Chantix is a smoking cessation aid that your doctor may prescribe to help you in your quest to stop smoking. According to Drugs.com, this medication is used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques and counseling for maximum effect. Chantix works by blocking the pleasure receptors when you smoke. This, in turn, reduces your desire to smoke.
Side Effects of Chantix
Chantix can cause drowsiness, thereby impairing your ability to think and react to certain situations. Mood or behavior changes may also occur as a result of smoking cessation. You should not use this drug while pregnant or if you may become pregnant as it is not known if Chantix can pass from mother to child through breast milk. The FDA reports that patients have experienced depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal tendencies, hostility, anxiety, panic, and suicidal tendencies while using Chantix.
Allergic Reactions
You should not take this medication if you have had a serious allergic or skin reaction to the drug in the past; symptoms of these skin reactions include swelling, rash, redness, and a peeling of the skin. Allergic reactions to Chantix can include swelling of the throat, face and mouth, which is quite life-threatening.
Dosage of Chantix
A typical Chantix regimen lasts about 12 weeks. You begin with a low dosage that is then increased over the first several days of treatment. You should follow your doctor's instructions for dosing. You should take Chantix with a full glass of water after you eat. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to be sure you are getting the best results. Your doctor may also prescribe a second cycle of Chantix, depending on your progress.
Taking Chantix with Other Drugs and Vitamins
The FDA states that after a review of the clinical evidence, Chantix has no drug interactions. Chantix was studied to see how it would react with medications such as varenicline and digoxin, warfarin, transdermal nicotine, bupropion, cimetidine, and metformin, but no meaningful interactions were found. However, the FDA has not received information on Chantix in conjunction with other smoking cessation therapies. The Chantix website states that you should inform your doctor if you are taking insulin, asthma medicines, or blood thinners as these medicines may work differently when you stop smoking. More research is needed in order to establish the interactions of Chantix with vitamins and supplements.
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