I have helped a lot of people stop smoking over the past few years, although my own struggle with cigarettes continues to be tempestuous!
I used a medication called Champix (varenicline) successfully in 2007, and gave up for seven months, but unfortunately started again. I used Champix a second time in June 2008, and have discovered some serious side effects, so much so that I can no longer recommend its use.
I was aware of the depersonalising effects of Champix, and associated these with the sleep disturbance, but while we were on holiday, one evening when we’d all been enjoying a few drinks, I experienced what can only be described as a psychotic episode. I could not explain this episode at all; up until then I had been pretty happy, enjoying a much needed break.
As you might imagine, I was pretty upset about what happened, but discovered by chance when doing some research for a teaching session on suicide that the mix of varenicline and alcohol can be extremely dangerous.
Recently there has been some discussion over the death of the musician Carter Albrecht, who was shot by a neighbour following his use of alcohol with Champix (known as Chantix in the US). Albrecht, best known as a member of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, started taking Chantix in late August 2007. He was well liked in the community, and had no prior history of violence. Immediately, Albrecht began to complain of vivid, hallucinatory dreams (a Chantix side effect). One night about a week after he started taking Chantix, Albrecht had a violent encounter with his girlfriend.
The episode occurred after Albrecht had consumed a couple of alcoholic drinks. Albrecht’s girlfriend reported that he was confused, and did not recognize her. Before the night was over, Albrecht had been shot dead by a terrified neighbour on whose property he had trespassed. After Albrecht’s death, many other Chantix users complained of similar episodes of violent or suicidal behaviour, especially when they had consumed alcohol. The Chantix label does caution against alcohol use, but it does not warn that drinking alcohol while taking Chantix could lead to violent or suicidal behaviour. Furthermore, Chantix’s reaction with alcohol has not been studied in clinical trials.
This page shocked me. Read some of the stories, and you might begin to imagine what might have happened while we were on holiday.
UPDATE: There is now accumulating scientific evidence that varenicline is associated with thoughts and acts of aggression/violence see these articles -
Thoughts and Acts of Aggression/Violence Toward Others Reported in Association with Varenicline
Prescription Drugs Associated with Reports of Violence Towards Others
Well..I used Champix and so far it worked. I had to stop after about 2 1/2 weeks. My personality has changed drastically and I can only hope, as this drug leaves my body that I will regain who I was before.
ReplyDeleteI refuse to go back smoking. I will not do that now, it's been over 2 weeks and I know I can do it.
My biggest concern is what long term effects will this drug have on those of us who did take it??!! Scares me.
Well I am not sure guys, as after suffering severe depression and alcochol and drug abuse, that we can use champix as an excuse. I have been taking it for over 8 weeks now and to be honest with you the only side effect I have encountered are strange dreams and a bit of heartburn, but perhaps you would be quick to say I was having a heart attack or champix had created a monster?? What about ROACCUTANE? Have you seen the effects that drug has on people. Easy to blame a tablet on psychotic behaviour, however as we read in the press yesterday, even facebook creates such reactions so why blame the tablets? I would say "stop being a weirdo and get on with life and if you stop smoking through it then good, but if you kill someone and blame this drug which cannot be possibly to blame, then you deserve what you get" Don't forget how many people have killed people through drink and drugs alone without having to come up with crap that oh the tablet the doc gave me to help me stop smoking "WHICH YOU ASKED FOR". WISE UP PEOPLE, THE ONLY PERSON CAN HELP YOU WITH SMOKING IS GOD.
ReplyDeleteYou write very well.
ReplyDeletehello,i`ve been using champix for seven months and have not had a cigareete in six.my only concern is that i am nearing the end of my supplies.what will happen then?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware of this side effect until my sister pointed it out to me after having one such psychotic episode.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember much of it either, my partner and I were drinking quite heavily that night and having a really fun time. He made a comment about an ugly dress and that was it.
I am not making any excuses, I can get a little hot headed at times, but this was far beyond the spectrum of normal.
The psychotic episode was so that we, who were very much madly in love, are no longer together because of the hurt that I caused my partner, not to mention the violence.
June have you ever thought that you might be a bit ignorant? Drugs affect people in different ways and to have such naivety on a topic that has more and more evidence to back up these findings astounds me, not every thing is black and white as you may think it to be.
And yes I have since stopped taking Champix and will be consulting my physician on the topic to rule out any underlining mental issues that Champix may have surfaced.
To anonymous:
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you; I'm really sorry you had such a terrible experience. What you describe is so similar to my experience - to be so utterly out of character is frightening.
