Chantix & Severe Upper Abdominal Pain- HELP!

[Soon2bEyeDr]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this board, but have a pressing question.

I recently started taking Chantix to help stop smoking. I've smoked on and off for about 4 years. It is not the urge to smoke that keeps me lighting up, but the stress and hostility that I exhibit to others that has me reaching for the cool menthol and matches.

About six days ago I asked my doctor about Chantix because I heard that it helps control this anxiety and anger. He gave me a perscription and warned me that it was expensive and I could experience some mild nausea. I walked out of the doctor's office happy and with barley controlled excitment that my miracle pill may have been found.

Fast forward to day two on the medicine. Doing fine the .5mg and can already feel a decrease in my need to smoke. I'm still very happy.

Press fast forward again to day four. I took my last dose of .5mg for the day (you take it twice a day) and I'm feeling sick as dog. Muscle pain, sore throat, flu like symptoms, extreme upper adominal pain, and a distended stomach. I'm scared to death, but refuse to quit taking it at this point.

Day six. I'm now in agony, I can barely stand without my upper stomach feeling as though it will burst; it's as though someone is inflating a ballon and at any minute it will pop. My muscle pain is worse (although less bothersome than the abdominal pain), and a fever is spreading through my body. I did not experience naseau until this morning, but anytime I try to eat or take advil I feel though I could hug the porcaline goddess until noon tomorrow.

I'm too scared to call my doctor, I do not want my potential golden pill taken away, I believe that, perhaps, the symptoms will abate. However, at the same time, I'm afraid I'm inflicting permenate self damage onto myself.

My question is: has anyone else experienced this and what did you do? Does anyone have any advice? I've searched the internet for possible answers all morning. Even though I'm a science geek, my clouded mind refuses to think properly and I'm reduced to asking others for the answers because not a single thought will form properly. Please help.

Thanks so much for your time.
Any responses will be greatly appreciated.

The same exact thing has happened with me.....severe abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea big time, it sux I know but I am praying it goes away bcuz I definitely need to get off the cigarettes because they are killing me. If you read the side effects that came with your rx you will see stomach problems was the biggest reason people quit taking it. Hope this helps.

I forgot to tell you yesterday.......Try ginger ale because it helped me somewhat yesterday. Today is the first day it hasn't been as bad so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Keep me posted so we can compare notes. Thanks!!

[wester]

I have pain in the upper right abdomen (under the ribs) and goes around to my back. It hurts to take a deep breath. I also have severe hip/joint/leg muscle cramping all day/night. Go to the doctor and have blood work done (thyroid, kidney, liver, etc.) to see if those organs are properly functioning. Contact Pfizer and let them know what you're experiencing. Pfizer told me they have reports of these symptoms from their clinical trial and that Chantix takes, on average, about a week to leave the body. I'm going on week 2 and with no relief. I had blood drawn today and will know the results in a week or less. Pfizer will check with my physician to monitor my progress so they (Pfizer) will have more definitive answers as to why I am experiencing these horrible side effects and its duration.

After research I have found someone else having problems with Chantix.

I am Having sever CHEST PAINS. I am not taking this any more per I doctor I have only been on it for 3weeks. I now pray I dont die.

In Fear in NC

I had the same and got Nexium from my doctor and also had severe stomach pains. Please don't give up yet...All the pains have gone away and this drug is simply a miracle. I have never had a drug that worked so effectively in taking my cravings away and eliminating them entirely!!! It is just a MIRACLE!! Hang in there, don't give up yet........You will get better, I promise!!

Please speak with your doctor. I had bad side effects and stopped taking it after only 2.5 weeks. I am happy to say that I'm still not smoking for 4-6 weeks now however I am still having side effects. Namely tingling in my arms, hypertension and my kidney function tests are off. Need to get bloodwork every 2 weeks to see if there is any change. I was in the ER twice. You should not just accept this. It is a side effect that could possibly do permanent damage. Please call your doctor.

Am in week two of taking Chantix but only third full day of not smoking. Severe diarrhea and some cramping. No nausea. Am also traveling. Trying to figure out of the diarrhea is from traveling, the absence of nicotine (withdrawal symptom) or the Chantix. I pray it's not the Chantix, am shocked at the ease with which I was able to just stop. Knew I was leaving for vacation, smoked my last one on the way to the airport (had been tapering off for a few days) and haven't had one since. (That was Friday morning, it's now Monday. Was pack a day smoker.) Honestly - not one REAL craving at all. I miss the activity of it - my little break for myself, etc. but nothing I can't think about for two minutes and forget about. Just wondering about this diarrhea. I can't take much more of it....ruining my weeklong vacation!

Chantix can cause ulcers -- if you are having severe abdominal pain, if you have any other signs of internal bleeding (black feces) you should stop taking it. Even without other symptoms you should consider stopping.

And just to make sure -- everyone is taking the chantix on a full stomach right? Taking it on an empty stomach is BAD!

I was having the same symptoms and worse. I had a lot of tests run and they were blaming all the pain and bloating on my gall bladder. After everything was said and done, they took me off the Chantix and most of the pain and bloating went away. I was on my 4th week of Chantix and getting ready to go to the pharmacy to get the next script filled. It took about a week for the pain to subside, but each day was a little better than the previous one. I still have some acheness left. I am not smoking either.
I don't have health insurance so this got to be a lot more expensive than just the medicine alone.
Hope you feel better soon.
Hpayy holidays to all!
Cindy in Toledo OH