Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group

The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...

1,155 Members

18,740 Posts

0 Online

Maat2008 06/19/2009

I was prescribed it last week, to help me stop smoking. I take it twice a day for about 9 or 10 days, and the last 3 or 4 nights, I have not been able to sleep well.

I wake up 4-5 times a night, I can hear every little sound AMPLIFIED, and I am am having angry dreams. I also feel that my temper and my anger are triggered a lot easier, but so far, I have only "gone off" on people in my dreams.

I have a call into the Doctor...but while I am waiting, I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced these symptoms and if/when they go away.

By the way, I was supposed to quit smoking after 2 weeks on the pill and they are also trying to get me the patch.

deleted_user 06/19/2009

Hi Maat
Its supposed to be a good aid in helping reduce and/or quit. I tried it and had the same side effects...maybe more.

I did manage to quit with Chanix and have been free 9 days for the 1st time in my life after Many attempts with hypnotherapy, patches, accupuncture, cold turkey....you name it

Dont give up!!!!

Hugs

rinkpa 06/19/2009

I tried it years ago and I remember the dreams and waking up all night.I also would be driving somewhere and not remember where I was going. It was a little scary for me. I think after awhile the side effects aren't as severe.

I believe it is an anti-depressant (sp) and I can see how it would be helpful. Didn't work for me at the time but I don't think there is any magic pill that will help but it probably will help to combat the moodiness and all that goes with quitting.

deleted_user 06/19/2009

My doctor used to prescribe Wellbutrin and advise use of the patch with it for a short period. Now she prescribes Chantix first. I tried the generic equivalent of Wellbutrin and got off after a week because of the anger and sleep issues. The Chantix worked bet for me. Different strokes for different folks. Chantix can have strong side effects also but for me, they were more tolerable.

NYyankeedeb 06/19/2009

Hi Maat...
welcome to the group...I know wellbutin made my daughter sick on the 1st day and she had trouble sleeping...so she went off and went cold turkey..she weaned herself off the cigs.

there are other methods to try to stop smoking dont give up...try to hang in there and good luck..hugs of support to help you through

Maat2008 06/19/2009

Well...the Dr. says I should keep taking it and the side effects will taper off. I asked if I could take and OTC sleep med when I really need to get sleep and she said I could.

I have tried quitting smoking SOOO many times, I have lost count, but I know I need to BEFORE it seriously effects my health. So, to quote a great book, I am "willing to go to any lengths to(quit)". Hopefully, my body will adjust soon.

littlemac 06/19/2009

I have considered it and am curious about Wellbutrin. I choose Chantix and it has worked for me. I have had trouble sleeping the last couple of weeks (not sure the Chantix caused this) and decided to cut down to 1 Chantix in the mornings. I will quit anything that causes sleepless nights. Good luck with the Wellbutrin. (((HUGS))) and wishing you some wonderful sleep (at least 8 hours straight)
Littlemac

aeris7 06/19/2009

welcome Maat: I was on Chantix for 3 months and have been on wel-butrin now for 4 months. I have been smoke free since 7-25-2008. Wel-butrin was prescirbed for the post-quitting depression which is quite common, however I would not trade quitting for anything, including depression. As far as sleep goes, in the last 2 months I notice I need much less sleep. I do not know if this is because of the wel-butrin or because my body is a lot healthier now and I work out a lot. I guess I will never know. everybody is very different with their reactions. I have not had the anger issues, instead I get quiet and sad. Dreams were worse with chantix but now I hardly remember them.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!

Maat2008 06/20/2009

Hi all, and thanks for your words of encouragement.

I took some OTC sleep meds last night, and although I woke up a few times and felt wide awake when I did, my roomate said I was snoring when he got home, and I feel a lot more rested today than yesterday...so I guess I did sleep better.

I will be quitting soon...as the welbutrin is already starting to work for that...I can only smoke 1/2 of one most times and I've been on the same pack for about 4 days (I was up to a pack a day).

I'll keep ya' posted.
K

Join the Conversation