I hope you are able to make sense of what happened and move on.
Luckily my family have been really understanding about what happened and shocked to read similar stories.
Hey guys ive been takeing champix for 5 weeks now and i have quit totaly
ReplyDeleteunfortunelty i have suffered from a heart attack.. Ive never had problems with my heart before and feel that this pill is somehow link.
Had anyone else suffered from mild to very strong chest pains?
To anyone else who hopes to spam this blog with adverts for champix, please note your comment will be deleted.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend(45) is taking it as well. She was drinking red wine yesterday and ended up being extremely confused, not knowing which direction to walk to go to toilet, not recognizing her own house when we brought her home, not knowing where she was and having some serious halucinations!!! She is my best friend and I know how she behaves after having some drinks-we really worried about her!!!! I have never seen her in this stage!
ReplyDeleteTo the person with chest pains, sorry I didn't respond earlier. I hope you took medical advice. I'm not aware of any link between Champix and cardiac function, but nothing would suprise me.
ReplyDeleteTo the person with the 45 yo friend - I really hope your friend recovers. At least she has a good friend in you who understands it is likely to be champix that has contributed to her being disorientated.
I used champix and haven't smoked for a year now. Honestly, I was reading some of the posts and it amazes me that those of you who had 'episodes' because of mixing alcohol with champix....why can't you just do without alcohol for a few weeks??? If the pack says they don't mix...don't drink! You shouldnt drink with antibiotics either....do you????? Common sense never goes astray huh?
ReplyDeleteJan, in principle you are absolutely right. However, as far as I was aware, the packet did not warn against alcohol then - hopefully it does now.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your sentiments, but wonder if you'd rather I did not post something to warn about the real risks involved?
I'm glad you successfully stopped smoking, too, and I know Champix has helped a lot of people. My concern was that the drug was released without being fully tested.
There is no warning about alcohol on the information leaflet, I too suffered a serious psycothic episode and attack someone, I thought I was going crazy, I couldnt understand what happened or why, I am so glad I came across this blog, Im still mortified and ashamed but dont feel like im going insane now
Deletechampix ,, it works the side effects are not nice , cramps , fluid retention ,not sleeping , deppression and more depression not good i think the best way to use this tablet is for 4 weeks only then use your will power once you stop smoking its up to you ... thats what i am doing as i do not want to loose my job out of depression or my boyfreind out of depression and lack of sex drive..
ReplyDelete.. this tablet has some serious side effects not good.. but nit its used for a very limited amount of time well and good ... goodluck everybody
CHAMPIX .. SHOULD ONLY BE USED TO GET YOU TO STOP SMOKING ... THE REST IS UP TO YOU WILL POWER AND WILL POWER IS FAR BETTER ... AS I HAVE NOTICED SOME SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS AND THEY ARE NOT GOOD..
ReplyDeleteI HAVE BEEN TAKING CHAMPIX FOR 6 WEEKS AND A BIT, NOW I THINK THIS IS ENOUGH TIME, AS HAVE NOTICED SOME SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS.. DEPRESSION .. DEPRESSION AND MORE DEPRESSION . FLUID RETENTION . LACK OF SLEEP AND PLENTY MORE TO ADD TO THE LIST.LACK OF SEX DRIVE, LACK OF EVERYTHING , ALL I WANT TO DO IS MOP AROUND AND BE MISERABLE OR AGRO,STOMACH CRAMPS, CONSTIPATION SHALL I GO ON EXTREMELY SORE TEETH AND ITCH SKIN , THAT IS NOT HEALTHY ITS A BIG WORRY INFACT, I WOULD NOT DARE MIX ALCOHOL ,AS ON PACKET SAYS WILL EFECT DRIVING , IF THEY EFECT DRIVING , WOULD BE TWICE AS BAD WITH ALCOHOL , DUE TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THESE TABLETS I DO NOT WANT TO LOOSE MY JOB OR PARTNER OR MY LIFE THE LONGER YOU TAKE THESE TABLETS THE WORSE THE SIDE EFFECTS GET I WAS A HAPPY PERSON SO I HAVE DECIDED TO STOP TAKING THEM FROM NEXT WEEK AND WEEN MY SELF OFF THEM . AS THE DOCTOR TOLD ME THEY ARE FOR TO GET YOU TO STOP SMOKING THATS ALL ,MIND OVER MATTER, WILL POWER, POSTIVE THINKING .GIVE IT A TRY .AND . GOODLUCK ....
