How and When to use Varenicline? (Champix, Chantix) - Medical Doctor Explains

This is an informational overview video on Varenicline. Varenicline is available under several brandnames: Champix and Chantix. It is only available as a tablet.

When to use it?
Varenicline can be used to support stoping smoking, by decreasing your craving for a cigarette.

How to use it?
Swallow it tablet whole, with a glass of water. Do not chew on it or crush it.
And always take it at fixed times: preferably in the morning and in the evening. This lowers your chances on forgetting a dose.

What is the correct dosage?
Starting dose: 0,5 mg 1x/day for 3 days:
Increase the dose to 0.5 mg 2×/day for 4 days:
Increase the dose to the maintenance dose, which is 1 mg 2 ×/day.

If you forget to take a dose, than skip it, and take the next tablet when you usually do so.

If you are looking for a video on nicotine substitutes, like the nicotine patches, check it out here:

If you are looking for a video on Bupropion, than check it out here:

What are the side-effects?
Very common (10% or more):
Nausea (29%), common cold, abnormal dreams, insomnia and headache.

Common (1-10%):
Bronchitis, dry mouth, upset stomach, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight gain, drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, arthralgia, muscle pain, back pain, toothache.

Driving while using Varenicline:
Avoid driving your car the first days you start using varenicline. This is because you might experience some side effects like dizziness and fatigue, which do not exactly make driving very safe. The same is true every time your dose is increased.
Now after 1 week most people are used to the effects, and than it is safe again to drive.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Avoid varenicline, it is harmful for your baby.

- Disclaimer: this video is meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2019). Varenicline.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only.

Music:
Audio Hertz, My Achy Heart

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[nunyabidnis]

I finally quit after almost 50 years of smoking. I tried many methods, hypnotism, the patch and finally Chantix. I would say it was way easier than I thought. A key for me is DO NOT buy any cigarettes thinking you can have one a day and be Ok. You will revert back to being a pack a day smoker in no time.

[benzkars]

I am a medical doctor in the US (New Jersey) and I think your videos are great!

[janicemillican]

Thank you for being so encouraging to those who need to quit smoking.

[yakshk]

I had been smoking 20 cigarettes a day from many years and was unable to quit smoking due to the urge. Varenicline helped to stop the urge for smoking and I didn't experience any major side effect except a little sleepy for an hour after taking medicine. I m very happy and feel blessed as it helped me to come out of the smoking trap. I had already tried the nicotine patches and chewing gums but they didn't stop my smoking urge.

[dianavarona]

24 years old here… been smoking for 10 years. I’ve noticed how much it’s impacted my health. I get sick very easily and had pneumonia twice in a month and not long after had strep throat TWICE! I keep getting sick so I’m finally starting the treatment to help me quit. I hope this works 🤞🏼

[yakshk]

I read about this medicine an year ago but didn't try as it was informed that side effect includes suicidal thoughts. Thankyou for the video and guidance. It really helped and gave me the confidence to try the medicine. Fortunately, it helped me to quit smoking without any major side effect

[JRR]

Champix worked for me. 3+ years now without touching a cigarette. And literally never think about it. Did have some side effects, but well worth it long-term.

[rachellehinkle]

Thank you so much for this! I've been a smoker 28 years. I learned so much from your video! My PCP and Pharmacist had different things to say and I still had questions. I'm confident I can do it this time and hope to never start again!

[helgacrespo]

I started taking Champix 7 weeks ago. Since 5 weeks I don’t smoke (after 30 years heavily smoking, I made it!). I tried everything before, but nothing worked. With Champix I still have cravings but because I don’t get the kick out the cigarette, it was easy to stop. I had strange dreams in the beginning but not anymore. No other side effect though. Maybe what is important, I tried to get rid of situations that would trigger a relapse. Today people can smoke next to me and I don’t care.

[skyl]

It was the only thing that helped me. Could not do it without it. 👍

[kespec]

i bought champix and completely stopped smoking after the tenth day. zero craving, or negative effects of nicotine cessation. i built a massive appetite though. this shit is no placebo, and it works fellas. quit that shit.

[jzm]

I am on my 2nd day of Champix and I already don't feel any pleasure from smoking a cigarette and in this 2 days I have already smoked less than usually. Now I understand that the biggest issue will be on how to lose the habit of smoking. I am taking it after the meal, no nausea. But yeah, crazy dreams started with the first pill.
I am really surprised to see that this makes you stop enjoying the nicotine and that it starts working so fast.

[xViceBeach]

I've just randomly youtubed "how to quit smoking" and this video showed up.

I have smoked SO MUCH this year mainly due to stress from work (caregiving) and I want to change. I want to quit. But naturally.. cant do medications ♡

[xaviersardinas]

who watched this while ripping their vape?

[praveenkumar-tzys]

Thank You, cant afford a doc right now. this came in handy! will keep you updated, starting from 7/6/2023. so following fellow smokers can track of my experiance. 15+ years smoker 15+ cigarettes a day. have tried and failed with "cold turkey" & "Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking" failling the most successful methods. like if you think it will help others too.

[nicolerok]

I'm here ready to quit smoking. I knew I had to quit, but finding out I had high cholesterol at 21 years old definitely kicked my ass into gear

[lilletjuck]

I would really love for you to also push harder for changing the behaviour and not just smoke less cigarettes. In my experience that's when champix works the best. Most preferably with the help of a smoking cessation expert. Just trying to cut down makes people think more about when they can smoke the next cigarette.

[cherylv]

I smoked for 24 years and quit with Chantix in 8 days. The only side effects I had were having to take it with food or got a tummy ache and some vivid dreams. It’s an amazing drug. Never thought I’d be able to quit smoking.

[CopybutNotPaste]

Today is my second day taking Chantix with the combination of a Nicotine Trans-dermal Patch. Both recommended by my primary doctor. I haven't smoked a cig since. I feel good but i also feel like i need to keep my hands busy while driving. What do you recommend i do? Thank you

[arabianhighlander]

Never been more depressed using this drug, especially the thoughts before sleeping, but i like that I haven’t smoked in two weeks, also the wet dreams are awesome