The drug Chantix is produced by Pfizer Labs and is a brand name for the drug varenicline, which comes in pill form. It is a prescription drug that is used primarily as an aid to help people stop smoking cigarettes. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive, and the use of Chantix can help people to stop smoking. There are risks with taking Chantix, and these should be weighed against the health benefits of stopping smoking.
How Chantix Works
Chantix contains no nicotine and yet helps people to overcome the nicotine-laden habit of smoking. Chantix works by attaching to nicotine receptors in the brain. For smokers, the inhaled nicotine attaches to these receptors, which then release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine provides the pleasurable feeling that smokers experience when smoking. The dopamine effects do not last long, however, and smokers will light another cigarette to get the dopamine effect again. Chantix works by blocking the nicotine receptors.
Warnings
According to Pfizer, some people have experienced suicidal thoughts and actions when taking Chantix. Others have experienced depressed moods, feelings of hostility and anger and changes in behavior. These symptoms can occur in people as soon as they start taking Chantix or weeks later. People who experience these symptoms should stop taking Chantix and contact their health care provider. Before being prescribed Chantix, patients should notify their physicians of any other medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins they are taking. Physicians should be aware of insulin, blood thinners or asthma drugs the patient is taking or if the patient has kidney problems.
Common Side Effects
The common side effects that are associated with taking Chantix include constipation, gas, vomiting and nausea. Sleep problems are also a common side effect of taking Chantix. The sleep problems associated with taking Chantix include having vivid or unusual dreams and having trouble sleeping.
How Chantix is Taken
Chantix comes in two different color pills. There is a white pills, which has a lower dose of 0.5 mg. The blue pill has 1 mg. Patients should follow their doctor's prescription directions, but generally patients select a date for quitting smoking and begin taking the lower dose pill one week before the quit date. Chantix should be taken after a meal and with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Patients work up to two white pills per day and then one blue pill per day. Most people take Chantix for up to 12 weeks.
Adverse Reactions
Some people develop dangerous swelling of the throat, face and mouth as an allergic reaction to taking Chantix. These symptoms can be life-threatening. If this occurs, stop taking Chantix and contact a health care provider. Also, there can be a skin reaction to taking Chantix. Skin can develop a rash, redness, swelling and peeling. Some of these reactions can be life threatening. If there are blisters that develop in the mouth or a rash with peeling skin develops, stop taking Chantix and contact a physician.
Other Chantix Information
Chantix is not recommended for patients under the age of 18. It has not been studied with other smoking cessation products. Chantix might pass into breast milk, and the physician should be notified if a patient is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant.
Ingredients
The 0.5 mg Chantix pill has 0.85 mg. of varenicline tartrate. This is equivalent to 0.5 mg of varenicline free base. The 1 mg Chantix pill has 1.71 mg. of varenicline tartrate. This is equivalent to 1 mg. of varenicline free base. The inactive ingredients of Chantix include anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, Opadry Clear and croscarmellose sodium. For the 0.5 mg. Chantix pill, Opadry White is another inactive ingredient. For the 1 mg. Chantix pill, Opadry Blue is also an inactive ingredient.