ReplyDeleteIn general, don't mix alcohol and medication period. Even alcohol and something as innocuous as Tylenol (ibupfrofen) can be extremely damaging to your system (your liver can sometimes convert this to morphine when alcohol is present). I am not sure why it is not an explicit disclaimer, but your doctor or pharmacist should inform you of the risks of all medication and alcohol. In general, if you are on a prescription just forgo the cocktail. As for champix, I have heard the same things about Zyban (bupropion HCL) which is just another name for the anti depressant wellbutrin. I am a champix user, I have nothing but good things to say. But at the same time, this is not candy, and there will be side effects. Adding other chemicals such as alcohol or recreational drugs will most likely have exasperatory effects on potential side effects. Alcohol is a drug as far as your body is concerned, and it will complicate things. Even if you do not experience outward symptoms, alcohol and champix is probably not a good idea for your kidneys or liver. Best of luck to everyone trying to quit smoking.
ReplyDeleteHi folks.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been prosecuted for anything they've done whilst under the influence of these pills. I had a psychotic episode at the end of august, after taking them for a month. I attacked my girlfriend, assaulted her several times and then passed out. When the police arrived, I was asleep and when they woke me to put me in cuffs, I assaulted them too. In the end it took 4 of them to arrest me. I have never been in any trouble with the law - not even traffic violations. I have lost my girlfriend, flat and job and am now facing 12-18 months in prison for ABH, assaulting officers and threats to kill. . I remember none of it, I only have good memories of the evening in question. I emailed Hugh about 2-3 weeks ago, but got no response.
Can anybody help? I need expert witnesses, Or just people who have been in the same situation. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!!
Thanks, Nick
Nick, please contact me on h.palmerAThull.ac.uk I didnt get your email via my google mail account.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry you have been through this. I will be happy top help - only hope I'm not too late.
Best wishes
Hugh
Hi
ReplyDeleteMy husband was taking champix and for the first few weeks was on a high and very very silly to the point our 6yr old grandaughter commented.. grandad has an unusal mmood??? when i asked what she meant she said ummmm happy ( not that he was grumpy to start with) then about wk 9 went realy depressed and fed up with life. On a works night out he had an very agresive row with his boss which is so out of character for him hes so laid bk as a rule but the thing is he cant remeber a thing about it, he has now stopped taking champix and we hope his mood lifts when it is out of his system.
I am on my third week and smoke free for 6 days now. All was well just nausea until I drank a far bit of alcohol last night and today after getting him something to use next year i thought why did I buy that he might be killed before then. It horrified me to think this he is my whole life and totally proud of me for quitting.
ReplyDeleteso i am wondering Alcohol and Champix probably don't go.
If I think like this again i am going off them
3 months on Champix. 11 weeks without a smoke (20 a day for 25 years). Have drank alcohol as I usually do (too much!), worked, laughed and been fine. A lot of what I am reading here is association. My car wouldn't start, only a week after starting Champix - do you think theres a connection - course not. If it makes you feel ill, don't take it, but as someone who has quit cigs cold turkey before, all of the symptoms I read here, I suffered from, Champix actually made it more bearable. Withdrawal from cigs always sent me a bit psychotic - could go from fine to screaming temper fit in seconds - without Champix, hence this, for me, is what I recognise as nicotine withdrawal.
ReplyDeleteHowever you quit, good luck to you, its not easy, but it is worth it.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/psn/transcript.cfm?show=90#3
ReplyDeleteUpdate - in the US, there is a FDA warning about this drug - to all the people above who said these effects are merely nicotine withdrawal or co-incidnece, perhaps you were wrong.
Sadly the UK is lagging behind.
Here is an update from Health Canada regarding the use of Champix. It was updated January 06/2010
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/alt_formats/hpfb-dgpsa/pdf/medeff/champix_pc-cp-eng.pdf
My partner started Champix a meer 8 days ago. We sat down to relax with a couple of mid week drinks, after only a few, he flew into a rampage with verbal abuse that I can only refer to as disgusting. He suffered a 2 day hangover with vomiting and body shakes and has no recollection at all of the events. Over the weekend, this happened again, only this time, for no apparent reason decided that he would end our perfectly happy relationship. I don't know where he is as he won't answer his phone.
ReplyDeleteThis is not him and I blame it soley on Champix.
I am devestated and worried sick, especially after all the 'google' research I have done. I even spoke to the company that makes it and the "DR" told me that this is a side effect of the drug! Why prescribe it to people, yes it stops them smoking but the events over the last few days has made me wish he never started it. I would rather he spent $100 a week on cigarettes that be like this. Its heart breaking to watch and to be part of.
