Chantix™ (
varenicline tartrate) is a prescription medication used to help people stop smoking. Unlike many other medications used for this purpose, this medication does not contain nicotine.
Chantix is made by Pfizer, Inc.
Chantix works in a unique manner. Although the drug does not contain nicotine, it binds to nicotine receptors in the brain. This helps people quit smoking in two different ways. First, when Chantix binds to the nicotine receptor, it blocks nicotine from binding, which prevents some of the pleasurable effects of smoking. Secondly, the drug acts a little like nicotine when it binds to the receptor, which helps to decrease effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Studies have shown Chantix to be effective at helping people stop smoking. One study evaluated whether people were still smoking during the last month of treatment (weeks 9 through 12 of treatment). Up to 51 percent of people taking the drug did not smoke at all during this time, compared to only 12 percent of those not taking it.
Two studies compared Chantix to
Zyban® (
bupropion SR), another smoking cessation medication. These studies also evaluated whether people were still smoking during weeks 9 through 12 of treatment. Up to 44 percent of those taking Chantix did not smoke during this period, compared to just 30 percent of those taking Zyban.
Even though Chantix was only used for 12 weeks, some of these studies observed people for an entire year to see if they started smoking again. Up to 23 percent of those who took Chantix had quit and had not started again, compared to just 16 percent of those who took Zyban and only 8 percent of people who received no treatment.
General considerations for when and how to take Chantix include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth twice a day (although for the first three days, it is usually taken just once a day).
- Chantix is taken for 12 weeks. If you successfully stop smoking, your healthcare provider may recommend an additional 12 weeks of treatment to decrease your chances of starting smoking again.
- The medication should be taken with a full glass of water after eating.
- You should set a "quit date" and start taking Chantix one week before this to give the medicine a chance to start working before you try to quit.
- Chantix should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dose of Chantix your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Chantix. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Chantix Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
To learn more about a few specific side effects, see the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Chantix?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Chantix if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any mental illness
- A history of suicidal behavior
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
For many people, Chantix is effective at helping with smoking cessation. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of other medications used for smoking cessation include:
Various forms of counseling are also used to help people stop smoking. In fact, counseling can be beneficial for anyone who is trying to quit smoking, even if they are receiving other treatments.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from a Chantix overdose. If you happen to take too much, seek prompt medical attention.
How Should Chantix Be Stored?
Chantix should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container. Keep Chantix and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Chantix as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Chantix tablets come in the following strengths:
- Chantix 0.5 mg
- Chantix 1 mg.
Chantix is also available in a first-month "starter pack" that contains 11 tablets of Chantix 0.5 mg and 42 tablets of Chantix 1 mg. This starter pack eliminates the need for two different prescriptions for the two different strengths needed to start the drug, since it is started at a low dose and gradually increased.
Is There a Generic Version of Chantix?
Currently, no generic versions of Chantix are licensed for sale
(see Generic Chantix).
