Chantix and leg cramps

[Debby317]

Hi I had read on another blog that everyone who had tried and was on Chantix got bad leg cramps. Did anyone also experience this?

[Ponsette]

I took Chantix for 6 weeks.  I started having leg pain about 3 weeks after I began taking it.  I did stop smoking.  Now I have to use a walker and a cane.  I take pain medication and muscle relaxers.  I am in extreme pain all the time.  I went to a neurologist last week and had tests done.  You could hear my screams a block away.  My next appointment is at Chapel Hill.  I called the makers of Chantix and they told me in clinical trials, these were rare symptoms.  I am  42 years old.  A few months ago I was an active person who enjoyed riding my horses and water sports.  Now I feel like an old woman who can barely make it from my bed to the couch.  Skip the chantix!  Use the patch or anything other than Chantix to stop smoking!

[kathyjo]

Sounds as if you have things under control now and a somewhat better understanding of what is causing those cramps.
Good luck with your quit and if you ever need support, we are here for you : )

[felix1978]

Im not taking anything to help stop smoking. I have been to the doctors and had tests done and they can not find any reason for these cramps. They have put me on a drug called quinate, which has helped ease the cramps. How ever the only reason that the doctor could give me for these cramps is the bodys defence to the nicatine withdrawel, or 1 of the other nasty chemicals in cigarettes.

[kathyjo]

Are you using anything for your quit?
It really sounds like dehydration but you should go to the Doctor for a diagnosis. To be on the safe side, make sure you drink plenty of water and if you are taking anything to help you on your quit, stop immediately.

Congrats on your quit!

[felix1978]

I have given up smoking for 20 days without the champix and i am experiencing extreme muscle cramps and muscle spasms on movement.I have been experiencing these pains in my thighs, calves and buttocks, sometimes all 3 at once. I started experiencing these pains on approx day6 and it has worsened every day, to the point that i can barely walk 100meters without getting them. I am a very phsyically active person so it is not due to under use of the muscle.

[askingyou]

The most common side effects of CHANTIX include:

nausea (30%)
sleep problems (trouble sleeping, or vivid, unusual, or strange dreams)
constipation
gas
vomiting
These are not all the side effects of CHANTIX. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
You may want to call the pharmacist where you purchased the Chantix.  They would help you with the information about what you are experiencing. They would also let you know if your problem with leg cramps in the calfs are related to taking the Chantix.  
Certain drugs and medicines can deplete our bodies of necessary nutrients. It sounds like you may need more Calcium or vitamin B's in your diet.
Pharmacists have much knowledge with the pro's and con's of drugs and medicines.
Please do call them.!  
They will give you the necessary information that you need to know concerning Chantix.

[kathyjo]

Hi Deenie,
You didn't say how long you have been taking the Chantix? I used it for a 1 1/2 months without any symptoms that I was aware of. How much are you smoking and are you getting ready to set a date on your quit?
My quit was gradual, cutting back a few smokes every day until I was down to about 4. The day I quit was when I realized I had consistantly held out for the "first smoke" until early afternoon. That's when I knew I was ready. It wasn't easy, but now, 7 months later I can honestly say that it was the best decision I have ever made and I feel so much better.
Deenie, I can't advise you as to whether you should continue or quit the Chantix, but maybe if you call their hotline [phone]) or your doctor they can. Are you drinking enough fluids? That can also help with the leg cramps.
Deenie, if you will, please keep us updated on your progress and good luck!
Kathy Jo

[Deenie53]

You're story sounds just like mine, I'm a couple of years older.  I've quit several times, no drugs and ended up with too much anxiety.  
The Chantix has really worked, but I'm concerned about the leg cramps which are getting worse.  I thought they were from the treadmill, but I stopped about a week ago and the cramps are getting worse.  I'm wondering if the drug company is responding, I read some really bad stories on another web site.  I'm concerned; I've been telling other smokers how great it is to get them to quit.

Deenie

[jennyfer976]

Anyone experience weight gain w/chantix and quit smoking?

[mr.lucky66]

I've been on chantix for over 2 months and don't get leg cramps. When I stopped for a week I stated smoking again and my doc told me to start so I did over a month ago. When I re-started I seemd to get some gut cramps but they went away. It seems to be the only thing that works for me and I think I'll have to stay on it for a while longer. all the best

[sulagurl70]

i have been on chantix and i have been smoke free for about 30 days i have been having very bad tightness in my calves and muscle soreness im now only taking it once a day only in the morning get very nauseated if i dont take food with it but im keeping the faith for i feel so much better except for leg pain....

