Has anyone used Champix (varenicline) to stop smoking?

[healthanxietynightmare]

Has anyone used champix (Varenicline) to stop smoking? Recently been prescribed them from gp but had a look online & seen people said they had really bad side effects. Including some people with no history, taking seizures so has put me off a bit!

Not me personally but my Mum used it (many years ago now) and was able to stop completely- went from 40 a day since she was 15 to stopping completely (at 65 years old). It was life changing for her. She said the only side effects she had were some bad dreams for a few weeks.

I used it a very long time ago. Prescribed by GP. It was very effective and the only side effects I noticed were vivid dreams. I thought it wasn't available in the UK anymore.

Thank you both. There was a shortage in the UK for a while but it's back on the market now. Going to give it a try and hopefully it helps with no side effects

I've not smoked for 21 days so far! I'm so chuffed! 😊
It's definitely worth it just for what you save financially. You still have to mentally prepare yourself and realise that is your biggest challenge. But in all honesty I really don't think I could have quit without the champix. I've tried many times but never lasted more than a couple of days.
I smoked 30-40 a day for the last 26 years just to give you some context. Go for it.👍

It's back on the market!?

Let me know it goes OP. I'm struggling to give up.

@pheonixrebirth well done that's amazing! I've tried a few times before also and never been successful. Hoping this time I can do it. Good luck I hope you continue to stay smoke free .

@EveryOtherNameTaken yes, I'm sure back on the market is the right term? Apologies if it's not. I will update the thread on my progress hopefully I can do it.

I gave up using it about 14 years ago. I found it physically pretty horrible and only took it for three weeks but it was incredibly effective.

I stopped smoking using Champix about 13 years ago. I didn't have any side side effects and I'm still not smoking.

Hey, just wondered if you ever used this and if it worked? Xx

@bookworm1982 sorry I don’t get notifications. I’ve been smoke free for 12 weeks now. Tried lots of times before but couldn’t do it. Couldn’t have done it without the champix. I had to come off them a few weeks early before the end of the course as I was taking really bad migraines. Not sure if it was caused by the tablets or not but on advice of the doctor I came off them.

still smoke free, very occasionally I feel the urge to have a cigarette but just busy myself and the urge goes away.

i would recommend them to anyone to try.

good luck x