Champix
varenicline
Champix is used for helping persons who want to overcome the habit of smoking. Champix manufactured by Pfizer pharmaceuticals contains varenicline as the active ingredient.
Drug Action
The active ingredient varenicline, attaches with the nicotine receptors of the brain. The binding action stops the brain from sending nicotine craving signals, which help the smoker from using cigarettes. Champix helps to overcome smoking habit as early as 12 weeks and some people get nausea if they try smoking again after the completion of champix treatment. The drug also has shown 44% success rate within 12 week period.
Champix Usage Indications
Champix comes in the form of tablets and should be taken for a period of 12 weeks. The starter pack contains 11 numbers of 0.5 mg tablets in white color and 14 numbers of 1 mg light blue color tablets. From the first day to third day the smoker have to consume 1 dose of 0.5 mg tablets. From 4 to 7th days 2 doses of 0.5 mg tablets is recommended once in the morning and once in the evening. From 8th to 14 day, 1 mg dose of the drug is administered twice daily at the same time every day. Starting from 15th day 1 mg dose of the drug is administered twice daily at mornings and evenings. Champix should be consumed after meals along with one glass of water.
Missed Dose
In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.
Drug Interactions
Sudden stopping of smoking habit can interfere with the action of other drugs like theophylline, warfarin, and insulin. In this case drug dosage adjustment is essential.
Champix Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Champix include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Abnormal dreams
- Headache
The side effects of Champix are mild and are experienced only with 3% of the drug users.
Precautions
If you are taking nicotine replacement therapy, you should not begin Champix treatment until you stop the previous therapy as the effect of both the therapies together is not studied. Persons having kidney problems should take lower drug dosage.
Drug Advantage
The main advantage of using Champix is that the drug does not cause drug dependency and gradually help to overcome smoking permanently.
Pregnancy Contraindications
Champix should not be used by the pregnant mothers as it indicates serious risks associated with the infant. It is not known if the drug passes through the breast milk and it is wise to contact the doctor if you are breast feeding. The drug safety on children is yet to be determined.
