Champix varenicline is an effective drug that helps smokers quit smoking for life. Marketed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, the makers of blockbuster drug Viagra, Champix Varenicline was licensed in the UK as a stop smoking aid in December 2006. Since its launch, Champix has help thousands of smokers quit smoking. In view of the fact that Champix is relatively a new drug, its side effects are still being studied. However, Champix varenicline side effects, known as of now, are minor in nature and do not affect everybody who uses Champix to stop smoking.

In clinical trials Champix (varenicline) has shown to quadruple the odds for a smoker to quit smoking. Varenicline – the active ingredient in Champix mimics the effect of nicotine on the body. Therefore, it both reduces the urge to smoke and relieves a smoker from painful withdrawal symptoms that often deters a smoker to quit.

Champix varenicline side effects

Like any other prescription medicine Champix varenicline is not free from side effects either. However, most of the Champix side effects are not serious in nature. Moreover, not everybody who uses Champix is likely to suffer from Champix side effects.

When you use Champix varenicline as a quit smoking aid, always remember that you may also face some problems due to smoking cessation. Hence, these problems may not necessarily be Champix side effects. Do not stop taking Champix without first checking with your doctor if your problem is a Champix varenicline side effect or an effect of your efforts to stop smoking. As by leaving Champix in the middle of the treatment you might be keeping yourself away from the benefits of Champix.

Champix varenicline minor side effects

Most patients who use Champix varenicline report no or very minor side effects. If however, any of the Champix varenicline side effects become particularly bothersome please report to your doctor immediately.

Some of the most commonly reported Champix varenicline side effects include nausea and constipation. Other common Champix varenicline minor side effects include fatigue and sleeping problems. Unusual dreams are other psychiatric Champix side effects which are frequently reported by patients.

Some other Champix varenicline side effects reported by patients include flatulence, abdominal pain, appetite changes, dizziness, dry mouth, gingivitis, headache, heartburn and rash. However, these Champix varenicline minor side effects are not worrisome and should not stop you from using Champix.

Champix varenicline major side effects

Owing to some recently reported cases, doctors have been asked to monitor the mood changes and behavior of the patients using Champix. If patients show signs of agitation, depressed mood or changes in behavior that are of concern for the doctor, or if the patient develops suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior Champix varenicline should be discontinued immediately.

Since Champix may also cause dizziness and somnolence, patients using Champix varenicline should also use caution while driving or operating machinery until they know how quitting smoking and/or using Champix varenicline affect their body.

Rare Champix varenicline side effects include allergic reactions such as redness, itching or swelling of your skin, hives, burning, stinging, or any other skin problems, swelling of the neck area or any difficulty with breathing. If these are not present before using Champix, these should be immediately informed to the doctor.

Certain Champix varenicline side effects may occur due to improper dosage or taking contraindicated drugs. For instance, if you take NRT with Champix, there is a significant decrease in average systolic blood pressure.

How to lessen Champix varenicline side effects?

Champix varenicline side effects can be minimized by taking following precautions :

• Always use Champix after consulting your doctor and informing in detail about your medical condition and medicines you may be taking.
• Always take Champix exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Inform your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you have.
• Do not use Champix varenicline if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not use Champix varenicline if you are under the age of 18.
• Champix varenicline is also not licensed to be used in patients with severe kidney failure.
• If you have kidney disease, you may either not be allowed to use Champix or might be prescribed a lower dose. Do not forget to tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
• Champix varenicline should be used with more caution in people who have certain mental health disorders.
• Do not drive a car or operate any machinery after you take stop smoking pill Champix varenicline unless you are confident that you are mentally alert to perform these tasks.