Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription smoking cessation medication used to help people who are addicted to nicotine stop smoking tobacco cigarettes. This medication works by binding to and blocking the nicotine receptors within your brain, which prevents you from experiencing the addictive sensations caused by nicotine. Chantix issues, including drug side effects, precautions and warnings, should be discussed with your doctor before you begin treatment.
Side Effects
During treatment with Chantrix, you can develop a number of side effects. Stomach-related side effects such as nausea or vomiting can be uncomfortable and may become more severe when engaging in motion activities, such as riding in a car or walking. Some patients experience an abnormal burning sensation within the chest or throat---a condition called heartburn. Heartburn may also cause you to develop a sour or bitter taste in your mouth that is unpleasant. Nausea and heartburn symptoms can also be accompanied by abdominal bloating or pain and can contribute to alterations in your appetite.
You may also experience difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) during treatment with Chantix, explain health professionals at Medline Plus, an informational medical website provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Symptoms of insomnia may be exacerbated by abnormal dreams or nightmares, which may cause you to wake frequently throughout the night. If this occurs, you can also experience excessive daytime fatigue or drowsiness that can be complicated by symptoms of headache.
Precautions
While receiving treatment with Chantrix, use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication will affect you. Patients taking Chantrix may be at an increased risk of sustaining accidental injuries due to side effects of decreased concentration, dizziness or loss of consciousness that may be related to this medication, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should only use Chantrix if the beneficial aspect of this medication outweighs the potential risk to the developing fetus or infant. The safety of this drug has not been evaluated in patients under the age of 18 and should not be used by these pediatric patients.
Warnings
Chantrix may cause skin swelling (angioedema), skin rash or severe mood or behavioral alterations in patients taking this medication. A hypersensitivity reaction to this medication can cause abnormal swelling of the mouth, face, neck or extremities, warns the FDA. Additionally, some patients have reported experiencing extensive skin rashes across the body due to hypersensitivity to this medication.
Changes in mood or behavior caused by Chantrix may lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, hallucinations, hostility, paranoia, delusions, psychosis or panic. Though rare, some patients taking Chantrix have developed thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment with Chantrix.
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