ReplyDeleteI have changed since taking this.I do not want to talk to people,just want to be left alone. Bad dreams,depressed,short temper
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/13492/chantix-suicide-side-effects-34.html
ReplyDeleteThings are hotting up
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/830021-casualty-actors-attack-on-girlfriend-caused-by-smoke-drug
ReplyDeleteWorth reading
I'm here because I was looking for the side effects of stopping Champix. I've smoked for 33 yrs and have quite with Champix, one and half months smoke free so far. I've stopped taking them because I needed proper sleep. The dreams were tollerable at first but I couldn't function anymore without a full night's sleep. Anyway, I've been off the pills now for about 3 days and find that the littlest upset makes me cry. I am a sensitive person but I don't think all this weeping I've been doing is normal. Can anyone comment on coming off of Champix??
ReplyDeleteWell done for quitting. My advice is to stick at it for a few more days, because you should soon readjust. If in a few days you are still getting easily upset, go and see your doctor and let him or her know about it. If you can't cope, please do talk to someone, and avoid alcohol for the time being.
ReplyDeleteThank you but things are not better today, I think they're actually worse. I'm on vacation this week and so far have done nothing but sit here and cry or sleep. What a waste! I've now faught with my neighbours, my daughter in law and my son. It's taking everything in me not to have a cigarette. I called and spoke to a pharmacist who suggested seeing my doctor for something mild to take. I don't want to take any more pills. I've thought of going shopping as a distraction but my eyes are so swollen I don't want to be in public. Besides I'm likely to to cry at the the first person who looks at me. Is this a side effect of the pills??
ReplyDeleteNo, it's a side effect of nicotine withdrawal. It is a highly dangerous and extrememly addictive drug. Read Allen Carr's easy way to give up smoking - it works.
DeleteMe again, talked to my doctor and I'm now on Wellbutrin. This is insanity!! I bawled talking to the pharmacist who said you need to talk to you doctor. I said "I just did and here I am now talking to you!" Why can't anyone answer the simple question "Is it the Champix or is it possible something else is going on?? I paid for my prescription and then picked up a pack of cigarettes. I'm not crying anymore!
ReplyDeleteThis is my third attempt with Champix-i went out and had a drink the other day- and that is all I remember. My husband said I was very angry and yelling all evening. I don't rememebr a thing. Needless to say, i stopped again, but still suffereing fr depression and leg cramps.
ReplyDeleteI have been taking champix now for 6 weeks, i stopped taking them for a few days and had no cravings at all but was in a room with a smoker at a party and had a couple of cigs and really they had no effect on me at all, back on the champix now and going strong! I will say that im a heavy drinker and yes they do have an effect with alcohol and my friends tell me that im more aggressive than usual. I flipped out last week and started arguing with a couple of close friends and it was very verbal. I also use recreational drugs too and I find that I dont get the same effect from them, but hey ive given up smoking!! but because of the personality changes if i could reverse it I would. the problem i face now is when to actually STOP taking the blue pill??
ReplyDeleteHi, My daughter and I were both using champix, I had tried to give up smoking several times without success, found champix was working so recommended them to my daughter. After taking them for about 6 weeks I realized that every time I phoned her we we were haveing the nastiest arguments by this I mean spiteful and vicious . Decided to google Champix and after reading reports advised her to check side effects, we boh stopped taking champix she is still smoking I have not smoked for 12 months have gained 10kg and am still very emotionl lack motivation am frequently self pitying. I have always been a positive active person and wonder if thes tablets obviously control a certain part of the brain responsible for cravings therefore how long does it take for this medication to completely leave the system. I refuse to go back smoking have started exercising and trying to control my eating habits. My major concern is how long these side effects stay in our systems?!!!.
