Why Chantix Might Help You Quit Smoking

Why Chantix Might Help You Quit Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking Print Learn Why Chantix Might Help You Quit Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on October 17, 2014 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on July 09, 2019 Daniel Jensen/E/Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking After You Quit Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription medication that is commonly prescribed to help people quit smoking. It has shown to be rather beneficial for many people. However, it does have a number of well-known side effects. Whether or not it is right for you is a discussion you need to have with your doctor, but it is a good idea to learn how Chantix works and why it may help you break a nicotine addiction. Overview Chantix is the brand name for varenicline tartrate, a smoking cessation drug developed by Pfizer, Inc. It was developed specifically to help people quit smoking and it  has two very unique qualities. Chantix mimics a low dose of nicotine, which eases the symptoms that are common when going through withdrawal. It also blocks nicotine from binding to receptors, essentially rendering it ineffective. If a person smokes while taking Chantix, they do not get the normal nicotine boost and smoking actually becomes bland. Studies indicate  that your chances of success  are two to three times higher with Chantix than if you used no medication. Researchers also found that  it is more effective than Zyban (bupropion) and other nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and lozenges. As with all of these options, the best success rates are found in people who receive counseling or support while attempting to quit. Quit Smoking and Make It Stick! Prescriptions Chantix is available by prescription only so you will need to see a doctor in order to receive it. Its very important to have an honest conversation about your medical history and non-smoking goals as well because Chantix is not recommended for everyone. When discussing Chantix with your doctor, be sure to mention any of the following if they pertain to you: Other quit aids youre usingAll other prescription medications youre using, including insulin, asthma medicines, and blood thinners.Non-prescription medications you use, including vitamins, pain relievers, herbal remedies, and supplements.Kidney problems, including dialysis treatmentsIf you drink alcoholAny history of seizuresAny known heart or blood vessel problemsIf youre pregnant or planning on it. Its not known whether Chantix can hurt an unborn child. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), animal studies have indicated decreased birth weights.If youre breastfeeding. Its also not known whether Chantix passes through human breast milk, though the FDA does note that animal studies indicate that it may to some degree. You and your doctor should evaluate whether you should take Chantix or breastfeed. It is not advised to do both. Dosage and Use Its recommended that you start taking Chantix while youre still smoking. This allows the drug to build up in your system, making it much easier to stop smoking when your quit date arrives. Starting Chantix There are two ways to begin your therapy:Choose your quit date and then start taking Chantix seven days before you quit smoking.Begin taking Chantix and choose a quit date that is between  eight to 35 days of treatment. Chantix comes in two strengths: .5 mg and 1 mg. Following your physicians specific instructions, you will likely begin with a low  dose  of Chantix once a day and gradually increase the dosage until youre taking 1 mg tablets twice daily. Always take Chantix with a full glass of water and after eating. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if its close to the time when you should take the next dose, just wait and take that dose, skipping the missed one. If you slip up and smoke a cigarette, continue using Chantix and try again. It can take a few weeks for this therapy to take hold for some people, so dont give up. Typically, Chantix is prescribed for up to 12 weeks. Your doctor will be able to create a treatment plan that suits your needs best. How Chantix Helps You Control Nicotine Cravings Side Effects You may have heard that Chantix comes with side effects. Among the most common are nausea, gas, vomiting, constipation, and a disruption in dream patterns. There are other less common and potentially serious side effects associated with Chantix. It is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions or who are taking particular medications. Only your doctor will be able to help you decide whether Chantix  poses a significant risk to you. It is best to talk to him before making a decision based on other peoples experiences, particularly stories you read online. Safety Concerns and Side Effects of Using Chantix A Word From Verywell Its important to remember that quit aids are exactly what the name impliesâ€"aids. Without resolve and determination to quit smoking, as well as additional support, a quit aid may not be able to help you. On the other hand, with those other elements, any quit aid you choose  can be of great help. When youre ready, talk to your doctor about Chantix to see if its a good fit for your smoking cessation program.