About Chantix Side Effects

Chantix (varenicline ) is one of the newer medications offered to cigarette smokers who want to kick the habit. According to the Mayo Clinic, Chantix can make quitting less of a challenge by obstructing the effect that nicotine has on your brain. Several potentially serious side effects, including depression and thoughts of suicide, have been linked to the use of Chantix.

Effects of Nicotine

The nicotine contained in a cigarette prompts your brain receptors to emit numerous chemicals, one of which is dopamine. The release of dopamine produces many of the pleasurable sensations you get from smoking. When you stop smoking, you can begin to experience nicotine withdrawal in a matter of a few hours. Its symptoms can include insomnia and agitation.

As with nicotine, Chantix stimulates the release of low levels of dopamine and other chemicals in your brain to help minimize the effects of withdrawal. Because Chantix also blocks nicotine receptors in your brain, smoking a cigarette won't arouse your brain's receptors as it normally would. As a result, smoking becomes less desirable.

General Side Effects

People who took part in clinical trials of Chantix noticed a variety of unpleasant side effects associated with the medication, according to the Mayo Clinic. The side effects included headaches, nausea, vomiting and gas. Some participants reported problems with insomnia and/or dramatic, out-of-the-ordinary dreams. Trial participants also noted a difference in the way food tasted.

Allergic Reactions

Some people can experience possibly life-threatening allergic and skin reactions while taking Chantix, according to Chantix's official site. Some of the skin-related side effects included rash, redness, swelling and skin peeling. People who have an allergic reaction to Chantix may experience puffiness in the face and swelling in the throat and mouth, including possible oral blisters. This can result in breathing difficulties.

Behavioral Side Effects

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory stating that the use of Chantix may cause a depressed mood, anxiety, unusual behaviors and thoughts of suicide. Since the FDA advisory was issued, the "British Medical Journal" noted that there is no strong evidence that Chantix increases the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts compared with other aids for quitting smoking.

Effectiveness

The side effects linked to Chantix may diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Taking Chantix on a full stomach with a glass of water may decrease the risk of nausea.

The Mayo Clinic says that while only a handful of studies have been conducted, Chantix appears to be more effective at assisting smokers in quitting than a placebo (sugar pill). So far, research studies have not weighed the effectiveness of Chantix against other nicotine replacement aids, such as nicotine gum or nasal sprays.