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ReplyDeleteGoing back early in 2009 I went to my doctor about my snoring as it so bad my partner could not sleep in the same room, the doc advised me to give up smoking first, as a smoker the specialist would not see me and blame it on smoking also said it could be the cause, so he prescibed me ZIBAN WOW!! that completely screwed me up mentally and physically thought I was having heart attack my hands uncontrollably shaking, wandering around not knowing who I was or where I was, couldn't`t hold a conversation just very erratic high and happy one minute low and crying the next WOW!! had to just drop them after 1 week, so I left it for quite a while before trying again, so about March, April 2010, I went back to doc and he put me on CHAMPIX, did not read side effects as I didn`t with ZIBAN as I didn`t want to be influenced by them, at first just a bit of nausea and bad constipation got over the nausea by eating an hour before taking the tab, constantly feeling tired so so tired, got a bit wacky but I never took much notice and I didn`t feel I was doing anything nasty to anyone but others did notice, any way woke up one morning and for the first time in my life I had ACHNE( I am 48 years young) well tried some achne treatments but nothing worked slowly it started to fade but 1 spot didn`t on the side of my face by my jaw this spot had gone pussie inflamed and very painful so of to the docs and he gave me Flucloxacillin for an ABSCESS and that is where it all started, I have had 5 Abscess 1 I had to have surgically removed as it was so big it had 4 heads on it and I named it th PIT BEAST and that is what it was a beast, all the abscess have been near to a gland never just on my arm leg back tummy but on my face near my gland in my neck, 2 under my arm, 2 in my groin and I am now on my third course of Lymecycline (Antibiotic) for another 2 months so I have had since early July 2010 five courses of Flucloxacillin and 3, 2 months course of Limecycline. In September 2010 my teeth started to feel uncomfortable gums a bit sore at times but didn`t think much of it until January 14th and my gum was inflamed and noticed the gum had receded from mt tooth (bottom front) visit to dentist and she says could be gum disease so I had a course of Afluxacilline I think thats what the tab was called.
I still get very tired and I`m still suffering the abscess, I am also 3 stone heaveier as my body functions just stopped working it was awlful, but each time I had to see the stop smoking nurse she denied any of the suffering had anything to do with CHAMPIX, so I read up on it myself and it all has to do with Champix ok I haven`t smoked since 19 July 2010 and I feel I would never smoke again but they should admit to the side effects and deal with them not deny them I have about 6 package leaflets so why are they lying and yes there was also the eratic crying and I still just cry for nothing or get very growly with people but I am learning to deal with my feelings when I get like that, but I am not always able to so people get growled at now and again.
Giving up smoking was suposed to improve my health but I don`t feel healthy, ok I can now taste my food and smell wonderful smells but I don`t feel healthy.
I started taking Champix on 17th January and was really impressed at how easy it was to quit smoking. I didn't any real side effects until during the 4th or 5th week when I forgot to take them for a couple of days. I was decorating at the time and suddenly felt extremely scared about climbing a ladder, convinced that the rungs were going to give way. I was irritable and anxious and my poor boyfriend didn't know what had hit him. When I realised I hadn't taken the Champix for a couple of days I took one and within a couple of hours I felt much better so I knew then that I had experienced withdrawal from Champix. I have since stopped taking them after gradually reducing the dosage but I am angry all the time and feel generally depressed. I did feel a little better after I started taking multivitamins & minerals a week ago and increasing my water intake. However, I have felt particularly bad today and woke up at 4am this morning with an awful paralysing stabbing pain in my stomach. Interestingly, I don't normally drink a lot of alcohol but last night I had about ¾ of a bottle of Jacques cider and today I could have fallen out with my own shadow, I was so angry. I got into an altercation with an assistant at B&Q and had a major row over the phone with my son. I am totally convinced that cessation from taking Champix, with or without alcohol, can have a serious effect on cognitive behaviour.
ReplyDeleteI have been taking Champix for a couple of weeks and yes, there are strange and vivid deams (one night I felt that I had worked all night rather than slept).
ReplyDeleteAs for alcohol, much discussed here, I was surprised that beer did not taste good any more and that I am down from three or four (Canadian)a day to less than one (no regrets!).
As for smoking the reward you get from smoking (particularly within the first few hours after taking each pill) definitely declines and the existentially tormenting and physically overpowering urges to grab the nearest damned thing that can be smoked are very much reduced.
But the bottom line is that I have a very strong addiction (and it is not to beer) and I have to want to quit!
I quit cigarettes a decade ago with Zyban (more than a pack a day). If Champix can do for my cigars (up to 10 a day) what it did to my beer, I will be delighted.
Firstly, thank you for the post Hugh. At the very least now, I know what is causing this miserable feeling. It's 1030 Monday morning and I can't get out of bed to go tO work. I have been on champix for about 6 weeks now and haven't smoked for 4. The first month was great - a miracle drug I thought! Yes, a few vivid dreams but I would rather those than lung cancer or heart disease. In the past week things have changed. In short, I can truly say I haven't felt this down my whole life. The sad thing is I've got no reason to feel like this. Everything in my life is going so well. Suicidal, is a strong term, but I can imagine how someone with a volatile mind to begin with, would be susceptible to such thoughts. On Saturday night I went out with some friends and had a few drInks! I had trouble communicating with my wife the next day!. Confused. Paranoid. Scared. Hallucinatory. Severlely, I repeat, severely depressed! Do not mix alcohol with champIx people! I wonder how much longer this feeling will continue? 30 hrs later, am I still feeling like this because the alcohol is still in my system?
