Champix/Chantix

How Champix Works and What It Does for Patients

Champix/Chantix belongs to a group of drugs that are known as smoking cessation therapies. Basically, it’s taken to help patients stop smoking when their nicotine-replacement therapies didn’t work.

This medication must be used only by adults in the right combination with counselling and education. It works by decreasing cravings and unwanted withdrawal symptoms.

Its intake also reduces the pleasure that people usually get when smoking, and this effect is achieved by affecting the same receptors, but its exact mechanism of action is still unclear.

Patients aren’t allowed to give Champix to anyone else and stop taking it without consulting doctors.

Available Champix Forms

Nowadays, you can find this medication as special capsules that come in a few basic strengths, including 0.5 mg and 1 mg.

They all contain Varenicline as an active ingredient in addition to basic inactive components.

How This Medicine Should Be Taken

The most common initial dosage of Champix is 0.5 mg taken only once a day for the first days. It’s increased up to 0.5 mg taken twice a day for the next several days, and then patients need to continue using 0.5 mg of Champix twice a day. They need to take each dose with enough water right after food.

This medicine is designed to be taken together with proper education and effective counselling, and this treatment must start a few weeks before people want to stop smoking.

Usually, it takes about 12 weeks to achieve the necessary effect. It’s advisable to stop using Champix gradually to reduce a possible risk of starting smoking once again.

If you succeed to quit this harmful habit during this time period, doctors may advise you extra 12 weeks.

There are many things that may affect your daily dosage, including your body weight, overall health, other medical conditions, etc.

Be sure to take Champix as prescribed by your physician.

Don’t start this treatment if you have any allergies to its components.

Besides, those patients who use any other nicotine replacement option, including special inhales, patches and others shouldn’t use this medicine because of possible side effects.

Champix Adverse Reactions

Most medications cause certain side effects, and this one is no exception. They are all about an unwanted response of the human body to its use when taken in standard doses.

Patients may have mild, moderate and severe side effects, and if you notice any of them, inform your doctor immediately.

For example, Champix is associated with the following unwanted symptoms:

• Diarrhea and constipation;
• Dizziness and headaches;
• Difficulty concentrating and flatulence;
• Vomiting and nausea;
• Unusual weakness or tiredness;
• Different sleep disturbances.

The above-mentioned side effects are mild and moderate, but if you experience these severe symptoms, go to the hospital at once:

• Signs of depression, such as suicidal thoughts and weight changes;
• Signs of mental changes, like hallucinations and thinking about harming yourself.

It’s necessary to stop taking Champix once you get the following dangerous signs:

• Signs of heart attacks and seizures;
• Severe skin reactions and signs of stroke;
• Allergic reactions.

Basic Champix Precautions

Before you start taking this medicine, inform your physician if you have any allergies or other serious medical conditions.

For instance, be careful if you consume a lot of alcohol, because this medication shouldn’t be combined with it. Patients who have mood and mental conditions, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney problems should be attentive.