Varenicline: A Life Changing Oral Medicine for Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking is an uphill battle. Intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms often make it difficult to stay on track. However, there is hope!
Varenicline, a prescription medication, has become a game-changer in the fight against smoking addiction.
Today, here in this blog post, we are going to talk about the Champix tablet, its uses, side effects, precautions, dosages and all. Let’s dig into this.
What is Varenicline?
Varenicline is an oral medication that acts as a partial agonist at nicotine receptors, intended for adult use in quitting smoking.
This smoking quitting tablet binds to α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, stimulating them at much lower levels than nicotine. As a result, this reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation.
Approved by the FDA on May 10, 2006, under the brand name Champix, this smoking quitting tablet is now available as a generic since Champix has been discontinued.
To achieve better results, it should be combined with a quit smoking program that includes education, support and counseling. Always remember: stop smoking decreases the risk of lung and heart disease as well as cancer.
What are the Side Effects of Varenicline?
Varenicline may cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, neuropsychiatric issues, cardiovascular events, seizure, sleepwalking, angioedema, severe skin reactions and enhanced effects of alcohol.
Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects of this smoking quitting tablet, affecting approx 30% of users. Sometimes, lowering the dosage may alleviate this side effect.
Other common side effects are sleeping issues, constipation, gas and vomiting, experienced by 5% of users. Whether you are using this medication or not, while attempting to quit smoking, you may experience the following nicotine withdrawal symptoms:
- An urge to smoke
- Trouble sleeping
- Depressed mood
- Anger
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Difficulty in concentration
- Lower heart rate
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite and more
Additionally, some individuals have reported that while trying to quit smoking, they experience suicidal thoughts.
Your doctor has prescribed this medication because they believe its benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people taking this oral medicine do not experience serious side effects. If you ever experience serious side effects like burning sensation in toes or unusual leg pain, immediately notify your doctor.
How to Consume Varenicline 1 Mg Tablet for Smoking Cessation?
Before starting consuming Varenicline, the smoking quitting tablet, it is necessary to read the medication guide carefully.
There are several methods for using this oral medication. One approach is to set a quit smoking date before starting the medication. Start taking the medicine 1 to 2 weeks before that date, as prescribed by the doctor.
On an initial note, start the princess with one 0.5mg tablet once daily for 3 days, then increase it to 0.5 mg tablet twice daily for 4 days. Doctors suggest gradually increasing the dosages to minimize its side effects, like nausea and unusual dreams. You can also continue smoking during that period. But it is essential to stop smoking on your scheduled quit date and take the prescribed dose twice daily for the rest of the treatment period, usually 12 weeks.
Another method is to start taking medicine before choosing a quit smoking date. Start with 0.5 mg smoking quitting tablets and increase the dose as instructed by the physicians. Select a quit date between days 8 and 35 days of the treatment and stop consuming cigarettes on that date. Continue taking the prescribed dose of the medication for the rest of the treatment period.
What Happens If You Miss a Varenicline Dose?
If you ever forget to take your dose of Varenicline, the smoking quitting tablet, take it as soon as you recall. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular prescribed dosing schedule.
Things You Should Avoid While Taking Varenicline
Exercise caution when driving or using machinery until you understand the effects of Champix tablets on your body. This smoking quitting tablet may cause dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, which can impair your ability to perform any tasks safely.
Moreover, limit your alcohol intake while using this oral medication until you determine how it affects your alcohol tolerance. Consuming alcohol while taking this medication has led some individuals to experience heightened intoxication, unusual or occasionally aggressive behavior and memory lapses.
How Effective are Champix Tablets for Smoking Cessation?
This popular smoking quitting tablet has shown significant effectiveness in aiding smoking cessation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that varenicline increases the likelihood of quitting smoking compared to placebo and other smoking cessation therapies. For instance, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that this medication nearly triples the odds of quitting smoking compared to placebo
Additionally, according to a Cochrane review, this oral medicine increases the chances of quitting smoking at 6 months to 12 months by approximately 1.5 to 2 times compared to placebo or bupropion.
Can You Smoke While Taking Smoking Quitting Tablets?
It is generally advisable to avoid smoking while you are under smoking cessation medication as it lowers the effectiveness of the treatment. This medication stimulates the nicotinic receptor in the brain and reduces your nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms.
According to the American Cancer Society report, avoiding smoking during this treatment can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking.
The Bottom Line
Varenicline is a life-changing medicine that empowers many individuals to free themselves from nicotine addiction. By reducing the smoking craving and withdrawal symptoms, this oral medication acts as a powerful tool for people committed to stop smoking.
If you are ready to start your journey to a smoke-free life, consult your doctor to know if it is a right choice for you.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make to achieve a brighter and healthier future.
