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Información médica del medicamento

How is the drug taken, and what is the recommended dose?

Champix is taken orally. For the first 3 days, the dosage is 0.5 mg once daily (the 0.5 mg tablet is white). For days 4-7, the dosage is 0.5 mg twice a day. From day 8 until the end of the treatment, the dose is 1 mg twice a day (the 0.5 mg tablet is blue). It is important to try and take the medication at the exact same time each day.

You should target a specific date to quit smoking, and begin taking the pills one week before this date.

To date, varenicline has not yet been tested in those under 18 years old, or in pregnant women, and therefore is not recommended for use by these groups. Women currently breastfeeding should also avoid this product, since varenicline may pass into the breast milk, leading to unknown effects on the child.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of Champix is nausea. Other less common side effects include headache, difficulty sleeping, and abnormal dreams. Rare side effects reported by people taking varenicline include slight changes in taste, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased flatulence, and constipation.

There were a few patients who complained about suffering more serious side effects, namely suicidal ideation and tendencies. It is unclear if these feelings are connected to the medication, or the withdrawal from nicotine. If you experience these feelings, stop Champix immediately and speak with a medical professional.

Note

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression, bipolar disorder (mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited), schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions), or other mental illnesses. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking varenicline and call your doctor immediately: suicidal thoughts or actions; new or worsening depression, anxiety, or panic attacks; agitation; restlessness; angry or violent behavior; acting dangerously; mania (frenzied, abnormally excited or irritated mood); abnormal thoughts or sensations; hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist); feeling that people are against you; feeling confused; or any other sudden or unusual changes in behavior. Your doctor will monitor you closely until your symptoms get better.

Special precautions

Before taking varenicline:

• Check with your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to varenicline or any other medications.
• Share with your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); insulin; other medications to help you stop smoking such as bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and nicotine gum, inhaler, lozenges, nasal spray, or skin patches; and theophylline (Theo-24). Your doctor may need to change the doses of some of your medications once you stop smoking.
• Check with your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
• Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking varenicline, call your doctor.
• Bear in mind that varenicline may make you drowsy, dizzy, or have difficulty concentrating. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.