Varenicline (By mouth)
var-EN-i-kleen
Helps you quit smoking, as part of a support program.
Drug classes
Smoking Cessation Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Varenicline is used together with a support program to help you stop smoking. The program will include counseling and educational materials.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose or schedule may need to be changed to find what works best for you.
Tell your doctor what date you have set to stop smoking. This medicine needs to be started 1 week before that date.
It is best to take this medicine with a full glass of water after you eat.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how varenicline works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Insulin Theophylline A blood thinner (such as warfarin)This medicine can affect your ability to tolerate alcohol. Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink until you know how this medicine affects you.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to varenicline.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel problems, angina, or a history of heart attack, stroke, depression or mental health problems, or seizures.
For some people, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thought or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of heart attack or stroke Serious skin reactionsThis medicine may cause you to become dizzy or drowsy, or have trouble concentrating. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Feeling anxious, depressed, restless, or irritable
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Seeing or hearing things that are not really there
Seizures
Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual moods or behaviors
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache
Nausea, constipation, gas
Trouble sleeping, unusual dreams
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Chantix, Chantix Start Month Pak, Chantix Starter Pack, Chantix Starting Month Box, Chantix Starting Month Pak
There may be other brand names for this medicine.