Varenicline

Varenicline tartrate is the active ingredient in the Chantix 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 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 FDA approved quit smoking drug Zyban bupropion. In studies, 44% of varenicline users quit during weeks 9 to 12 of treatment, this was much greater than the 30% of people who quit using Zyban bupropion.

How does Chantix 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. Chantix 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 Chantix 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 Chantix treatment, they will not derive any pleasure from smoking and will have a reduced tendency to get back to 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 Chantix varenicline?

Chantix varenicline is a prescription only quit smoking drug and it should only be taken after consulting a doctor and in the recommended dosage. To begin your Chantix treatment, your doctor will ask you to choose a quit date. You will need to begin taking a low dose (0.5mg – white colour tablet) of Chantix during this week so that your body gets used to the drug. For the first 3 days, only 1 white tablet should be taken while days 4-7, 2 white tablets are taken, once in the morning and once in the evening. You may smoke during the first week, until you reach your quit date. For the next 12 weeks you will need to take the 1mg blue colour Chantix varenicline tablet twice a day roughly at the same time of the day with a full glass of water.

Are there any Chantix varenicline side effects?

Like most other prescription drugs, Chantix varenicline is not free from side effects. However, most of the Chantix 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 Chantix Varenicline side effects are nausea, headaches, difficulty sleeping (insomnia) and abnormal dreams. The less commonly reported side effects of Chantix are dizziness, a change in taste, 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 Chantix varenicline side effects become particularly bothersome.