[kathyjo]

I used Chantix too but didn't have any leg cramps. I did begin an exercise program 2 years prior to quitting so perhaps that is why I didn't get them?
I am sure that there is a phone number that you can call to ask about it. In any case, don't give up on your quit and stop taking puffs on other peoples cigs.
I am 52 and have been smoking since about 15. I truly believed that I would be the last smoker on the face of the earth. Everyone I know had quit and I was still inhaling that **** into my lungs like I didn't have an ounce of sense. Now, here I am, haven't had a smoke for 2 months and 3 weeks and I am so proud of myself for achieving what I didn't believe was possible! I still have cravings but I take a walk or get to the gym....believe it or not, they do subside. You can do it, have some faith : )
Kathy Jo

[geo433]

I've been on Chantix for about 8 weeks now and didn't know leg cramps were a side effect--I also started a fitness program and blamed the pain on just being out of shape. I was wondering why it seemed to be getting worse instead of better.  If it's the Chantix causing the pain I would like to find what will help.  I don't want to quit the Chantix because it's the only thing I've tried that really gives me hope that I can quit smoking.  I'm just taking a couple drags off someone elses cig every once in awhile.  I can tell if I miss a dose or two because the cravings get worse.  If anyone has any suggestions please post it. The pain is mostly in my thighs but I kind of feel weak in all my muscles

[kyarborogh]

I have been on Chantix for 2 weeks and i have really bad leg cramps in my calfs and they also feel like they are going to explode. To look at them they are not swollon but they really feel like it. I have cut my dose in half and i am hoping that will help.

[Shaley Girl]

You will make it!  Congratulations on not buying any cigs.

[Debby317]

Well I just started taking 2 Chantix a day and I have 3 cigs left and am not buying any when I go shopping today. So think of me ..it might be a longgg weekend. Thanks so much for the support I will keep in touch!

[Shaley Girl]

Oh Debby I so understand the chronic pain as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis along with other problems but I found out that in reality smoking a cig when I was in intense pain was not helping but actually hurting.  When I would smoke, the areas of pain rec'd less healing oxygen.  
Yay for you cutting down so much.  Keep on posting for support and I know that you can make it cause I did.
Good luck

[Debby317]

We don't really have a quit date. I got the Chantix I took the first pill last night. I don't much like this long drawn out part of it. I went from 1 pack a day to like 7. I have had 3 so far today. I'm gonna take the pills to stop my brain from wanting it but I hope to stop by Thanksgiving all together. My problem is I deal with chonic pain so when I hurt I want a smoke to take my mind off it. So at the VERY least if I can only have 3-4 a day. That would help my lungs alot...Glad you guys are here for me. :-)

[kathyjo]

My quit date was 10/8/07 Shaley Girl, a day behind yours! It has been a tough road and I am just getting over the cold that lasted 2+ weeks, but it could have been a much needed deterrent, being to sick to smoke : )
Support is instrumental is keeping "quit" so let's keep giving each other those "atta boys" and thanks for your support : )

[Shaley Girl]

I want to say good luck and I know you can do this!

Take care

[Shaley Girl]

We both quit using Chantix.  What is you quit date?  Mine is 10/7/07.  Congratulations to you!

[kathyjo]

I took the Chantix for a month and a half and had no leg cramps or nausea, but the last week I felt bloated and had some gas. It was my choice to stop the Chantix and hindsight I should probably have continued for the recommended 3 months. It wasn't covered at all by my insurance so paying $112. (X3) for something that had no guarantees, seemed a little costly. Who knew that it would work, me, a hardcore smoker of 37 years, mother of 2 who couldn't stop during the pregnancies, who didn't have enough faith in my own self to believe that I had the power to take control : )

---
1m 4d 10:44 smoke-free, 774 cigs not smoked, $185.76 saved, 2d 16:30 life saved

[Debby317]

Thanks I'm gonna give it a try

[Shaley Girl]

No leg cramps here and I am over a month smoke-free and off of the Chantix.  I had a difficult time with nausea so I only took 1/2 of the recommended dose only at bedtime.

Good luck,
Bonny