Someone wrote into me with this question the other day:
“A friend of mine’s husband recently started smoking cessation with Chantix. He’s had horrible nightmares since starting the drug. EXAMPLE: he told his wife that he dreamed that he had gone to the gun cabinet & got a shotgun & shot his wife & two kids while they were asleep. The next morning when he told his wife this dream, the key to the gun cabinet was in the lock (which is always hidden otherwise). Needless to say, he quit taking Chantix. Is this a normal side effect?”
These are the listed side effect for Chantix:
Suicide
Suicidal Thoughts
Depression
Violent Behavior
Nausea
sleep disturbance (trouble sleeping, changes in dreaming) Vivid Dreams
Constipation
Gas
Vomitting
Chantix Side Effects
Chantix is a smoking cessation medication marketed by Pfizer, Inc. that was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, Chantix side effects may include suicidal thoughts, depression and even violent behavior. In September 2007, Chantix side effects were implicated in the bizarre death of a Dallas, Texas man.
Nausea, headache, vomiting, drowsiness, gas, constipation, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, or changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Yes, my girlfriend suffered the same side effects. She told me that she would wake up mad and upset as if she actually went through was was going on in her dream. She also said her dreams were violent and very vivid. It scared the crap out of her and she stopped taking it.
She discussed her feelings with a doctor, and he said he hasn't heard of this side effect. She then asked me to look it up on the computer, and I found PLENTY of stories to explain what was happening. Turns out it is a common side effect.
Someone at work mentioned that they took Chantix off the market because of people becoming violent. I guess this was a rumor?
References :
May 7th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Any doctor that is perscribing this medication should know that vived dreams are a potential side effect.
The dream that you mention is horrible. The vived dreams that I have had on Chantix have been enjoyable.
I am smoke free for 2 months now thanks to Chantix.
References :
May 17th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I started my forth week on Buy Chantix and I have decided to cut my dosage in half. Saturday & Sunday were a bit tough and I was a bit down, but I am attributing that to the passing of my Uncle and worries over my Mother.