Quitting smoking is an uphill battle. Intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms often make it difficult to stay on track. However, there is hope!
Varenicline, a prescription medication, has become a game-changer in the fight against smoking addiction.
Today, here in this blog post, we are going to talk about the Champix tablet, its uses, side effects, precautions, dosages and all. Let’s dig into this.
What is Varenicline?
Varenicline is an oral medication that acts as a partial agonist at nicotine receptors, intended for adult use in quitting smoking.
This smoking quitting tablet binds to α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, stimulating them at much lower levels than nicotine. As a result, this reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation.
Approved by the FDA on May 10, 2006, under the brand name Champix, this smoking quitting tablet is now available as a generic since Champix has been discontinued.
To achieve better results, it should be combined with a quit smoking program that includes education, support and counseling. Always remember: stop smoking decreases the risk of lung and heart disease as well as cancer.
What are the Side Effects of Varenicline?
Varenicline may cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, neuropsychiatric issues, cardiovascular events, seizure, sleepwalking, angioedema, severe skin reactions and enhanced effects of alcohol.
Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects of this smoking quitting tablet, affecting approx 30% of users. Sometimes, lowering the dosage may alleviate this side effect.
Other common side effects are sleeping issues, constipation, gas and vomiting, experienced by 5% of users. Whether you are using this medication or not, while attempting to quit smoking, you may experience the following nicotine withdrawal symptoms:
- An urge to smoke
- Trouble sleeping
- Depressed mood
- Anger
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Difficulty in concentration
- Lower heart rate
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite and more
Additionally, some individuals have reported that while trying to quit smoking, they experience suicidal thoughts.
Your doctor has prescribed this medication because they believe its benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people taking this oral medicine do not experience serious side effects. If you ever experience serious side effects like burning sensation in toes or unusual leg pain, immediately notify your doctor.
How to Consume Varenicline 1 Mg Tablet for Smoking Cessation?
Before starting consuming Varenicline, the smoking quitting tablet, it is necessary to read the medication guide carefully.
There are several methods for using this oral medication. One approach is to set a quit smoking date before starting the medication. Start taking the medicine 1 to 2 weeks before that date, as prescribed by the doctor.
On an initial note, start the princess with one 0.5mg tablet once daily for 3 days, then increase it to 0.5 mg tablet twice daily for 4 days. Doctors suggest gradually increasing the dosages to minimize its side effects, like nausea and unusual dreams. You can also continue smoking during that period. But it is essential to stop smoking on your scheduled quit date and take the prescribed dose twice daily for the rest of the treatment period, usually 12 weeks.
Another method is to start taking medicine before choosing a quit smoking date. Start with 0.5 mg smoking quitting tablets and increase the dose as instructed by the physicians. Select a quit date between days 8 and 35 days of the treatment and stop consuming cigarettes on that date. Continue taking the prescribed dose of the medication for the rest of the treatment period.
What Happens If You Miss a Varenicline Dose?
If you ever forget to take your dose of Varenicline, the smoking quitting tablet, take it as soon as you recall. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular prescribed dosing schedule.
Things You Should Avoid While Taking Varenicline
Exercise caution when driving or using machinery until you understand the effects of Champix tablets on your body. This smoking quitting tablet may cause dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, which can impair your ability to perform any tasks safely.
Moreover, limit your alcohol intake while using this oral medication until you determine how it affects your alcohol tolerance. Consuming alcohol while taking this medication has led some individuals to experience heightened intoxication, unusual or occasionally aggressive behavior and memory lapses.
How Effective are Champix Tablets for Smoking Cessation?
This popular smoking quitting tablet has shown significant effectiveness in aiding smoking cessation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that varenicline increases the likelihood of quitting smoking compared to placebo and other smoking cessation therapies. For instance, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that this medication nearly triples the odds of quitting smoking compared to placebo
Additionally, according to a Cochrane review, this oral medicine increases the chances of quitting smoking at 6 months to 12 months by approximately 1.5 to 2 times compared to placebo or bupropion.
Can You Smoke While Taking Smoking Quitting Tablets?
It is generally advisable to avoid smoking while you are under smoking cessation medication as it lowers the effectiveness of the treatment. This medication stimulates the nicotinic receptor in the brain and reduces your nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms.
According to the American Cancer Society report, avoiding smoking during this treatment can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking.
The Bottom Line
Varenicline is a life-changing medicine that empowers many individuals to free themselves from nicotine addiction. By reducing the smoking craving and withdrawal symptoms, this oral medication acts as a powerful tool for people committed to stop smoking.
If you are ready to start your journey to a smoke-free life, consult your doctor to know if it is a right choice for you.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make to achieve a brighter and healthier future.