Varenicline Side Effects

Varenicline is currently the most popular quit smoking drug. It’s sold under the trade name Chantix in the US, and as Champix in the UK and other European countries. Varenicline – the active ingredient in Champix – was developed by Pfizer pharmaceuticals after years of research.

In several clinical trials, Champix has proven to be a safe and most effective quit smoking aid. Chantix received FDA approval in May 2006 and also got the approval for sale in the European Union the same year. Millions of people have safely and successfully used Champix varenicline to achieve their quit smoking goals and lead a healthier life.

However, like other prescription medicines, Champix varenicline comes with certain side effects. Most of the varenicline side effects are mild to moderate and are not likely to affect everyone who uses the drug. Experts also believe that varenicline side effects are negligible when compared with the numerous harmful and life-threatening side effects of smoking a cigarette.

Common varenicline side effects

The most commonly reported minor varenicline side effect is nausea. However, this effect will subside after a few days as the body adjusts itself to the drug. Only in rare cases will people experience nausea throughout the treatment. The tendency to experience nausea will be reduced if you take the tablets just after a meal with a full glass of water.

Other commonly reported varenicline side effects include headaches, fatigue, loss of taste, insomnia, unusual dreams, and problems relating to the digestive system such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or bloating, indigestion, flatulence, or an increased appetite.

Some of the sleep-related varenicline side effects can be tackled if you take the evening dose after your evening meal, and not just before bedtime.

Rare varenicline side effects

In rare cases, patients using the Champix treatment have reported changes in behaviour, agitation, depressed moods, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Please contact your doctor immediately if you notice any such changes in mood or behaviour.

You should also get in touch with your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to Champix varenicline and experience redness, itching or swelling of your skin; hives, burning, stinging, or any other skin problems; swelling of the neck area; or difficulty breathing.

Precautions you can take to avoid varenicline side effects

Please take the following precautions to avoid experiencing varenicline side effects.

Inform your doctor about your medical condition, especially if you are suffering from kidney problems, asthma, or diabetes. Your doctor may lessen your varenicline dosage for such conditions,
Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness or are suffering from mood swings while discussing your varenicline treatment.
To avoid adverse drug reactions, you should inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine, especially insulin, or medications intended for asthma and blood thinners.
Do not take Champix if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Champix varenicline should not be used by people under 18 years of age.
Inform your doctor about your allergies or if you have a known sensitivity to any of the ingredients in Champix.
Visit your doctor immediately if you experience a rare varenicline side effect, or if any of the varenicline side effects become bothersome.