Chantix note :

Infrequently, varenicline may cause serious mood or mental changes, even after stopping the medications.
Quitting smoking itself may also cause mood and/or mental changes. Stop taking varenicline and tell your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms such as suicidal thoughts/anxiety or depression, agitation, aggressiveness, or some other unusual thoughts or behavior.

 

Chantix uses :

This medication is used in combination with a smoking cessation, quit smoking program to help you stop smoking. Varenicline works by blocking nicotine's actions in the brain. Quitting smoking decreases your risk of heart and lung disease, as well as cancer.

 

How to use Chantix

 

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking varenicline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Before beginning treatment with this drug, set a date to quit smoking. Begin taking varenicline 1 week before the quit date as follows unless directed otherwise by your doctor. When you first start taking this medication, take one 0.5-milligram tablet once a day for 3 days, then increase to one 0.5-milligram tablet twice a day for 4 days. The dose is slowly increased to lessen the chance of side effects (e.g., nausea, unusual dreams).

During this first week, it is okay to smoke. Stop smoking on the quit date and begin taking one 1-milligram tablet twice a day for the rest of the 12-week treatment period. If this medication comes in a dosing package, carefully follow the directions on the dosing package. There are two types of dosing packs, a starting pack and a continuing pack, each containing different strengths of this medication. If this medication comes in a bottle, carefully follow your doctor's directions on the prescription label. If you have any questions about how to take this medication, talk to your doctor.

 

Take this medication by mouth after food and with a full glass of water.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

 

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Inform your doctor if you continue to smoke after a few weeks of treatment.

 

If you are successful and cigarette-free after 12 weeks of treatment, your doctor may recommend another 12 weeks of treatment with varenicline.

 

Chantix side effects :

 

Headaches or nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, gas, constipation, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, or changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

 

Chantix Precautions :

 

This drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older.

This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for nausea and other side effects while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your pharmacist or doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because this drug may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 

Chantix Interactions :

 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all current prescription and nonprescription and any herbal products you may use, especially of: nicotine replacement therapy (e.g., patch, gum, nasal spray).

Smoking can affect the way your body removes certain drugs. When you stop smoking, your doses of these drugs may need to be adjusted by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications. Some of the drugs that smoking may affect, among others, are: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), insulin, theophylline.