ReplyDeleteTo the last person commenting - I'd suggest you stop taking champix and see your doctor. She or he will probably need to fill in an adverse reaction form to report these side-effects of champix. I hope that you will feel better soon; you should recover over the next few days, but please seek medical advice. Well done for giving up cigarettes, though!
ReplyDeletemy boyfriend has been taking champix for a little over a week now, there are no warnings against alcahol on his pack. I double checked after he had a completely out of character episode last saturday night after a few drinks. the next day i spoke to him about what happened the night before and he does not remember a single thing. Its quite frightening and i worry for him as he is working with machinery on high buildings and i wonder if the effects could carry on while on the job.
ReplyDeleteI actually went through all these comments before i started taking champix and was thinking, this is ridiculous, how could a tablet make a person go on like that when mixed with alcohol, grow up!
ReplyDeleteBut... I drank two nights ago and i dont remember a thing, i was told i went on like a lunatic. I remember nothing and woke up the next morning feeling like i was dying. I also seen photos of myself from that night and it was like it wasnt me, my eyes were very empty. To tell you the truth im a little scared.
Im an honest and very loving person, never ever in my life been in trouble with the police or anyone for that matter. I cant explain it, im just really glad nothing really stupid happened and im not locked up!!!
hi
ReplyDeleteI smoked for 56 years a pack of 20-25 aday. Took champix and havnt had a smoke not even a puff for 16 months. But, at week 9 I had 2 days of extreme anxiety - I thought this was severe cravings coming back i rang my Dr who advised to stop the tabs as he said the drug had saturated my brain. He advised to stop for 2 days and then go back on 1/2 dose. I just stopped and felt so good I didnt go back on the tabs. Hey! I cant beleive that I am a non smoker after all those years of severe addiction.Just hope there is no long term probs with the drug.
Champix certainly stopped my nicotine craving/addiction but like so many others it also caused some serious side effects. Aggressive behaviour, depression way beyond anything I have previously experienced, loss of temper over minor issues that normally would not bother me and culminated in a psychotic episode 4 days after finishing the full course. Unfortunately this occurred during a work conference and now my entire career is in jeopardy. I had drunk 2 small beers and 1 glass of wine with dinner and not wanting to spend the whole night at the bar drinking heavily with colleagues I went to a quiet pub 10 minutes walk down the road. I had 4 pints and a cheese burger, a friendly chat with some locals and a game of pool. I then headed back to the hotel and thought I went straight to my room and slept. The next day my MD took me aside and told me I had joined some colleagues in the hotel bar and had become extremely aggressive and abusive, saying things which I have never even consciously thought. I was asked to leave the conference and will be subjected to a psychological assessment to determine if I am fit for my position. I have absolutely no recollection of this episode and definitely did not drink enough alcohol to cause this.
ReplyDeleteI have previously always behaved very diplomatically and am well respected in my industry, even though I have been inflicted with bouts of depression for many years. I have never behaved in such a fashion before and can only hope that my reputation and career can be restored.
I have spent many weeks searching within myself for reasons why I had become as I describe and the only single causal factor is Champix. Once I started searching the net I found that many others, such as on this blog, have had similar experiences. Some have had much worse including suicide within days of completing the course and others have attempted suicide during or soon after stopping Champix usage. All testimonials I have read regarding attempted suicide note that the person has no recollection of the event.
Never was I warned of such possible side effects, never was I warned not to drink alcohol whilst taking Champix. Never I have I blamed someone or something else for my own conscious actions. Those nay-sayers that have posted here should find better things to do than ignorantly rubbish other peoples genuine experiences. Jan & June particularly demonstrate mindless ignorance. I too have quit smoking before and these effects have NOT BEEN nicotine withdrawal - ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!
Hugh - Thanks for getting this started.
Steven - Be very careful when you do stop Champix and talk to your GP first.
Nick - My best wishes and hopes go out to you.
Final comment - Sure Champix works without serious side effects for the majority of users but even the manufacturer states that they do not know exactly how varenicile works so how can they be sure how it affects everyone?
I'm about to start my 1st day tomorrow on Champix- i do like a drink (or 6!). Wondering if im making the right decision now??!!!
ReplyDeleteThis now has me worried as im a single mother with 2 young kids:(
I would so love to give up smoking though! Is there any other help to stop smoking?
