Varenicline

Varenicline tartrate is the active ingredient in the Champix quit smoking drug. It’s currently one of the most popular and the most prescribed quit smoking medications.

Varenicline was discovered by the Pfizer pharmaceutical company. This scientifically advanced drug received the approval of the US FDA in May 2006 as a safe quit smoking drug, and in September 2006 it was approved for sale in the European Union.

Varenicline has been shown to be the most effective quit smoking drug and is proven to be better than the only other approved quit smoking drug, Zyban bupropion. In studies, 44% of varenicline users quit smoking during weeks 9 to 12 of treatment, which was much greater than the 30% of people who quit using Zyban bupropion.

How does Champix varenicline work?

Varenicline belongs to the class of medicines called nicotine receptor antagonists. This quit smoking drug works by mimicking the effects of nicotine in the brain. Champix binds itself to the nicotine receptors in the brain and dupes the brain into thinking that it has received its dose of nicotine. This action causes the release of a chemical called dopamine, which gives you a feeling of pleasure. Anyone taking Champix varenicline is thus prevented from experiencing the pangs of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

The varenicline quit smoking drug also inhibits the nicotine in cigarette smoke from binding itself to the nicotine receptors in the brain. Even if a person gives in to the temptation of smoking during the Champix treatment, they will not derive any pleasure from smoking and will have a reduced tendency to start smoking again. This unique property of varenicline is a significant reason behind the success and effectiveness of this quit smoking drug.

How do I need to take Champix varenicline?

Champix varenicline is a prescription-only quit smoking drug and it should only be taken after consulting a doctor and following the recommended dosage.

To begin your Champix treatment, your doctor will ask you to choose a quit date. You will need to begin taking a low dose (0.5mg – white color tablet) of Champix during this week so that your body gets used to the drug.

For the first three days, only one white tablet should be taken. During days’ four to seven, two white tablets are taken, once in the morning and once in the evening. You may smoke during the first week of treatment, until you reach your quit date. For the next 12 weeks you will need to take the 1mg blue color Champix varenicline tablet twice a day roughly at the same time of the day with a full glass of water.

Are there any Champix varenicline side effects?

Like most other prescription drugs, Champix varenicline is not free from side effects. However, most of the Champix quit smoking drug side effects are mild to moderate and are not likely to affect everybody who uses this quit smoking drug.

Some of the most commonly reported Champix Varenicline side effects are nausea, headaches, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), and abnormal dreams.

The less commonly reported side effects of Champix are dizziness, a change in taste, a dry mouth, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or bloating, indigestion, wind, or increased appetite.

In rare cases, some patients have reported behavioural changes; please consult your doctor if this happens or if any of the Champix varenicline side effects become particularly bothersome.