Quitting smoking isn't easy---but luckily, there's help. If you need a little assistance to help you quit smoking instead of going cold-turkey on your own, a medication called Chantix (varenicline) is available to make quitting a little easier. Chantix works by blocking nicotine from attaching to nicotine receptor areas of the brain, and can be an effective method of helping people to quit smoking. But remember that you're replacing one bad habit with a drug---and that drug has side effects and risks of its own.
Types of Side Effects
Chantix can cause side effects that change your personality and behavior. Some people may become more angry, aggressive, agitated, panicked, anxious and hostile toward others while taking Chantix. The most serious of these behavioral side effects include symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts, which need to be treated immediately. People who already suffer from mental health conditions like depression may notice that their symptoms get worse from the medication.
There are a number of side effects from Chantix that are minor but fairly common. Nausea is the most frequent side effect, while others experience difficulty sleeping. Some people may experience vomiting as a side effect, and gas and constipation are also common.
Consider Allergies
People who have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Chantix may suffer from mild or serious allergic reactions. Minor side effects from an allergy to an ingredient in Chantrix include a skin rash, characterized by red or swollen skin. The most serious allergic reaction, which is potentially fatal, include serious swelling of the throat, lips and face and difficulty breathing.
Side Effects vs. Smoking Risks
There are certainly some side effects of Chantix to consider, but it's important to weigh them against the potential health risks of continuing to smoke. Smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer, and their risk of dying from cancer is also higher. Smoking can also cause health problems, like heart disease, stroke, emphysema, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). These are serious health problems that can significantly affect quality of life and make it difficult to breathe, so quitting smoking is a healthier choice. If you need Chantix to help you quit, consider its side effects against the health risks of smoking.
Warning
It's important to take care when driving or using tools or machinery that can cause harm while taking Chantix. Some of the side effects, like dizziness, fatigue or losing consciousness can cause serious accidents and injury while driving or working. If you feel like Chantix is affecting your ability to concentrate and focus, avoid doing any activities which could result in an accident.
Stopping Chantix
If you experience serious side effects---particularly suicidal thoughts or serious depression---you should stop taking the drug right away. Seek immediate help for depression and thoughts of suicide, and talk to your doctor about other methods of quitting smoking with fewer or less serious side effects.
Minimizing Side Effects
If you want to quit smoking but are having trouble with side effects, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize the side effects. He may recommend that you use less of the medication, or see if there are any possible interactions with your other medications that are causing your side effects. You can also find out if there are other medications or other methods of quitting smoking without side effects that may be better options.
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