Chantix (varenicline) A Medical Guide to Chantix, Uses & Chantix Side Effects
Chantix (varenicline) is a smoking cessation prescription medication used to help people quit smoking. It works by reducing the symptoms caused by smoking by making the brain reject the impulsive desire to smoke.
The generic name for Chantix is varenicline. It is a kind or tartrate salt that can be supplied orally.
Uses:
- Chantix is used to treat smoking addiction. It works by blocking the addictive effects of smoking. It decreases your cravings for cigarettes, thus, improving your lifestyle.
Other uses:
- There are no other uses for this medication aside from the one stated above.
Chantix Side Effects:
Minor side effects are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Mild digestive disturbances
- Easy fatigability
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
More Serious Side Effects:
Major side effects include fever, changes in vision, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ear, suicidal thoughts, and problem with balance, trouble passing urine, frequent tiredness, sore throat and early signs of skin rash. Stop using the medication if you feel suicidal or any allergic reaction takes place.
Withdrawals:
Weaning is the best solution to discontinuing with this medication so as to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms.
Dosage/ How to Take the Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs other than varenicline to adjust your dosage accordingly. The drug is usually taken after meals with a glass of water. Treatment lasts for 12 weeks but can be changed by your physician gradually. It is important for you to be present with your appointments and comply with your doctor's orders.
What to avoid / Drug Interactions:
This drug can cause drowsiness that is why you should avoid driving and other activities that requires you to stay alert and awake. Mood and behavior changes can also happen so you should be informed that these effects are just normal. This drug is not given to a person who is younger than 18 years old. Avoid storing the medication in direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in a dry place with a room temperature.
Using Chantix to help you stop your smoking addiction would be very effective if you are going to associate it with the right motivation and determination to quit your previous habit. Setting a date prior to full cessation would be constructive.