Varenicline (brand names Chantix, Champix, and various generics) is an effective medication used to quit smoking. It is available only by prescription. This article will help you understand what varenicline is, how it works, and what you can expect if you choose to use it to quit smoking.
What is Varenicline and How Does It Work?
Varenicline is a prescription medication specifically designed to help adults stop smoking. It is not a form of nicotine replacement therapy (like patches or gum); instead, it works directly on the brain’s receptors.
The Science Behind It
Varenicline works in two critical ways. First, it reduces withdrawal and cravings. Nicotine causes your brain to release “feel-good” chemicals, such as dopamine. Varenicline acts as a partial agonist on the specific brain receptors called alpha-4 / beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) that nicotine binds to. This action mimics nicotine, providing enough stimulation to significantly reduce the severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that often make quitting so difficult. Second, it blocks the “reward”. If you smoke a cigarette while taking Varenicline, the medication blocks nicotine from attaching fully to the receptors. This prevents you from getting the same satisfying, rewarding feeling you usually do from smoking, thereby dulling the pleasure and making it easier to let go of the habit.
In simple terms, Varenicline both reduces your need to smoke and reduces the satisfaction if you do smoke.
Starting Your Varenicline Treatment
Varenicline is typically started one week before your chosen quit date. This allows the medication to build up to effective levels in your system before you stop smoking entirely.
Your doctor will provide a specific dosing schedule, but it generally follows a pattern designed to minimize side effects. You will usually start with a low dose of 0.5 mg once daily for the first three days to allow your body to adjust. On days four through seven, the dose increases to 0.5 mg twice daily, increasing the therapeutic level. From day eight until the end of the treatment, the full, effective dose is typically 1 mg twice daily.
It is recommended to continue treatment for 12 weeks. If you successfully quit, your doctor may recommend another 12-week course to further solidify your abstinence.
You must have a firm quit date set before starting this medication. Varenicline is not intended to just cut down—it is meant to help you stop completely.
What to Expect and Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, it is important to know what you might experience.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects are generally mild and often decrease over time. The most common side effect is nausea. Taking the medication after a meal and with a full glass of water can help significantly reduce this. Some people report sleep disturbances, such as unusual dreams or insomnia. Taking the evening dose earlier in the day may help alleviate this. Other common effects include headache and fatigue.
Important Safety Information
While rare, Varenicline has been associated with changes in mood or behavior. You should immediately contact your healthcare provider if you experience new or worsening depression or anxiety, hostility or aggression, or thoughts of self-harm. Your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment. Be sure to discuss your medical history, especially any history of mental health issues or seizures, before starting the medication.
Maximizing Your Success
Varenicline is a powerful tool, but it works best when combined with behavioral support. You need to commit to your scheduled quit date and take the medication exactly as prescribed. Get support by using our website resources, attending support groups, or speaking with a quit-line counselor, as combining medication with counseling dramatically increases your chances of success. Identify triggers; while the medication helps with physical cravings, you still need to learn how to manage situations that make you want to smoke, such as having coffee, drinking alcohol, or feeling stressed. Finally, be patient. It may take a few weeks for the full effects to kick in, but stay committed to your goal.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your next step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They can determine if Varenicline is the right choice for you and help you during treatment.
Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting to use varenicline.
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