Chantix is the U.S. brand name for varenicline, an oral prescription medication intended to help you stop smoking. You may also see it marketed as the "Chantix Start Month Pak". Note that Chantix is meant to be just one part of a comprehensive stop-smoking plan; it should be used in conjunction with a stop-smoking plan. Include a specific goal date and support from family or friends to help you resist the urge to smoke, which may return on occasion despite your use of Chantix.
Duration
Sometimes a medication's initial side effects may be temporary, lasting only until your body has adapted to the new medication. Likewise, some of the more minor side effects may not require medical attention. Nonetheless, you should always let your doctor know what it is that you're experiencing,
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Chantix may include changes in sleep patterns and strange dreams, unusual weakness or loss of strength, gastrointestinal problems such as difficulty passing stool, a bloated full feeling, stomach pain or excessive flatulence. You may also encounter headache, a general feeling of discomfort, dry mouth and a change in how food tastes.
Less Common Side Effects
Less common side effects of Chantix include chills, cough, sneezing and sore throat, vomiting, congestion in the nose or ears, sour stomach, body aches and pains, skin rash or itching skin, loss of appetite or voice, a general feeling or sluggishness, nausea, stomach upset, heartburn, a runny nose or fever.
Rare Side Effects
Possible physical side effects of Chantix that are much less common or whose incidence is not known include shaking, irregular heartbeat and hyperventilation. Immediate medical attention is recommended if you should notice that you have labored breathing or shortness of breath, feel any tightness in your chest, or find yourself wheezing.
Neuropsychiatric Problems
Chantix may sometimes affect your emotional or psychological well-being, although the incidence of these effects is not known. In July of 2009, the FDA issued a safety alert on Chantix, requiring the manufacturers to add extra boxed warnings about the serious neuropsychiatric symptoms that might result because of patients using Chantix. These include noticeable changes in behavior such as hostility, depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior. Lesser psychological symptoms may include irritability, anxiety and restlessness.
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