Varenicline side effects

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

In several clinical trials, Chantix 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 in the same year. Millions of people have safely and successfully used Chantix varenicline to achieve their quit smoking goals and lead a healthier life. But like other prescription medicines, Chantix varenicline comes with certain side effects. However, 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. Even this subsides after a few days as the body gets adjusted to the drug. Only in rare cases, people experience nausea throughout the treatment. The tendency to experience nausea also gets 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 it you take the evening dose after your evening meal, and not just before bedtime.

Rare varenicline side effects

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

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

Precautions you can take to avoid varenicline side effects

Please take the following precautions to avoid varenicline side effects

• Inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are suffering from kidney problems, asthma or diabetes. Your doctor may lessen your varenicline dosage in 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, inform the doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine, especially insulin, or medications intended for asthma and blood thinners
• Do not take Chantix if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Chantix 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 of Chantix
• Rush to your doctor if you experience a rare varenicline side effect or if any of the varenicline side effects becomes bothersome