Varenicline

Table of contents
Medically reviewed by
Dr Daniel Atkinson
GP Clinical Lead
on November 29, 2022.
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An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking is a huge risk to your health, and some studies have suggested two thirds of smokers will die of a smoking-related death.

Smoking can cause a wide range of problems, such as:

  • a lack of energy,
  • lower lung capacity,
  • yellowing teeth,
  • premature ageing,
  • lung cancer,
  • and heart disease.

There is some evidence to suggest that over half of adults who smoke want to quit, but doing so can be very difficult. Smoking cessation aids, such as Champix, can make overcoming the chemical addiction to nicotine easier.

How does Champix work?

Champix is considered to be one of the most effective medications for quitting smoking. It has two important functions to help you stop. Firstly, it works to reduce cravings for nicotine. Secondly, it blocks the positive effects of smoking. These positive effects give smokers the feeling of reward, pleasure and reinforcement, which makes them continue smoking.

The active ingredient in Champix, varenicline, interferes with the brain’s receptors that are stimulated by nicotine. It mimics how nicotine works, by slightly stimulating the receptors in the brain to reduce the effects of cravings and withdrawals. But it also stops nicotine from attaching to these receptors, to lessen the temptation to smoke and reduce withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, feeling irritable and experiencing depression or anxiety.

It’s important to note that it isn’t the same as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT works by providing a small amount of nicotine. Champix is usually taken when NRT hasn’t worked or isn’t appropriate.

Champix will require willpower and support to ensure that you stick to the treatment. It’s also recommended to seek counselling to work alongside taking Champix.

Taking the Champix starter pack

You can begin taking Champix while still smoking by using the Champix starter pack. This will gradually increase the amount of Champix you take so that your body can get used to the treatment, at the same time as you prepare to quit smoking fully.

There are 3 different ways to start this medication. The first is the ‘fixed quit’ method, where you choose a date that you’ll quit smoking, then start taking Champix 7 to 14 days before this date. Then you’ll continue taking Champix for 12 weeks. The timeline for dosage is as follows:

  • Between days 1 and 3, the dose is one white 0.5mg tablet once a day
  • Between days 4 and 7, the dose is one white 0.5mg tablet twice a day.
  • Between days 8 and 14, the dose is one light blue 1 mg tablet twice a day. You’ll then continue to take this dose for the rest of your treatment course.

The second way to take Champix is the ‘flexible quit’ method. This is where you set a date to stop smoking between weeks 2 and 5 of taking the treatment.

The third way is the ‘gradual quit’ method, where you decrease smoking over the 12 weeks and quit at the end of the 12 weeks.

It’s important to try to stop on the date you set and talk to your doctor to decide which method is best for you.

How to take Champix

  • Take the medicine as directed and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Try to take your tablets at the same time everyday. You can take them before or after food.
  • Swallow the medication whole, with water.
  • If you forget to take your dose, take the tablet as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next one.
  • If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose to make up for it.
  • If you have taken too much Champix, get medical help immediately.
  • Don’t take Champix after the expiry date or if the package appears damaged.
  • Store the tablets in a cool, dry place.

You should take the full course of Champix as prescribed in order for it to be fully effective. Even if you think you’re beating smoking, try to finish the full 12 week treatment unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Some people will experience withdrawal symptoms, especially if the treatment stops suddenly. These could include irritability or strong cravings. If this happens, your doctor can reduce your dose gradually or extend the treatment.

When you finish the 12 week treatment, if you still have the urge to smoke your doctor might recommend a further 12 weeks. You can also ask your doctor for information on more smoking cessation treatments, such as counselling courses for stopping smoking. If you start smoking again, then it’s recommended to wait for a few weeks before taking Champix for a second time.

But it’s important to understand that Champix by itself won’t stop you from smoking, you need to have the willpower and determination to stop. You can consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information on how to quit smoking.

How effective is Champix?

Research has shown that Champix is more effective than other treatments for quitting smoking. In one study conducted with 1413 adult smokers, 43.9% of participants using varenicline did not smoke at all during the last 4 weeks of treatment. For participants on Bupropion, 29.8% of them were completely smoke-free. The study concluded that Champix is effective and safe for quitting smoking both short-term and long-term.

Further studies have concurred that varenicline is highly effective and has few side effects for adult smokers. It’s helped many people reach their goal of quitting long-term.

What about Zyban?

Zyban is another medication used to quit smoking. It was first used as an antidepressant but is now aimed at smokers and contains the active ingredient bupropion. It’s available as a 150mg tablet, and is usually taken one week before the date you choose to quit smoking for a period of 7 to 12 weeks. Zyban is taken once daily for 3 days, then twice daily.

Similarly to Champix, Zyban aims to help smokers quit by decreasing the positive effects of smoking. Zyban works by inhibiting norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It’s often prescribed with a nicotine patch (also known as NRT).

There are no major long-term differences between Zyban and Champix, they’ve both proven to help people quit smoking. It depends a lot on the individual, their health needs, lifestyle, allergies and any other medication they’re taking.

How long before Champix starts to work?

You should begin to see that your cravings have reduced by the end of the 14 day starter period. Once the 12 week treatment has ended you should no longer have the urge to smoke. For those cases that don’t see improvements, doctors will recommend continuing the treatment for another 12 weeks or combining it with another treatment like counselling. It’s important to take Champix for the full course of treatment.

Common side effects of Champix

Most people take Champix without experiencing side effects. But there are some potential side effects that people can experience, from minor to serious. You should always make sure to follow the guidelines given to you by your pharmacist or doctor. If you’re concerned by any side effects, you should stop taking the medication and talk to your pharmacist, doctor or seek urgent medical care.

Common side effects, which affect 1 in 10 people, include:

  • experiencing mild or tolerable nausea,
  • having trouble sleeping,
  • experiencing abnormal dreams and nightmares,
  • nasal passage inflammation,
  • headaches,
  • flatulence,
  • feeling dizzy.

Uncommon side effects, which affect less than 1 in 10 people, include:

  • differences in your ability to drive or operate machinery. It’s recommended to be careful with dangerous activities while taking Champix if you’re unsure how it can affect you,
  • a change in appetite,
  • fatigue,
  • digestive problems.

If you experience any of the following, please seek medical attention immediately:

  • seizures,
  • stroke,
  • experiencing changes in mood including depression,
  • heart attack,
  • skin reactions including rashes,
  • skin blisters.

Allergic reactions to Champix are very rare, but if you experience any signs, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you suffer from mental health issues you should let your doctor know and stop using the treatment immediately.

Although it’s safe to drink alcohol while taking Champix, it’s recommended to limit your intake. Some people taking Champix have experienced a decreased alcohol tolerance and noticed more side effects.

Champix isn’t recommended for pregnant women. There isn’t enough research to show that it’s safe for a developing baby. It’s also unknown whether it’s safe while breastfeeding, so you should generally avoid Champix during this period too. If you’re pregnant and trying to quit smoking, talk to a trained clinician for advice.

Where can I get Champix?

You’ll need a prescription to purchase Champix. After talking to a doctor, they can evaluate if it’s suitable for you and explain how the treatment works. At Treated you can take our stop smoking consultation online and one of our clinicians will advise on the best option for you.

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This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on November 29, 2022. Next review due on November 29, 2024.

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