Stopping smoking is the best thing for you and for your children. I managed using nicotine lozenges (these are usually free from NHS stop smoking clinics)although some people prefer other types of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches, gums or even nasal sprays. If you do decide to use Champix, in my opinion you MUST avoid alcohol and monitor your use of the medication regularly with your doctor. Cheers and good luck! - Hugh
ReplyDeleteu used champix second time round. first time i quit smoking and smoked marijuana 4 weeks in, had psychotic attack and nearly stabbed myself to death.
ReplyDeletethis time i used champix 4 weeks in again i started drinkin on it and flipped out, quit my job and now i have have done alot of stupid things i am now regreting.
im now back off champix. i cant use this drug,. it is dangerous and makes me lose the plot bigtime, id rather smoke and die then take this crazy stuff and who knows what could happen!!!!!!!
Hi all, stopped smoking 18 days ago and was really impressed how well this drug works... But and it's a big but, wine and champix don't mix well. I can cope with the dreams but the effect it's having on my mood is horrible, having read one of thee blogs, I'm going to halve the does and see how this works
ReplyDeletehiya, i been takin champix for 9 days now, only first day in nt smokin,but still managed 2 smoke 2,hopin tomorrow better, i have heard a lot of people give up on them an think their fantastic, but have heard 1 person have suffered alopecia from them, an reading all the reviews cant believe the side effects, im feelin ok at the moment, should i stop takin them or take them for only a few weeks, ive only now read the side effects with them and dont know whether 2 stop takin them, but i dont know how else to give up,tryed the patches,didnt wrk. obviously with these comments do not drink on them but after stop taking them how long again before i can drink on them or could just miss one or two days and drink?? please help.
ReplyDeleteTo the last poster, I'd suggest stick with the Champix; stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself, BUT aviod alcohol and seek medical advice if you notice any changes in your perception or feelings
ReplyDeleteStarted Champix 3 weeks ago. My wife to be also started an affair at the same time. I have started drinking heavily and yesterday I woke-up in jail in another town. I remember going there and that is it, the police picked me up lying in the street and I was very aggresive, I can remeber waking up in jail and trying to break the place down. After my release at 09H00 I hit the first pub and once again can not remember a thing, apparently aggresive and walking over a busy street causing havoc, arrested again, don't have a voice today I was screaming like a mad thing. Body does not have a part that is not hurting, some cigarettes has also been put out on the top of my hand, how or why I do not know. So losing the love of your life taking Champix and alcohol is DISASTER. That I am alive is a miracle, I could have died 20 ways the last two days. I will now try Champix only, no alcohol.
ReplyDeleteOk people listen
ReplyDeleteI've taken champix, I've done the whole 12 weeks, it's now been 2 years! All these people taking about sucidal thoughts and crap, didn't take champix correctly. Anyone who is concidering taking champix, follow these rules and u'll be fine!
1) This may sound silly but stop drinking tea. Tea has an active ingrediance that effect ure central nerve system. Drinking tea with champix will make u feel sick!
2) Never take champix on a empty stumache. Always eat a fist full of food minimum, and wait ten to 15 mins before taking champix
3) If u get drunk, skip the pill. Don't worry ure doctor won't mind!
If u follow these rule the only side effect u may feel, is slightly tired for around 5mins. When this happens I normally sit back relax and let it pass! This will normally happen around 30mins after u take the pill.
I'm not a doctor, but I can proudly say I have achieved my mind body connection and found these to be the golden rules of champix. U should always get professional advice, and best of luck guys!
I first tried Champix in 2007 for about 2 weeks, but it made me very sick in the stomach so i stopped. After a few weeks i started to get side effects. ie , shortness of breath, high blood pressure and pulse rate. I was not warned of any potential adverse reactions to champix. So after about 6 months i tried champix again because i was blaming cigarettes for my breathing issues. After taking champix for 4 weeks and suffering the usual abdominal cramping and sickness i was smoke free and feeling good. I stopped taking champix and within a few days i couldnt breathe, blood pressure was 170 / 135. pulse 150,, i was rushed to hospital. All tests were negative for any type of disease . After trying to make the DR beleive ( unsuccessfully ) that Champix was the cause i was released. Its now been over 2 years and i am still very ill.. And for all you sceptics out there i had a full checkup done 2 weeks before taking champix and all tests were normal . This drug has ruined my life and the medical profession cannot or will not help.
