What is Champix - Chantix - Varenicline?
Champix (UK and Europe) is known as Chantix in the US, but its generic name is varenicline.
It is a prescription pill designed to help smokers stop smoking.
Chantix - Champix is manufactured by Pfizer (the makers of Viagra), and in clinical trials has a 44% success rate over a 12 week period at stopping people smoking.
It has also been shown to be twice as effective as the other main anti-smoking drug treatment, Zyban (bupropion).
How does Champix work?
Varenicline (trade name Champix - Chantix) mimics the effects of nicotine on the body, and it both reduces the urge to smoke and relieves withdrawal symptoms.
The pill interferes with the receptors in the brain that are stimulated by nicotine. By partly stimulating the nicotine receptors it mimics the effects of taking nicotine, and also partially blocks the receptors thereby blunting the effect of nicotine in people who give in to temptation and have a cigarette.
Where do I get Chantix - Champix?
Chantix is only available by prescription, you cannot buy it at pharmacies.
In the UK Champix is available on NHS prescription.
How do I take Varenicline?
The drug does not make you stop smoking, it is an aid to help you once you have made your own mind up to quit smoking.
After receiving a prescription for the drug, the pills are taken orally for a period of 12 weeks with the following guidelines:
- 0.5mg daily for the first three days
- 0.5mg twice daily on days four to seven
- 1mg twice daily for the remaining 12 weeks.
Chantix Side Effects
The side effects of Champix are generally only minor, with most people taking the drug reporting no side effects at all.
The most commonly reported side effect is mild nausea (feeling sick). This can be eased by taking the tablets just after a meal with a glass of water.
Other reported side effects that occur in some people include:
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Abnormal dreams
- Headaches
- Flatulence (wind)
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