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More information about Chantix
Chantix is an FDA-approved smoking cessation treatment developed by Pfizer in 2006.
Intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make quitting difficult. Chantix makes it easier to quit by relieving these symptoms, helping you make a long-lasting change.
With Chantix, you start treatment days before you actually quit so that when you do finally stop, the immediate symptoms are much less likely to become overpowering.
Chantix tablets relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce your nicotine cravings, making it easier to quit smoking.
When you smoke, nicotine from the cigarette attaches to nicotine receptors in your brain. This releases dopamine, a chemical in the body that makes you feel good. After you have not smoked for a while, dopamine levels drop, causing the withdrawal symptoms that make you crave a cigarette.
Varenicline, the active ingredient in Chantix, stops this reward cycle by binding directly to nicotine receptors in the brain. Nicotine is unable to attach to these receptors, which reduces the positive feeling you get when smoking a cigarette. Varenicline still releases dopamine, but at lower levels than when you smoke, which reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This makes giving up smoking much easier.
You should start taking Chantix at least a week before you decide to stop smoking. This ensures the treatment has had enough time to build up in your system to work effectively. Most people set their quit date during the second week of treatment.
If this is your first time, it is recommended that you begin with the 12-week Chantix starter pack (containing 165 tablets).
Week | Dose |
---|---|
Day 1 - 3 | From day 1 to day 3, you should take one white Chantix 0.5mg film-coated tablet daily. |
Day 4 - 7 | From day 4 to day 7, you should take one white Chantix 0.5 mg film-coated tablet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day. |
Day 8 - 14 | From day 8 to day 14, you should take one light blue Chantix 1 mg film-coated tablet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day. |
Day 15 - end of treatment | From day 15 until the end of treatment, you should take one light blue Chantix 1 mg film-coated tablet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time each day. |
After you have completed the 12-week treatment course, you can decide if you’d like to continue afterwards with refill packs to further increase your chances of quitting.
If you miss a dose, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the missed dose is close to your next dose, skip it completely and continue as normal. You should never take two pills at once. In the event of an accidental overdose, seek medical assistance immediately.
Quitting is a difficult process. Some tips that may help you make the change include:
Quitting smoking, whether with treatment or without, can lead to various symptoms. The most common side effects associated with using Chantix include:
Less common, but more serious side effects include:
It has been reported that there is an increase in new or worse mental health problems, such as depression or hostility, in patients taking Chantix. If you find yourself experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviour changes, stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately. It is important to let your healthcare provider know if you have previously had mental health problems.
For a full list of side effects, read the medication guide included with your order. If you find that you experience any side effects that are particularly concerning, you should stop taking these tablets and contact a healthcare professional.
Chantix can be taken by most people who wish to quit smoking, but there are certain precautions to be aware of when taking this medication.
These include:
You should mention any other existing and past medical conditions or medications you are taking in your consultation. If your doctor is concerned about any interactions, they will be able to recommend an alternative smoking cessation treatment.
Always tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, even if they are not prescribed. You should also let us know if you are currently using other smoking cessation treatments, such as nicotine patches, as there may be an increased risk of side effects when used together
There is limited data on the use of Chantix during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Chantix may change the way your body reacts to alcohol. You should lower your alcohol intake until you know how your body reacts to alcohol while on Chantix, as it could increase its intoxicating effects.
You can buy Chantix online from SpeedyHealth. It is a prescription-only medication, so you will need to complete an online consultation before ordering. Your consultation will then be carefully reviewed by one of our doctors to determine your suitability. If your prescription is approved, it will be dispatched from our California pharmacy with free next-day delivery.