ReplyDeleteI have been on champixs for 8weeks of a 12 week course I have decided to stop taken them as I was getting scary negative thoughts I had a drink last week end and I cant remember a thing the only other side effects was a sore head for the first week being sick if I take them on AN EMPTY STOMACH AND ANGER ISSUES IE VERY SHORT FUSE I HAVE BEEN A BIT LESS AWARE OF THINGS AROUND ME AND I HAVE JUST NOTICED I AM WRITING THIS IN CAPITALS FFS LOL I HOPE THIS IS OF HELP TO ANY ONE WHO CAN DECIPHER THIS CHAMPIX INDUCED RAMBLING ,S LOL anyway I have stopped smoking .and champix. does anyone know if its ok to stop taken champixs suddenly ? it was very depressing after week 6 so I just stopped but I haven't had the urge to smoke a ciggy yeeeeeeeha.so it works amazing just be very aware of changes in your mental state if you feel sad and angry stop .
ReplyDeleteI would not have taken them if i knew the results. I want to know how long till the effects of this pill wear off. I have stopped smoking but also gained alot of weight and feel very depressed, often cry for no reason and still feel this way although i have been off them for a week. When will it go away? I wont even go into how i felt when i was on them cause that is over now but to be a week off them and still feeling like this. I am just so god damn angry.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, well done for stopping smoking.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that you will start to feel better soon. I would suggest going and seeing your doctor if you are still feeling depressed and angry in a few days time.
Hi, I am on week 6 of Champix and had no idea that it does not mix well with alcohol, I had 2 pints of lager and half a bottle of wine with a meal on Saturday night and have no recollection whatsoever of what happened, apparently I was very intoxicated aggressive and insulting to others around me.
ReplyDeleteI haven't smoked for 4 weeks which is great but i have been very short tempered, and cannot believe how intoxicated i became.
There is NO warning at all about contra indictaion of mixing with alcohol and I am shocked about this. I have not taken since saturday and do not plan to take again.
I am using Champix and regularly consume large amounts of achohol withou any weird side effects.
ReplyDeleteI think in some individuals it amplifies there current state of mind. It's not like you are going to play Lego with your kid or play outside and the next moment your gonna snap and shoot or hit your child.
Some people just shouldnt drink alcohol at all, they cannot handel it and often get into fights, champix might then amplify there current state of mind, which is angerness at that moment.
Sometimes people are not even interacting with other individuals, they go into a deep state where they are having an "internal dialog" with themselves. If you are having internal dialogs with yourself and tend to get angry or become agitaded afterwards you should perhaps see someone about that, becuase everything hapens in your head / imagination and your getting upset about stuff that you thought out / isnt reality, add alcohol to that and you have potentialy unstable person, add champix or any other "mental" medication on top of that and the situation can get out of control.
Sorry for my bad English.
champix and alcohol dont mix period the up side is champix seems to make it easy to abstain from alcohol.take the short course stop smoking dont drink and get the hell off them,Scary to act out of character with know recollection.doctor told me champix wont kill you but smoking will.
ReplyDeleteIve been taking them for 9 weeks and the only side effects I have had is heartburn though to be fair its been the holiday season and just recently have had sore gums with a bit of bleeding when I am cleaning my teeth.
ReplyDeleteMy Doctor wants me to do the whole 12 weeks which is fine but I have concerns about how quickly they wean you off so am starting myself from tonights tablets, slowly weaning myself down to 1/2s and missed days over the next 8 weeks.
I havent smoked for 7 weeks and am determined not to start again.
I drink 2 Beers and some wine a day - and planed stop smoking with Champix. But now I won't, with all I read here, I am scared, as I can't stop drinking at the moment... I think to have an Alcohol problem.
ReplyDeleteI have been taking Champix for 6 days and today is the first day i had drink with my dinner, so that's why i checked it out, all this comments have made me to make up my mind to stop taking this drug, i had crazy dreams last few nights and i was moody , my decission is to stop taking champix and try to stop smoking without them.
DeleteI'm an alcoholic and have been on champix for 10 days now. I have been sick in my stomach, I am still smoking but not many. I have been to rehab, aa and been on all manner of tablets for many years to no avail. But low and behold I now don't want a drink, have no urge for one whatsoever. I have done and more on alcohol and other drugs the things people have talked about above. I don't know if any other alcoholics have experienced this or not but for now I'm sober .
ReplyDeleteIt does look as though Champix can be used to help people with alcohol problems, so I am really pleased to see someone is experiencing positive benefits. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI still would advise anyone who occasionally drinks large quantities of alcohol (binge drinking) to seek in-depth medical advice before using Champix to quit smoking.