Champix (Starter Pack)

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Pharmaceutical name: Varenicline

Pack: 25 pills (0.5 mg / 1 mg)

Champix is a recent and highly effective option for aiding in smoking cessation. It contains the active ingredient Varenicline, a medication designed to assist nicotine-dependent individuals in quitting smoking. It functions in the brain but differs from nicotine replacement therapies.

 

You should establish a quit date and begin taking Champix one to two weeks in advance. This allows time for the medication to start working. The dosage is gradually increased during the first week of treatment (follow your doctor or pharmacist's guidance), and Champix should then be taken twice daily for 12 weeks. If you successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks, your doctor might offer an additional 12-week treatment course. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food.

 

It's important to seek help and support while quitting smoking, even when using Champix, as this can enhance your chances of success. Your doctor, practice nurse, or local pharmacist can offer valuable support.

 

The initial dosage is one 0.5mg Champix tablet per day, which then increases to two 0.5mg tablets daily. You should aim to quit smoking in the second week of treatment while taking two 1mg tablets each day until the treatment concludes. Champix should be taken at approximately the same time daily with water, either with or without food. The treatment duration is 12 weeks, and you may extend this if Champix has been effective for you.

 

Use caution when taking this medication if you have reduced kidney function, a history of psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, or a diagnosis of epilepsy.

 

Champix is contraindicated in pregnancy.

 

Champix is not advised for children and adolescents under the age of 18, due to a lack of information on its safety and effectiveness in this population. It should not be used if you have an allergy to any of its components. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of such allergies. If you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction, discontinue use and contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

 

Quitting smoking, whether with or without medication, can lead to various symptoms. These might include mood changes (such as feelings of depression, irritability, frustration, or anxiety), trouble sleeping or concentrating, a reduced heart rate, and an increased appetite or weight gain.

 

Medications and their potential side effects can affect individuals in unique ways. Below are some side effects that are associated with the use of Champix to aid in quitting smoking. It’s unclear if these side effects stem from Champix, or from the process of quitting smoking itself. The presence of a stated side effect does not guarantee that all users of Champix will experience that or any side effect.