CHAMPIX (VARENICLINE)
Varenicline belongs to the class of medications called smoking cessation therapies. It is used to help people quit smoking when nicotine replacement therapy has not been effective or is not appropriate. Varenicline is intended to be used by adults in combination with quit-smoking education and counselling. It works in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also decreases the pleasure that people get from smoking. It is thought to have these effects by working at the same receptors that nicotine from cigarettes effects.
People who smoke become addicted to nicotine, a chemical in tobacco. Nicotine acts in the nervous system, where it binds to receptors and triggers the release of a chemical messenger, dopamine, which plays a part in the pleasure derived from smoking. The active substance in Champix, varenicline, can bind to some of these receptors, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. When binding to these receptors, varenicline acts in two ways: it acts like nicotine (partial agonist) and this helps to relieve craving symptoms, but it also acts against nicotine (antagonist), by taking its place, and this helps to reduce the pleasurable effects of smoking.
BEFORE YOU USE THIS MEDICATION
Inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney diseases, mood disorders (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), heart diseases (coronary artery disease, stroke), fits, blood vessel disorders (peripheral vascular disease), alcoholism, and drug abuse before taking. Neuropsychiatric events like depression, delusions, hallucinations, aggression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal attempts are reported in patients using Champix. If you experience any mood changes, please stop taking Champix and consult your doctor immediately. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or a lactating mother before starting. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness and sleepiness while using. Drinking alcohol can worsen your side effects like dizziness and drowsiness when you are treated with Champix; hence please avoid alcohol consumption.
HOW TO USE
Treatment with Champix is more likely to succeed in smokers who are motivated to stop smoking and who are also receiving additional advice and support. Patients set themselves a target date for quitting and will usually start taking Champix one to two weeks before this date. Patients who are unwilling or unable to set a target date within one to two weeks could be offered the treatment first and then later choose their target date to fall within five weeks of starting treatment. Treatment with Champix lasts for 12 weeks. The tablets are swallowed whole with water. In the first week, the patient takes one 0.5-mg tablet once a day for three days, followed by one 0.5-mg tablet twice a day for four days. For the remaining 11 weeks of treatment, the patient takes one 1-mg tablet twice a day. Reduced doses may be used in patients who do not tolerate the medicine or who have kidney problems. For patients who have successfully stopped smoking after 12 weeks of treatment, doctors may choose to carry on treatment for another 12 weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Constipation, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, flatulence (passing gas), headache, increased appetite, nausea, sleep disturbance (difficulty sleeping or abnormal dreams), sleepiness, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, weight gain. Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: signs of mental changes (e.g., changes in behaviour, changes in mood, hallucinations, thinking about harming self or others). Signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide) sleepwalking .
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur: seizures, signs of heart attack (e.g., sudden chest pain or pain radiating to back, down arm, jaw; sensation of tightness or pressure of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; anxiety). Signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort. Signs of stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg). Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., puffy, swollen eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet; hives; shortness of breath; or a severe skin rash with peeling and blistering, possibly with headache, fever, coughing, or pain). Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
CAN I STILL CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE USING CHAMPIX?
Consuming alcohol while taking varenicline may increase the risk of developing mood disorders or behavioural changes. You may also experience increased intoxicating effects of alcohol if you drink while taking varenicline.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to varenicline or any ingredients of the medication. Do not take varenicline if you are using nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, or the nicotine inhaler. Combining varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy may cause more side effects than with varenicline alone and is unlikely to improve your chances of quitting.
Champix is a medicinethat contains the active substance varenicline. It is available as tablets (0.5 and 1 mg). It is used in adults to help them stop smoking. The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription. For more information, contact us at 1 (888) 646-7749 and speak to our licensed pharmacist. USA Script Helpers not only sell human medications but also PetMeds. USH guarantees that all Americans have access to approved and affordable medications. Place your order online at www.usascripthelpers.com.
