Chantix is also known as varenicline and it is often used to help people quit smoking. Chantix works by binding to some of the parts of the brain that respond to nicotine, in essence "tricking" the brain into thinking that nicotine is present. This helps reduce the nicotine cravings that quitting smoking can cause. Although Chantix is safe for most patients it does carry certain health risks.
Common Side Effects
Chantix can cause certain adverse side effects that include constipation, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting, according to Drugs.com. Some patients also experience elevated appetite and a headache. It can also cause some mental symptoms, including changes in your sensation of taste and insomnia . Other patients taking Chantix have experienced strange and unusually vivid dreams. Although these adverse effects may be uncomfortable they only represent a serious health risk if they are severe or go on for an extended period of time.
Allergic Reactions
Because Chantix is a commercially made drug, the immune system may recognize it as a foreign object and generate an allergic reaction to it. Most patients allergic to Chantix won't be aware of their allergy until they begin taking it, since there aren't many drugs chemically similar to Chantix. Allergic reactions can be mild and simply cause a rash that may be red and itchy or hives. Moderate allergic reactions cause swelling, either of the face (primarily the lips and tongue) or the extremities.The most severe allergic reactions can cause swelling of the throat, which can make breathing and swallowing difficult or painful, as well as cause hoarseness. Allergic reactions can be fatal, so if you experience any allergic symptoms, stop taking the medication immediately.
Other Serious Health Risks
Chantix has caused some mental problems in people, causing depression, aggression and hostility. It can also cause hallucinations or suicidal thoughts. Because Chantix can also cause temporary drowsiness, dizziness and vision changes you should be careful about operating heavy machinery while using Chantix, especially when combined with alcohol use. Finally, you should make sure that Chantix use (or smoking cessation) will not affect the way your body responds to other medications, including insulin or the blood thinner warfarin, so tell your doctor about your health problems and medications that you are currently taking before starting to use Chantix.
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