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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think I should have been warned about this - champix related.

65 replies

Busybusybust · 15/03/2012 18:41

I was going to put this on the Mental Health Board - but I think the more people who know the better.

So........

a littte background. I am (was) and longterm, ashamed smoker - desperate to stop. So I ws prescribed Champix in the middle of last November. I stopped smoking at the beginning of December. When I had the first lot of Champix, I read the leaflet - or thought I did - and didn't find anything about depression. I have a history of 2 doses of PND.

I didn't actually take the full dose for long as the morning one made me vomit, and I stopped taking them at all about 3 weeks ago.

Since I started them (certainly since the beginning of December) I have become increasingly depressed and 'odd'. I have felt that I would be better off dead, have been very aggressive with my best friend, sis, bro, both daughters. (it's amazing they are still speaking to me!) Life has been really horrible generally. I spent the weekend before last seeing no one and crying - for the whole weekend.

However and the last 2 days, I have suddenly started to feel much, much better!!!! I feel upbeat and good about myself! So I thought 'why, suddenly do you feel better' and Googled side effects of Champix.

Apparently, these side effects are now recognised. Why, oh why, wasn't I told???????????

I have spent the past months thinking I was insane! Well I probably was!

So beware if you are thinking of taking them.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 15/03/2012 18:44

I thought this was recognised years ago?

I'm almost sure there were some quite highly publicised suicides/attempts

valiumredhead · 15/03/2012 18:45

I think it was first used as an anti d and one of the side effects was stopping smoking.

Where did you get them from? Did you read the leaflet? My friend stopped smoking with them combined with group help.

Original poster
Busybusybust · 15/03/2012 18:47

No - it was developed as an 'anti-smoking' drug. No other uses.

I am fairly sure these neurological changes weren't mentioned in the leaflet - they seem to be fairly recent, if you Google it.

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 15/03/2012 18:49

I've just googled - it started out as an anti depressant.

Original poster
Busybusybust · 15/03/2012 18:55

I've just Googled too - and got a different result. But this is beside the point - I am trying to warn anybody who is considering taking it - that i have been really, very ill whilst taking it and for a few weeks after. Honestly, I just cannot stress enough how ill I have been. I have actually been suicidal.

I really have no agenda here apart from to warn people.

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 15/03/2012 18:58

Where did you get them from though? DId you not read the leaflet - the side effects are really well known, I find it hard to believe anyone would take such a strong drug without reading the leaflet. I'm not disbelieving you OP, it's juts I am the polar opposite and google and read up on every pill I take. Glad you are feeling better now :)

valiumredhead · 15/03/2012 18:58

You should talk to your GP about feeling suicidal even if those feelings have passed now.

sairygamp · 15/03/2012 19:00

Did you stop smoking? I am one of those desperate pathetic smokers who keeps trying to give up :( but I have always been so wary of tablets like this. I really do think they didn't look into enough. I'm so sorry to hear about your problems with them .

OldGreyWiffleTest · 15/03/2012 19:03

Have any of you trying to give up used an Electronic Cigarette?

valiumredhead · 15/03/2012 19:04

My aunt is using one and hasn't smoked for 4 months.

Gilgamesh · 15/03/2012 19:04

It does tell you all about it in the enclosed leaflet, didn't you read it before taking it? Its a well known side effect and has been for several years.

prawncrackered · 15/03/2012 19:06

I'm amazed that you hadn't heard of the side effects of Champix as there was so much publicity surrounding it and a big reason that I've always avoided it, preferring the "keep going cold turkey" method instead!

Pooka · 15/03/2012 19:06

My gp said that before prescribing, they would discuss previous mental health issues, depression AND family history of the same.

So am surprised was prescribed given your previous PND.

NarkedPuffin · 15/03/2012 19:10

It's not something you take if you have a history of depression.

NarkedPuffin · 15/03/2012 19:15

Here.

If you were prescribed it you should have been asked about your mental health history. If you weren't, I'd go back and talk to them about it. It's a very well established risk and they should have asked.

NarkedPuffin · 15/03/2012 19:16

Try again

Kaliani · 15/03/2012 19:23

When I was prescribed it, I had to discuss the short course of antidepressants I was on just after my marriage broke down. They did make me very ragey, and a bit down some days, but they do work.

The side effects are well publicized. I was told to ring the Doctor immediately if I felt any side effects like that.

For the right people, they are brilliant, but there are some risks

emmanana · 15/03/2012 19:26

I was on it last year, gave up a 30 year, 20/30 a day habit, luckily with no side effects. If you are not prone to MH problems, I can recommend it highly. The person who dispensed it for me asked all the right questions and checked my medical records. Sorry you suffered, Have you managed to stay off the ciggies?

squeakytoy · 15/03/2012 19:27

my MIL has done Champix 3 times.. the first two times it made her really down and she said she felt very unwell.. but as a 60 a day smoker she knew she had to quit... she started it for the third time in december and has just finished the 3 month course, and is now smoking 10 cigs a week.. which is a vast improvement.

She was advised each time of the side effects though, and they monitor it very well, as she had to go back to the smoking clinic fortnightly.

Original poster
Busybusybust · 15/03/2012 19:33

I DO always read leaflets before starting any medication - if the neurological problems that i have experienced were listed on there, I must have been blind to have missed them! Idiot me! But I certainly have had the MOST HORRIBLE time for the last three months. I wouldn't wish that on anybody! That is my only reason for this thread! Stop jumping downmy throat!

For the rest, who are curious...........

I AM A 3 MONTH SMOKE-FREE ZONE! YAY!!!!!!!! Grin

OP posts:
diabolo · 15/03/2012 19:36

I had the same thing with a drug called Zyban mayble 10 years ago. Bloody awful.

Busy - me too. Wine Willpower and a nasty health-scare work better than any drug for me.

Dawndonna · 15/03/2012 19:36

I knew about champix so wouldn't take it. I'm using one of the e cigs, I found a nicotine free one. Haven't had a fag for two months now.
Sorry you had a rotten time Busy and well done for giving up, under the circumstances. Next time you see your GP, make sure you give him/her a right bollocking!

NarkedPuffin · 15/03/2012 19:37

Congratulations!

I wasn't trying to jump down your throat. Just trying to say that whoever prescribed it was irresponsible not to check your history.

NarkedPuffin · 15/03/2012 19:38

I did it with patches and hating the world.

Mrsjay · 15/03/2012 19:40

Zyban sent my poor mil Loopy thats the only word i can use sorry if i offend . it really knocked her for 6 , I have been on champix and tbh i was a bit Hmm on them , It does say on the huge leaflet about side effects and depression , , glad you are feeling better and managed to keep at the quitting ,