Varenicline Quit Smoking Pills
The stop smoking drug Varenicline (trade names Chantix and Champix) is a prescription quit smoking medicine, in the form of a pill, that is used to treat nicotine addiction.
How does it work?
This stop smoking drug "binds to the nicotine receptors in the brain, and blocks them so that nicotine cannot bind to them. The reward of nicotine is reduced because nicotine can no longer stimulate the pleasure center by raising the dopamine level in the brain. This helps reduce cravings for cigarettes. It also seems to help reduce withdrawal symptoms when smokers quit".1
Suggested Use
Varenicline quit smoking pills should be taken whole, after a meal, with a full glass of water.
Typical Dosage
A single 0.5mg pill is taken for the first three days. Dosage in then doubled for the next four days: one 0.5 mg pill should be taken each morning and each night.
During the second week the dosage is doubled yet again. Typically one 1mg pill is taken each morning and each night. Most people will take CHANTIX for up to 12 weeks. If you have completely quit smoking by 12 weeks, your doctor may prescribe CHANTIX for another 12 weeks to help you stay cigarette-free.2
Ingredients
Active ingredient: Varenicline Tartrate
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, Opadry ® White (for 0.5 mg), Opadry ® Blue (for 1 mg), and Opadry® Clear (for both 0.5 mg and 1 mg).
Side Effects
Some people have nausea and trouble sleeping at first, which usually goes away on its own.
Some people have reported emotional changes such as depressed mood, agitation, changes in behavior (including hostility and aggressiveness), suicidal thoughts, and even suicide while using varenicline to try and quit smoking.1
From Stop Smoking Drug to Ways to Quit Smoking
References
- ACS :: Cancer Drug Guide. Varenicline. July 2009. Available at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CDG/content/CDG_Varenicline.asp (accessed on 26 July 2009).
- Psifer Labs, MEDICATION GUIDE CHANTIX. 2009. Available at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM088569.pdf (accessed on 26 July 2009).