Champix varenicline is a prescription only smoking cessation aid that was first licensed for use in UK in December 2006. Developed by Pfizer pharmaceuticals, Champix has helped thousands of smokers quit smoking for life. Champix varenicline is rated better than other popular smoking cessation aids such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as it does not contain nicotine and is therefore not addictive.

varenicline mimics the effect of nicotine on the body and produces twin benefits of both reducing the urge to smoke and relieving patients of painful nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The FDA has approved the use of Champix, for a period of 12 weeks. During this period, Champix will help patients to get rid of their smoking habits. However, in some patients, even if smoking cessation has been achieved, the doctor may recommend Champix treatment for another 12 weeks so as to nullify any chances of a person’s getting back to smoking.

Proper use of Champix varenicline

To achieve your smoking cessation goal always use Champix varenicline on the advice of your doctor at the recommended dosage. Your doctor shall determine your Champix dosage based on the number of factors such as how you respond to Champix, other medications you may be taking and any medical conditions you may be suffering from.

Before beginning with the Champix varenicline treatment, you along with your doctor will choose a ‘quit date’ which is the day when you try to . Your Champix treatment will begin a week before the quit date. During this one week you are free to quit. And, even after beginning with the treatment if you happen to smoke, do not discontinue Champix treatment and continue trying to quit.

Champix varenicline treatment is started with a low-dose of 0.5mg tablet once a day for 3 days. The dosage is the increased to 0.5mg tablet twice a day for next 4 days. After this, the recommended Champix varenicline dosage is 1mg tablet twice a day for the next 12 weeks. The purpose of gradually increasing Champix dosage is to reduce the chances of side effects of the drug such as nausea, unusual dreams etc.

To ensure proper use of Champix varenicline treatment, take Champix orally after food with a full glass of water. Take the medicine regularly, preferably at the same time(s) of the day as this will help you remember taking your dosage.

Do not alter the dosage without first consulting the doctor. Let your doctor know if you continue to smoke ever after a few weeks of treatment. In case you are successful in remaining smoke-free during the 12-weeks of the treatment, your doctor may recommend you another 12-week of Champix varenicline treatment to slim-down your chances of getting back to the cigarette.

Precautions to take before using Champix varenicline

Champix varenicline is a prescription only treatment and should never be taken on your own without first consulting a doctor. Listed here are necessary precautions to take before using Champix varenicline. Ensure that you follow the treatment so as to minimize the chances of getting side effects and successfully achieve your smoking cessation goal.

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  • Do not change your Champix varenicline dosage strengths without first consulting your doctor.
  • Inform your doctor about your medical conditions and any type of prescription or OTC medicines that you may be taking.
  • People with mental illness or history of suicidal behavior should not use Champix.
  • Report to your doctor immediately in case you experience unusual changes in your behavior or if you have suicidal thoughts.
  • Patients with serious kidney diseases such as kidney failure may need to take a lower Champix dosage, depending on the severity of the problem.
  • Champix varenicline is not recommended for use in children and in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tests on Champix Varenicline

In clinical trials, Champix varenicline is proven to be a safe and effective drug. Studies have shown that people who take 12-week treatment of Champix quadruple their chance of quitting as compared to those taking placebo. Moreover, they are nearly twice likely to quit than those taking the other main anti-smoking drug treatment,Zyban (bupropion treatment).

Given below are the results of two independent studies conducted on Champix varenicline and Zyban:

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  • 44% of patients put on Champix varenicline at 12 weeks as compared to 29.5% of those put on Zyban and 18% on a placebo.
  • In the 9 to 52 week trial period, 22% of the patients on Champix varenicline remained smoke free while this figure was 16% for Zyban and only 8.4% for those on a placebo.