How to Use Chantix

Chantix, also known as Varenicline Tartrate, was approved by the FDA on May 11, 2006, as a medication to help people break their addiction to nicotine. It is the first pill designed specifically to help people stop using tobacco. Chantix works by blocking the receptors in the brain that receive nicotine. Developed by Pfizer, Chantix boasts the highest success rate of all tobacco cessation medications. It does not contain nicotine. Chantix is not designed to be taken with other tobacco cessation medications.

Instructions

1. Get prepared. Choose a quit date to stop using tobacco. Chantix is designed to be taken one week before your quit date so that it will have time to build up in your body. Your first week of pills will be in lime green and white packaging.

2. Start taking Chantix. From Day 1 to Day 3, take one white pill in the morning. Each white pill is 0.5 mg. From Day 4 to Day 7, take one white pill in the morning and one white pill in the evening. You can continue to use tobacco during this first week.

3. Stop using tobacco on Day 8. Make sure that your environment is clear of tobacco products to reduce temptation. For weeks 2 to 12, take one blue pill in the morning and one blue pill in the evening. Each blue pill is 1 mg and is in blue and white packaging.

4. Take Chantix for 12 weeks. Do this even if you are doing well and quit smoking early in the process. In clinical studies, 44 percent of people taking Chantix for 12 weeks remained tobacco free at the end of the study. Don't get discouraged if you slip and use tobacco products after your quit date. Just start over again and stay encouraged. Talk with your doctor if you feel that you need an additional 12 weeks of Chantix to stay tobacco free.

5. Be aware of potential side effects. Nausea occurs in about 30 percent of people that take this medication. Other side effects that can occur include problems sleeping, constipation, gas and vomiting. Use caution when operating machinery or driving until you are aware of how Chantix affects your body.

Tips & Warnings

• If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is close to time for your next pill, skip the pill you missed. Always take Chantix with food and a full glass of water. This can help with side effects that may occur. If you are having problems with the dosing schedule of Chantix, consult your doctor.

• Chantix is not recommended for people under the age of 18, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers because it has not been tested in these groups. People that have kidney problems or take dialysis may need a lower dose. The Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of Chantix among pilots and air controllers due to potential side effects. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions should only take this medication under the supervision of their doctor.

Resources

• Chantix Official Website