Varenicline, known by the trade name CHANTIX™, is a new prescription medication to help adults quit smoking. Nicotine inhaled from cigarette smoke attaches to nicotine receptors in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine. Dopamine attaches to dopamine receptors in areas of the brain associated with pleasure, but the pleasurable effects last only a short time. The urge to smoke is triggered in part by the desire to experience the pleasurable effects of dopamine release again. It is believed that varenicline attaches to nicotine receptors and prevents nicotine from attaching to these receptors. The most common side effect associated with the use of varenicline is nausea. Other common side effects include sleep disturbances, constipation, flatulence and vomiting. Side effects categorized as frequent include chest pain, flu-like symptoms, edema, thirst, abnormal liver function test results, weight gain, back pain, muscle pain, dizziness, anxiety, depression, restlessness, frequent urination, menstrual disorder, respiratory disorders, increased perspiration, hot flush, and increased blood pressure. Smoking cessation, with or without therapy, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

To minimize nausea, an increasing dose schedule is recommended starting with 0.5 mg once daily for 3 days, 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days, then 1 mg twice daily for the duration of therapy, which should be at least 12 weeks. Varenicline is excreted primarily by the kidneys. People with impaired kidney function may need to take a lower dose. Varenicline has not been studied in pregnant or nursing women and should not be used in these populations. Most people will begin taking the first week of therapy before they actually quit smoking, then quit smoking when they increase the dose to 1 mg twice daily. Important information to remember when taking CHANTIX™ includes taking it after eating and drinking a full 8 oz glass of water with each dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Patients should be sure to tell their doctor about any medications they are taking—especially insulin, asthma medications, and blood thinners—as quitting smoking can affect how these and other medications work.

Two independent studies showed that about 44% of people using CHANTIX™ were able to not smoke during the 12 weeks of therapy. It is thought that about half of these will continue smoke free for up to a year after therapy.

It has been shown that people are more likely to quit smoking if they know exactly why they want to quit. People preparing to quit smoking should ask themselves why they want to quit. Other questions smokers should ask themselves when they quit are how long have they been smoking and why they smoke. Quitting smoking is the single most important health-related decision that people who smoke can make. Taos Pharmacy's smoking cessation program, Rx for Change, can help smokers prepare to quit and provide them at least part of the smoking cessation aids, including CHANTIX™, at no cost. Call Jake at Taos Pharmacy to schedule your 45-minute smoking cessation consultation and start your new life as a former smoker.

Reference: http://www.chantix.com, http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/uspi_chantix.pdf.

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