Varenicline (Chantix, Champix)

Varenicline is a prescription drug used to treat nicotine addiction. It is called Chantix in the USA and Champix in Europe and other parts of the world. It was approved for sale in the USA in August, 2006. In September, 2006, it was approved in Europe.

This drug is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist. It helps you quit by reducing your cravings for nicotine, along with reducing the pleasurable feeling you get from smoking.

The FDA has approved this drug for adults. It’s not been tested for children under 18 (30% or so of smokers got hooked before the age of 13). It has also not been tested for pregnant women. You should avoid this drug if you are breastfeeding, because the drug can pass through the milk to your child. (There are other ways to quit if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.)

How This Medication Is Used

You take this medication as a tablet. You generally start with lower doses and build up. Make sure you take it exactly as it is prescribed. Normally, people start taking it 1 week before they actually quit smoking. Of course, talk with your doctor about all of this. You usually take the medication for 12 weeks, with maybe another 12 weeks after that.

Side Effects

Some side effects are nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping, and abnormal dreams.

In 2007, the FDA reported some instances of serious side effects, including suicidal behavior, erratic behavior, and drowsiness. It’s unclear if these symptoms were from the medication itself or from nicotine withdrawal. Take a look at this FDA report for more information.

Conclusion

This medication is a successful way to help people quit smoking. You want to make sure you talk with your doctor about this medication. Especially mention if you are pregnant, have any allergies, or are taking other drugs—prescription or not. If you decide this drug is not for you, don’t despair! There are plenty of other effective ways to quit smoking.

Here are a couple of links to outside information that will help you:

• Wikipedia article
• Chantix Official Website

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