Smoking How does Chantix help you quit smoking?
Chantix (varenicline tartrate) was approved by the FDA in May 2006. It acts at sites in the brain affected by nicotine to do two things: It mimics the effects of nicotine to help stave off cravings and, when used with nicotine, it blocks some of the reinforcing, pleasurable effects of smoking.
Do Chantix side effects go away?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of varenicline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
How long does Chantix last after quitting?
How long should I take CHANTIX? Depending on the quit approach that you and your healthcare provider choose, CHANTIX will be taken for 12 or 24 weeks (3 or 6 months).
What happens if you continue to smoke while on Chantix?
Chantix mimics a low dose of nicotine, which eases the symptoms that are common when going through withdrawal. It also blocks nicotine from binding to receptors, essentially rendering it ineffective. If a person smokes while taking Chantix, they do not get the normal nicotine boost and smoking actually becomes bland.
Does Chantix block all nicotine?
CHANTIX attaches to nicotine receptors in the brain, so that nicotine can’t. With CHANTIX, dopamine is still released, but less so than with nicotine. It is believed that these actions are how CHANTIX may help you quit smoking.
Will Chantix make you gain weight?
These may include: urge to smoke, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, irritability, frustration, anger, feeling anxious, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, increased appetite, and weight gain. Some people have even experienced suicidal thoughts when trying to quit smoking without medication.
Does Chantix make you crazy?
CHANTIX: Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX.
What does Chantix do to your brain?
specifically to help people quit smoking. Chantix works on two levels. First, it partially activates sites in the brain, known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, that are affected by nicotine. This gives new ex-smokers mild nicotine-like effects and eases symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
How long do people stay on Chantix?
He or she may reduce your dose. Most people will take CHANTIX for 12 weeks (3 months). If you have completely quit smoking by the end of 12 weeks, your healthcare provider may prescribe CHANTIX for another 12 weeks to help you stay smoke-free.
What are the long term side effects of Chantix?
There have been reports of depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide in patients attempting to quit smoking while taking CHANTIX [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Can I cut Chantix 1mg in half?
Varenicline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to two times a day. Do not crush, chew, or split varenicline tablets.
Does smoking affect sleep patterns?
While you’re smoking: Nicotine disrupts sleep – and smoking can also raise the risk of developing sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea. But since nicotine is a stimulant, smoking can mask your exhaustion. After all, if you’re feeling sleepy, a hit of nicotine can wake you up and make you feel alert the next day.
Does Chantix make you tired?
CHANTIX may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble concentrating, making it hard to drive or perform other activities safely. Decrease the amount of alcoholic beverages that you drink during treatment with CHANTIX until you know if CHANTIX affects your ability to tolerate alcohol.