Has anyone else had similar problems since quitting?

[Frustrated_NC]

I apologize in advance if this is offensive to anyone, but I am truly having this issue and am trying to rule out certain things. I quit smoking 7 days ago and three days in I was attempting to handle things myself and as I was getting to the happy point, the base of my neck felt like I had been hit with a brick (not a turn on)! I was terrified as the headache slowly made its way to the front of my head and into my eyes. The pain made it impossible to continue. I was scared I was having a stroke, I ran and took two Ibupro and two aspirin just in case. Anyway, the next day the same thing happened minus the initial blast to the back of the head. Now, for the third day in a row. This time it was different though. I was having intercourse with my wife and upon her getting to that happy place, I decided it was my turn. I was just about there and had to stop....this is getting ridiculous. I was wondering if anyone knows if this could be caused by the Chantix that I am using as an aid in stopping smoking or if this could possibly be from quitting smoking all together. Is it an increase in blood flow? Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

[doubletrouble999]

Smoking cannot be cut down or dropped using any medicine. It has to be stopped for once and for all but for that one needs will power. I know people who advised me on that and am going to follow that. But it'll be hollow talk on my part if I don't quite at one shot like many others.

[TheMerryman]

I love you.  I'm the worst person to ever walk this Earth, you need to say eff medication and eff smoking, I'm only 17, I smoked this terrible stuff, herbal incense, listen to me, I'm 17, you don't need cigarettes, or anything other than food, drink, and money, and sex of course but the point is, my chest hurts, like really bad, I keep coughing up black stuff, my back hurts, my heart..hurts from time to time, I can't get too worked up from fear of a heart attack, my back and chest hurt every time I try to go to sleep, but damn does it feel good just to lay down, when I'm with my girlfriend, I can hardly breathe and not based on some sentiment involving her beauty, I'm just happy to be alive and next to her when I am.  that's all I think I need to say.

[mr.lucky66]

Chantix is a mixed bag but has helped many people, including me. I have gotten some minor stomach problems but not anymore bad dreams than usual. For me and others, It makes sense to take it for the shortest time possible and I doubt any of these symptoms are related. I keep it on hand and now my body seems to recognize it and it seems to work right away when I get cravings. It's no panacea but for me, it's the best quit aid I've tried  with all it's drawbacks. all the best and keep up the good work.

[elwoodsf]

Personally I had to quit taking Chantix a few quits ago. I had horrible nightmares and started hallucinating. Even if your neck pain isn't related to Chantix I'd stop it immediately so the doctors can determine what the problem is.

[kathyjo]

I smoked for 6 weeks also  and stopped the Chantix on the same day that I quit. I never had any of your symptoms and if you use the option "search this community" for the archives, you will see plenty who have had things go terribly wrong while using Chantix.
The first 4 months after my quit left me with 2 horrible sinus infections, a nose that itched forever, bronchitis and pleurisy. In addition to withdrawal from nicotine, you are also w/d from the hundreds of additives in a cigarette.
If you have quit smoking, quit the pills. You don't need them any more and they have served their purpose. I have to tell you though, no matter whn you quit, you are going to experience some w/d effects. Just remember that you have come this far and you are stronger than the addiction. Take control of your life and don't give it back to smokes ; )

---
3y 1m 3w 4d 18:32 smoke-free, 25,358 cigs not smoked, $6,085.92 saved, 2m 4w 1:10 life saved

[Frustrated_NC]

Making an appt with my doctor first thing monday morning. Kathy, the thought of Chantix being the reason actually crossed my mind the first time, but I kind of ruled that out because I smoked far longer on it than I was supposed to (six weeks before quitting :-( ugh) and had no problems at all. This just started after I finally stopped kidding myself and threw them down. Thanks for the input and I will definately repost and let you know the result.
Big T, I never thought of that. I'm actually breathing great since I've quit. When the doctor told me I had chronic bronchitis I got scared. I am one of those (like so many others) that needed to be terrified before I did, what I knew for the past 24 years I had to do, quit. I truly don't have any pressure or tightness in the chest yet though, but will be trying some mucinex today. Thank you for you input, I'll let you know in a couple days if it is working. Last paragraph, understood, but it even is happening sitting up!

[bigT907]

Ok well it may be the Chantix... but I dont know... most symptoms I know of with Chantix are stomach related.  Just in case I would try stopping... if you still get you know thats not it...

However, i actually think you may have a sinus infection...  Very common when you first quit.  Usually appears as though you get a cold or something within the first 3 weeks...

it's actually like all the crap is coming up from your system.  Honestly it goes away in about 3-4 wks and it's the best feeling EVER.  The day you take that full breath without ANY difficulty... is totally worth it.

I would try mucinex or some other decongestant... I dont particularly care for mucinex but lots of people I know used it when they quit... I used zyrtec (the allergy pills) clears ya right up.  I didnt get stuffy though just the pain and pressure in my head/face/behind the eyes...

And I dont wanna get personal but just think back... if you were at that point - who was on top?  If it was you then I would assume you had your head leaning down somewhat... (PLZ dont answer that) that is Classic sinus headache

Dont give up!

[kathyjo]

I would stop using the Chantix immediately. If you want to quit, you will continue not smoking. Chantix doesn't always agree with those using it and it sounds as if you are one of those.
I quit with Chantix too, but I did not have any side effects. I do know, through commercials, that there is a class action suit or they are attempting to put one together so I'm sure there is good reason for it! Stop immediately and call your doctor or go into the emergency room of your hospital.

Good luck and please post back and let us know how you are doing.