Varenicline
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Varenicline Product Information
Varenicline is the generic version of Champix, a prescription medication that is clinically proven to help adults stop smoking.
Varenicline contains the active ingredient ‘varenicline tartrate’, which is based on a plant extract, does not contain nicotine, and is not addictive.
Varenicline tartrate targets the underlying mechanisms of nicotine addiction to help individuals quit smoking.
How does Varenicline work?
Varenicline is a selective nicotine-receptor partial agonist, specifically designed to target the nicotine receptors in the brain, which are integral to addiction and cravings.
Varenicline works by partially stimulating these receptors, mimicking some of the effects of nicotine but at a much lower intensity.
This helps to reduce cravings for cigarettes and alleviate withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced when an individual stops smoking.
In addition to reducing cravings, Varenicline blocks nicotine from accessing these receptors.
When nicotine from a cigarette enters the brain, it normally binds to nicotinic receptors, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with short-term pleasure and reward.
By preventing nicotine from binding to these receptors, Varenicline counteracts the pleasurable effects of smoking.
How do I take Varenicline?
Start the treatment 1 to 2 weeks before your planned quit-smoking date. Take Varenicline tablets whole with water, with or without food, beginning with one 0.5mg tablet per day for the first three days.
From days 4 to 7, take two 0.5mg tablets per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
From day 8 until the end of treatment, take two 1mg tablets per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Varenicline treatment typically lasts for 12 weeks. For individuals who successfully quit smoking during this initial period, an additional 12-week course at a dose of 1mg twice daily is recommended to help prevent relapse, extending the total treatment duration to 24 weeks.
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular schedule – do not take an extra dose to make up for the one missed.
How effective is Varenicline?
Research has shown that Varenicline is significantly more effective than other smoking cessation treatments, such as bupropion (commonly known as Zyban 150mg).
In a comparative study, 44% of participants who used Varenicline successfully quit smoking after 9 to 12 weeks of treatment. This was notably higher than the success rate of 29.7% for those using bupropion and 17.7% for those given a placebo.
Who cannot take Varenicline?
Individuals taking the following types of medication cannot take Varenicline unless they are advised to do so by a pharmacist or doctor:
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications – Varenicline can interact with these medications, potentially intensifying side effects such as mood changes or dizziness.
- Blood thinners such as Warfarin – individuals taking blood thinners may need to adjust the dosage of the blood thinning medication as Varenicline can affect blood clotting times. Additionally, individuals taking any medication for cardiovascular issues should consult a doctor before taking Varenicline.
- Other smoking cessation treatments – Combining Varenicline with nicotine replacement treatments, such as nicotine patches and/or gum, may increase the side effects of treatment.
Varenicline may also interact with medications for other conditions, such as Theophylline (an asthma treatment) and insulin (a diabetes medication).
It is recommended to consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking Varenicline with any type of medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Varenicline, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 3 to 4 hours of your next dose. If the missed dose is within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue treatment as normal.
Can I use Varenicline with other smoking cessation aids?
Varenicline is a partial nicotine receptor agonist, which means it binds to and partially activates nicotine receptors to mimic the effects of nicotine.
Therefore, it is not advisable to combine Varenicline with smoking cessation aids that contain nicotine, as doing so can lead to excessive stimulation of nicotine receptors in the brain, potentially resulting in side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
Always consult a pharmacist or GP before taking any type of smoking cessation treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Varenicline?
Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to alcohol while taking Varenicline.
Alcohol consumption can affect the central nervous system, and Varenicline may enhance this effect by altering the brain’s neurotransmitter response, potentially increasing the effects of alcohol on the brain and body.
This means that even a small amount of alcohol could lead to stronger-than-expected symptoms. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption and monitor how you respond.
We recommend discussing your alcohol use with your healthcare provider before taking Varenicline to stop smoking.
Can you still smoke while on Varenicline?
While it is possible to smoke while taking Varenicline, it is not pleasurable nor advisable to do so, as Varenicline is designed to reduce the enjoyment of nicotine products such as cigarettes.
Varenicline blocks nicotine from fully stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain to help reduce the pleasurable effects of smoking. If you continue to smoke while using Varenicline, then the nicotine from cigarettes could overstimulate nicotine receptors, increasing the risk of side effects such as nausea.
This is why we only prescribe Varenicline to patients who understand that willpower plays an essential role in successfully quitting smoking using Varenicline.
How is Varenicline different from nicotine replacement treatments?
Varenicline contains varenicline tartrate, an active ingredient that partially stimulates nicotine receptors in the brain to mimic the effects of nicotine, but at a much lower intensity than the nicotine found in smoking products.
In contrast, nicotine replacement treatments such as patches and gums contain nicotine, which can make them addictive.
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