Can You Take Chantix When Pregnant?

Doctors agree that you should not smoke while pregnant. Today, there are many options for smoking cessation, or quitting smoking, such as the prescription drug Chantix. But is Chantix safe for pregnant women? The answer isn't yet known.

Chantix

Chantix is a prescription drug for smoking cessation. Varenicline is another name for Chantix.

How Chantix Works

When you smoke, nicotine from the cigarette prompts your brain to release dopamine, a chemical that causes a pleasurable feeling. Chantix prompts your brain to release dopamine in lower levels, so you avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as irritability. Chantix also prevents nicotine from causing a dopamine release so that smoking is no longer as pleasurable.

How to Take Chantix

People usually take Chantix for 12 weeks. At first, they take a low dose once per day. They gradually step up to a larger dose twice per day.

Side Effects

Chantix may cause nausea, vivid dreams, headaches, and other side effects. Chantix may worsen existing mental conditions or cause such conditions to reoccur.

Chantix and Pregnancy

No studies have been conducted on Chantix use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should not use Chantix.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Mayo Clinic