Chantix/Champix (Varenicline)

Chantix/Champix (Varenicline) Medication Information:

What is Chantix?

Chantix is a prescription medicine used to help people quit smoking. Chantix is different from other smoking cessation aids as it does not contain nicotine. It has a new active ingredient called Varenicline which attaches to the nicotine receptors in the brain and reduces the urge to smoke. Chantix is approved for use in adults aged 18 and over but is not safe for children under 16 years.

Uses and Benefits of Chantix:

Chantix helps to quit smoking.

When a person smokes, a chemical found in tobacco called nicotine enters the body. Nicotine then attaches to nicotine receptors in the brain and activates them. This triggers the release of a brain chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel good. But when the dopamine levels drop, a smoker needs another cigarette.

Chantix reduces the urge to smoke by targeting the nicotine receptors in the brain. Chantix attaches to those receptors so that nicotine cannot come into contact with them. Over time, the nicotine receptors reduce and your craving to smoke will be diminished or even gone away.

Side Effects of Chantix:

People taking Chantix can experience common side effects, including:

• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Sleep problems and Unusual dreams.
• Constipation and Gas.
• Change in taste.

Consult your doctor immediately if you notice serious side effects of Chantix, including:

• Seizure
• Pain in chest, jaw, and left arm.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness and unusual sweating.
• Trouble speaking.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Confusion, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

How to use Chantix?

Chantix is available in two dosage forms: 0.5mg and 1mg tablet. It is taken orally after eating food. There are 3 different approaches for using Chantix based on the medical condition of the patient.

• Fixed quit approach: This approach is for adults who want to quit cigarettes after one week. They start taking Chantix as directed by their doctors, one week before the quit date. Doctors prescribe Chantix for 12 weeks.
• Flexible quit approach: This approach is for adults who want to quit smoking within a month. They start taking Chantix and then pick a quit date within a month. They can keep smoking until their quit date. Doctors prescribe Chantix for 12 weeks.
• Gradual quit approach: It is for adults who are not willing or able to stop smoking all at once. So, they start the treatment by taking Chantix, and then gradually reduce smoking to quit within 12 weeks. People take Chantix for 24 weeks with this approach.

Chantix Drug Interactions:

Chantix has shown no significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions in clinical trials. However, smoking cessation may affect the absorption and metabolism of certain drugs such as theophylline, warfarin, and insulin. So, tell your doctors that you are quitting smoking, as dosage adjustment may be required for these drugs.

Safety Information:

• Consult your doctor for the safety of Chantix if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding as the effect of the drug on unborn babies and infants is not known.
• Do not take the drug if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Do not take other smoking cessation products along with Chantix as they can cause harmful side effects.
• Avoid driving or using machinery just after taking Chantix as it can make you unconscious, and drowsy, and affect your concentration.
• Before starting the medication tell your doctor if you have had seizures, kidney disease, mental disorder, heart disease, and alcohol use disorder.