What is Champix?

Champix is a prescription drug which contains the active substance Varenicline. It works by stimulating the same receptors in the brain as nicotine. This relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation by blocking nicotine’s action on these receptors. That means smoking no longer comes across as enjoyable. In certain individuals stopping the use of Champix may result in:

• The urge to smoke returned
• Irritability
• Depression
• Sleeping difficulties

However, gradually lowering the dose at the end of the treatment may help to reduce these problems. Like all prescriptions medications, Champix also has its share of side-effects which may put some people off using it. Moreover, there are some people who are not suitable for this type of treatment. Your doctor is the best person to decide on this.

How is Champix different from other smoking cessation products?

Champix being a non-nicotine smoking cessation drug, it targets the same receptors that nicotine does. Most other smoking cessation drugs contain nicotine in varying amounts. Therefore, in using anything apart from Champix, the person has to gradually wean off that medication in order to prevent addiction.

Who can take Champix?

Champix can be taken by anyone who:

• Is not allergic to Varenicline or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• Is not taking nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking
• Has kidney problems or has undergone kidney dialysis provided a lower dosage has been advised by your doctor
• Is not pregnant or plans on becoming pregnant the drug effectiveness has not been studied in pregnant women.
• Is not breast-feeding as Champix may pass into breast milk
• Does not have allergies to any other medicine, foods, preservatives or dyes
• Does not have a history of mental illness

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medicines like vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially, tell your doctor if you take:

• Insulin
• Asthma medicines
• Blood thinners

How long does the treatment take?

Champix comes in two dosages, that is, the white tablet (0.5mg) and light blue tablet (1mg). It starts with the 0.5mg dose and increases to 1mg dose so that your body gets use to the medication. On days 1 - 3 one white tablet is to be taken once a day. On days 4 - 7 one white tablet is to be taken in the morning and one in the evening. Week 2 onwards one 1mg tablet is to be taken in the morning and one in the evening. The first box of Champix covers the first four weeks of tablets. The first course of Champix lasts for 12 weeks. Then the doctor may recommend another 12 weeks of treatment to increase your chances of smoking cessation for the long term.

If, in the future, you start smoking again, you can make another attempt at stopping smoking with Champix. However, before you make another attempt, envisage the reasons for your failure, so that your next attempt has a better chance of success.

How do I use Champix?

Champix is only available on prescription, so your GP will establish your suitability for the treatment. Champix is supposed to be used by smokers who are motivated to achieve smoking cessation. So a prior stop date must be set and only then begin the Champix treatment a week or two before that date. Treatment starts with one 0.5mg tablet daily and this is to be taken for three days, followed by a further 4 days where 0.5mg tablet in increased to twice daily. From then on, one 1mg tablet is to be taken twice daily until the end of the treatment in twelve weeks).

Champix dosage comes in a special pack marked with correct quantities of both strengths of tablets. The dose may be reduced to 0.5mg twice a day in people who do not tolerate the 1mg twice daily dose. People with severe Kidney problems should take Champix as 1mg once daily. At the end of the 12 weeks, if smoking cessation has been achieved successfully, doctors may choose to carry on the treatment for another 12 weeks or decide to stop the medication progressively lowering the dose. This has been shown to slightly increase the chance of remaining smoke-free after a year. Champix tablets are swallowed whole with water but can be taken with or without food.

Availability of Champix

Champix, an approved smoking cessation drug, it is available in all licensed local pharmacies as well as over the internet. But, in order to procure Champix, you need to have a valid prescription that is issued by a registered medical professional after a complete medical examination.

The online availability of Champix has increased in recent years with more and more online sources selling as well as providing useful information on Champix. In there rush to cash in, some online sources may also indulge in fraudulent practices by selling fake or generic drugs. Therefore, it is essential to select a reliable and trusted source, if Champix is bought over the internet.