Champix is the trade name for varenicline, a drug that helps smokers kick the habit.
Champix works by relieving the cravings and the withdrawal symptoms that are experienced when giving up smoking. It works on the receptors in the brain that are stimulated by smoking a cigarette. By stimulating these receptors the body does not feel the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with being deprived of nicotine. Champix does not, however, contain any nicotine like many smoking cessation products.
You need to take Champix for a week or two before actually stopping smoking. This is to allow the medication to build up in the body and to start working. Before commencing treatment you should choose a date in the second or third week of taking the medication on which to stop smoking. When you start taking Champix, you should have one tablet a day for the first three days then two tablets a day for the rest of the course.
Champix, like every prescription medication, may cause side effects. These might include nausea, headache and interrupted sleep. You might also experience an increase in appetite, a different taste sensation, a dry mouth, dizziness, tiredness, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, indigestion and flatulence.
If you do experience any dizziness or tiredness when taking Champix you should refrain from driving, operating any dangerous machinery or engaging in any other potentially dangerous activities until the symtoms have passed.
Rare side effects include heart attacks, hallucinations, changes in thinking or behaviour, depression and suicidal thoughts.
If, when taking Champix, you begin to feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts you should stop taking the medication and contact us immediately. In an emergency you should go to the A&E department of your local hospital.
You cannot use Champix if you are pregnant or under eighteen years of age.