantix, resumed smoking,and I am clean for three years now.But I am STILL depressed.If you are a recovering addict and want to quit smoking,do it cold turkey Do Not Take Chantix!

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I took Chantix in 2010, and I did indeed quit smoking during that time. I did also develop depression during that time. I was trying to plan a way for me to kill myself and still have my life insurance policies pay out. In a moment of clarity I called my doctor and was prescribed Wellbutrin and stopped taking the Chantix. I started smoking again and the depression has never left. It has gotten so much worse. I am now in therapy and seeing a psychiatrist. I have tried every SSRI, with no good results. The side effects of those medications are so awful for me that I can't get through the first week of treatment. I am also taking Buspar, which helps just a bit. The depression is worsening and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I even remembered that this all started when I was taking the Chantix. I am afraid that this might be a permanent issue. I know when I was taking Chantix, not only did it make smoking unappealing, but it made everything including breathing unappealing. Soon after stopping the Chantix (a month or so) I stopped wanting to die, but I haven't been happy since.

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I took Chantix for a month before I quit smoking 4 years ago. My sister was diagnosed with throat cancer and that's when I decided to to quit. It didn't effect me in any bad way when I was on them, but slowly through the past four years, I've been feeling depressed. I thought at first it was because of my sister, but she's in remission for 4 years now, so it can't be that. I read you can get depressed when you quit smoking...they compared it to a death in the family. But 4 years later and it's not getting any better. I recently had a CT scan done due to headaches and my dr said it came out normal. I never really discussed my feelings with him, I thought it was just something I had to get through. But now, after reading these posts, I feel it could be possible that it might be due to Chantix. thanks for the posts and good luck to everyone.

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Saturday was great. I started Chantix Sunday (0.5mg). Monday started with nausea and ended with uncontrollable mood swings and near hallucination. Of course the Chantix went in the garbage. Tuesday I was tired and today I have lapsed into a depression. I never stopped smoking - this is in direct correlation to the way Chantix has poisoned/mutilated my dopamine receptors. I have yet to find a clue if this will subside or if I am yet another victim of Chantix's cerebral mutilation. From what I'm reading it doesn't look hopeful but I'm reading and researching any way to return myself to normal. ANYBODY reading this that has their depression subside - PLEASE email me. I need any hope right now. I have not been able to successfully locate information on regeneration/restoration of dopamine (specifically D2?) receptors.

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I took chantix and now for several week have severe anxiety and panic attacks that they havnt been able to regulate as of yet.

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Thank you so very much! I hope we can find someone in the Idaho state to help

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IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING TAKING CHANTIX PLEASE READ THIS. I tried Chantix in September 2007. At the time, I was 44 years old and had a job heading up a research laboratory in a major Pharma company (I have a PhD and had always been professionally successful). I was divorced but had a happy 14 year old daughter, many friends and close family members. My house was clean and fairly organized. I had smoked since I was a teenager and really wanted to stop. As a teenager in the 70's I had used a number of recreational drugs and as an adult I enjoyed alcohol. Nothing prepared me for the catastrophic consequences of Chantix. I actually received two Chantix prescriptions end to end but never finished the second one. I began to lose all pleasure in normal life activities, started drinking too much and too often due to a sudden massive increase in feelings of depression, anxiety, anger and loss of motivation. It is now June of 2013. I still smoke, I have been largely unemployed since the end of 2007, my daughter moved to her father's in November of 2012 in despair, I do not talk to friends very often and do not like to go out. My house is a disaster. My financial situation is bleak. Whereas I used to have very high standards in terms of personal hygiene and maintaining my personal appearance I now usually wash my hair in the sink and mainly stay in the living room rather than go upstairs at all even to shower. Stopping drinking for over six months did not help. Given that I had experience with other drugs in my youth (even some of the real nasty ones like methamphetamine, PCP and LSD, used for alot longer than I used Chantix) and had about 25 years of succeeding in all of the areas of life essential to survival and happiness following this recreational drug use, I really believe that Chantix has permanently changed me into a different person. I am still trying to fix things but it is hard to shake the feeling that nothing matters. What I think Chantix can take away from some people is the feeling that what you do in life matters and the will to survive. I also feel that Chantix had a significant impact on my mental / intellectual function and acuity. As a scientist I would love to have a control of myself-identical experiences with the exception of Chantix exposure to truly be able to prove that this was the pivotal factor. After reading the posts in this forum I guess I will try harder to get things back on track. I appreciate all of the experiences folks have posted on this site and wish you all well.

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Can you tell me how they rebuilt your seratonin?Your post is exactly what my boyfriend is experiencing and he is going through hell...he is on cymbalta now but it just makes him have no feelings at all. If I could convince him someone had success he might be willing to try the clinic....

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I finished my started pack of Chantix in December 2012. It is now July 2013. I did quit smoking which is good. However, I am suffering from a lot of psychological and physical changes since I've taken Chantix. Depression was new to me - and it was horrible! Anxiety was an effect that was extremely overwhelming. I have also been experiencing muscle and joint aches since then. I've increased my exercising and my water intake in hopes that will help. I just don't feel right. My doctor says that he had never heard of such an effect caused from Chantix. I wish this would become more public. I try to discourage as many people from taking Chantix as possible. I fear of the long term results that may have not been discovered yet.

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Hi from new zealand, I'm a 44 yr old male living in darkness thanks to the horrors champix has left me with after using the s*** for 9 days, i can tell you that something clicked over in my brain within 15 minutes of using this for the first time, and has left me feeling depressed, anger, DARK, and I have suicidal dreams of going out hanging myself... I was ordered to stay clear of them after the 9th day of the first card of champix by my doc after I told her that I have been driving 5tonne forklifts, and having things jump out at me whilst driving, hallucinations after the 2nd day, I also had visions of severe anger towards my Immediate boss at work, and often times I get the feeling of being smothered by a heavy wet blanket, my head is cloudy with dark negative thoughts... in reality my safety factor is my 6 yr old daughter and my job, I also live alone.... the doctor wants to try me on anti depressants, and sleep tablets, but I dont feel they have anyway of helping me,, there is a natural product on the market called Rhodiola that helps to rebuild the seratonin, I will try that first before my doctor fux me up more..

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Hey again, i have a solution to the problem, I have been taking a health supplement witch contains Rhodiola Rosea, this is an herb that helps to reproduce the dopamine, and helps with adrenal function, and doesnt take very long to start acting... please try it... i am starting to feel good again

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by the way, this isnt so much of a solution, but more used as an aid to help produce the aminos we have lost

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you should go to health shop and find something that contains the herb Rhodiola Rosea...
it will help the you with the feelings you have, also go see a homoeopath and see if they can give you 3 doses of Thuja 200c to be taken morning, night, morning stop... these things will keep you on the upside of life, and the thuja will deplete the effects of the champix... and Yes I am speaking of experience, contact me via {edited for privacy}

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I have been taking Chantix for over a year with none of the side effects others have reported. Initially, I took the prescribed 2/day dosage, but eventually reduced it to one/day since I still smoke. Chantix helped reduce my smoking from a pack/day to 4-6/day and can go for hours without craving. I do have vivid dreams, but no depression or suicidal thoughts. In fact, I actually feel to have a better mental state and enjoy the lucid, colorful dreams, which I attribute to having reduced nicotene and smoking. Perhaps the effects others report are exasperated based on individual circumstances or (pre)disposition. I'm not saying that the reports are not occurring, but that it's not consistent for all users. My doctor is stopping prescribing Chantix to me since long term effects are unknown, although it is not my request. It has been an effective means to curb my nicotine addiction to a minimum level and, to date, no negative effects.

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