Champix
What is Champix?
Champix is a prescription drug, which acts a smoking cessation aid. It does not contain nicotine. Champix is available in the form of tablets, which are taken orally. Pfizer manufactures Champix and markets it in many countries worldwide. It is available in the most European counties as it has been approved for distribution by the European Union. It is also available in the US, as FDA has also approved it. Champix is known in the US as Chantix.
What are dosages of Champix are available?
Champix comes in tablet form and is available in strengths of 0.5mg and 1mg. The standard dosage of Champix is 0.5mg at the start and increasing the dosage slowly as per doctor’s recommendation.
How does Champix work?
Champix contains varenicline, as active ingredient, which works in the brain to produce feelings that support smoking cessation. Champix works in two ways by stimulating and blocking specific nicotinic receptors in the brain. Champix stimulates the receptors in the brain mimicking the effects of nicotine to reduce cravings, although it does not contain nicotine. By partially blocking the receptors in the brain, Champix prevents nicotine from binding to these receptors even if a smoker smokes.
What are the contraindications for Champix?
· Patients with kidney problems should not take Champix
· Pregnant women or breast feeding women should avoid Champix
· Children below 18 years of age should not take Champix medication
· Champix should not be used in conjunction with other smoking cessation drugs and aids
The doctor should be informed about all the drugs taken in the past including prescription drugs, vitamin and herbal supplements.
What are the side effects of Champix?
The most common side effects of Champix varenicline are nausea, constipation, stomachache, indigestion, more hunger, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, and loss of taste. Other side effects of Champix medication may include allergic reactions such as hives and rashes. These side effects occur if you are allergic to any ingredient in Champix.
What are the precautions for Champix?
· Missed dose of Champix should be taken on remembering it but if it is almost time for another dose then, it is better to skip the missed dose
· Patients should not overdose on Champix
· Alcoholic beverages should be avoided during the course of treatment with Champix
· Patients should take Champix medication after meals to minimise side effects
· Champix medication should be taken with a full glass of water
· Champix medication should be taken regularly for a recommended period of 12 weeks. If the doctor finds further treatment is required, patients have to take Champix for another 12 weeks for desired results
Brief description
Champix is a smoking cessation drug. It is available only on prescription. The active ingredient of Champix is varenicline. It works by blocking the nicotine receptors found in the brain. Champix helps in smoking cessation by reducing withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings. It also makes smoking unpleasant by blocking nicotine from cigarettes to bind to the receptors in the brain. The most common side effects of Champix are nausea, sleeping problems, constipation, and vomiting. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Champix. People below the age of 18 years and over 65 years should not take Champix.