Chantix Nasty Habit, Severe Depression
Posted over a year ago
Chantix is the only quit-smoking med that I have used that actually worked. HOWEVER, I can't take it long enough to quit because it causes severe depression! I finally found a way to kick that nasty habit but can't take the drug because of side effects! :(
Sarahkins - I think there is substance to these posts regarding Chantix's depressive side effects. I used it a few years ago; while it helped me to quit, I did have to stop taking it because I didn't feel like getting up in the morning (depression). As soon as I stopped and the drug was out of my system, the depression stopped. Many posts on this website indicate a personality change after taking Chantix. This was not my experience, however, one has to think perhaps the change in personality isn't due to the drug but the long term effects of smoking cessation. Nicotine is a drug and just like with any drug withdrawal, without it you have to deal with every day life in a different way. Using Chantix gets you over the first hurdle of quitting, but it doesn't change your personality, not having the nicotine to help you deal with stress etc. does. That is why so many people go back to smoking - myself included. I am now on another round of Chantix as I relapsed 3 months ago (was quit for over 2 years). My personality didn't change because of Chantix; my personality changes when I can't have my nicotine fix even years later. For people like me after quitting, I can't have "just one" especially if it's to deal with some stress or another. I have to also replace my need for smoking with something else - like working out or going for a walk. It is a long road and the addiction to nicotine is the same as any other addiction. Chantix may affect some people adversely but it is still a great drug to use to get you through the first hurdle of quitting, in my opinion.
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