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Digestive/stomach issues with Chantix, need advice

Question asked by Peaceful_warrior on Dec 22, 2019
Latest reply on Dec 31, 2019 by ExClipper

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I have been taking Chantix for about 2 weeks, and today is my 2nd day without having a cigarette. I already had pretty bad digestive issues before (I'm not sure what, but did have a colonoscopy before and it was normal. Generally just IBS). Aside from the constipation part, I have noticed that I have been getting bloated towards the end of the day and the discomfort/pain that goes with that, and also, I apologize and this is embarrassing, but ALOT of gas at night, like alot, and throughout the whole night. I really just want to stop taking it because of that. I'm trying to eat foods like bananas and more fruit and fiber, and I got some ginger tea and trying to do yoga to help the gut, but nothing seems to be helping and it seems to be getting worse every day. Does anyone have any advice? I was thinking of trying to take only half in a.m. & half in p.m. or only taking one a day either in the morning or evening, but I am afraid if I stop taking it I'll start smoking again. Please help

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Giulia Dec 22, 2019 11:31 PM
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I've not taken Chantix. From my reading, one of the side effects of Chantix is gas and bloating:

Common side effects of Chantix include
- nausea (may persist for several months),
- stomach pain,
- indigestion,
- constipation,
- gas,
If you already have IBS, Chantix may not be the best for you. If you haven't (and depending upon what other drugs you may be taking) Gas X may help. It has helped me with gas pains. I'd definitely ask your doctor about it though. Sorry you're experiencing this. No fun. But don't let it be a reason to go back to smoking. One more day and the majority of nicotine is out of your system. Then it's mostly just mental. You can do this. Stay strong!

More info: Gas and gas pains - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
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sweetplt Dec 23, 2019 7:10 AM
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Hi Peaceful_warrior so sorry you are having trouble with your IBS...but some of your symptoms are symptoms that happen to many of us after quitting smoking...Giulia gave you some great information above me...but when in doubt talk to the Doctor who prescribed the Chantix...keep us posted on how you are doing...~ Colleen 385 DOF
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DavidA555 Dec 23, 2019 8:47 AM
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I use miralax for IBS-C my doctor recommended it. It does not work overnight, takes a couple days to start working. I found it is very mild an does not leave you feeling drained an dehydrated like most laxtives do. The gas is likely from eating a little more than you usually do when you were smoking or the pills. Miralax is not going to help with the gas, hunger pains and nicotine cravings both feel the same. Very hard not to over eat when you first quit, until get it all figured out though.
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JACKIE1-25-15 Dec 23, 2019 9:49 AM
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Your concerns about bloating have been a major topic here. Giulia gave you the side effects of Chantix. Many not using Chantix have had the same issues. If you would use the keyword "bloating", "gas" in the search engine (magnifying glass top right) you will find quite a few blogs on the subject. Here is one that may get you started. Progress! It is my preference not to give medical advice. If you are having problems it is best to see a professional doctor that is familiar with your medical history.
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Barbscloud Dec 24, 2019 10:51 AM
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Welcome. You've already gotten some good information. It could be from the Chantix or a side effect that many have had when they quit smoking. I tried Chantix once, but had to stop because of stomach issues.
This is from the Chantix website:
"Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having side effects such as nausea, strange dreams, or sleep problems. Your healthcare provider may want to reduce your dose.
Tell your healthcare provider about side effects that bother you or that do not go away."
I think that is the best advice. If it continues, consult prescribing doctor and even a pharmacist.
Wish we could tell you for certain which is causing you these symptoms.
Barb
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jonimarie Dec 24, 2019 1:52 PM
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Chantix is a potent drug.
I took 1/2 mg 1x a day for 21 days which is way below the prescribed dosage
Started week before I quit.
The drug does work to curb urges for Nicotine.
I stopped taking it 2 weeks after I quit for all the reasons you describe
It did however give me a good jump on my quit to get through those 1st 14 days
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- Peaceful_warrior @ jonimarie on Dec 24, 2019 6:42 PM
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  How did you do after you stopped taking it? Did you start getting more cravings or did you just need the jump start? I started only taking only 1/2 in am & 1/2 in pm and I'm doing really good as far as cravings and I'm afraid if I stop taking it the cravings will come back
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  - jonimarie @ Peaceful_warrior on Dec 25, 2019 12:52 PM
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    No I did not get more cravings after I stopped. I believe the wortst of it is the first week where you work on your mind set that you believe in yourself and that you can do this. That quitting smoking is something that you want and value.
    Fear serves no purpose as it will defeat you. Believe that you can and will be successful. Stay close to the sight and read read read and educate yourself about the addiction. It does get easier. there will be days I still have them but I know "this will pass". Hang in there and Merry Christmas
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maryfreecig Dec 25, 2019 12:19 PM
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Welcome to Ex. Stick with your quit. Definitely work through the constipation issue--and talk to your Doc if you have to. One day at a time, yes you can.
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ExClipper Dec 31, 2019 12:49 PM
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Make sure you drink at least 8 oz of water when you take the pill. If the water doesn't help talk to your doctor maybe half the dosage. I also ate bread when I took it, yogurt or a banana didn't cut it for me, I needed something more substantial in my stomach. Don't stop taking it, do whatever you have to and put up with whatever you have to in order to quit. What you are going through now is temporary, the damage from smoking can be permanent.
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Digestive/stomach issues with Chantix, need advice

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