Description

Chantix (generic name: Varenicline; brand name: Champix) is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist. It blocks nicotinic receptors, therefore blocking the effects of nicotine in your body.

Chantix is used to help adults stop smoking. It can help to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms that happen while you give up smoking.

People giving up smoking are often affected by nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can include craving for tobacco, irritability, frustration, feeling angry, sleep problems, depressed mood, feeling anxious, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, increased appetite or weight gain. Not everybody is affected by some or all of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Clinical trials have shown that people who took Chantix were almost four times more likely to have quit smoking at the end of 12 weeks of treatment than if they took sugar pills (placebo). They were three times more likely to still be not smoking one year after they started taking the 12 week course of Chantix than if they took sugar pills (placebo). Over 40% of smokers who took Chantix for the 12 weeks had quit at the end of the treatment period.

Chantix does not contain nicotine and it is not addictive.