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MEDICATION guide
Varenicline (Chantix/Champix®)
What Is It?
Varenicline, marketed under the brand name 'Chantix/Champix', is a prescription medication created solely for use in treating tobacco addiction. It is the first such prescription medication approved in nearly a decade, receiving FDA approval in May of 2006, and released to the public several months later. Research indicates that varenicline may offer the best-yet chances of quit-smoking success (44%, compared to 17% for placebo), though initial studies included professional and peer support which probably elevated overall quit rates.
Varenicline is said to operate in two ways. Acting as an 'antagonist', it blocks nicotine's connection to receptors in the brain, making smoking less satisfying and/or desirable. At the same time, as an 'agonist', varenicline mimics the effects of nicotine, reducing the ex-smoker's cravings and withdrawal.
Warnings, Cautions and Various Nasty Possibilities
Nausea is the most common side effect associated with varenicline, affecting about 30% of users (but resulting in less than 3% discontinuation rates). Insomnia appears to be substantially less of a problem for Chantix/Champix users than for users of bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban). Other reported side effects include stomach upset, vomiting and vivid dreams, but such incidents are statistically insignificant compared to placebo (sugar pill).
More medically specific information ...
Content author:
Alan S. Peters, CTTS-M
Reviewed by:
Andy Perez, MD, MBA, FACEP, February 2009
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