Chantix

Name:  Varenicline (Chantix)

Purpose: To help adults stop smoking.  Varenicline (Chantix) is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Works by Binding to the nicotine receptors in the brain.

Dose:     Start 1 week before “quit date”, take after eating and with an 8 ounce glass of water, as follows:*
- 0.5 mg once a day on days 1-3
- 0.5 mg twice a day on days 4-7
- 1 mg twice a day on days 8-end of treatment
- usual length of treatment is 12 weeks, however, an additional 12 weeks of treatment might be recommended.
*patients with kidney disease need lower doses of varenicline (Chantix), check with your health care provider.

You should not take varenicline (Chantix) if:
 You are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding
 You have or had kidney problems, or get kidney dialysis
 You have suicidal thinking/behavior

You should stop taking Chantix and contact your prescribing health care provider immediately if agitation, depressed mood, or changes in behavior that are not typical for you are observed or felt by you, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior.

Possible side effects: The following are common side effects of varenicline (Chantix) therapy, however this list is not complete; call the office if you notice these or any unusual effects
 nausea
 changes in dreams
 constipation
 gas
 vomiting
 headache
 fatigue
 depression*
 suicidal thinking/behavior*
 agitation*
 drowsiness*
*call your health care provider immediately if you develop these side effects

Drug interactions: Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements.  Especially tell your healthcare professional if you take:
 insulin
 asthma medicines
 blood thinners
When you stop smoking, there may be a change in how these and other medicines work for you.